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Microsoft Advertising is bringing LinkedIn profile targeting to connected TV campaigns, giving advertisers a new way to blend professional audience data with streaming inventory. The announcement was made by Product Liaison Navah Hopkins during the SEM Stories event on May 14. Why we care. Microsoft has long differentiated itself through access to LinkedIn audience data. Bringing that targeting capability into connected TV extends those signals into a fast-growing upper funnel format that has historically lacked precise professional targeting. For B2B advertisers especially, the move could help bridge the gap between brand awareness and performance measurement. What’s new. According to Hopkins, advertisers can now target connected TV audiences using LinkedIn profile attributes tied to a user’s profession. That means marketers may be able to reach viewers based on professional characteristics such as: Industry Job function Company category Professional identity signals Hopkins framed the feature as a way to build “really meaningful” audience lists that are less dependent on click-based intent signals. The bigger picture. The announcement fits into Microsoft’s broader push toward AI-powered and audience-first advertising experiences. During the session, Hopkins repeatedly emphasized the convergence of brand and performance marketing, arguing that AI-driven journeys are collapsing traditional funnels. Connected TV sits squarely in that conversation. Historically, CTV has been treated as a brand-heavy channel with weaker attribution than search or shopping campaigns. LinkedIn-powered audience targeting could make those campaigns more actionable for performance-minded marketers who need tighter audience controls. The update also strengthens Microsoft’s positioning against competitors in both the streaming and B2B advertising markets. What to watch. Key questions remain around, available markets, measurement and attribution capabilities, how granular LinkedIn audience segmentation will become in CTV campaigns and privacy and compliance controls for professional audience targeting. Still, the announcement gives Microsoft another differentiator in a crowded CTV market where advertisers increasingly want stronger audience precision without sacrificing scale. View the full article

Visa is stepping up its game in the blockchain space, marking a significant milestone for small businesses interested in innovative payment solutions. The company announced an expansion of its stablecoin settlement pilot program, now incorporating five additional blockchains. This initiative allows businesses to navigate a rapidly evolving financial landscape more effectively. As stablecoins increasingly become integrated into regular transactions, small business owners might find this move particularly beneficial. In the first quarter of 2026 alone, Visa’s stablecoin settlement capabilities reached an impressive $7 billion in annualized volume, marking a 50% growth quarter-over-quarter. This signals a growing acceptance of stablecoins as a viable option for everyday transactions. “Our partners are building in a multi-chain world, and they expect their options to reflect that reality,” said Rubail Birwadker, Visa’s Global Head of Growth Products and Strategic Partnerships. By opening the door to multiple blockchains, Visa empowers partners to choose the networks that best align with their business needs while relying on Visa’s proven infrastructure for settlement. Using stablecoins for transaction settlements has several practical advantages for small business owners. For one, the speed of transactions can significantly enhance cash flow management. Unlike traditional payment methods that may take several days to process, stablecoins can enable near-instant transactions. Furthermore, the low transaction fees associated with stablecoin transfers can be economical for small businesses that heavily rely on digital transactions, enhancing their profit margins. The new blockchains included in Visa’s pilot program—such as Arc, Base, Canton, Polygon, and Tempo—each bring unique functionalities that cater to diverse business needs. For instance, Arc focuses on integrating programmable money with real-world economic activities, while Base emphasizes low-cost, efficient settlements. This variety allows businesses to select platforms that fit their specific requirements, potentially driving innovation and improving operational efficiencies. Yet, transitioning to stablecoin payments isn’t without its challenges. Small business owners should consider regulatory concerns and technological barriers associated with adopting blockchain solutions. The evolving legal landscape around cryptocurrencies may pose risks, particularly for businesses in sectors that face stringent compliance regulations. Adopting a multi-chain approach requires a certain level of technical aptitude and may involve additional costs related to training staff on new systems, integrating these solutions into existing infrastructures, and ensuring cyber-security measures are robust. Furthermore, volatility remains a concern with cryptocurrencies. While stablecoins are designed to maintain their value, business owners must stay informed about market conditions that could affect these digital assets. Understanding these risks and having a sound strategy will be essential for businesses as they explore integrating stablecoin payments into their operations. The industry response to Visa’s expanded stablecoin capabilities indicates widespread support for these solutions. Nikhil Chandhok, Chief Product and Technology Officer at Circle, emphasized that their collaboration with Visa is fueled by the need for real-time settlement at a global scale. Jesse Pollak, Founder of Base, pointed out that Visa’s expansion is a pivotal step toward making stablecoin payments a daily reality, ultimately fostering a financial system that is faster, cheaper, and more accessible for everyone. Marc Boiron, CEO of Polygon Labs, highlighted the significance of this partnership in moving stablecoins into real-world payments, combining Visa’s global reach with Polygon’s efficient infrastructure to provide reliability and accessibility to partners worldwide. Visa’s move signifies an adaptive response to a growing multi-chain ecosystem, reflecting a robust trend in the usage of blockchain technology in commerce. By broadening its stablecoin settlement program, Visa not only caters to the immediate needs of its partners but also reinforces its commitment to enhancing the long-term viability of blockchain solutions in mainstream finance. In this climate of rapid technological advancement, small businesses have an opportunity to leverage these developments for competitive advantage. The integration of stablecoins and blockchain technology into payment systems will continue to evolve, presenting a landscape rich with potential for those willing to embrace it. For more details, you can view the original press release from Visa here. Image via Google Gemini This article, "Visa Expands Stablecoin Pilot to Support Nine Blockchains Amid Rapid Growth" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Greater Manchester mayor has earned public respect by going from insider to outsider, but economic doubts could undermine his bid for Downing StreetView the full article

If you’re a small business owner facing challenges because of COVID-19, comprehending SBA 1201 Payments is vital. These payments can help alleviate financial strain, but not all businesses qualify. You’ll need to know which loan types are eligible and the specific criteria that apply. Furthermore, timely communication with your lender is fundamental for managing this process. Let’s take a closer look at who truly qualifies and how to maximize your benefits. Key Takeaways SBA 1201 Payments are available for small businesses with loans disbursed before September 27, 2020. Eligible loan types include 7(a) loans, 504 loans, and Microloans. Private nonprofits and 501(c)(19) veterans’ organizations qualify for SBA 1201 Payments. Larger businesses may qualify under specific SBA guidelines, but Paycheck Protection Program loans are excluded. Borrowers do not need to take action; lenders are automatically notified of eligibility by the SBA. Overview of SBA 1201 Payments When small businesses face financial challenges, the SBA 1201 payments offer crucial relief through a structured debt relief program designed to support those impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. These payments cover six months of principal, interest, and associated fees on qualifying loans, providing vital support during tough times. To benefit from SBA 1201 payments, your business must have a qualifying loan disbursed before September 27, 2020, and typically have fewer than 500 employees. Eligible loans include 7(a) loans, 504 loans, and microloans, but the program doesn’t extend to Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans. Automatic notifications are sent to lenders regarding borrower eligibility for SBA 1201 payments, eliminating the need for any action on your part. Nevertheless, keep in mind that interest continues to accrue during this six-month relief period, which could affect your total repayment amount once regular borrower payments resume. Eligibility Criteria for SBA 1201 Payments To qualify for SBA 1201 payments, you need to meet specific eligibility criteria related to business size, loan type, and disbursement date. Primarily, your business should have fewer than 500 employees and hold a qualifying SBA loan disbursed before September 27, 2020. Comprehending these requirements will help you determine if you’re eligible for the relief payments covering principal, interest, and fees. Business Size Requirements Comprehending the business size requirements for SBA 1201 payments is vital for ensuring eligibility. Typically, your business must have fewer than 500 employees, following the SBA’s size standards based on employee count and annual revenue. Private nonprofits and 501(c)(19) veterans’ organizations likewise qualify, widening the pool of eligible entities. If your company has more than 500 employees, you might still qualify under specific SBA guidelines that evaluate your unique circumstances. Remember, only businesses with qualifying loans disbursed before September 27, 2020, are eligible for these payments. Furthermore, keep in mind that grasping how to wipe SBA debt after borrower dies is significant if you’re maneuvering through these requirements. Finally, don’t forget to make a 1201 borrower payment when eligible. Loan Type Eligibility Comprehension of loan type eligibility is crucial for accessing SBA 1201 payments. To qualify, your business must have an existing 7(a), 504, or Microloan that was disbursed before September 27, 2020. Moreover, you’ll need to meet the SBA size standards, which typically require having fewer than 500 employees. It’s significant to acknowledge that certain private nonprofits and 501(c)(19) veterans’ organizations can likewise qualify, even if they exceed the employee limit. If your company has over 500 employees, you might still be eligible under specific SBA guidelines. The good news is that you don’t need to apply; lenders automatically notify eligible borrowers, ensuring you receive six months of coverage on principal, interest, and fees. Disbursement Date Criteria Comprehending the disbursement date criteria is crucial for determining eligibility for SBA 1201 payments. To qualify, your business must have a qualifying loan disbursed before September 27, 2020. This includes existing SBA loans, such as 7(a), 504, and Microloans, but significantly excludes Paycheck Protection Program loans. Moreover, you should have fewer than 500 employees; yet, larger businesses might still qualify under specific SBA guidelines. If you’re a private nonprofit or a 501(c)(19) veterans’ organization, you can likewise be eligible, provided you meet the other requirements. It’s vital to recognize that lenders will automatically notify you about your eligibility and payment deferral, simplifying the process for accessing these payments. Qualifying Loan Types for SBA 1201 Payments To qualify for SBA 1201 payments, you’ll need to have existing loans under specific programs that meet certain criteria. These loans must be under the SBA 7(a), 504, or microloan programs and disbursed before September 27, 2020. Eligible businesses typically have fewer than 500 employees, which includes private nonprofits and 501(c)(19) veterans’ organizations. The SBA will cover six months of principal, interest, and associated fees for qualifying loans under this debt relief program. It’s crucial to note that during you won’t need to take any action to receive these payments, interest will continue to accrue on your loans during the six-month coverage period. Your lender will automatically receive notifications regarding your eligibility, so you can focus on your business without extra paperwork. Comprehending these loan types and criteria is vital for making the most of the SBA 1201 payments available to you. Automatic Deferral Explained Automatic deferral provides eligible borrowers with a significant relief option for their qualifying SBA loans, as it allows for six months of deferred payments on principal, interest, and associated fees without requiring any action from you. The SBA will automatically notify your lender about your eligibility for deferral, meaning you won’t need to initiate the process. Payments will resume on the next due date after the deferment period ends. It’s crucial to recognize that interest on your loan will continue to accrue during these six months, which can increase your overall repayment amount once regular payments start again. Although you’ll receive monthly payment notices during the deferral period, lenders must stop collecting payments during this time. You do have the option to continue making payments if you choose, but it’s wise to discuss with your lender how to shift back to regular payments after the deferment concludes. Process for Obtaining SBA 1201 Payments After experiencing the relief of automatic deferral, many borrowers may wonder how to obtain SBA 1201 payments. Fortunately, the process is straightforward for those with eligible loans. Here’s what you need to know: You must have a qualifying 7(a), 504, or Microloan disbursed before September 27, 2020. The SBA automatically grants six months of principal, interest, and fee payments without additional action required from you. Lenders will be notified automatically by the SBA about your eligibility for the relief program. Payments will start on your next due date after the deferment period, so keep that in mind. It’s important to communicate directly with your lender for specific details regarding your loan status and the SBA 1201 payments. Financial Management Tips for Small Businesses Effective financial management is vital for small businesses, especially when maneuvering through the intricacies of loan repayment and potential deferrals. Start by maintaining clear communication with your lenders to fully understand the status of your SBA loans and any available deferral options. Tracking your loan payments and deferment periods is important, as interest continues to accrue during deferral, which affects your overall repayment. Implement a financial management strategy that includes budgeting for resumed payments after the six-month deferment to prevent cash flow issues. Consulting with a financial advisor can help you navigate the challenges of loan management and guarantee compliance with SBA guidelines regarding payment obligations and interest accrual. Furthermore, utilize resources like the SBA’s financial management tools to aid in planning for future expenses and securing necessary funding to thrive once deferments end. This proactive approach will better position your business for financial stability. Additional Resources for Small Business Owners When you’re running a small business, knowing where to find reliable resources can make a significant difference in your success. Fortunately, various organizations offer support customized to your needs. Here are some valuable resources you can tap into: SBA’s Official Website: Discover extensive information on loan options, eligibility, and application processes. Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs): Access free counseling and training to navigate funding opportunities and develop business plans. SCORE: Get free mentoring and workshops from experienced business mentors who provide guidance on critical business aspects. SBA’s Resource Partners: Utilize Women’s Business Centers and Veteran Business Outreach Centers for specialized support in starting and growing your business. Lender Match Tool: Connect with participating lenders to streamline your financing options. Importance of Timely Applications for Debt Relief Timely applications for SBA debt relief are vital for small businesses seeking immediate financial support, especially since the program covers six months of principal, interest, and fees for loans disbursed before September 27, 2020. Delays in applying may lead to missed opportunities for automatic loan payment deferrals, which can ease cash flow challenges during uncertain times. Action Required Deadline Impact Submit Application As soon as possible Access to debt relief funds Communicate with Lender Regularly Confirm eligibility Monitor Updates Weekly Stay informed on application status SBA debt relief targets small businesses with fewer than 500 employees, so acting swiftly is vital to qualify. The automatic notification process for lenders further underscores the need for timely action, ensuring debt relief starts without unnecessary delays. Frequently Asked Questions Who Is Eligible for SBA Payments? To determine eligibility for SBA payments, you need to have a qualifying loan, like a 7(a), 504, or Microloan, that was disbursed before September 27, 2020. Your business should have fewer than 500 employees, even though some larger businesses might qualify under specific guidelines. Furthermore, private nonprofits and 501(c)(19) veterans’ organizations are eligible. If you qualify, your lender will automatically notify you about your eligibility and the payment deferral process. What Disqualifies You From an SBA Disaster Loan? Several factors can disqualify you from an SBA disaster loan. If your business isn’t located in a declared disaster zone, you’re ineligible. A credit score below the SBA’s minimum requirement can likewise disqualify you. Furthermore, if you can’t demonstrate the ability to repay the loan or lack sufficient collateral for larger amounts, you may be disqualified. Ultimately, if your business is engaged in illegal activities or doesn’t meet size standards, you won’t qualify. What Are the Eligibility Requirements for an SBA Grant? To qualify for an SBA grant, you must be a small business or eligible nonprofit operating in a declared disaster area. Your business should typically have fewer than 500 employees or meet specific revenue limits. You’ll need to demonstrate economic injury because of the disaster and provide supporting documents, like financial statements and tax returns. Furthermore, your organization might need to show that it was operational at the time of the disaster declaration. Who Is Not Eligible for an SBA Loan? You’re not eligible for an SBA loan if your business exceeds 500 employees or engages in illegal activities. Nonprofits, aside from specific veterans’ organizations, typically can’t apply. If you’ve defaulted on previous SBA loans or have a felony conviction, you’ll likely be disqualified. Furthermore, businesses focused mainly on speculative activities, like real estate investment without a clear operational purpose, likewise don’t meet the eligibility criteria for SBA loans. Conclusion In conclusion, SBA 1201 Payments provide vital financial relief to small businesses impacted by COVID-19, particularly those with qualifying loans. To take advantage of this program, you must meet specific eligibility criteria and guarantee your loans were disbursed before September 27, 2020. Staying in close contact with your lender is crucial for a smooth application process. By comprehending these guidelines and acting quickly, you can navigate the path to securing the assistance your business needs. Image via Google Gemini and ArtSmart This article, "SBA 1201 Payments: Who Qualifies?" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

