Business Ideas and Inspiration

Workday, Inc., a leading provider of enterprise AI solutions, has made a significant leap in the retail and hospitality sectors, addressing some of the most pressing challenges faced by small business owners in these industries. As many organizations grapple with high turnover rates and operational inefficiencies, Workday’s latest innovations promise not just improvements in hiring but also in employee management and forecasting. More than 1,800 retail and hospitality companies, including names like Alterra Mountain Company and Zaxby’s, are harnessing Workday to streamline their operations. The platform’s integration of HR and finance tools provides a comprehensive real-…

In an era where data is the lifeblood of decision-making, Workday is stepping up to empower small businesses with innovative tools and partnerships. Recently announced during Workday Rising EMEA in Barcelona, the launch of a global developer network and a collaboration with Google Cloud’s BigQuery is set to transform how small businesses can access and leverage AI technologies. Workday, a recognized leader in enterprise AI solutions that streamline HR and financial management, aims to democratize access to artificial intelligence with its new initiatives. “With the launch of our global developer network and Google BigQuery joining Workday Data Cloud, we’re opening our ec…

In a move set to transform operations for midsize businesses, Workday has unveiled significant updates to its Workday GO platform, designed to streamline HR and financial management. This comprehensive, all-in-one solution is targeted at the 90% of global companies identified as midsize, addressing their unique challenges and empowering them with advanced technology often reserved for larger enterprises. Midsize businesses are critical players in the economy, generating approximately 70% of global employment and contributing significantly to GDP. Yet, many of these organizations grapple with outdated systems and inefficiencies, which hinder their ability to compete effec…

Workday, a leader in enterprise AI solutions for managing human resources and financial systems, has announced its intention to acquire Pipedream, an integration platform boasting over 3,000 pre-built connectors. This acquisition aims to enhance the Workday platform by enabling streamlined workflows between Workday’s trusted HR and financial data and a wide array of business applications, delivering significant value to small business owners. By integrating Pipedream’s capabilities, Workday will allow small businesses to pull crucial data from popular applications like Asana, Hubspot, and Slack directly into Workday’s ecosystem. This flexibility promises to simplify oper…

In an era where efficiency is critical, small businesses often find themselves juggling multiple contracts across various departments. Enter Workday, a leader in enterprise AI solutions, which has just announced the launch of its Custom AI Model Library, enhancing its Contract Intelligence Agent. This new offering, boasting over 120 pre-built AI models, aims to simplify contract management for businesses of all sizes, including small enterprises. The potential benefits of these AI models are significant. Designed to streamline the review process, they allow organizations to quickly analyze contracts across HR, finance, legal, IT, and sales. With features that automatical…

In a rapidly changing labor market, speed and simplicity in hiring can differentiate successful businesses from their competitors. Workday is addressing this need directly with the launch of its new Paradox Conversational Applicant Tracking System (ATS), now available for organizations that hire frontline workers. This innovative tool leverages artificial intelligence to streamline the hiring process, transforming how small businesses approach staffing. Workday, recognized for its enterprise AI platform, is set to enhance the recruitment experience with the Paradox Conversational ATS. By replacing lengthy application forms and complex logins with a straightforward chat-l…

Workday, a leading enterprise AI platform, recently announced a significant development that could reshape how small businesses recruit veteran talent. Their new feature, the Military Skills Mapper, aims to help organizations effectively identify and hire military veterans by translating military experiences into civilian-equivalent skills. This innovation not only seeks to bridge the gap between military and civilian job requirements but also positions veterans as valuable assets in the workplace. As over 200,000 service members transition to civilian life annually, many small businesses may not fully recognize the potential these individuals bring to the table. The Mil…

Recent findings from a SurveyMonkey report, conducted in collaboration with USA Today, reveal a striking reality: a notable segment of the American workforce is grappling with significant challenges affecting their job satisfaction and productivity. With one in four employees indicating they are either struggling or burnt out, this statistic serves as a wake-up call for small business owners looking to foster healthier, more engaging work environments. The data highlights a concerning divide among workers—while 75% of employees report feeling fulfilled or merely coasting in their roles, 24% are in a precarious state. Specifically, 12% of workers identify as struggling an…

