All Activity

For the first time since early September 2022, the Freddie Mac Primary Mortgage Market Survey has the 30-year below 6%, but the 15-year gained this week. View the full article

The President and Witkoff expect weaker parties to cave — but unlike in real estate, ideology and national pride matterView the full article

We may earn a commission from links on this page. If you follow tech news, you're likely familiar with Apple's two big events each year: WWDC in June, where the company reveals new OS updates (like iOS 26), and its fall event, where it typically announces the latest round of iPhones. But while these are Apple's best known events, they're not the only ones. The company does mix things up, hosting mid-year keynotes every now and then to announce new products, especially when those products aren't the latest flagship iPhones. The March event is just the latest such example. Apple will be hosting this special event Wednesday, March 4, live from New York City. While we won't know exactly what the company has in store until they make their announcements, there are plenty of rumors from leakers who seem quite confident in their reporting. Here are the six products we expect to see during Apple March event: Apple will replace the iPhone 16e with the new iPhone 17eThe iPhone 16e is Apple's option for customers looking for the essential iPhone experience, without spending close to $1,000 to get it. The iPhone 17e will likely continue that mantle, with some small upgrades to separate it from its predecessor. The display likely won't be among them, though. Rumors suggest Apple will keep the same 6.1-inch display with the lower 60Hz refresh rate. And despite having an OLED panel, the 17e will likely not have an Always-On display. Again, Apple cuts corners with the "e" series to bring the cost down. Apple could, however, upgrade the camera notch for the 17e, adding the Dynamic Island from its recent flagship iPhones. The biggest upgrade for the 17e will likely be the A19 chip, the same SoC Apple put in the iPhone 17 series. That's the benefit here: You get the power of the iPhone 17 without paying the iPhone 17 MSRP. I expect Apple will keep the $599 price tag from the 16e here, which means you save $200 by not opting for the iPhone 17. Apple will reveal the A18 iPad and M4 iPad AirRumors suggest Apple will also refresh its base model iPad, as well as its iPad Air. You wouldn't know it from the design, however, as leakers expect both iPads to look identical to the current models. That's not necessarily a bad thing, though: Apple's recent iPad designs look modern, with large edge-to-edge displays and thin bezels. If Apple shrunk the bezels any further, there wouldn't be much room to hold onto the iPad without accidentally touching the screen. The advantage with these new iPads is in power: The base iPad will upgrade from the A16 chip to the A18, the same chip found in the iPhone 16 series. That should offer some good performance, especially for the price, if Apple keeps things starting at $349. On the flip side, the iPad Air will likely move from the M3 to the M4. M4 is more powerful than M3, but it's not necessarily a reason to upgrade from the current Air to the new one. Still, it could be a good option for anyone upgrading from an older iPad Air—though iPadOS isn't the most demanding software. We're about to get our first look at Apple's "cheap" MacBookApple's MacBook Air is a great value at $999, and an even better one when you get it on sale. But the company seems poised to reveal an even better-value laptop. The company will announce a new MacBook—likely just called "MacBook"—that will start at just $599. To drive down the cost, the company is rumored to be using an A-series chip from its iPhone line, rather than its M-series chips that power all of Apple's modern Macs—possibly the A18 Pro. This laptop may also have a smaller 12.9-inch display compared to the Air's 13.6-inch screen, with 8GB of RAM and a 256GB SSD. That's not much RAM by today's standards, as Apple's MacBooks all ship with 16GB by default, but it might make sense for users who want a better price and don't mind the cut in performance. To win even more customers over, Apple may introduce new colors for this MacBook line, including light yellow, light green, blue, and pink. Apple's MacBooks don't typically come in fun colors, so this could add some novelty to push buyers to pick them up. That certainly has my attention: I usually only spring for the MacBook Pros, but if I could get a MacBook in light blue to match my iMac, I'd consider it. Apple MacBook M4 Chip 256GB SSD 16GB RAM 13.6" Laptop $899.00 at Amazon $999.00 Save $100.00 Shop Now Shop Now $899.00 at Amazon $999.00 Save $100.00 Expect to see the M5 MacBook AirApple will likely take this opportunity to introduce the M5 MacBook Air. This won't be an exciting update: Aside from the bump from the M4 to the M5 chip, the computer should essentially be the same. It'll still come in both 13 and 15-inch options, with the same overall design. However, new buyers will probably notice the boost in graphics and NPU performance, even compared to the M4. CPU performance is also improved, though it's not quite so sharp. Still, the M5 Air may just be the best overall MacBook package, for anyone looking for the best balance of power and price. Apple will introduce M5 Pro and M5 Max with new MacBook ProsBut for anyone looking for the most powerful MacBooks, no matter the price, Apple's new M5 Pro and M5 Max MacBooks should do it. These will follow the M5 MacBook Pro, and while we don't know the exact performance gains yet, expect these to be Apple's most powerful chips yet. Like some of Apple's other upgrades this year, the rumors don't suggest any design changes here, so the overall laptops should look and feel about the same—minus the boost in performance. View the full article

A reader writes: I oversee a public-facing department at a nonprofit. One of our long-time program managers is an oversharer. This includes on social media, where she has in the recent past criticized two of our sponsors in long Facebook posts, which included phrases like “Corporation X needs to get their crap together.” These were criticisms based on her personal experiences, not related to work (think complaining about the customer service at Corp X when she was shopping there). Yesterday, she followed up with more complaining during a program meeting that included clients. I know she is connected to many of our volunteers and clients, as well as colleagues, on social media. She has also talks about promoting the program she manages on her personal accounts, so it’s clear to anyone following her that she is an employee. Our organization does not have any policies about social media use. Can I tell her to stop with the negative posts about sponsors and then hold her accountable, given her public-facing role? Should we instead create a policy about social media use that would ensure everyone in the company is getting the same message/equal treatment? I answer this question — and two others — over at Inc. today, where I’m revisiting letters that have been buried in the archives here from years ago (and sometimes updating/expanding my answers to them). You can read it here. Other questions I’m answering there today include: I don’t want to keep meeting with my business mentor Can I brush my teeth at work? The post our employee is criticizing our sponsors on social media appeared first on Ask a Manager. View the full article