It’s hard to think of another time in modern history where workplace trends have changed as quickly and as dramatically as they have in the last five years. From the enormous increase in remote work, to employees grappling with careers that look quite different than what they might have been told to expect, to rapidly growing discontent with income inequality and stagnant wages and disillusioned employees reassessing their trust in their employers, to young workers launching pandemic-era careers without the same set of work and academic experiences that previous generations benefitted from, work is just a very different place than it used to be. I wrote a short piece for Inc. about how managing needs to be different these days, and it’s accompanied by a round-up of 10 of Inc.’s favorite Ask a Manager Q&A’s. You can read it here. The post work is weirder now appeared first on Ask a Manager. View the full article

What Is Microsoft Teams? Microsoft Teams is a collaboration and communication platform used to organize conversations, meetings, file sharing and team collaboration in one workspace. It is commonly used in IT, construction, marketing and remote work environments to help teams communicate faster and coordinate daily work activities. Built as part of the Microsoft 365 ecosystem, the platform combines chat channels, video conferencing, document collaboration and app integrations so employees can work together without constantly switching between tools. Many organizations also connect the platform with Microsoft Planner, OneDrive, SharePoint and third-party applications to centralize operational communication. Is Microsoft Teams a Project Management Software? Microsoft Teams is not a true project management software platform. While the platform helps project teams communicate, share files and collaborate in real time, it lacks core project management features such as Gantt charts, resource management, workload balancing, cost tracking and advanced project scheduling. Most organizations use it as a collaboration hub that supports project execution rather than a complete system for planning and controlling projects. If you need a project management tool that integrates with Microsoft Teams, try ProjectManager. ProjectManager is award-winning project management software that gives teams across industries the tools they need to ensure projects are completed on time, within budget and within scope. It allows project managers to create detailed project schedules, estimate costs, allocate resources, set budgets, track progress and compare estimated versus actual project outcomes using real-time dashboards and reports to identify delays or cost overruns quickly. Get started with ProjectManager for free today. /wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Construction-Gantt-light-mode-task-info-general-CTA-BUTTON-1.jpgLearn more Can You Use Microsoft Teams for Project Management? Even though MS Teams is not a project management software, that limitation does not make the software useless for project work. Even without advanced project planning and tracking capabilities, many organizations still rely on Microsoft Teams to improve coordination, centralize communication and reduce the operational friction that slows projects down. Team communication: Project managers can create dedicated channels for departments, workstreams, clients or project phases to keep discussions organized and searchable. Project meetings: Built-in video conferencing makes it easier to run status meetings, stakeholder reviews, sprint planning sessions and virtual workshops. Document collaboration: Team members can edit spreadsheets, reports, contracts and project documentation simultaneously without downloading files or emailing multiple versions. Task coordination: Integrations with Microsoft Planner and Microsoft To Do allow teams to assign basic tasks, monitor progress and manage simple work queues. Cross-functional collaboration: Engineering, procurement, finance and operations teams can communicate inside a shared workspace instead of relying on fragmented email chains. Remote project management: Distributed teams can use chat, calls, screen sharing and notifications to maintain visibility across ongoing projects and operational activities. File storage and access: Connections with SharePoint and OneDrive keep project files centralized and accessible from multiple devices. Workflow notifications: Managers often integrate the platform with tools like Power BI, Jira, Trello or project management software to receive automated alerts and project updates. Pros of Using Microsoft Teams for Project Management For organizations already using Microsoft 365, the platform can improve day-to-day project coordination without requiring a major software rollout. Communication becomes more centralized, meetings are easier to manage and project conversations remain connected to files, tasks and team discussions. Centralized communication: Project discussions, meetings, shared files and team updates remain in one workspace instead of being scattered across email threads and messaging apps. Strong Microsoft 365 integration: Native connections with SharePoint, OneDrive, Outlook, Microsoft Planner and Power BI simplify collaboration across existing business tools. Improved remote collaboration: Video conferencing, screen sharing and persistent chat channels help distributed project teams stay aligned across locations and time zones. Real-time document editing: Multiple users can review and update spreadsheets, reports, schedules and project documentation simultaneously. Faster information sharing: Notifications, mentions and channel-based communication reduce delays when teams need approvals, status updates or quick operational decisions. Cons of Using Microsoft Teams for Project Management Despite its collaboration strengths, the platform was not designed to replace dedicated project management software. As projects become more complex, many teams discover important planning, scheduling and tracking limitations that require additional tools or manual workarounds. No project scheduling tools: Microsoft Teams does not include native Gantt charts, dependency management, baseline tracking or critical path analysis. Limited resource management: Project managers cannot effectively balance workloads, allocate resources or monitor team capacity across multiple projects. Weak project reporting: The platform lacks robust dashboards, portfolio reporting and advanced project performance analytics without external integrations. Task management limitations: Basic task tracking through Microsoft Planner works for simple workflows but becomes difficult to manage in large or highly structured projects. Information overload: Busy channels, constant notifications and overlapping conversations can make it difficult to locate important project updates. Heavy reliance on integrations: Many organizations need additional software for scheduling, budgeting, risk management, resource planning and time tracking. Difficult to standardize projects: Without dedicated project controls and structured workflows, teams may manage projects inconsistently across departments. ProjectManager Is the Best Alternative to Microsoft Teams for Project Management ProjectManager is an online project management solution that provides a complete set of work planning, scheduling and tracking tools, including Gantt charts, kanban boards, task lists and real-time dashboards and reports. With these features, teams across industries can build detailed schedules, assign resources and monitor progress, costs and timelines. ProjectManager also delivers AI-powered project insights to support better decision-making and connects with over 100 tools like Microsoft Project, Acumatica and Power BI. With its open API and wide range of integrations, organizations can seamlessly link ProjectManager to their existing systems. Watch the video below to learn more! ProjectManager Also Integrates with Microsoft Teams Organizations already using Microsoft Teams do not need to abandon their existing communication workflows. ProjectManager integrates with Microsoft Teams so users can share updates, collaborate on tasks and improve visibility between project execution and team communication. This allows organizations to combine structured project management tools with the collaboration features employees already use daily. /wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Microsoft-MS-Teams-integration-page-featured-image-600x338.jpg More Alternatives to Microsoft Teams for Project Management Organizations searching for stronger microsoft project management tools often discover that collaboration platforms alone are not enough to manage complex schedules, resources, budgets and workloads. That is why many teams evaluate alternatives that offer more structured planning, tracking and reporting capabilities. Microsoft Project Microsoft Project is a dedicated project management software platform built for planning, scheduling and controlling complex projects. Compared to Microsoft Teams, it offers significantly more advanced capabilities such as Gantt charts, resource allocation, dependency tracking, critical path analysis and project baselines. Related: 20 Best Microsoft Project Alternatives for 2026 (Free & Paid) Large organizations and experienced project managers often rely on it to manage detailed project schedules and resource-heavy initiatives. However, the software has a reputation for being difficult to learn, especially for teams without formal project management experience. Cost is another major drawback. Microsoft Project can become expensive for growing teams, particularly when organizations need multiple licenses and additional Microsoft integrations. Its Project Professional and Project Standard editions are also desktop-based, which creates collaboration limitations compared to modern cloud-based project management software platforms. Microsoft Planner Microsoft Planner sits somewhere between Microsoft Teams and Microsoft Project in terms of functionality. While Microsoft Teams focuses primarily on communication and collaboration, Microsoft Planner introduces lightweight project management features that help teams organize and monitor day-to-day work. Related: 11 Best Microsoft Planner Alternatives of 2026 (Free & Paid) The platform includes kanban boards, task assignments, due dates, progress tracking and simple workload visibility. Those features make it useful for operational teams managing small projects, recurring tasks or departmental workflows. Even so, Microsoft Planner is still limited when projects become more complex. It does not provide advanced scheduling tools, resource management, cost tracking, portfolio reporting or detailed project controls. For that reason, most project management teams cannot rely on it to plan and manage projects from initiation through execution and closure. ProjectManager offers a more complete alternative that outperforms both Microsoft Project and Microsoft Planner for many organizations. Its cloud-based platform combines a modern interface with advanced project management features such as Gantt charts, resource management, workload tracking, dashboards and portfolio roadmaps. Teams can manage projects from start to finish while also overseeing multiple projects through built-in PPM capabilities. Related Microsoft Project Management Content 10 Top Microsoft Project Management Software, Apps & Tools 7 Microsoft Project Templates (Free MPP Files) Microsoft Planner vs. ProjectManager Microsoft Planner vs. Project: In-Depth Software Comparison If you need a tool to help you manage projects, then sign up for our software now at ProjectManager. Our online software helps teams across industries plan, track and oversee projects as they unfold. Sign up for a free 30-day trial today! The post Microsoft Teams for Project Management: Pros & Cons appeared first on ProjectManager. View the full article

The US is ill prepared to make decisions that will shape geopolitics for the foreseeable futureView the full article