A growing number of American workers are taking time off for mental and emotional well-being, a practice known as “unhappy leave.” According to a new survey by Sidehustles.com, 60% of employees took unhappy leave in the past year, with support for the policy gaining traction among managers who see it as a tool to improve productivity, job satisfaction, and employee retention. Workers Report Productivity Gains After Unhappy Leave The survey, which included 500 employees and 500 managers, found that employees who take unhappy leave experience significant improvements in their work performance. After stepping away from work for mental health reasons, respondents reported: …

X has launched its new Video Tab. It’s a feature designed to enhance video discovery and engagement for users in the U.S. The update introduces a full-screen, immersive video experience, allowing audiences to explore trending content, top creators, and live events in a centralized feed. The new Video Tab, accessible through the play button icon in the navigation bar, offers users a curated selection of recommended videos covering sports, entertainment, news, and viral trends. The feature aims to integrate seamlessly with X’s real-time content model, making video more accessible and engaging. “The Video Tab makes it easy for the best creators to tap into the hottest plat…

Xero has announced an expanded partnership with carbon accounting software provider Sumday, offering Xero customers 12 months of free access to Sumday’s tools to help track and manage their carbon footprint. The partnership aims to simplify the carbon accounting process for small businesses and their accounting and bookkeeping partners by providing software, training, and educational resources to build skills in environmental reporting. Eligibility requirements and terms apply to the offer. According to Xero, small and medium enterprises contribute to nearly 50% of total U.S. greenhouse gas emissions. This collaboration with Sumday is designed to support these businesse…

Xero has announced the rollout of its new reconcile period feature, designed to enhance bank reconciliation by allowing users to verify the accuracy of financial data more efficiently. The feature is currently being introduced to customers in the United States and Canada. Reconcile period enables users to compare their bank statements with Xero accounting transactions more effectively. The feature allows users to: Define a period with a date range and balance to compare against statement lines. Quickly identify missing, duplicate, or incorrect transactions. Confirm accuracy by saving a period when it balances. Protect reconciled transactions from being altered. Generat…

Xero, the global small business platform, has launched Tap to Pay on iPhone for small businesses in the United States, allowing users with a Stripe account to accept contactless, in-person payments through the Xero Accounting app — without the need for additional hardware or payment terminals. The new feature enables businesses to accept all forms of contactless payments, including credit and debit cards, Apple Pay, and other digital wallets, using just an iPhone. Transactions are processed through the iPhone’s built-in Near Field Communication (NFC) technology, with support for PIN entry and accessibility features. The new capability is available to businesses using an …

Small businesses in the US saw improved performance in the September 2024 quarter, marking the first positive sales growth since late 2022, according to new data from Xero. The findings, part of Xero Small Business Insights (XSBI), also show a reduction in late payments and shorter average payment times, signaling a more stable financial environment for small businesses. Key Findings: Sales Growth and Payment Trends Small business sales increased by 0.8% year-over-year (y/y) in the three months ending in September, reversing a 0.1% decline in the June quarter. Businesses also experienced improved payment timelines: Late payments decreased, with businesses receiving pay…

Look no further if you’re searching for reliable marketing services to boost your business. Discovering the right marketing partner is so important in today’s competitive landscape. In this article, you’ll discover various places to find top-notch marketing services tailored to meet your business needs efficiently and effectively. The Importance of Marketing Services for Businesses Marketing services are integral to the growth and success of small businesses. They provide a strategic and targeted approach to reaching potential customers and help to build brand recognition and credibility. Here are some of the reasons why marketing services are so important for small bu…

Google Translate and other translation software can be valuable tools when a user needs to quickly translate a word or phrase from one language to another. It’s not always as accurate as human translators, however, and mismatched language pairs can result in some hilarious misunderstandings. Sometimes, this technical error is merely a humorous mistake for an individual user; however, at other times, a translator fails can result in a confusing situation in a commercial context. Language translation can often be complex, and even the most advanced translation devices can produce significant errors. READ MORE: 10 Best Language Translator Devices for Small Business Tra…

Starting a new business can come with numerous organizational expenses that can add up quickly. Fortunately, the IRS offers a deduction for startup costs that can help ease the financial burden. In this guide, we’ll explain everything you need to know about startup cost deduction and how to take advantage of it in the future. What is the startup cost deduction? The startup cost deduction is a tax provision that allows entrepreneurs and small business owners to deduct a portion of their startup expenses from their taxable income in the year they begin conducting business. The deduction is intended to help offset the costs involved with starting a business, which can inc…