ChatGPT’s emerging ad ecosystem is gaining momentum, according to new monitoring from AI ad intelligence firm Adthena — with more brands appearing, clearer trigger patterns, and evolving ad placements. What’s happening. After initially identifying the first advertisers inside ChatGPT last week, Adthena now reports a noticeable ramp-up in advertiser participation and ad delivery behavior. Advertisers spotted so far: Best Buy AT&T Pottery Barn Enterprise Qualcomm Expedia How ads are triggering. Based on a sample of 1,500+ prompts analyzed over the past week: Most ads appear on the first prompt. Some only trigger on the third or fourth repetition of the same query. High-intent modifiers like “best” and “new” appear to carry significant weight. Example prompts include: “I am going to buy a new phone. What is the best phone?” “I need a new phone.” “I need to buy a new desk, what’s best?” Between the lines. The keyword triggers appear relatively simple — focused on strong commercial intent rather than nuanced emotional language. In one notable example, Best Buy secured two ad placements in a single response for iPhone-related queries, signaling early experimentation with positioning and share of voice. Why we care. As ChatGPT advertising scales, understanding trigger behavior — even at a basic keyword level — will be critical for brands testing this new channel. The bottom line. ChatGPT ads are moving from pilot to pattern. The signals may be simple for now — but the competitive dynamics are already taking shape. Spotted. The results of the competing ChatGPT ads were shares by Adthena CMO Ashley Fletcher who shared screenshots on LinkedIn. View the full article

Etsy has made headlines with its announcement that eBay will acquire its fashion resale marketplace, Depop, for approximately $1.2 billion. This move is set to enhance eBay’s consumer-to-consumer (C2C) capabilities, particularly within the lucrative and ever-evolving fashion industry, while allowing Etsy to concentrate on its core marketplace operations. Etsy’s decision to divest from Depop aligns with its intent to drive sustainable growth within its primary platform. The evolving landscape of online commerce presents opportunities for small business owners, especially those who prioritize niche markets and sustainability. eBay’s acquisition of Depop signifies a strategic shift in the resale market, projected to deepen eBay’s engagement with younger consumers, particularly Gen Z and Millennials. Depop has cultivated an active community, with approximately 7 million active buyers—90% of whom are under the age of 34—and over 3 million active sellers. The platform recorded around $1 billion in gross merchandise sales in 2025, showcasing a vigorous year-over-year growth rate of nearly 60% in the U.S. Jamie Ianonne, CEO of eBay, commented, “A key C2C driver, fashion represents more than $10 billion in annual gross merchandise volume for eBay… This acquisition presents an opportunity to advance one of our newest and fastest-growing Focus Categories.” The strategic goal here is clear: to position eBay as a leader in the fashion resale market while enhancing the range of offerings to young, eco-conscious consumers. For small business owners, particularly those operating within the fashion space, this acquisition opens several avenues for growth. The partnership will leverage eBay’s extensive infrastructure, financial services, and shipping solutions. Such capabilities can significantly enhance the selling experience for small entrepreneurs and provide them with tools to better navigate the complexities of e-commerce. Kruti Patel Goyal, CEO of Etsy, expressed enthusiasm about Etsy’s renewed focus: “We believe this transaction is a great outcome for Etsy’s shareholders, and a positive next step for all involved.” Etsy plans to use the proceeds from the sale for various corporate purposes, including share repurchases and investments geared toward enhancing its primary marketplace. This renewed emphasis on its own platform could foster innovation that benefits the independent sellers that Etsy is known for. However, small business owners should also consider potential challenges stemming from this transition. As eBay integrates Depop into its ecosystem, there could be shifts in seller fees, platform policies, and community dynamics. Entrepreneurs relying on Depop as their primary selling channel may experience disruptions, which could necessitate adjustments in their operational strategies. Furthermore, eBay will likely introduce additional features aimed at enhancing the buying and selling experience on Depop. This could create a competitive edge but might also lead to an influx of sellers into the marketplace. Small business owners will have to stay agile and responsive to changing dynamics if they want to stand out in a more crowded field. Peter Semple, CEO of Depop, stated, “This transaction is a testament to the significant growth we have delivered… We’re very grateful to Kruti and the Etsy team for their partnership.” This sentiment reflects the potential for sustained growth, even as existing players consolidate their positions in the market. The transaction is expected to close in the second quarter of 2026, pending regulatory approvals. This timeline gives small business owners several months to assess the implications of these changes, adapt their strategies, and engage with both marketplaces as they evolve. With eBay’s historical emphasis on C2C sales and now with the integration of Depop, small business entrepreneurs must pay attention to how this acquisition reshapes the competitive landscape of online fashion retail. Enhanced tools and services could create new opportunities, but maintaining market relevance will require adaptability and innovation. For further details, you can read the full press release from Etsy here. Image via Google Gemini This article, "eBay Acquires Depop to Capture Growing Youth Fashion Marketplace" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Court found that Indian tycoon had devised ‘fraud on a grand scale’ against commodities traderView the full article

We may earn a commission from links on this page. Deal pricing and availability subject to change after time of publication. Open ear design headphones are picking up steam, possibly because ANC technology has become so good that people are forgetting what the sound of birds singing sounds like (or is that just me?). Nothing is a newer brand that has started off well, making good value products with great features that are very competitive with more well-known brands. The Nothing Ear (Open) is their first open ear design earbuds from 2024, and it's currently $99 ($149) for Prime Members, the lowest price it has been, according to price tracking tools. Nothing Ear (Open) $99.00 at Amazon $149.00 Save $50.00 Get Deal Get Deal $99.00 at Amazon $149.00 Save $50.00 The Nothing brand offers many features on their products that you usually see on higher-end products. The Nothing Ear (Open) are no exception. These earbuds come with multipoint connection, so you can hook it up to your phone and laptop simultaneously. There's also a "Find My Earbud" feature that plays a loud sound on the earbuds so you can find them (different and not compatible with Apple's Find My). There's also a low-lag mode with 120 milliseconds of latency for gaming, so the audio will be in sync with your actions. If you use a supported Nothing phone, this feature is automatic, and there's also a ChatGPT integration that you can access directly through the earbuds. The battery lasts eight hours, and the case offers an extra 30 hours of juice with a 10-minute wired charge, giving you two hours of listening time. The Nothing Ear (Open) comes with a microphone AI technology that reduces environmental noise so you can be heard better. The companion app also has an advanced EQ feature that lets you tweak your sound. The sound is impressive for the open ear design—just don't expect powerful bass, according to PCMag's "excellent" review (this is the case for all open ear designs, though). Our Best Editor-Vetted Tech Deals Right Now Apple AirPods 4 Active Noise Cancelling Wireless Earbuds — $139.99 (List Price $179.00) Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra 6.9" 512GB Privacy Display Smartphone + $200 Gift Card — $1,299.99 (List Price $1,699.99) Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 (2026) AI True Wireless Bluetooth Earbuds + Gift Card, Noise Cancelling, Hi-Res Audio, 1-Way Speaker, New Fit, IP54, Live Translation, Black [US Version, 2 Yr Warranty] — $179.99 (List Price $199.99) Google Pixel 10a 128GB 6.3" Unlocked Smartphone + $100 Gift Card — $499.00 (List Price $599.00) Apple iPad 11" 128GB A16 WiFi Tablet (Blue, 2025) — $329.00 (List Price $349.00) Apple Watch Series 11 [GPS 46mm] Smartwatch with Jet Black Aluminum Case with Black Sport Band - M/L. Sleep Score, Fitness Tracker, Health Monitoring, Always-On Display, Water Resistant — $329.00 (List Price $429.00) Amazon Fire TV Soundbar — $99.99 (List Price $119.99) Deals are selected by our commerce team View the full article