Make a PE displacement window calendar work for you. By Hitendra Patil Go PRO for members-only access to more Hitendra Patil. View the full article

Make a PE displacement window calendar work for you. By Hitendra Patil Go PRO for members-only access to more Hitendra Patil. View the full article

Two world powers are in an arms race to develop the most advanced AI systems, and neither of them trusts each other—but each relies on the other’s compliance to proceed. This contradiction lies at the core of a dangerous standoff for our time. President The President’s meetings with President Xi Jinping in Beijing this week are a crucial moment for the U.S.-China relationship. U.S. officials made clear their intentions to initiate the discussion of setting up a dedicated communication channel regarding AI matters This means they’re worried that the technology could become a source of conflict between the two nations. I’ve been working in the tech world for decades, and I’m confident that this situation is unprecedented. Washington and Beijing both see the importance of advanced AI technology for purposes of intelligence and as a potential means of cyber warfare. It has thus become extremely important to coordinate and cooperate, even while remaining rivals. The U.S. has relied significantly on export control of technologies and equipment to impede AI development in China. At the same time, it has become increasingly obvious that blocking China from importing chips alone does not solve the problem. Even if you slow your rivals’ AI development, there will remain a scenario where both sides employ it in the context of offense without any set regulations. Chinese AI models such as DeepSeek compete on the global market as worthy contenders to American products. Additionally, according to recent accusations by the White House, Beijing launched industrial-scale operations aimed at extracting and copying American AI models. The irony is that both nations have experimented with using AI as an instrument of offensive cyber attacks. It’s become evident that the U.S. and China are simultaneously developing offensive tactics based on AI models, which makes any call for restraint in such matters hypocritical. Yet that is quite logical under current conditions. In a security dilemma, it is difficult to trust your adversary. Domestic issues complicate this matter There are also internal problems. The American companies working with AI find themselves at odds with U.S. regulators, who have not come up with reasonable guidelines for releasing new models. The discussions have been ongoing for several months now, and American companies have been opposed to government regulation for years. This lack of clarity on domestic grounds weakens American positions during negotiations with Chinese authorities. According to Melanie Hart, a former official with the State Department working for the Atlantic Council, AI is too significant to leave China out of the discussion. However, it should be mentioned that previously, Beijing officials used AI security discussions held under the Biden administration to gather information rather than discuss possible restrictions. They even employed foreign ministry representatives who lacked technical AI knowledge. This information shows that there might be some reason for suspicion, but does not warrant stopping all negotiations. While the summit cannot become the event where U.S. AI policy takes a revolutionary turn, it can help figure out whether further discussions on the safety of AI technology will be substantial or merely ceremonial. That distinction has become important because of rapid technological advancements. Advanced AI that can detect software vulnerabilities has become a threat to everyone. Systems of this sort cannot be controlled by governments yet. The situation is getting out of hand. The AI arms race is a reality, and it’s impossible to stop it at this point. However, the problem here is whether it is possible to be rivals and partners simultaneously and compete fiercely while still being able to talk to each other about this critical issue. View the full article

Welcome to AI Decoded, Fast Company’s weekly newsletter that breaks down the most important news in the world of AI. You can sign up to receive this newsletter every week via email here. A look at the AI landscape for small businesses So much of the conversation around the great AI transformation of business has centered on enterprises, meaning companies with more than 500 employees. That makes sense: For AI and cloud companies, landing a large enterprise customer can mean securing a significant stream of recurring revenue. But if we’re really talking about AI reinventing work and making everyone more productive, small and medium-sized businesses should be a much bigger part of the conversation. According to the Small Business Administration, around 36 million small businesses operate in the U.S., employing 46% of private-sector workers. Most of those companies are very small. Federal data shows that about 88% have fewer than 20 employees. Universities and consultancies have, of course, studied how and to what extent small businesses are using AI tools. Research from 2024 formed a consensus on the idea that relatively few small businesses had meaningfully begun adopting them. But surveys conducted in 2026 paint a more complicated picture. A recent Goldman Sachs study of 10,000 small businesses found that three-quarters are now using AI, with 84% citing productivity and efficiency gains. Still, only 14% said they had integrated AI into their core operations. Another study, from the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB), found that only a quarter of small businesses reported using AI tools at all. (NFIB typically surveys very small traditional businesses like plumbers and caterers while Goldman may capture more digitally engaged firms, like e-commerce retailers). Many small business owners are probably aware of the growing ecosystem of AI products designed for smaller operations. Intuit, Zapier, HubSpot, Lindy, and Microsoft all compete in this space. Many software companies that have long served small businesses, such as Intuit, have gradually folded AI copilots and automations into products customers already know well—products like accounting platforms, CRM systems, office suites, customer support software, and workflow automation tools. Microsoft did exactly that when it integrated Copilot into its productivity suite. Google, meanwhile, is weaving its Gemini model into its Google Workspace suite. And the big AI labs are increasingly targeting smaller businesses. OpenAI offers ChatGPT for Business/Teams, which can help draft marketing copy and analyze spreadsheets. It also offers a set of “skills,” which it defines as “reusable, shareable workflows” that bundle instructions, examples, and code. Anthropic went a step further this week, launching a package of AI workflows, skills, and integrations built specifically to manage business functions common to small businesses. The product is called Claude for Small Business. In its go-to-market effort Anthropic thinks in two ways about barriers to AI adoption by small and medium-sized businesses. “What our research shows is that around 32% of SMB employees don’t really know how or when to use AI,” Anthropic’s small business go-to-market lead Lina Ochman tells me. They feel blocked because they just don’t have enough experience with AI in general, certainly not far beyond basic chatbots. “And then 64% tell us they want to move beyond the chat and … actually have agents that help them run their workflows,” Ochman says. But even when they get some experience with AI agents that can reason and handle more complex tasks, they aren’t sure how to apply them to their own businesses. That’s exactly why Anthropic took a sort of plug-and-play approach to its small business product. How well the company’s set of pre-baked workflows can be adapted and customized for unique business functions is yet to be seen. The alternative approach—custom building and managing highly customized AI tools—could be daunting for many small business owners. For example, an Austin-based vegan cheese-maker called Rebel Cheese went deep into that world to solve a problem costing the company $50,000 a month in excess shipping charges. Rebel Cheese used Anthropic’s Claude to investigate the issue and map out a solution, then turned to the agentic orchestration tool Manus to build a system that automatically disputes suspected carrier overcharges. But the company’s cofounder, Kirsten Maitland, says the process took months, requiring her to test multiple AI agents and spend long nights developing and refining the system. Over time, it’s likely we’ll see small business AI tools from Anthropic and OpenAI evolve to make more specialized and customized builds far less demanding. For now, though, most small businesses will continue using AI in less sophisticated ways than their larger counterparts. Still, the Rebel Cheese case hints at what becomes possible when a small business gains access to the same tools as the biggest players. AI models’ reasoning on ethical dilemmas may be just performative, says a new study Leading AI models often give the appearance of deliberating over moral complexities without actually doing so, according to a new paper published in the journal AI and Ethics by researchers at Harvard Kennedy School’s Allen Lab. Rather than actually reasoning their way to a nuanced answer to tough questions, they appear to just default to a hidden “value hierarchy” that’s already been trained into them, the researchers say. The study is titled “Crocodile Tears: Can the Ethical-Moral Intelligence of AI Models Be Trusted?” It tested four models—Claude, GPT, Llama, and DeepSeek—on ethical dilemmas drawn from moral psychology, including scenarios where both available options carry genuine moral costs. In 87% of so-called tragic tradeoff trials, all four models converged on the same choices, and the choices often didn’t follow from their reasoning. The researchers describe the AI behavior as “shedding crocodile tears,” performing moral anguish while executing what they characterize as an implicit, opaque value hierarchy. That could raise some real trust issues with users. “People are increasingly turning to these tools for guidance on hard decisions,” says the lead author, Sarah Hubbard, in a statement. “If a model appears to grapple with an ethical dilemma while actually reducing it to a predetermined answer, it may be earning users’ trust under false pretenses.” Are AI benchmarks functionally useless? In the world of AI research, the most common way to measure the intelligence of a model is by submitting it to a benchmark test. Hundreds of the tests exist, each focusing on a different aspect of intelligence. One might focus on writing code while another might focus on instruction-following or reasoning. But there’s a big problem. AI labs can game the benchmarks. “As soon as the first training runs after [a] benchmark has been released I think it stops being a good measure of intelligence because suddenly the models have been trained on it, and it happens to all of them,” the former OpenAI researcher Jerry Tworek said during a recent podcast appearance. Sample test questions and answers quickly appear online. AI labs can train their models on that data to score better on the tests. “People will target it in training, they will solve it for any benchmark,” Tworek said. Then the researchers can write an algorithm that tells the model how to answer the test questions. Tworek, who was one of the main brains behind OpenAI’s breakthrough o1 and o3 reasoning models, says that in order for a benchmark to be meaningful, it has to have a way to generate new questions or scenarios for every new test, so that the model being tested has never seen them before. That was the main idea behind the recently released ARC-AGI-3 benchmark from the influential researcher François Chollet. That benchmark generates and presents novel gaming environments to an AI agent, then challenges it to figure out the point of the game and how to win. This forces the agent to draw on past experience and make judgments about how to apply it in new situations that it’s not been trained on. More AI coverage from Fast Company: You can put a data center at your house—but who really pays? This tiny Maine town used AI to make a new logo. Its residents had other ideas ServiceNow CEO Bill McDermott: Silicon Valley is getting enterprise AI wrong The Demi Moore-AI debate is missing the point Want exclusive reporting and trend analysis on technology, business innovation, future of work, and design? Sign up for Fast Company Premium. View the full article

Ian Yang saw a business opportunity sitting on the table of a restaurant. In the darkness of the room, a small portable light meant to make it easier to read a menu jumped out to him as just the kind of product his lighting company, Gantri, should be making. The challenge was that these common restaurant lights are all wireless. “They’re very dim, they’re very small, they’re not really fully fledged, like residential full-power products,” Yang says. But, he thought, they could be. That instinct led to three new wireless lighting product lines being released this week by Gantri, alongside a new digital manufacturing platform that will make it easier for other designers to create their own take on the wireless light. Designed in collaboration with the design studio Ammunition, the three product lines are the first wireless lights to use Gantri’s Helia system, a modular approach to the components inside a wireless light. Also designed by Ammunition, this system consists of a battery, customizable LED modules, a touch-sensitive control, and a charging puck. The guts of the system can be tucked inside almost any shell a designer can imagine. “All these components get assembled into a 3D printed enclosure, and everything is routed where it needs to be,” says Achille Biteau, director of industrial design at Ammunition. “It simplifies things a lot because all of a sudden you have that same platform that can be used on a range of designs. It could be in the hundreds or the thousands of designs.” Gantri and Ammunition have worked together since about 2018, and first started thinking about wireless lighting design three years ago. “We were just talking a lot about mobility and portable lighting and this idea that, well, people are very used to mobile things and charging has become just part of lifestyle,” says Robert Brunner, founding partner of Ammunition. Lighting, on the other hand, has been stubbornly stuck in place, tethered by a cord or wired directly into walls and ceilings. “What if you allowed lighting to go where you need it, and then take the friction out of the idea of having to maintain and charge these things in a way you normally don’t do with lighting,” says Brunner. “As we dove into it more and more, it became more compelling as a product concept.” Ammunition’s design team started prototyping, and eventually came up with the modular Helia system that can be slotted into the kinds of 3D printed designs Gantri has specialized in for the past decade. To stress test the concept, Ammunition developed 10 lamps in three product lines that show the flexibility of the system, from task lamps to reading lamps to a taller floor lamp to, yes, a restaurant-style tabletop lamp for reading menus in the dark. One key element of the system is how the wireless lights get their charge. Rather than relying on USB-C or other plug-in formats, Ammunition used a pin-based contact approach that allows for the battery part of the Helia system to be placed directly on top of a small puck-shaped charging interface, like putting a glass on a coaster. With up to 10 hours of battery life, the idea is that a lamp could be moved around the house throughout a day or evening before settling back into its charging place overnight. The Helia system is being made available to other designers through Gantri Made, its newly launched digital manufacturing platform, where the specs for the system can be integrated into new designs that Gantri can manufacture on behalf of their designers. “It creates this sort of very flexible, fluid, and unique platform for people to create around,” says Brunner. “A lot of the preliminary work’s done.” Gantri Made charges designers a flat fee for using the service, and takes a cut from every sale. For many small designers, the cost may be worth it. Using Gantri’s established manufacturing approach, new designs can quickly translate into products. “The time from conception to having an actual product is of course dramatically less,” Brunner says. “So now you can literally turn out lights in a few months rather than spending a year.” “The whole purpose of Gantri as a company is really all about making design relevant to every person and helping designers and design brands realize their ideas,” says Yang. “In order for that to happen, we need a lot of product innovation, we need a lot of different types of design ideas that can be created and manifested in a very short amount of time at minimal cost.” View the full article