Thrift store flipping is about buying things from flea markets, garage sales, and thrift stores at lower prices and reselling them online to make a profit. It’s become a trendy way to make extra money with accessible platforms like Facebook Marketplace and Etsy at the ready. This is an accessible side hustle that doesn’t require a significant investment. What is Thrift Store Flipping? This is about jumping on the difference between a purchase price and the potential market value of items in those stores. The trick is to recognize items priced lower than what they’re worth. Successful flippers consider different factors like brand, condition, rarity, and demand. Web…

Key Takeaways Understanding Business Models: Learn the three primary ATM business models—Independent Ownership, Partnership, and Franchise—each offering unique benefits and operational strategies. Market Research Importance: Conduct thorough market research to identify demand, demographics, competitor analysis, and optimal locations for ATM placements to maximize profitability. Legal and Financial Preparedness: Familiarize yourself with necessary licenses, permits, and financing options, such as loans and grants, to ensure compliance and funding for your ATM business. Effective Marketing Strategies: Leverage local advertising and digital marketing techniques to attr…

When you’re contemplating conducting a background check on someone, it’s vital to follow a structured approach to guarantee accuracy and legality. Start by obtaining written consent, as required by the Fair Credit Reporting Act. Then, choose a dependable service and gather necessary details like their full name and date of birth. This process will help you uncover significant information, but comprehending the legal implications is just as important. What comes next may surprise you. Key Takeaways Obtain written consent from the individual to comply with the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) before conducting any background check. Choose a reputable background check se…

YouTube has unveiled a series of changes to its mid-roll ad system aimed at optimizing ad delivery, enhancing transparency, and providing creators with more control over ad placements. The updates, which begin rolling out in May, reflect evolving viewer behavior and are intended to balance creator earnings with viewer satisfaction and advertiser expectations. According to YouTube, the platform is adjusting how ads appear in videos to keep up with shifting content trends and viewing habits. “Videos are getting longer, viewing habits are shifting, and we need to adapt to ensure ads are delivered effectively,” the company stated. Hybrid Ad Placement Model Encouraged One of…

YouTube has announced its support for the NO FAKES Act of 2025, a bipartisan legislative proposal aimed at addressing the misuse of AI-generated content that simulates an individual’s likeness or voice. Introduced by Senators Chris Coons (D-DE) and Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), the legislation is intended to provide legal tools to prevent deceptive or unauthorized digital replicas that can mislead audiences or harm reputations. According to YouTube, the NO FAKES Act complements the platform’s broader commitment to responsible AI development and content protection. The company describes the legislation as a clear legal framework to safeguard individuals’ rights, echoing its su…

As 2026 begins, YouTube is signaling a major shift in how content gets created, distributed, and monetized—and the changes have direct implications for small businesses that rely on video, creators, and digital marketing to reach customers. In a forward-looking post outlining its priorities for the year, the platform positions itself not just as a media outlet, but as infrastructure for a fast-growing creator-led economy. The full announcement is available on YouTube’s blog. At the center of YouTube’s strategy is the idea that creators now function as full-fledged studios, complete with production, distribution, and monetization under one roof. For small business owners,…

YouTube has announced the integration of Google DeepMind’s latest video generation model, Veo 2, into its Shorts platform, enhancing AI-powered creative tools for users. The update expands Dream Screen, YouTube’s AI-driven background generator, and introduces the ability to create standalone AI-generated video clips that can be added to Shorts. With the launch of Veo 2, users can now generate video clips from simple text prompts, filling gaps in their content or creating entirely new scenes. This new capability allows creators to add AI-generated elements directly into Shorts without needing original footage. “Need a specific scene but don’t have the right footage? Want…

A recent study by influencer marketing platform Heepsy reveals that YouTube users are more likely than users of any other platform to forget their passwords and request account recovery help. The study, which analyzed password-related search queries across 35 major platforms, found that YouTube leads with the highest volume of password reset activity, both in absolute numbers and per capita. According to the findings, YouTube users request new passwords more than four times a year on average, with a staggering 1.4 billion total password-related searches. This equates to 35,899 searches per 100,000 users, making it the most problematic platform in terms of password memory…