If you head to Tools → Planning in Google Ads, chances are you’re clicking into Keyword Planner. Most advertisers stop there. But two other planners sit in the same menu — often overlooked — that can directly influence how you forecast budgets, model performance shifts, and scale campaigns. Performance Planner and Reach Planner offer deeper insight into how spend changes affect your key metrics across channels. Here’s a practical breakdown of how each tool works and when to use them to forecast growth more accurately. Why Performance Planner matters for scaling search and display Performance Planner helps you model how metrics could change if you adjust ad spend across Search or Display. Instead of reacting to performance, you can forecast how budget shifts may influence conversions, CPA, and overall spend before you make changes. Performance Planner can be especially useful if you’re looking to forecast data or scale an account. It provides projections for existing campaigns based on prospective budget changes. These forecasts are typically refreshed daily and are based on the last 7-10 days of data. A more recent addition to the Performance Planner home screen is Suggested plans. Google indicates the potential impact of raising specific budgets or bids without requiring you to build a full plan. How to create a new performance plan To create a new plan, click Create new plan at the bottom of the page. From there, a pop-up screen allows you to set the timeframe, dates, and channel. If multiple channels are represented in your account, you’ll see more than one option. You can also select key metrics, including specific conversion goals, as well as a CPA, conversion, or ad spend target. Finally, choose the campaigns you want included in the plan. Only eligible campaigns will appear. Google may propose a $0 budget for certain campaigns if it determines they aren’t efficient enough to justify continued spend. Before building a plan, it’s important to understand which campaigns qualify. Campaign eligibility and limitations to know Eligibility criteria vary based on the channel a campaign runs on. Here are some of the requirements for Search and Shopping campaigns. Search campaigns Bid strategy: Uses manual cost-per-click (CPC), enhanced CPC, max clicks, max conversions, max conversion value, target return on ad spend (ROAS), target cost-per-action (CPA) bidding strategies, or target impression share bidding strategies. Have not changed bid strategies in the last 7 days. Run time: Have been running for at least 72 hours. Recent clicks: Have received at least 3 clicks in the last 7 days. Conversion minimum: Have received at least 3 conversions in the last 7 days. Budget: Have a Search lost IS (budget) of less than 5% over the last 10 days (target impression share campaigns only). Shopping campaigns (Standard) Bid strategy: Campaign isn’t part of a portfolio bid strategy. Run time: Have been active each day with a minimum spend of $10 USD or more in the last 10 days. Impression minimum: Have received at least 100 impressions in the last 7 days. Conversion minimum: Have received at least 10 conversions and/or conversion values in the last 10 days. Budget: Campaign doesn’t have a status of “Limited by Budget.” Target ROAS standard shopping campaigns (only) have a Search lost IS (budget) of less than 5% over the last 10 days. A campaign with a shared budget is eligible only if all campaigns in the shared budget use a single Merchant Center account. This is an example of what a Performance Planner plan looks like. Performance Planner is especially effective for advertisers with existing campaigns who want KPI projections. If you’d like to learn more, visit Google’s support documentation. Get the newsletter search marketers rely on. See terms. Why Reach Planner is different from Performance Planner As a complement to Performance Planner, Reach Planner is designed to estimate reach, views, and conversions across video campaigns. It’s updated weekly based on “Google’s Unique Reach Methodology.” This means Google uses modeled third-party data to estimate the potential reach and scale of video campaigns. Reach Planner is useful for account managers forecasting how a video campaign may perform at scale. It projects three primary metrics: unique reach, views, and conversions. These forecasts can help determine how to allocate YouTube ad spend across campaigns. Reach Planner also provides detailed reach, demographic, and device insights when planning new video initiatives. Your customers search everywhere. Make sure your brand shows up. The SEO toolkit you know, plus the AI visibility data you need. Start Free Trial Get started with How to build a Reach Planner forecast As with the other planners, you’ll find Reach Planner under Tools → Planning. If you’re unable to access it, you may need to contact your Google account manager. When creating a new campaign plan, you’ll be asked to select your location, currency, and whether you want to build a plan for YouTube or YouTube and Linear TV. Next, select your dates, demographics, sublocations, audiences, devices, and frequency caps. You can choose In-Market, Affinity, Remarketing, Custom, and Lookalike segments while building your plan. The next step is selecting the type of YouTube campaign you want to include. A newer Reach Planner feature provides forecasts for a mix of video campaign types, called advanced plans. This is an example of what a completed plan may look like after selections are made: Reach Planner is extremely useful and often underutilized when planning current or future video ad spend. If you’re interested in learning more, you can complete the Reach Planner learning modules on Skillshop. When to use each planner in your workflow The Performance Planner and Reach Planner are powerful, often underutilized tools in Google Ads for account managers managing budgets and scaling performance. Performance Planner forecasts the impact of budget changes across Search and Display, while Reach Planner provides audience and performance projections for YouTube video campaigns. Used together, they help advertisers move beyond basic keyword planning and make more data-driven decisions about budget allocation and growth. 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. Anthropic’s stance on autonomous weapons may not survive the future Much of the AI world is watching closely as Anthropic tangles with the Pentagon over how the government can use the Claude models. Anthropic has a $200 million contract with the Pentagon, but the contract says the military can’t use the AI company’s models as the brains for autonomous weapons or for mass surveillance of Americans. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth insists, after the fact, that the military should be able to use the Anthropic models for “all lawful purposes.” Hegseth summoned Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei to the Pentagon for a Tuesday morning meeting, in which he reportedly gave Anthropic until 5:01 p.m. Friday to comply with the Pentagon’s demand. If Anthropic fails to do so, Hegseth threatened to invoke the Defense Production Act to compel the AI company to supply its models with no guardrails. Hegseth also said the government would declare Anthropic models to be a “supply chain risk,” meaning that all government suppliers would be directed to avoid or discontinue use of Anthropic models. Amodei said in an interview after the Hegseth meeting that his company has no intention of complying with Hegseth’s demands. (He’s got a strong case: After all, government officials agreed to the terms.) Amodei explained that the military relies on human judgement to avoid violating people’s constitutional rights. If AI is making the decisions, there will be no human being to object. Amodei is right, and his company’s willingness to stand up for its values is laudable. The trouble is, we’re rapidly heading for a future where autonomous systems become the norm in warfare. For years, the defense establishment talked about keeping the “human in the loop” in AI weapons systems. Often that human is a government lawyer who can make calls on rules-of-engagement issues on the battlefield. Today the Pentagon is talking more about fully autonomous weapons that can manage more of the “kill chain,” or the series of communications and decisions around the destruction of a target. Military leaders often say that whoever can use technology to shorten the kill-chain will win wars. Things like electronic warfare (cyberwar), hypersonic missiles, and drone swarms are making war faster and response times shorter. This may eventually preclude the opportunity for human review and decision-making. —Increasingly, the U.S. military may be forced to take humans out of the loop in order to stay competitive with its adversaries. So the result of Anthropic’s standoff with the Pentagon may be that a safety-conscious AI lab is forced out, and a generally less scrupulous company like xAI is chosen as the alternative. The President rips off Mark Kelly’s idea for powering new data centers In his State of the Union address, Donald The President spent a few minutes on the subject of new data centers for AI, which has over the past few months become a hot button issue for voters. While the tech industry says it needs hundreds of new data centers to support all the AI it’s building, a growing number of voters now understands that the power grid improvements needed to power the data centers may increase their energy bills. “I have negotiated the new Ratepayer Protection Pledge,” The President crowed. “We’re telling the major tech companies that they have the obligation to provide for their own power needs.” Politicos might recognize that message, as it closely echoes what Arizona Senator Mark Kelly, a Democrat, has been saying for months now. Kelly’s “AI for America” plan would create an industry-financed “AI Horizon Fund” to pay for energy-grid upgrades and workforce reskilling. According to Kelly’s plan, Congress could require data center developers to buy or lease enough land to contain both their facilities and the renewable energy infrastructure to power and cool them. The data center operators could also be required to pay to connect the renewable sources to the local grid, should the power they generate go unutilized. The President’s idea is more of a suggestion. As of now it’s non-binding, just words. And there was no mention of how the tech companies would generate their own power. Elon Musk’s xAI, for example, brought its own power to its massive Colossus data center in Memphis. Unfortunately, they were dirty methane-powered turbines, and the facility quickly became one of the area’s biggest polluters. High numbers of young tech job seekers AI-cheated on skills tests Cheating on technical hiring assessments went through the roof in 2025, with fraud attempts more than doubling, according to new research from CodeSignal, which runs a developer-skills evaluation platform used in hiring software engineers. The research found that 35% of proctored assessments showed signs of cheating or fraud last year, up from just 16% in 2024. The biggest culprits? Plagiarism, having someone else take the test for you, and sneaking in AI tools that aren’t allowed. The jump was especially noticeable among entry-level candidates. Fraud rates for junior roles nearly tripled year over year—going from 15% to 40%—making early-career hiring a particularly vulnerable spot in the recruiting pipeline. In a press release accompanying the report, CodeSignal CEO and cofounder Tigran Sloyan partly blamed the normalization of AI tools, noting that 80% of Gen Z reportedly uses AI in daily life, which has made the line between acceptable help and outright cheating much blurrier. “Accessibility to AI also makes unauthorized assistance harder to detect and raises the stakes for maintaining fair and reliable skill evaluation,” he noted. CodeSignal’s detection systems—which combine AI analysis, human review, and digital monitoring—identified a few common patterns across flagged assessments. About 35% of candidates frequently looked off-screen, suggesting they were consulting outside resources during the test. Another 23% showed unusually linear typing patterns, where complex solutions just appeared with barely any pauses or debugging. And 15% had answers that looked a lot like known solutions or leaked content. (It’s worth noting that these numbers reflect attempts that were actually caught, not cases where someone successfully slipped through.) The data also surfaced some geographic and procedural gaps. Fraud attempt rates hit 48% in the Asia-Pacific region, compared to 27% in North America. Testing conditions made a big difference, too: Candidates in unproctored environments showed score jumps more than four times larger than those being actively monitored, which pretty clearly shows that proctoring works as a deterrent. As for how CodeSignal catches all this: the company says it’s spent a decade building out its fraud-prevention infrastructure, which it’s now applied across millions of assessments. It uses a proprietary “Suspicion Score” and leak-resistant test design to flag things like plagiarism, proxy test-taking, unauthorized AI use, and identity fraud. More AI coverage from Fast Company: Harvard study shows AI stock trading rivals many picks made by fund managers He built a hit podcast about the Epstein files. It’s entirely AI-generated What if the SaaSpocalypse is a myth? This AI note-taking startup thinks it’s building the ‘steering wheel’ for chatbots 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