Google released version 24.1 of the Google Ads API, introducing deeper reporting segmentation, expanded experiment support, and new security features as advertisers continue adapting to increasingly automated campaign environments. The update also prepares developers for Google’s upcoming data retention policy changes, which take effect next year. Why we care. The release focuses on three areas that have become increasingly important for advertisers: visibility into performance, creative control, and testing automation. The update also gives brands more control over how creatives appear in Demand Gen campaigns, an area where automation has often limited customization. Advertisers and developers that rely heavily on reporting infrastructure will also need to prepare for Google’s upcoming 37-month data retention limit before it starts affecting historical performance analysis in 2026. Mobile reporting gets more granular. One of the biggest additions is a new mobile device platform segment that lets advertisers break out reporting by operating system. Using the new segments.mobile_device_platform field, developers can now isolate campaign and customer-level performance across iOS and Android traffic. That matters because user behavior often varies significantly between operating systems, particularly for app marketers, ecommerce advertisers, and brands optimizing conversion value. Demand Gen adds classic image support. Google is also giving advertisers more creative control inside Demand Gen campaigns. The release adds support for static image ads through the classic_display_images field in DemandGenMultiAssetAd, allowing brands to upload creatives that run on the Google Display Network exactly as designed, without AI-generated asset combinations. The feature appears targeted at advertisers that want stricter control over branding and asset presentation. Passkeys come to Google Ads. Security is another major focus in v24.1. Google introduced a new passkey_enabled field that indicates whether a user has enabled passkey authentication for their Google Ads account. The update follows Google’s broader push toward passwordless authentication and increased protection around sensitive account actions. Experiment support expands. Google is significantly expanding support for Experiments, one of the platform’s core testing frameworks. Advertisers can now run and compare experiments across: AI Max campaigns Video campaigns Demand Gen campaigns Performance Max campaigns The release also adds more transparent reporting across experimental arms, including metrics such as clicks, conversions, and impressions, making side-by-side analysis easier. The move reflects Google’s broader strategy of standardizing experimentation across its AI-driven campaign products. A major data retention change is coming. Google also reiterated that beginning June 1st, Google Ads and related measurement APIs will move to a 37-month retention limit for granular reporting data, including daily, weekly, and hourly statistics. To support the transition, v24.1 introduces a new error code: DateRangeError.REQUESTED_DATE_GRANULARITY_NOT_SUPPORTED. Developers querying older granular datasets will need to update reporting workflows before the policy change takes effect. What’s next. Google says updated client libraries and code samples for v24.1 are already available. The company is also hosting a live walkthrough of the release across Discord, YouTube Live, and LinkedIn Live. View the full article

Today's Bissett Bullet: “What level of detail should I go into during my first meeting with a prospective client?” By Martin Bissett See more Bissett Bullets here Go PRO for members-only access to more Martin Bissett. View the full article

Today's Bissett Bullet: “What level of detail should I go into during my first meeting with a prospective client?” By Martin Bissett See more Bissett Bullets here Go PRO for members-only access to more Martin Bissett. View the full article

For high school senior Aliyah Pack, getting distracted during school is the norm. Kids in her Pennsylvania school district use iPads starting in kindergarten, switch to Chromebooks in second grade and get their own MacBooks in eighth grade. Aliyah has ADHD, and finds it difficult to concentrate when she’s learning from a screen. She’ll watch Netflix in class on her school laptop, hiding her earbuds behind her long, curly hair. “It’s very hard to get into the mindset of being in school,” Aliyah said. Aliyah’s mother saw her grades were falling and asked the school to take away her laptop. But she was told that wasn’t possible. Across the country, parents are voicing concerns about excessive screen time in schools and lobbying educators to go back to pencil and paper. In places like Lower Merion Township, where Aliyah goes to high school, some are taking it even further. Over 600 people in the affluent Philadelphia suburb have signed a petition asking to preserve parents’ ability to opt their children out of using digital devices during the school day. The public school district has pushed back, saying it’s not feasible to let hundreds of students opt out of technology that is essential to the curriculum. Disagreement over how tech is used in the classroom At a meeting Monday night, school board members said they were considering many ways to respond to parental concerns about technology, but allowing opt-outs was not one of them. “There is not an option for us to not have technology in schools,” said Lower Merion School Board member Anna Shurak. The board was meeting to discuss updates to the district’s technology policies, including repealing a policy that allows opt outs. Over 100 people showed up to protest, many wearing buttons that said “Screens Down, Pencils Up.” Many emphasized they’re not anti-tech — in fact, most parents agree that learning how to responsibly use computers is an essential life skill. They just don’t want tech to dominate the classroom. “Teaching how to use technology is not the same thing as using technology to teach everything else,” said Sara Sullivan, a parent. Technology has become inescapable at schools The debate in Lower Merion raises the question of whether technology has become so intertwined with learning that it’s impossible to opt out. Kids use devices to play educational games, submit their homework, access online resources and write essays — but parents are questioning the value of gamified edtech software. Subashini Subramanian said the software her second-grade daughter uses for math, DreamBox, incentivizes rushing through levels to gain points. When she encouraged her daughter to think through the problems methodically, the 8-year-old said, “If I go through all the steps, it’s slowing me down. I have to click, click, click.” At the school board meeting, many parents said they were exhausted from battling their kids over screen time. Adam Washington says his son struggles with screen addiction, so sometimes he takes away his phone or TV — only to find him watching YouTube on the school laptop instead. “The screen is killing him. It is killing me, and him, together with our relationship,” Washington said. Another parent at the meeting questioned what students would do instead of using their computers. “Opting out is not a solution. It’s avoiding the hard work of finding a solution,” Seth Ruderman said. Parental pushback on edtech has led to change The pushback on technology in the classroom has gained steam around the country. At least 14 states have proposed laws to limit screen time in schools, according to Ballotpedia, with four states — Alabama, Tennessee, Utah and Iowa — passing such legislation. In Los Angeles, the nation’s second-largest school district said it will ban screens until second grade, require daily caps for screen time per grade, ban YouTube and require an audit of all education technology contracts. In Vermont, proposed legislation would allow not just parents but also teachers to decline to use classroom tech. Democratic State Rep. Angela Arsenault, a bill co-sponsor, said she’s responding to parents’ worries about edtech. “Parents in many districts and states just aren’t being listened to or not being heard when they ask that their students not be forced to use these products,” Arsenault said. The Lower Merion school district said it’s listening to community concerns and has already made changes, including blocking some problematic websites flagged by parents. “We have wonderful teachers who have continuously prioritized human interaction and relationships,” Superintendent Frank Ranelli wrote in a letter to parents. He declined to comment to the AP for this story. The district said it is looking into possible changes, including stronger cellphone restrictions, not allowing the youngest students to take devices home and installing software to monitor students in class. However, surveillance software can bring its own problems and poses risks to student privacy. In 2010, the Lower Merion School District paid $610,000 to settle lawsuits by two students who alleged the district had spied on them via the webcam on their school-issued laptops. Kids want ways to hold themselves accountable High school student Mia Tatar, 16, raised concerns at the board meeting that there’s been an unintended consequence to the anti-tech backlash. The internet filters on school computers are now so strict, she said she’s been blocked while doing research on appropriate topics for school, like breast cancer. Mia said students need to learn how to responsibly use technology, and adding filters or getting rid of laptops won’t do that. “It doesn’t teach kids how to hold themselves accountable and how to be responsible for regulating their own screen time once they’re in the world,” Mia said in an interview. Her friend Elliot Campbell, 15, said there should be strict limits on screen use in the youngest grades, but students should get more freedom as they get older. “If we lose our laptops or if we lose the partial freedom we have on them, it’s not going to prepare us for college,” Elliot told board members at the hearing. Fellow high schooler Joaquin Imaizumi takes a different view. He said it’s “completely unfair” to expect children to regulate their usage of devices that even adults find addictive. “This isn’t about learning to constrain yourself,” he said in an interview. “We don’t give someone drugs and say, ‘OK, now learn how to deal with this.'” His biggest concern is that devices make it far too tempting to access AI tools like ChatGPT, which he sees eroding his classmates’ ability to think for themselves. “I’ve seen the atrophy of my peers’ thinking, which is existentially concerning,” Joaquin said. The influence of AI starts early. A second-grader named Lillian Keshet, who got up to speak at the board meeting, said Google Docs will give her “suggestions” about what to write in class. “I’m a pretty good writer by myself,” Lillian said. “I don’t need your suggestions, Google!” Associated Press writer Jocelyn Gecker contributed to this report from San Francisco. The Associated Press’ education coverage receives financial support from multiple private foundations. AP is solely responsible for all content. Find AP’s standards for working with philanthropies, a list of supporters and funded coverage areas at AP.org. —Sharon Lurye, Associated Press View the full article

Google Analytics now separates AI assistant traffic from referrals with a new default channel group for recognized chatbot referrers like ChatGPT and Gemini. The post Google Analytics Adds AI Assistant As Default Channel Group appeared first on Search Engine Journal. View the full article

If you’re considering franchise opportunities, it’s crucial to explore some of the top options available. The right franchise can provide a proven business model, extensive support, and a loyal customer base. From reliable home services like Mr. Rooter to fast food chains and innovative health and wellness brands, there are various sectors to choose from. Comprehending these franchises can help you make an informed decision about your future business venture. Let’s take a closer look at these promising options. Key Takeaways Mr. Rooter Franchise: Offers reliable plumbing services under $100k, with extensive training and strong community engagement, making it a top choice. Food and Beverage Franchises: Diverse options from fast food to casual dining cater to strong consumer loyalty and provide thorough training support. Emerging Retail Franchises: Self-pour bars and specialty shops utilize technology and sustainability, appealing to eco-conscious consumers and enhancing customer experiences. Health and Wellness Franchises: Innovative brands meeting the demand for holistic health solutions, combining eco-friendly practices with personalized services for franchisees. Community-Focused Franchises: Engage local neighborhoods and support social responsibility initiatives, enhancing brand loyalty and franchisee satisfaction. Mr. Rooter: A Leading Home Services Franchise Mr. Rooter stands out among franchises under 100k, offering lucrative franchise opportunities under 100k in the home services sector. As a well-respected name in plumbing, it benefits from the growing demand for reliable services in the United States. Franchise owners appreciate Mr. Rooter’s strong support systems, including extensive training and ongoing operational assistance, which contribute to high satisfaction rates. The brand’s established reputation and effective marketing strategies aid franchisees in achieving significant revenue growth and profitability. Moreover, Mr. Rooter emphasizes community engagement and customer loyalty, enhancing its market presence. If you’re exploring the best franchises under 100k, Mr. Rooter presents a compelling option for those looking to invest in a stable and rewarding business. Top Food and Beverage Franchises to Explore When considering franchise opportunities, food and beverage franchises stand out due to their strong market presence and consumer loyalty. These franchises not merely offer a variety of options but likewise prove to be lucrative investments. Here are three top choices you should explore: McDonald’s: Often among the top franchises under 100k, these provide quick service with high customer demand. Casual Dining: Considered one of the best franchises to start with 100k, this segment caters to families and social gatherings. Specialized Cuisine: These can be the most profitable franchises under 100k, appealing to niche markets. With thorough training and ongoing support, you’ll be well-equipped to thrive in this competitive sector. Emerging Opportunities in the Retail Sector In today’s retail environment, emerging franchise opportunities are thriving, particularly in innovative concepts like self-pour bars and specialty food shops. As consumer preferences shift in the direction of personalized experiences, these niche markets are gaining popularity, driving demand for franchise growth. Retail Franchise Growth Trends As the retail franchise sector evolves, significant growth trends are emerging, creating new opportunities for investors and entrepreneurs. You’ll want to pay attention to these aspects that are reshaping the environment: Technology Integration: Brands that utilize technology are enhancing customer experiences and streamlining operations, making them more competitive among the US largest franchises. Sustainability Focus: Consumer preferences are shifting in the direction of eco-friendly products, driving the success of emerging franchises that prioritize sustainability. Omnichannel Solutions: With the rise of e-commerce, traditional retail franchises are adapting by offering seamless shopping experiences, both online and in-store. These trends highlight the potential for lucrative investments in top franchises for sale, especially those that align with current consumer demands and preferences. Innovative Retail Concepts The retail environment is undergoing notable changes, with innovative retail concepts emerging as key players in meeting modern consumer demands. Concepts like self-pour bars and experiential stores are thriving, appealing to shoppers seeking interactive experiences. Franchise opportunities in these sectors are on the rise, driven by trends favoring eco-friendly products and technology integration. Concept Type Key Features Market Trends Self-Pour Bars Interactive, customizable drinks Emphasis on experience Experiential Stores Hands-on shopping Community engagement Niche Markets Focused services (e.g., autism) Specific community needs These franchises prioritize local partnerships, enhancing brand loyalty and market presence, making them attractive options for aspiring entrepreneurs. Consumer Demand Dynamics Shifts in consumer demand are reshaping the retail sector, creating new opportunities for franchises that align with evolving preferences. As you explore franchise options, consider these emerging trends: Eco-friendly products and health and wellness franchises are gaining traction because of increased environmental awareness. Home services franchises, like cleaning and maintenance, are booming as homeownership continues to rise. Franchises that integrate technology, offering online shopping and delivery, tap into the growing demand for convenience. Additionally, unique categories, such as self-pour bars and autism services, reflect a desire for specialized experiences. Franchises that engage with their communities and demonstrate social responsibility are more likely to improve brand loyalty and drive sales, making them attractive investments in today’s market. Service-Oriented Franchises With High Satisfaction What makes service-oriented franchises stand out in owner satisfaction? These franchises often top satisfaction rankings because of the extensive support provided by franchisors. For instance, plumbing and maintenance franchises, like Mr. Rooter, thrive in a high-demand market, presenting robust growth opportunities. Franchise owners report high satisfaction levels attributed to effective training programs and ongoing marketing assistance that improve profitability. Furthermore, strong community engagement initiatives promote loyalty and trust, further benefiting franchisees. The operational guidance offered guarantees that owners feel supported in their business path. As a result, service-oriented franchises not only achieve solid sales performance but also create a rewarding experience for franchisees, making them an appealing choice for potential buyers. Innovative Brands in the Health and Wellness Space In the swiftly growing health and wellness franchise sector, you’ll find innovative brands that cater to the rising consumer demand for holistic health solutions. These franchises not only provide training and support systems to guarantee your success but additionally tap into emerging trends like plant-based diets and mental health services, presenting significant growth potential. Growth Potential Analysis As consumer awareness of health benefits continues to rise, the growth potential for innovative brands in the health and wellness franchise sector is substantial. This growth is driven by various factors, including: Eco-Friendly Practices: Brands focusing on sustainable products appeal to environmentally conscious consumers, boosting their market presence. Personalized Wellness Solutions: Franchises offering customized services like fitness coaching and nutritional guidance are thriving, catering to individual needs. Remote Services: The rise of virtual health services allows franchises to reach broader audiences, enhancing their growth opportunities without geographical constraints. With many brands reporting double-digit growth rates and a projected 3% increase in health and wellness franchise locations by 2025, now is an opportune time to reflect on investing in this sector. Training and Support Systems Successful franchises in the health and wellness sector prioritize robust training and support systems to guarantee their franchisees thrive in a competitive environment. These innovative brands often offer extensive training programs that equip you with vital knowledge and skills. Ongoing support, including operational guidance and marketing assistance, helps you adapt to consumer preferences and industry trends. Many franchises emphasize community engagement, providing tools to host local events that nurture brand loyalty. They additionally recognize the importance of technological integration, giving you access to digital tools that improve service delivery. In addition, top franchises focus on sustainability and eco-friendly practices, aligning with consumer demands as well as supporting you in promoting these values effectively. This all-encompassing approach secures your success in the health and wellness market. Established Franchises With Proven Business Models When considering a franchise, opting for an established franchise with a proven business model can greatly improve your chances of success. These franchises often come with several advantages: Proven Revenue Growth: Established franchises typically have low failure rates and demonstrate consistent revenue growth, making them attractive to potential franchisees. Comprehensive Support: Many top franchises offer extensive training programs and ongoing support, ensuring you can effectively operate your business and adapt to market changes. Brand Recognition: Strong consumer trust in established brands often leads to higher sales and customer loyalty, enhancing your profitability. Community-Focused Franchises Making an Impact Community-focused franchises are increasingly gaining attention for their ability to create meaningful connections within local neighborhoods as well as driving business success. These franchises often engage in social responsibility initiatives, enhancing their brand image and nurturing important local ties. Many top franchises prioritize community engagement through events that support local economies and promote networking among franchisees and residents. Franchisees report high satisfaction levels, appreciating the supportive culture and shared commitment to neighborhood improvement. Furthermore, community involvement can greatly boost customer loyalty and trust, which are crucial for long-term profitability. Emerging franchises are likewise adopting eco-friendly practices, aligning with community values and meeting consumer demand for sustainability. This creates a win-win situation for both businesses and the communities they serve. Frequently Asked Questions What Are the Most Profitable Franchises to Buy? When looking for the most profitable franchises to buy, consider well-known brands in the food and beverage sector, like McDonald’s or Dunkin’, which offer established business models and strong customer loyalty. Moreover, home service franchises, such as Mr. Rooter, can be lucrative because of their vital services and lower competition. Always evaluate financial performance metrics, like revenue growth and failure rates, to guarantee you’re making a sound investment decision. What Is the 7 Day Rule for Franchise? The 7 Day Rule for franchises requires franchisors to provide you with the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) at least 14 days before you sign any contracts or make payments. This rule guarantees you have enough time to review essential information about the franchise, including investment costs, fees, and the franchisor’s financial performance. What Are the Best Franchises to Own in 2025? In 2025, the best franchises to own are likely to be in the food service, eco-friendly, and health and wellness sectors. These industries show strong market demand and profitability. Look for franchises that offer low startup costs and sturdy support systems, as they minimize financial risk. Furthermore, prioritize those with extensive training programs and established brand recognition, as these factors contribute greatly to your long-term success and satisfaction as a franchise owner. Which Franchise Is Most Successful? The most successful franchises often excel in owner satisfaction, strong sales, and brand recognition. For example, franchises like Mr. Rooter in the home services sector show impressive growth potential. Financial metrics indicate that successful franchises usually have high revenue growth and low failure rates. Moreover, established food and beverage brands frequently dominate rankings because of their market presence and customer loyalty, making them appealing options for prospective franchisees seeking stability and profitability. Conclusion To summarize, exploring franchise opportunities can lead you to various sectors, from reliable home services like Mr. Rooter to innovative health and wellness brands. Each franchise offers a unique business model, extensive support, and the potential for strong consumer loyalty. As you consider your options, evaluate the market demand, customer satisfaction, and alignment with your values. By choosing a franchise that fits your interests and goals, you can build a successful business as you contribute positively to your community. Image via Google Gemini This article, "7 Top Franchises for Sale You Should Consider" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