Time capsules are designed to be resilient by nature. But no time capsule has survived as long as designers hope “America’s Time Capsule” will. The time capsule, designed for the semiquincentennial of the U.S. founding, is being created by America250, the nonpartisan, congressionally mandated group organizing commemorations for this year. The plan is to bury the time capsule underground in Philadelphia at Independence National Historical Park on July 4, and for it to be opened in another 250 years, in 2276. The problem is time capsules, which are typically buried underground, and exposed to the elements, don’t really last that long. “We’ve unburied some time capsules that are more than 200 years old and the contents haven’t fared well,” says Tony Medema, a special advisor and project manager for the time capsule, during a press conference Wednesday. When a time capsule is buried in a building cornerstone, or stored in a climate-controlled space as is the Bicentennial time capsule (it’s stored on a shelf in the National Archives), it’s easier to preserve whatever is inside. Outside, though, it’s exposed to the elements and could get wet and deteriorate. “The biggest risk to a time capsule is water,” says Jacob Ricker, an engineer for the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), a Commerce Department agency that standardizes weights and worked on the time capsule. The design team is taking several precautions to ensure the time capsule remains protected from water. They made the 36-inch-tall vessel tubular to reduce structural vulnerabilities. The capsule has three inner layers that lock in its contents and protect them from outside elements, followed by an outer stainless-steel finish that covers the entire time capsule. Inside, design decisions were both functional and organizational. A metal bell jar cover creates an air pocket. There are also stacks of interior shelves that will eventually house things like a flag, items from the 2026 Rose Parade, and submissions from all 50 states, five territories, and Washington, D.C. Paper documents—its most delicate contents—will be secured inside an inner chamber. Earlier plans for the time capsule imagined it embedded in a 46-foot-long sculpture of Benjamin Franklin’s 1754 “Join or Die” political cartoon showing a snake made up of pieces representing the then-British colonies. The sculpture is expected to be completed this fall. Organizers, however, determined that for longevity’s sake, it would be better to bury the time capsule underground. Independence National Historical Park is about 30 feet above sea level, so rising sea levels shouldn’t be a problem for 250 years, Ricker says, but the time capsule was also designed to withstand flooding. “Because we’re underground, we do get rain and things like that and it is possible that the burial area could get flooded with water. Our design is accounting for that,” he says. “So it shouldn’t see water, even if we get torrential rains or anything like that, which would flood the burial site. It should be 100% sealed just with that outer shell.” NIST scientists helped develop the time capsule alongside preservation experts at the Library of Congress and in coordination with the National Park Service, America250 says. A replica will be displayed at the White House Visitor Center, however, time to see the real thing is limited: the actual time capsule will be briefly displayed in early June in Philadelphia before it’s buried. View the full article