If you’re considering franchise opportunities, it’s crucial to explore some of the top options available. The right franchise can provide a proven business model, extensive support, and a loyal customer base. From reliable home services like Mr. Rooter to fast food chains and innovative health and wellness brands, there are various sectors to choose from. Comprehending these franchises can help you make an informed decision about your future business venture. Let’s take a closer look at these promising options. Key Takeaways Mr. Rooter Franchise: Offers reliable plumbing services under $100k, with extensive training and strong community engagement, making it a top choice. Food and Beverage Franchises: Diverse options from fast food to casual dining cater to strong consumer loyalty and provide thorough training support. Emerging Retail Franchises: Self-pour bars and specialty shops utilize technology and sustainability, appealing to eco-conscious consumers and enhancing customer experiences. Health and Wellness Franchises: Innovative brands meeting the demand for holistic health solutions, combining eco-friendly practices with personalized services for franchisees. Community-Focused Franchises: Engage local neighborhoods and support social responsibility initiatives, enhancing brand loyalty and franchisee satisfaction. Mr. Rooter: A Leading Home Services Franchise Mr. Rooter stands out among franchises under 100k, offering lucrative franchise opportunities under 100k in the home services sector. As a well-respected name in plumbing, it benefits from the growing demand for reliable services in the United States. Franchise owners appreciate Mr. Rooter’s strong support systems, including extensive training and ongoing operational assistance, which contribute to high satisfaction rates. The brand’s established reputation and effective marketing strategies aid franchisees in achieving significant revenue growth and profitability. Moreover, Mr. Rooter emphasizes community engagement and customer loyalty, enhancing its market presence. If you’re exploring the best franchises under 100k, Mr. Rooter presents a compelling option for those looking to invest in a stable and rewarding business. Top Food and Beverage Franchises to Explore When considering franchise opportunities, food and beverage franchises stand out due to their strong market presence and consumer loyalty. These franchises not merely offer a variety of options but likewise prove to be lucrative investments. Here are three top choices you should explore: McDonald’s: Often among the top franchises under 100k, these provide quick service with high customer demand. Casual Dining: Considered one of the best franchises to start with 100k, this segment caters to families and social gatherings. Specialized Cuisine: These can be the most profitable franchises under 100k, appealing to niche markets. With thorough training and ongoing support, you’ll be well-equipped to thrive in this competitive sector. Emerging Opportunities in the Retail Sector In today’s retail environment, emerging franchise opportunities are thriving, particularly in innovative concepts like self-pour bars and specialty food shops. As consumer preferences shift in the direction of personalized experiences, these niche markets are gaining popularity, driving demand for franchise growth. Retail Franchise Growth Trends As the retail franchise sector evolves, significant growth trends are emerging, creating new opportunities for investors and entrepreneurs. You’ll want to pay attention to these aspects that are reshaping the environment: Technology Integration: Brands that utilize technology are enhancing customer experiences and streamlining operations, making them more competitive among the US largest franchises. Sustainability Focus: Consumer preferences are shifting in the direction of eco-friendly products, driving the success of emerging franchises that prioritize sustainability. Omnichannel Solutions: With the rise of e-commerce, traditional retail franchises are adapting by offering seamless shopping experiences, both online and in-store. These trends highlight the potential for lucrative investments in top franchises for sale, especially those that align with current consumer demands and preferences. Innovative Retail Concepts The retail environment is undergoing notable changes, with innovative retail concepts emerging as key players in meeting modern consumer demands. Concepts like self-pour bars and experiential stores are thriving, appealing to shoppers seeking interactive experiences. Franchise opportunities in these sectors are on the rise, driven by trends favoring eco-friendly products and technology integration. Concept Type Key Features Market Trends Self-Pour Bars Interactive, customizable drinks Emphasis on experience Experiential Stores Hands-on shopping Community engagement Niche Markets Focused services (e.g., autism) Specific community needs These franchises prioritize local partnerships, enhancing brand loyalty and market presence, making them attractive options for aspiring entrepreneurs. Consumer Demand Dynamics Shifts in consumer demand are reshaping the retail sector, creating new opportunities for franchises that align with evolving preferences. As you explore franchise options, consider these emerging trends: Eco-friendly products and health and wellness franchises are gaining traction because of increased environmental awareness. Home services franchises, like cleaning and maintenance, are booming as homeownership continues to rise. Franchises that integrate technology, offering online shopping and delivery, tap into the growing demand for convenience. Additionally, unique categories, such as self-pour bars and autism services, reflect a desire for specialized experiences. Franchises that engage with their communities and demonstrate social responsibility are more likely to improve brand loyalty and drive sales, making them attractive investments in today’s market. Service-Oriented Franchises With High Satisfaction What makes service-oriented franchises stand out in owner satisfaction? These franchises often top satisfaction rankings because of the extensive support provided by franchisors. For instance, plumbing and maintenance franchises, like Mr. Rooter, thrive in a high-demand market, presenting robust growth opportunities. Franchise owners report high satisfaction levels attributed to effective training programs and ongoing marketing assistance that improve profitability. Furthermore, strong community engagement initiatives promote loyalty and trust, further benefiting franchisees. The operational guidance offered guarantees that owners feel supported in their business path. As a result, service-oriented franchises not only achieve solid sales performance but also create a rewarding experience for franchisees, making them an appealing choice for potential buyers. Innovative Brands in the Health and Wellness Space In the swiftly growing health and wellness franchise sector, you’ll find innovative brands that cater to the rising consumer demand for holistic health solutions. These franchises not only provide training and support systems to guarantee your success but additionally tap into emerging trends like plant-based diets and mental health services, presenting significant growth potential. Growth Potential Analysis As consumer awareness of health benefits continues to rise, the growth potential for innovative brands in the health and wellness franchise sector is substantial. This growth is driven by various factors, including: Eco-Friendly Practices: Brands focusing on sustainable products appeal to environmentally conscious consumers, boosting their market presence. Personalized Wellness Solutions: Franchises offering customized services like fitness coaching and nutritional guidance are thriving, catering to individual needs. Remote Services: The rise of virtual health services allows franchises to reach broader audiences, enhancing their growth opportunities without geographical constraints. With many brands reporting double-digit growth rates and a projected 3% increase in health and wellness franchise locations by 2025, now is an opportune time to reflect on investing in this sector. Training and Support Systems Successful franchises in the health and wellness sector prioritize robust training and support systems to guarantee their franchisees thrive in a competitive environment. These innovative brands often offer extensive training programs that equip you with vital knowledge and skills. Ongoing support, including operational guidance and marketing assistance, helps you adapt to consumer preferences and industry trends. Many franchises emphasize community engagement, providing tools to host local events that nurture brand loyalty. They additionally recognize the importance of technological integration, giving you access to digital tools that improve service delivery. In addition, top franchises focus on sustainability and eco-friendly practices, aligning with consumer demands as well as supporting you in promoting these values effectively. This all-encompassing approach secures your success in the health and wellness market. Established Franchises With Proven Business Models When considering a franchise, opting for an established franchise with a proven business model can greatly improve your chances of success. These franchises often come with several advantages: Proven Revenue Growth: Established franchises typically have low failure rates and demonstrate consistent revenue growth, making them attractive to potential franchisees. Comprehensive Support: Many top franchises offer extensive training programs and ongoing support, ensuring you can effectively operate your business and adapt to market changes. Brand Recognition: Strong consumer trust in established brands often leads to higher sales and customer loyalty, enhancing your profitability. Community-Focused Franchises Making an Impact Community-focused franchises are increasingly gaining attention for their ability to create meaningful connections within local neighborhoods as well as driving business success. These franchises often engage in social responsibility initiatives, enhancing their brand image and nurturing important local ties. Many top franchises prioritize community engagement through events that support local economies and promote networking among franchisees and residents. Franchisees report high satisfaction levels, appreciating the supportive culture and shared commitment to neighborhood improvement. Furthermore, community involvement can greatly boost customer loyalty and trust, which are crucial for long-term profitability. Emerging franchises are likewise adopting eco-friendly practices, aligning with community values and meeting consumer demand for sustainability. This creates a win-win situation for both businesses and the communities they serve. Frequently Asked Questions What Are the Most Profitable Franchises to Buy? When looking for the most profitable franchises to buy, consider well-known brands in the food and beverage sector, like McDonald’s or Dunkin’, which offer established business models and strong customer loyalty. Moreover, home service franchises, such as Mr. Rooter, can be lucrative because of their vital services and lower competition. Always evaluate financial performance metrics, like revenue growth and failure rates, to guarantee you’re making a sound investment decision. What Is the 7 Day Rule for Franchise? The 7 Day Rule for franchises requires franchisors to provide you with the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) at least 14 days before you sign any contracts or make payments. This rule guarantees you have enough time to review essential information about the franchise, including investment costs, fees, and the franchisor’s financial performance. What Are the Best Franchises to Own in 2025? In 2025, the best franchises to own are likely to be in the food service, eco-friendly, and health and wellness sectors. These industries show strong market demand and profitability. Look for franchises that offer low startup costs and sturdy support systems, as they minimize financial risk. Furthermore, prioritize those with extensive training programs and established brand recognition, as these factors contribute greatly to your long-term success and satisfaction as a franchise owner. Which Franchise Is Most Successful? The most successful franchises often excel in owner satisfaction, strong sales, and brand recognition. For example, franchises like Mr. Rooter in the home services sector show impressive growth potential. Financial metrics indicate that successful franchises usually have high revenue growth and low failure rates. Moreover, established food and beverage brands frequently dominate rankings because of their market presence and customer loyalty, making them appealing options for prospective franchisees seeking stability and profitability. Conclusion To summarize, exploring franchise opportunities can lead you to various sectors, from reliable home services like Mr. Rooter to innovative health and wellness brands. Each franchise offers a unique business model, extensive support, and the potential for strong consumer loyalty. As you consider your options, evaluate the market demand, customer satisfaction, and alignment with your values. By choosing a franchise that fits your interests and goals, you can build a successful business as you contribute positively to your community. Image via Google Gemini This article, "7 Top Franchises for Sale You Should Consider" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

As Meta has poured hundreds of billions of dollars into outpacing its competition in the AI arms race, employees have been forced to get on board with its big bet. Meta employees have been asked to enthusiastically adopt AI and are now evaluated on their AI use in performance reviews. Recurring layoffs have reportedly stoked discontent: According to a recent New York Times report, employees have built websites to count down to another round of rumored job cuts next week. Now the company is also using mouse-tracking software to collect employee data that will help train Meta’s AI models—and employees are not having it. A Reuters report today revealed that an online petition is circulating at the company, and that employees have even posted physical flyers to encourage their colleagues to sign. The flyers were distributed across multiple U.S. offices in meeting rooms and on vending machines, and according to Reuters, included the following language: “Don’t want to work at the Employee Data Extraction Factory?” Employees cannot opt out of being tracked by the mouse-tracking software if they are using a company laptop, which has fueled privacy concerns among its workforce and questions about whether they are training AI that will ultimately replace them. But Meta has insisted this data will be a critical part of developing its AI models. “If we’re building agents to help people complete everyday tasks using computers, our models need real examples of how people actually use them—things like mouse movements, clicking buttons, and navigating dropdown menus,” a Meta spokesperson previously told Fast Company. “To help, we’re launching an internal tool that will capture these kinds of inputs on certain applications to help us train our models.” (As for the concerns over privacy, Meta also noted that there were “safeguards in place to protect sensitive content.”) When reached by Fast Company, Meta was not immediately available for comment. There has been growing concern over AI-related layoffs, which are becoming routine across the tech industry. (LinkedIn announced job cuts yesterday that will impact 5% of its workforce—right on the heels of layoffs at companies like Coinbase, Cloudflare, and PayPal.) But the dissent at Meta also indicates that employees are organizing in a manner that is more atypical among white-collar tech workers. Employees are not simply incensed by the rapid clip of layoffs; they are openly speaking out against their working conditions. The Times reported that hundreds of employees had sounded off in response to Meta’s plan to track computer usage. The online petition and flyers being distributed at Meta offices even referenced the National Labor Relations Act, according to Reuters, noting that the law protected their right to organize in the workplace “for the improvement of ‌working conditions.” The tech industry has seen an uptick in this kind of employee activism over the last decade. But the dizzying pace of AI adoption at companies like Meta seems to be catalyzing a new wave of protest over issues like workplace monitoring that, until now, have been largely the purview of blue-collar workers. As Fast Company has reported, there is little legal recourse for employees who are subject to this sort of tracking software, as long as it is limited to company devices. There are, however, real ethical concerns over the fact that employees have no choice but to comply with this kind of surveillance—especially in a climate where their jobs are on the line. View the full article

Instagram has a habit of stealing other apps' features and, in the process, making them mainstream. When Snapchat rolled out stories, Instagram did the same, and, arguably, better. When TikTok took over the world, Instagram launched "Reels," and managed to get millions (if not billions) of users addicted to short-form video. Now, Instagram is targeting Snapchat once again, taking "inspiration" from the app's most iconic feature: disappearing photos. Instagram's Instants are a bit dangerous Credit: Instagram On Wednesday, Instagram announced Instants, which the company calls "a new way to share in the moment." Instants are photos you can share with your friends that disappear after you open them. (Sounds familiar.) While your friends won't be able to save them, they can react and reply to your Instants, both of which go to your DMs. Any Instants you share don't disappear from your account, however: Instagram says your captures remain in an archive for up to one year, which you can reshare to your stories if you wish. None of this is groundbreaking, of course. Anyone who has used Snapchat is familiar with the process here. What is unique about Instagram's approach, however, is who you send Instants to. Rather than choose individual contacts and groups to share these ephemeral images with, Instagram presents two options: Close Friends (the list of Instagram users you have designated as such), and mutuals (followers you follow back). The latter is simply called "Friends" in the app, and is the first choice Instagram presents when inviting you to send an Instant—which means it's way too easy to accidentally send an Instant to literally everyone you follow that also follows you back. If you're a public, outgoing Instagram user, this might not sound like a bad thing. But I imagine the rest of us out there don't necessarily want to blast each and every one of our mutuals with a casual Snap-like photo. (I know I don't.) As such, if you're going to try Instants, make sure you know where your pics are going before you hit send. How to try Instants on InstagramInstants live in your DMs, but in an awkward spot. You'll find it in the bottom right corner, in a tab that pops out from the screen. When you tap it, you'll be able to see any Instants that were sent to you. If you don't have any, you'll simply launch the Instants camera interface. The most important element here is at the bottom: By default, you'll see "Friends," which means your Instant will go out to all your mutuals. If you want to switch to Close Friends, tap "Friends," then tap "Close Friends." Instagram gives you the option to quickly edit your Close Friends list here if you want to make any changes, including clearing the whole list, but note that any changes you make here are immediate. I accidentally cleared my entire Close Friends list because I thought I was deselecting the contacts that were suggested. Taking the photo itself is pretty straightforward, but dangerous: You can choose whether to use the front or back camera, or whether or not to use flash. If you want to add a caption, tap the viewfinder to pull up the keyboard. (You add captions before taking the photo here.) You'll also find the Archive in the top right if you want to review any previous Instants you've taken. Once you capture the photo, however, you only have a few seconds to hit "Undo" before it sends to whichever friends list you have selected, so be careful. If you'd prefer a dedicated Instants experience, Instagram actually made an app for the feature for both iOS and Android. How to dismiss InstantsYou can't get rid of Instagram Instants, but you can "snooze" it. Back in the DMs window, you can swipe on the Instants UI to push it back into the side of the screen. It'll disappear, but you can bring it back at any time by swiping left on that edge of the display. View the full article