When Dr. Wendy Ross logged on for a Zoom meeting in early 2024, she wasn’t sure who to expect on the other side of the call. It was a digital writers’ room, Ross tells Fast Company, “and in the upper left-hand corner—I’ll never forget it—was Noah Wyle.” Ross, a developmental and behavioral pediatrician and the director of Jefferson Center for Autism & Neurodiversity in Philadelphia, had received a request to lend her expertise to the writers of a new medical series—but they told her only that it was set in an emergency room and would potentially feature an autistic doctor. “I had no idea what was going to happen, but I thought it sounded kind of cool,” she says. That show went on to become HBO’s hit drama The Pitt, which won three Emmy Awards and averaged 10 million viewers an episode in its first season. Wyle is an executive producer and a star of the show, making his return to medical dramas 30 years after his breakout role on ER. (Ross recalls that show airing at the same time she was first studying medicine: “In my fangirl world, we went to medical school together,” she says—though when meeting him over Zoom, she kept her cool.) From the get-go, Ross says, The Pitt’s writers “were very serious about not portraying a stereotypical situation” regarding autism. “That was in the original request that was posed to me,” she says. Her advice eventually helped shape fan-favorite character Dr. Mel King (played by Taylor Dearden), a bright-eyed resident new to the ER in the show’s first season. Mel exhibits many autistic-coded traits, like self-soothing, the occasional dropped social cue, and a knack for repetitive, focused tasks. But notably, she’s never confirmed on the show to be diagnosed as neurodivergent. Instead, viewers get to see many sides of Mel as the season unfolds: her compassion as she comforts a child losing her sister, her earnestness as she befriends her fellow doctors, her eccentricity as she calms herself by repeating Megan Thee Stallion lyrics like a mantra. The decision not to confirm a diagnosis onscreen was a recommendation from Ross. “I suggested that it not be clear whether or not this character knew she was on the spectrum, but that some of these characteristics unfold subtly and naturally, as they do in real life,” she says. Autistic women are often diagnosed later in life than autistic men; Ross even points out that many women don’t receive diagnoses themselves until their children are diagnosed, prompting them to recognize shared traits. Mel stands in for these women, whose autistic traits could pass for neurotypical if unexamined. “You see her sometimes do these quirky, unexpected, very enthusiastic things that are kind of subtle,” Ross says, “but for people who know, you know.” A difficult reality The year prior to being tapped by The Pitt’s writers’ room, Ross co-authored an article on the experiences of autistic doctors in the workplace in collaboration with Autistic Doctors International. “The data in that article was very disconcerting and, frankly, a little bit sad,” she says. Ross and her fellow researchers found that of the 225 autistic doctors surveyed, 77 percent had considered suicide, while 24% had attempted it. 80% of respondents said they’d worked with another doctor they suspected was autistic, but only 22% had worked with a doctor they knew was autistic. “There’s a lot of anxiety and depression related to being an autistic doctor,” Ross says. “Part of it is, it’s a ‘don’t ask, don’t tell’ kind of situation, because people are afraid of the stigma, and by the time they do disclose, they’ve had so many challenges that things quickly become a self-fulfilling prophecy.” Banishing stereotypical mythology Ross’ work with autistic doctors caught the attention of The Pitt‘s development team, who contacted her through the University of Southern California’s Hollywood, Health & Society program, a service that connects the entertainment industry with experts in medicine and safety. “I think that this is an extremely sincere group of people that is motivated by more than the popularity of a show, and I think that’s really special,” says Ross. Ross advised The Pitt to avoid overused tropes of autistic characters on television—particularly, what she calls the “stereotypical mythology” of autistic people being savants. “While there are some autistic savants, many autistic individuals have varying levels of cognitive abilities like the rest of us,” she says, noting that their actual “super strength” is in dealing with other neurodivergent individuals in stressful situations (like being in an emergency room). “It’s really important that we understand all kinds of minds, that we understand that everyone has strengths that they bring to the table,” Ross says. “They don’t have to be savants to provide added value.” Ross also recommended that The Pitt cast a neurodivergent actress in the role, which she says “lends a level of authenticity” to any portrayal of autism. The Pitt did so in casting Dearden, who shared that she has ADHD after the first season aired. Dearden, for her part, has shared the importance of bringing authenticity to her performance as Mel: “I’m really sick of what people usually do on TV,” she said in an interview with Variety. “I feel like every time it’s ever been portrayed, it’s usually complete robots or completely dysfunctional and can’t survive at all. It’s ridiculous.” The value of authentic representation Now airing its second season, The Pitt has garnered massive critical acclaim not only for its portrayal of Mel, but for tackling themes like gun violence, substance abuse, and burnout in the healthcare industry. Beyond its stellar cast and writing, Ross attributes the show’s success to its focus on empathy. “That’s a pervasive theme that expands well beyond the autistic characters,” she says. “This idea of having authentic representations of people, of accepting all kinds of people, and understanding that we all have strengths and challenges that we engage with is really critically important.” Ross hopes that on-screen portrayals like The Pitt’s can inspire the real-world healthcare industry to do better by neurodivergent folks—not only patients, but doctors and other healthcare professionals. She compares it to the implementation of ramps for wheelchair users: Though designed for the needs of a specific demographic, they improve the lives of all people with mobility issues. “The strategies that we deploy for this population are things that all of our patients and colleagues benefit from,” Ross says. “This kind of care is the kind that some people really have to have, but that all of us ultimately deserve.” View the full article

Look to history for some wisdom. By Sandi Leyva Go PRO for members-only access to more Sandi Smith Leyva. View the full article

Look to history for some wisdom. By Sandi Leyva Go PRO for members-only access to more Sandi Smith Leyva. View the full article

Online platform will be available in Singapore next season and could be rolled out to other overseas marketsView the full article

Today's Bissett Bullet: “Confirming the details of your meeting with a prospective client after a meeting is set up is not a formality.” 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: “Confirming the details of your meeting with a prospective client after a meeting is set up is not a formality.” By Martin Bissett See more Bissett Bullets here Go PRO for members-only access to more Martin Bissett. View the full article

Nasdaq falls 1.2% despite better than expected results from Nvidia on Wednesday View the full article

If you’re facing challenges securing equipment financing because of bad credit, you do have options. Alternative lenders, equipment leasing, and microloans can provide pathways to acquire necessary machinery. Each choice offers unique benefits and terms, customized to different business needs. By comprehending these options and crafting a solid business plan, you can improve your chances of approval. Let’s explore these financing avenues in detail and see how they might work for you. Key Takeaways Equipment Financing: Secure up to 100% funding with flexible eligibility, using financed equipment as collateral for bad credit applicants. Alternative Lenders: Explore faster approvals focused on cash flow and asset value, with options like National Funding and Triton Capital for low credit scores. Equipment Leasing: Consider leasing for lower monthly payments and minimal documentation, leading to quick approvals and accommodating bad credit situations. Microloans: Access up to $50,000 from nonprofit organizations, ideal for startups and small businesses with flexible repayment terms and lower interest rates. Merchant Cash Advances (MCAs): Obtain quick funding based on future credit card sales, with fast approval and funding, though typically at higher interest rates. Understanding Equipment Financing for Bad Credit Comprehending equipment financing for bad credit is crucial for businesses looking to acquire necessary machinery or vehicles when traditional funding options may be out of reach. Equipment financing bad credit allows you to secure up to 100% funding for new or used assets, even though your credit history isn’t stellar. The application process is straightforward, requiring only a one-page form and minimal documentation. You can expect approvals within 2-4 hours and funding in just 1-2 business days. Equipment loans for bad credit use the financed equipment as collateral, which makes it easier for lenders to offer flexible eligibility requirements. This means you can explore both leasing and purchasing arrangements with terms ranging from 24 to 72 months. Although some options like no credit check equipment financing exist, be cautious about their terms. Organizing your financial documents and presenting a solid business plan can greatly improve your chances of approval. Alternative Lenders to Consider When you’re exploring equipment financing options with bad credit, alternative lenders can be a great choice. Many online platforms offer faster approvals and flexible financing solutions that focus more on your cash flow and asset value rather than rigid credit scores. It’s crucial to compare lender terms, as some may provide unique repayment options that can align with your business’s financial situation. Online Lender Options Finding the right online lender for equipment financing can be crucial, especially for businesses facing credit challenges. Online lenders like National Funding and Triton Capital offer options for startup equipment financing bad credit, with minimum credit score requirements as low as 580. These lenders provide quick business loans with no credit checks, facilitating fast approvals and access to funds within 24 to 72 hours. For businesses of all sizes, eLease presents equipment leasing for business without maximum loan limits or minimum revenue requirements. JR Capital even caters to larger financing needs, offering loans up to $10 million with flexible repayment terms. This variety helps borrowers find suitable solutions in spite of their credit histories. Flexible Financing Solutions How can alternative lenders provide flexible financing solutions for your equipment needs? They often offer quick approvals and funding within 24 to 72 hours, which is ideal for businesses requiring immediate equipment. Many online lenders focus on your cash flow or asset value rather than traditional credit scores, making it easier to secure business loans no credit check no revenue. You can likewise explore options like rent to own skid steer no credit check, allowing for more accessible equipment acquisition. Additionally, alternative lenders can finance up to 100% of your equipment costs, enabling you to manage cash flow effectively. With repayment terms ranging from 12 to 84 months, you can choose a plan that suits your financial situation, even though you need to finance tractor bad credit. Comparing Lender Terms Several alternative lenders offer flexible financing options customized to meet your equipment needs, making it easier for businesses to secure funding. When considering options for skid steer financing for personal use, compare the following lender terms: National Funding: Up to $150,000 with a minimum credit score of 600 and funding in as fast as 24 hours. Triton Capital: Offers loans up to $250,000 for credit scores as low as 580, with approval in one to two business days. eLease: No maximum loan amount for applicants with a minimum credit score of 550, featuring repayment terms of 24 to 72 months. Equipment Leasing as a Viable Option If you’re facing challenges with bad credit, equipment leasing can be a smart choice for acquiring necessary machinery without hefty upfront costs. This option often features flexible qualification criteria, allowing you to secure equipment regardless of whether your credit isn’t perfect. Plus, with lower monthly payments and short-term commitments, leasing gives you the financial agility to manage your cash flow effectively during still getting the tools you need for your business. Flexible Qualification Criteria When considering equipment leasing as a viable option for your business, you’ll find that it typically requires less stringent credit checks compared to traditional financing methods, making it accessible even for those with bad credit. Here are a few key points about the flexible qualification criteria: Collateral Advantage: The equipment serves as collateral, reducing lender risk and allowing for more lenient eligibility requirements. Minimal Documentation: The application process is straightforward, often requiring just a signed credit application and an equipment quote, leading to approvals in 2-4 hours. Payment Flexibility: Leasing companies offer various payment options—monthly, quarterly, or annually—allowing you to align payments with your cash flow needs. This flexibility can make leasing a practical solution for your business’s equipment needs. Lower Upfront Costs Lower upfront costs are a significant advantage of equipment leasing, making it an attractive option for businesses looking to acquire essential tools without the burden of hefty initial expenses. Leasing often requires little to no down payment, enabling you to preserve cash flow. With options for 100% financing, you can avoid large initial costs and manage your budget more effectively. Monthly lease payments are typically