As a small business owner, comprehending tax planning strategies is essential for optimizing your financial outcomes. You can benefit from fully expensing equipment, leveraging deductions for R&D, and utilizing pass-through entities. Furthermore, prepaying expenses and deferring revenue can greatly impact your tax burden. You might likewise consider gifting shares to reduce estate taxes and regularly evaluating retirement contributions. These strategies can be customized to your unique situation, leading to potential savings. Discover how to implement these approaches effectively. Key Takeaways Utilize full expensing of equipment starting in 2025 to maximize deductions and reduce taxable income. Take advantage of the 20% Qualified Business Income deduction available to pass-through entities like S corporations. Implement proactive revenue deferral techniques to manage tax burdens, especially near fiscal year-end. Consider early gifting strategies to leverage high gift tax exemptions before potential limitations in 2026. Regularly assess retirement savings plans to optimize tax advantages and lower overall taxable income. Consider New Business Expense Deductions As a small business owner, comprehension of the evolving terrain of business expense deductions can greatly impact your bottom line. Starting in 2025, you can fully expense equipment acquired or placed in service, increasing your deduction from 60% in 2024 to 100%. This means you could greatly reduce your taxable income. Moreover, if you’re constructing new factories or manufacturing structures between January 2025 and the end of 2028, full deductions are available for those costs as well. You should also know that domestic R&D expenses incurred starting in 2025 are immediately deductible, with retroactive expensing for costs back to 2022. In addition, the liberalized interest deduction rules allow you to use earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) for calculations. These changes emphasize the significance of proactive tax planning for small business owners, so consulting a tax advisor is vital to navigate these opportunities effectively. Defer Revenue Recognition and Accelerate Expenses When managing your small business’s finances, you might find it beneficial to defer revenue recognition and accelerate expenses. By postponing revenue to the next tax year, you can reduce your current tax burden, especially if you expect higher profits later. Similarly, prepaying certain expenses can allow you to take deductions this year, improving your overall tax efficiency and supporting better cash flow management. Revenue Deferral Techniques Employing revenue deferral techniques can greatly impact your small business’s tax strategy, especially as the end of the fiscal year approaches. By deferring revenue recognition to the following year, you can lower your taxable income in the current year, which is particularly beneficial if you anticipate high profits. Furthermore, consider accelerating expenses by prepaying costs for the upcoming year to maximize your deductions, keeping in mind any limitations. If you expect lower profits this year, accelerate cash collections before year-end to improve revenue recognition. Delaying expense payments until after the new year can likewise help you take advantage of lower marginal tax rates, boosting your overall tax efficiency. These tax strategies for business owners can considerably improve your financial outcomes. Expense Acceleration Strategies Expense acceleration strategies can play an essential role in optimizing your tax position as a small business owner. Implementing these business tax planning strategies can help you minimize taxable income effectively. Consider the following approaches: Defer Revenue: Delay recognizing revenue until next year if you expect higher profits, allowing you to pay taxes later. Prepay Expenses: Accelerate expenses by prepaying costs for the upcoming year to increase current deductions, subject to limitations. Collect Cash Early: If profits are anticipated to be lower, collect cash before year-end to maximize tax benefits. Delay Payments: Postpone payments for expenses until after year-end to potentially benefit from lower tax rates next year. Make Family Gifts for Tax Benefits Making family gifts can be a strategic approach for small business owners looking to maximize tax benefits during transferring wealth to their loved ones. With high gift and estate tax exemptions rising to $15 million for individuals and $30 million for couples in 2026, now is the time to act. Gifting shares when the business value is low can minimize estate tax implications, whereas non-voting shares allow you to retain control. Here’s a breakdown of key considerations for tax planning for business owners: Strategy Benefits High Gift Exemptions Transfer significant wealth tax-free Low Business Value Gifting Reduce taxable estate value Non-Voting Shares Maintain control over your business Early Gifting Before 2026 Maximize deductions before limitations Consulting a tax advisor guarantees you navigate these intricacies effectively, optimizing benefits for both you and your beneficiaries. Determine Eligibility for Different Tax Treatments When you’re evaluating your small business’s tax strategy, comprehending your eligibility for different tax treatments is essential. Pass-through entities like S corporations can take advantage of significant benefits, such as the 20% Qualified Business Income deduction, which can reduce your taxable income. Furthermore, if you’re structured as a C corporation, knowing about the expanded capital gains exclusions can help you maximize your financial benefits when you decide to sell stock after five years. Pass-Through Entity Benefits Comprehending the benefits of pass-through entities is crucial for small business owners looking to optimize their tax strategies. These entities, like S corporations and partnerships, enable you to report business income on your personal tax return, avoiding double taxation. Here are key advantages of pass-through entities: They may qualify you for a 20% deduction on qualified business income (QBI), reducing your taxable income. You can elect to pay tax at the entity level, offering potential tax deductions. You can offset losses against other income, enhancing flexibility in managing tax liabilities. Eligibility for the QBI deduction depends on your total taxable income, especially for service businesses. Understanding these factors can help you leverage pass-through entities effectively in your small business tax strategies. Qualified Business Income Deduction The Qualified Business Income (QBI) deduction is a valuable tax benefit that can greatly reduce your taxable income if you’re a small business owner operating as a pass-through entity. You can deduct up to 20% of your qualified business income, but eligibility depends on several factors. Your business must be a pass-through entity, like a sole proprietorship or partnership, and must engage in qualified trade or business activities. Be aware that certain service businesses may face limitations if your taxable income exceeds $170,050 for singles or $340,100 for joint filers in 2023. Proper record-keeping is crucial for determining your eligibility. Effective tax planning for corporations can help you navigate these rules and maximize your QBI deduction. Capital Gains Exclusions Grasping capital gains exclusions is essential for small business owners looking to optimize their tax liabilities. To determine eligibility for different tax treatments, consider the following: Qualified Small Business Stock (QSBS): You may exclude up to $10 million in capital gains if held for over five years. Eligibility Criteria: Verify your company is a domestic C corporation with gross assets under $50 million and actively engaged in business. Increased Exclusion Limits: Recent changes allow for a potential $15 million exclusion for stock held over five years. Aggregation Rule: Remember to aggregate gains from multiple QSBS investments to stay within the exclusion limits. Understanding these factors will greatly help you learn how to reduce tax liability effectively. Create a Smart Tax Payment Plan Creating a smart tax payment plan is essential for small business owners who want to manage their finances effectively throughout the year. Start by conducting an early assessment of your business outlook for the tax year; this helps improve cash flow management and anticipate your tax obligations. Set aside funds or establish a line of credit to guarantee you meet IRS payment deadlines, avoiding liquidity issues from unexpected expenses. Regularly consult with tax advisors to adjust your estimated tax payments based on last year’s performance, allowing for potential reductions in leaner years. Implement strategies like prepaying expenses to increase current-year deductions or postponing invoicing until the next tax year, if feasible. Finally, keep track of your estimated tax payments to confirm they align with projected income, mitigating penalties for underpayment or late filings. These tips for small business taxes can greatly improve your financial management and compliance. Explore Pass-Through Entity Status Comprehending the benefits of pass-through entity status can greatly impact your small business’s tax strategy. By choosing a pass-through entity (PTE), such as an S corporation or LLC, you can effectively decrease tax liability. Here are key benefits to evaluate: Avoid Double Taxation: Income is reported on your personal tax return, eliminating corporate-level taxes. Qualified Business Income Deduction: You may qualify for a 20% deduction on your business income, enhancing your tax savings. Entity-Level Tax Options: PTEs can elect to pay taxes at the entity level, allowing for potential deductions that lower overall tax liability. Expanded QSBS Benefits: Holding Qualified Small Business Stock can increase your capital gains exclusion from $10 million to $15 million, maximizing tax advantages. Regularly reassessing your PTE status guarantees you’re optimizing these benefits as your income grows. Establish or Contribute to a Retirement Savings Plan When you establish or contribute to a retirement savings plan, you’re not just securing your future; you’re also creating valuable tax advantages for your business. Plans like a SIMPLE IRA or SEP IRA allow you to make tax-deductible contributions, greatly lowering your taxable income. In 2023, you can contribute up to $15,500 to a SIMPLE IRA, with an extra $3,500 if you’re 50 or older. If you choose a 401(k) plan, you can contribute even more—up to $22,500, plus a $7,500 catch-up contribution for those aged 50 and over. Moreover, initiating certain retirement plans may qualify your business for a tax credit of up to $5,000 to cover startup costs. Frequently Asked Questions How Do State Taxes Affect My Overall Tax Planning Strategy? State taxes greatly influence your overall tax planning strategy. Each state has different tax rates, rules, and deductions, which can affect your business’s profitability. You need to take into account how state taxes interact with federal taxes to avoid unexpected liabilities. Furthermore, comprehending your state’s tax incentives can help you minimize tax burdens. What Are the Tax Implications of Hiring Independent Contractors vs. Employees? When you hire independent contractors, you typically don’t withhold taxes, which can lower your payroll burden. Nonetheless, you’ll need to issue Form 1099 for payments over $600. On the other hand, hiring employees means you’re responsible for withholding income and payroll taxes, contributing to Social Security and Medicare, and providing benefits. These obligations can increase your costs but may offer more control over work quality and consistency. Comprehending these differences is essential for effective financial planning. Can I Deduct Home Office Expenses if I Work Remotely? Yes, you can typically deduct home office expenses if you work remotely, but specific conditions apply. The space must be used regularly and exclusively for business purposes. You’ll need to determine your deduction based on the size of your office compared to your home. Common deductions include a portion of rent or mortgage interest, utilities, and internet costs. Keep detailed records to support your claims during tax filings. How Can I Minimize Taxes When Selling My Business? To minimize taxes when selling your business, consider structuring the sale as an asset sale instead of a stock sale, as this can provide tax benefits. You should additionally explore tax credits and deductions available for business sales. Consulting a tax professional can help you identify opportunities to defer taxes, such as using a 1031 exchange. Finally, keep detailed records to guarantee you maximize deductions during the sale process. What Records Should I Keep for Tax Purposes? You should keep various records for tax purposes, including income statements, expense receipts, and payroll documents. Maintain bank statements and invoices to support your claims. It’s crucial to document any asset purchases or sales, along with associated depreciation schedules. If you have business-related tax deductions, retain relevant proof, like vehicle mileage logs and home office expenses. Store these records for at least three to seven years, depending on your situation, to guarantee compliance. Conclusion By implementing these seven tax planning strategies, you can considerably improve your financial efficiency as a small business owner. Each tactic, from expensing equipment to leveraging retirement contributions, offers unique benefits that can reduce your tax liability. Regularly consulting with a tax advisor will guarantee that you’re making informed decisions customized to your specific circumstances, ultimately optimizing your tax situation. Staying proactive in your tax planning can lead to substantial savings and improve the longevity of your business. Image via Google Gemini This article, "7 Essential Tax Planning Strategies for Small Business Owners" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