lower than loan payments, making them more affordable. Furthermore, many leasing agreements include maintenance and servicing options, which help reduce unexpected expenses. You might likewise benefit from potential tax deductions, as lease payments may be considered business expenses. Short-Term Commitment Advantages Equipment leasing offers several short-term commitment advantages that can benefit businesses looking for flexibility and financial efficiency. Here are three key benefits of leasing: Lower Upfront Costs: Leasing typically requires less initial capital, allowing you to conserve cash flow as you still acquire necessary equipment. Flexible Lease Terms: You can choose lease durations ranging from 24 to 72 months, customized to your operational needs, making it easier to adapt as your business evolves. Upgrade Opportunities: At the end of the lease, you often have the option to upgrade to newer equipment, ensuring you stay competitive with the latest technology. Additionally, leasing may provide tax benefits, as monthly payments can typically be deducted as business expenses, further enhancing financial efficiency. Microloans for Small Equipment Purchases For small businesses looking to purchase equipment without the burden of high costs, microloans can be an excellent solution. Usually providing up to $50,000, these loans are well-suited for small equipment purchases. They often have more flexible qualification requirements compared to traditional financing, making them accessible for startups and businesses with bad credit. Nonprofit organizations and community lenders usually offer microloans, focusing on local business development. Here’s a quick comparison of microloans: Feature Microloans Traditional Loans Funding Amount Up to $50,000 Varies, often higher Qualification More flexible Stricter criteria Interest Rates Usually affordable Can be higher Application Process Simple and quick Often lengthy and complex With interest rates usually lower than alternative options, microloans can help you manage repayments effectively, often providing funding within days of approval. Merchant Cash Advances Explained When businesses face immediate cash flow challenges, merchant cash advances (MCAs) can provide a quick funding solution by allowing access to capital based on future credit card sales. They offer a flexible option for businesses that need fast cash without traditional credit checks. Here are key features of MCafees: Repayment Structure: Repayment is a percentage of daily credit card sales, making it adaptable for businesses with fluctuating revenues. Speedy Approval: MCAs can be approved and funded within 24-72 hours, providing rapid access to necessary funds. Higher Costs: Interest rates can be considerably higher than traditional loans, potentially leading to a more expensive borrowing experience. While MCAs don’t require collateral, their reliance on sales volume can strain finances if sales dip. Hence, it’s essential for businesses to carefully assess their cash flow needs before opting for this form of financing. Building Your Business Plan for Financing A well-structured business plan plays a crucial role in securing financing, as it effectively communicates your business model and growth strategies to lenders. Start by outlining your business model, detailing how your operations will generate revenue. Include financial projections, such as cash flow statements and profit-and-loss forecasts, to demonstrate your ability to repay the financing. Highlight your equipment needs, specifying how they’ll improve operational efficiency within your business. A thorough analysis of your target market and competitive environment will showcase your industry comprehension, making your application more compelling. Incorporate contingency plans to address potential challenges, showing lenders that you’re prepared for various scenarios. This proactive approach can bolster your credibility and increase your chances of approval. By clearly presenting these elements, you not only strengthen your application but likewise instill confidence in potential lenders regarding your business’s viability and potential for growth. Tips to Improve Your Approval Chances Improving your chances of securing financing requires strategic preparation and a thorough comprehension of lender expectations. Here are some vital tips to improve your approval odds: Organize Your Finances: Gather important documents like bank statements and tax returns. This presents a clear picture of your financial health to lenders, making you a more appealing candidate. Increase Your Down Payment: Providing a larger down payment reduces the lender’s risk, which can boost your chances of approval and lower your monthly payments. Develop a Detailed Business Plan: Showcase revenue growth potential or cost-cutting measures in your plan. This instills confidence in lenders regarding your ability to repay the loan. Frequently Asked Questions How to Get Equipment Financing With Bad Credit? To get equipment financing with bad credit, start by researching lenders that specialize in flexible financing options. Prepare a detailed application, including a signed credit application and a quote for the equipment you need. Highlight your business’s strengths and provide any additional collateral to boost your chances. Consider offering a larger down payment and make certain you have a clear business plan to present to lenders, which can improve your credibility. What Is the Minimum Credit Score for Equipment Financing? The minimum credit score for equipment financing varies by lender. Typically, scores can start as low as 550, with some lenders like eLease offering flexible terms. Others, such as National Funding, require a score of at least 600. If your credit score falls below these thresholds, it’s essential to explore alternative financing options. Comprehending your specific lender’s requirements can help you find the best financing solution customized to your needs. How to Get $2000 Dollars Fast With Bad Credit? To get $2,000 quickly with bad credit, consider alternative lenders who often have more lenient requirements and faster processing times. You can apply for equipment financing, which typically involves a simple application and minimal documentation. Furthermore, explore microloans or short-term loans, as they may offer quick access to funds with less stringent credit checks. Equipment leasing is another option, allowing you to acquire necessary equipment during managing cash flow effectively. Can You Get an SBA Loan With a 500 Credit Score? You might find it challenging to secure an SBA loan with a 500 credit score. Usually, the SBA requires a minimum score of 620, making it difficult for you to qualify. Even though some lenders may consider lower scores, they often demand strong business financials or additional collateral. You should explore alternative financing options, like equipment financing or leasing, which typically have more lenient credit requirements, allowing you to access funds in spite of your credit situation. Conclusion In summary, securing equipment financing with bad credit is challenging, but it’s not impossible. By exploring options like alternative lenders, equipment leasing, microloans, and merchant cash advances, you can find a solution that meets your needs. A well-prepared business plan can improve your chances of approval, demonstrating your financial health and equipment requirements. With the right approach and information, you can successfully navigate the financing terrain and obtain the equipment vital for your business’s growth. Image via Google Gemini This article, "7 Equipment Financing Options for Bad Credit" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