As a small business owner, comprehending tax planning strategies is essential for optimizing your financial outcomes. You can benefit from fully expensing equipment, leveraging deductions for R&D, and utilizing pass-through entities. Furthermore, prepaying expenses and deferring revenue can greatly impact your tax burden. You might likewise consider gifting shares to reduce estate taxes and regularly evaluating retirement contributions. These strategies can be customized to your unique situation, leading to potential savings. Discover how to implement these approaches effectively. Key Takeaways Utilize full expensing of equipment starting in 2025 to maximize deductions and reduce taxable income. Take advantage of the 20% Qualified Business Income deduction available to pass-through entities like S corporations. Implement proactive revenue deferral techniques to manage tax burdens, especially near fiscal year-end. Consider early gifting strategies to leverage high gift tax exemptions before potential limitations in 2026. Regularly assess retirement savings plans to optimize tax advantages and lower overall taxable income. Consider New Business Expense Deductions As a small business owner, comprehension of the evolving terrain of business expense deductions can greatly impact your bottom line. Starting in 2025, you can fully expense equipment acquired or placed in service, increasing your deduction from 60% in 2024 to 100%. This means you could greatly reduce your taxable income. Moreover, if you’re constructing new factories or manufacturing structures between January 2025 and the end of 2028, full deductions are available for those costs as well. You should also know that domestic R&D expenses incurred starting in 2025 are immediately deductible, with retroactive expensing for costs back to 2022. In addition, the liberalized interest deduction rules allow you to use earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) for calculations. These changes emphasize the significance of proactive tax planning for small business owners, so consulting a tax advisor is vital to navigate these opportunities effectively. Defer Revenue Recognition and Accelerate Expenses When managing your small business’s finances, you might find it beneficial to defer revenue recognition and accelerate expenses. By postponing revenue to the next tax year, you can reduce your current tax burden, especially if you expect higher profits later. Similarly, prepaying certain expenses can allow you to take deductions this year, improving your overall tax efficiency and supporting better cash flow management. Revenue Deferral Techniques Employing revenue deferral techniques can greatly impact your small business’s tax strategy, especially as the end of the fiscal year approaches. By deferring revenue recognition to the following year, you can lower your taxable income in the current year, which is particularly beneficial if you anticipate high profits. Furthermore, consider accelerating expenses by prepaying costs for the upcoming year to maximize your deductions, keeping in mind any limitations. If you expect lower profits this year, accelerate cash collections before year-end to improve revenue recognition. Delaying expense payments until after the new year can likewise help you take advantage of lower marginal tax rates, boosting your overall tax efficiency. These tax strategies for business owners can considerably improve your financial outcomes. Expense Acceleration Strategies Expense acceleration strategies can play an essential role in optimizing your tax position as a small business owner. Implementing these business tax planning strategies can help you minimize taxable income effectively. Consider the following approaches: Defer Revenue: Delay recognizing revenue until next year if you expect higher profits, allowing you to pay taxes later. Prepay Expenses: Accelerate expenses by prepaying costs for the upcoming year to increase current deductions, subject to limitations. Collect Cash Early: If profits are anticipated to be lower, collect cash before year-end to maximize tax benefits. Delay Payments: Postpone payments for expenses until after year-end to potentially benefit from lower tax rates next year. Make Family Gifts for Tax Benefits Making family gifts can be a strategic approach for small business owners looking to maximize tax benefits during transferring wealth to their loved ones. With high gift and estate tax exemptions rising to $15 million for individuals and $30 million for couples in 2026, now is the time to act. Gifting shares when the business value is low can minimize estate tax implications, whereas non-voting shares allow you to retain control. Here’s a breakdown of key considerations for tax planning for business owners: Strategy Benefits High Gift Exemptions Transfer significant wealth tax-free Low Business Value Gifting Reduce taxable estate value Non-Voting Shares Maintain control over your business Early Gifting Before 2026 Maximize deductions before limitations Consulting a tax advisor guarantees you navigate these intricacies effectively, optimizing benefits for both you and your beneficiaries. Determine Eligibility for Different Tax Treatments When you’re evaluating your small business’s tax strategy, comprehending your eligibility for different tax treatments is essential. Pass-through entities like S corporations can take advantage of significant benefits, such as the 20% Qualified Business Income deduction, which can reduce your taxable income. Furthermore, if you’re structured as a C corporation, knowing about the expanded capital gains exclusions can help you maximize your financial benefits when you decide to sell stock after five years. Pass-Through Entity Benefits Comprehending the benefits of pass-through entities is crucial for small business owners looking to optimize their tax strategies. These entities, like S corporations and partnerships, enable you to report business income on your personal tax return, avoiding double taxation. Here are key advantages of pass-through entities: They may qualify you for a 20% deduction on qualified business income (QBI), reducing your taxable income. You can elect to pay tax at the entity level, offering potential tax deductions. You can offset losses against other income, enhancing flexibility in managing tax liabilities. Eligibility for the QBI deduction depends on your total taxable income, especially for service businesses. Understanding these factors can help you leverage pass-through entities effectively in your small business tax strategies. Qualified Business Income Deduction The Qualified Business Income (QBI) deduction is a valuable tax benefit that can greatly reduce your taxable income if you’re a small business owner operating as a pass-through entity. You can deduct up to 20% of your qualified business income, but eligibility depends on several factors. Your business must be a pass-through entity, like a sole proprietorship or partnership, and must engage in qualified trade or business activities. Be aware that certain service businesses may face limitations if your taxable income exceeds $170,050 for singles or $340,100 for joint filers in 2023. Proper record-keeping is crucial for determining your eligibility. Effective tax planning for corporations can help you navigate these rules and maximize your QBI deduction. Capital Gains Exclusions Grasping capital gains exclusions is essential for small business owners looking to optimize their tax liabilities. To determine eligibility for different tax treatments, consider the following: Qualified Small Business Stock (QSBS): You may exclude up to $10 million in capital gains if held for over five years. Eligibility Criteria: Verify your company is a domestic C corporation with gross assets under $50 million and actively engaged in business. Increased Exclusion Limits: Recent changes allow for a potential $15 million exclusion for stock held over five years. Aggregation Rule: Remember to aggregate gains from multiple QSBS investments to stay within the exclusion limits. Understanding these factors will greatly help you learn how to reduce tax liability effectively. Create a Smart Tax Payment Plan Creating a smart tax payment plan is essential for small business owners who want to manage their finances effectively throughout the year. Start by conducting an early assessment of your business outlook for the tax year; this helps improve cash flow management and anticipate your tax obligations. Set aside funds or establish a line of credit to guarantee you meet IRS payment deadlines, avoiding liquidity issues from unexpected expenses. Regularly consult with tax advisors to adjust your estimated tax payments based on last year’s performance, allowing for potential reductions in leaner years. Implement strategies like prepaying expenses to increase current-year deductions or postponing invoicing until the next tax year, if feasible. Finally, keep track of your estimated tax payments to confirm they align with projected income, mitigating penalties for underpayment or late filings. These tips for small business taxes can greatly improve your financial management and compliance. Explore Pass-Through Entity Status Comprehending the benefits of pass-through entity status can greatly impact your small business’s tax strategy. By choosing a pass-through entity (PTE), such as an S corporation or LLC, you can effectively decrease tax liability. Here are key benefits to evaluate: Avoid Double Taxation: Income is reported on your personal tax return, eliminating corporate-level taxes. Qualified Business Income Deduction: You may qualify for a 20% deduction on your business income, enhancing your tax savings. Entity-Level Tax Options: PTEs can elect to pay taxes at the entity level, allowing for potential deductions that lower overall tax liability. Expanded QSBS Benefits: Holding Qualified Small Business Stock can increase your capital gains exclusion from $10 million to $15 million, maximizing tax advantages. Regularly reassessing your PTE status guarantees you’re optimizing these benefits as your income grows. Establish or Contribute to a Retirement Savings Plan When you establish or contribute to a retirement savings plan, you’re not just securing your future; you’re also creating valuable tax advantages for your business. Plans like a SIMPLE IRA or SEP IRA allow you to make tax-deductible contributions, greatly lowering your taxable income. In 2023, you can contribute up to $15,500 to a SIMPLE IRA, with an extra $3,500 if you’re 50 or older. If you choose a 401(k) plan, you can contribute even more—up to $22,500, plus a $7,500 catch-up contribution for those aged 50 and over. Moreover, initiating certain retirement plans may qualify your business for a tax credit of up to $5,000 to cover startup costs. Frequently Asked Questions How Do State Taxes Affect My Overall Tax Planning Strategy? State taxes greatly influence your overall tax planning strategy. Each state has different tax rates, rules, and deductions, which can affect your business’s profitability. You need to take into account how state taxes interact with federal taxes to avoid unexpected liabilities. Furthermore, comprehending your state’s tax incentives can help you minimize tax burdens. What Are the Tax Implications of Hiring Independent Contractors vs. Employees? When you hire independent contractors, you typically don’t withhold taxes, which can lower your payroll burden. Nonetheless, you’ll need to issue Form 1099 for payments over $600. On the other hand, hiring employees means you’re responsible for withholding income and payroll taxes, contributing to Social Security and Medicare, and providing benefits. These obligations can increase your costs but may offer more control over work quality and consistency. Comprehending these differences is essential for effective financial planning. Can I Deduct Home Office Expenses if I Work Remotely? Yes, you can typically deduct home office expenses if you work remotely, but specific conditions apply. The space must be used regularly and exclusively for business purposes. You’ll need to determine your deduction based on the size of your office compared to your home. Common deductions include a portion of rent or mortgage interest, utilities, and internet costs. Keep detailed records to support your claims during tax filings. How Can I Minimize Taxes When Selling My Business? To minimize taxes when selling your business, consider structuring the sale as an asset sale instead of a stock sale, as this can provide tax benefits. You should additionally explore tax credits and deductions available for business sales. Consulting a tax professional can help you identify opportunities to defer taxes, such as using a 1031 exchange. Finally, keep detailed records to guarantee you maximize deductions during the sale process. What Records Should I Keep for Tax Purposes? You should keep various records for tax purposes, including income statements, expense receipts, and payroll documents. Maintain bank statements and invoices to support your claims. It’s crucial to document any asset purchases or sales, along with associated depreciation schedules. If you have business-related tax deductions, retain relevant proof, like vehicle mileage logs and home office expenses. Store these records for at least three to seven years, depending on your situation, to guarantee compliance. Conclusion By implementing these seven tax planning strategies, you can considerably improve your financial efficiency as a small business owner. Each tactic, from expensing equipment to leveraging retirement contributions, offers unique benefits that can reduce your tax liability. Regularly consulting with a tax advisor will guarantee that you’re making informed decisions customized to your specific circumstances, ultimately optimizing your tax situation. Staying proactive in your tax planning can lead to substantial savings and improve the longevity of your business. Image via Google Gemini This article, "7 Essential Tax Planning Strategies for Small Business Owners" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

There’s an old joke among economists that goes like this: “You can see the computer age everywhere but in the productivity statistics.” I didn’t say it was a funny joke. But when labor economist Robert Solow originally wrote those words in 1987, they were certainly true. Personal computers, corporate mainframes, and the first vestiges of the modern internet were all anyone could talk about. Yet productivity wasn’t budging. These whizzy technologies, in short, weren’t earning anyone any money. The phenomenon became known as Solow’s Paradox. Of course, we all know how that story ended. By the mid-1990s, productivity was on a tear, and tech was making lots of people fabulously wealthy. And (despite a subsequent crash and recovery), tech is now the linchpin of the modern economy. Today, AI is following a similar path. And new data suggests that a similarly massive productivity–and wealth–tipping point may be just around the corner. Old paradoxes Since generative AI surged into mainstream usage with the launch of ChatGPT in 2022, it has largely followed the same path that computers did in their infancy. The world can’t stop talking about LLMs and AGI. Yet as late as last year, even the buzziest of AI companies earned shockingly little. OpenAI, for example, had annualized revenue of around $20 billion as of the end of last year. For comparison, the pest control industry is about the same size, and the pizza industry is about two times bigger. The chasm between excitement and actual economic impact shows up in bigger datasets, too. A massive study published in February asked 6,000 business leaders how AI was impacting their operations. The answer? Not at all. While 63% of business leaders say they’ve adopted AI, 90% found it had no impact on their firm’s employment or productivity. Official stats tell largely the same story. A study from the Federal Reserve Bank of Saint Louis found that generative AI led to a 5.4% improvement in worker productivity–hardly the massive, workforce-wide gains baked into AI companies’ insane valuations. Solow’s old paradox, it would seem, is back. Real impact New data suggests, though, that that may be changing. It’s still early days. But a slew of new earnings reports and recent studies hint that AI may finally be starting to find its economic groove. Alphabet (Google’s parent company)’s Q1 earnings provide the strongest evidence for a coming AI productivity boost. The company says that AI increased its core Search revenue by 19% and boosted Google Cloud revenue by 63%. Even more tellingly, Alphabet said that AI enterprise tech was driving the majority of Google Cloud’s gains, and that AI-driven revenue from big clients was up 800% in the last year. Likewise, Microsoft is seeing huge revenue from AI adoption start to pour in. In its latest earnings report, the company said its AI business was earning revenue at an annual run rate of $37 billion. Again, enterprise adoption drove much of those gains. Salesforce, ServiceNow and Databricks–three comparatively smaller AI companies–also said that enterprise AI is starting to earn them serious money. Taking a broader perspective, Deloitte looked across multiple industries last year, and found that generative AI is finally starting to show real impacts. Most companies that have adopted AI are seeing ROI from it, Deloitte says, and almost a quarter of companies are seeing gains of 30% or more. Generative AI, in short, is fast becoming something that companies use as part of their core business–not something they begrudgingly adopt to avoid seeming like Luddites. Hockeystick time? So what happens next? If the original Solow’s Paradox is any guide, the answer is: “quite a lot.” Even by the early 1990s–years after Solow coined his paradox–computers and the Internet still hadn’t impacted productivity much. Then, all of a sudden, productivity growth exploded. By the late 1990s and early 2000s, productivity growth had roughly doubled, with computer tech driving most of that gain. The hockeystick-like growth of both productivity and the valuations of big tech firms (again, once the dust of the dot-com bust had settled) remade the economy. Looking back years later, the New York Fed called it a “productivity revival.” In 1987, computers seemed like a bust. Today, it’s impossible to imagine a world without them. Despite its slow start, AI may yet cause the same hockeystick-like growth, and defy today’s gloomy predictions. Again, the past may be instructive; most economists now believe that computers began driving real growth only when companies learned how to use them properly, building the kinds of infrastructure and processes that let them squeeze real value from the tech. The enterprise AI revenue growth reported by Alphabet, Microsoft, and the like suggest AI may be in a similar moment of real adoption. Initially blindsided by generative AI–then dazzled by it–big companies now seem to be settling down to the tough, expensive, fruitful process of figuring out how to actually put it to use. That will take time. But when the first Solow’s Paradox showed up in the stats, its ultimate resolution radically changed the economy and the world. It could well be about to happen again. View the full article

The four major underwriters had an increase in first quarter open orders versus the end of 2025 in spite of data showing the number of units produced declined. View the full article