If you’re facing challenges securing equipment financing because of bad credit, you do have options. Alternative lenders, equipment leasing, and microloans can provide pathways to acquire necessary machinery. Each choice offers unique benefits and terms, customized to different business needs. By comprehending these options and crafting a solid business plan, you can improve your chances of approval. Let’s explore these financing avenues in detail and see how they might work for you. Key Takeaways Equipment Financing: Secure up to 100% funding with flexible eligibility, using financed equipment as collateral for bad credit applicants. Alternative Lenders: Explore faster approvals focused on cash flow and asset value, with options like National Funding and Triton Capital for low credit scores. Equipment Leasing: Consider leasing for lower monthly payments and minimal documentation, leading to quick approvals and accommodating bad credit situations. Microloans: Access up to $50,000 from nonprofit organizations, ideal for startups and small businesses with flexible repayment terms and lower interest rates. Merchant Cash Advances (MCAs): Obtain quick funding based on future credit card sales, with fast approval and funding, though typically at higher interest rates. Understanding Equipment Financing for Bad Credit Comprehending equipment financing for bad credit is crucial for businesses looking to acquire necessary machinery or vehicles when traditional funding options may be out of reach. Equipment financing bad credit allows you to secure up to 100% funding for new or used assets, even though your credit history isn’t stellar. The application process is straightforward, requiring only a one-page form and minimal documentation. You can expect approvals within 2-4 hours and funding in just 1-2 business days. Equipment loans for bad credit use the financed equipment as collateral, which makes it easier for lenders to offer flexible eligibility requirements. This means you can explore both leasing and purchasing arrangements with terms ranging from 24 to 72 months. Although some options like no credit check equipment financing exist, be cautious about their terms. Organizing your financial documents and presenting a solid business plan can greatly improve your chances of approval. Alternative Lenders to Consider When you’re exploring equipment financing options with bad credit, alternative lenders can be a great choice. Many online platforms offer faster approvals and flexible financing solutions that focus more on your cash flow and asset value rather than rigid credit scores. It’s crucial to compare lender terms, as some may provide unique repayment options that can align with your business’s financial situation. Online Lender Options Finding the right online lender for equipment financing can be crucial, especially for businesses facing credit challenges. Online lenders like National Funding and Triton Capital offer options for startup equipment financing bad credit, with minimum credit score requirements as low as 580. These lenders provide quick business loans with no credit checks, facilitating fast approvals and access to funds within 24 to 72 hours. For businesses of all sizes, eLease presents equipment leasing for business without maximum loan limits or minimum revenue requirements. JR Capital even caters to larger financing needs, offering loans up to $10 million with flexible repayment terms. This variety helps borrowers find suitable solutions in spite of their credit histories. Flexible Financing Solutions How can alternative lenders provide flexible financing solutions for your equipment needs? They often offer quick approvals and funding within 24 to 72 hours, which is ideal for businesses requiring immediate equipment. Many online lenders focus on your cash flow or asset value rather than traditional credit scores, making it easier to secure business loans no credit check no revenue. You can likewise explore options like rent to own skid steer no credit check, allowing for more accessible equipment acquisition. Additionally, alternative lenders can finance up to 100% of your equipment costs, enabling you to manage cash flow effectively. With repayment terms ranging from 12 to 84 months, you can choose a plan that suits your financial situation, even though you need to finance tractor bad credit. Comparing Lender Terms Several alternative lenders offer flexible financing options customized to meet your equipment needs, making it easier for businesses to secure funding. When considering options for skid steer financing for personal use, compare the following lender terms: National Funding: Up to $150,000 with a minimum credit score of 600 and funding in as fast as 24 hours. Triton Capital: Offers loans up to $250,000 for credit scores as low as 580, with approval in one to two business days. eLease: No maximum loan amount for applicants with a minimum credit score of 550, featuring repayment terms of 24 to 72 months. Equipment Leasing as a Viable Option If you’re facing challenges with bad credit, equipment leasing can be a smart choice for acquiring necessary machinery without hefty upfront costs. This option often features flexible qualification criteria, allowing you to secure equipment regardless of whether your credit isn’t perfect. Plus, with lower monthly payments and short-term commitments, leasing gives you the financial agility to manage your cash flow effectively during still getting the tools you need for your business. Flexible Qualification Criteria When considering equipment leasing as a viable option for your business, you’ll find that it typically requires less stringent credit checks compared to traditional financing methods, making it accessible even for those with bad credit. Here are a few key points about the flexible qualification criteria: Collateral Advantage: The equipment serves as collateral, reducing lender risk and allowing for more lenient eligibility requirements. Minimal Documentation: The application process is straightforward, often requiring just a signed credit application and an equipment quote, leading to approvals in 2-4 hours. Payment Flexibility: Leasing companies offer various payment options—monthly, quarterly, or annually—allowing you to align payments with your cash flow needs. This flexibility can make leasing a practical solution for your business’s equipment needs. Lower Upfront Costs Lower upfront costs are a significant advantage of equipment leasing, making it an attractive option for businesses looking to acquire essential tools without the burden of hefty initial expenses. Leasing often requires little to no down payment, enabling you to preserve cash flow. With options for 100% financing, you can avoid large initial costs and manage your budget more effectively. Monthly lease payments are typically lower than loan payments, making them more affordable. Furthermore, many leasing agreements include maintenance and servicing options, which help reduce unexpected expenses. You might likewise benefit from potential tax deductions, as lease payments may be considered business expenses. Short-Term Commitment Advantages Equipment leasing offers several short-term commitment advantages that can benefit businesses looking for flexibility and financial efficiency. Here are three key benefits of leasing: Lower Upfront Costs: Leasing typically requires less initial capital, allowing you to conserve cash flow as you still acquire necessary equipment. Flexible Lease Terms: You can choose lease durations ranging from 24 to 72 months, customized to your operational needs, making it easier to adapt as your business evolves. Upgrade Opportunities: At the end of the lease, you often have the option to upgrade to newer equipment, ensuring you stay competitive with the latest technology. Additionally, leasing may provide tax benefits, as monthly payments can typically be deducted as business expenses, further enhancing financial efficiency. Microloans for Small Equipment Purchases For small businesses looking to purchase equipment without the burden of high costs, microloans can be an excellent solution. Usually providing up to $50,000, these loans are well-suited for small equipment purchases. They often have more flexible qualification requirements compared to traditional financing, making them accessible for startups and businesses with bad credit. Nonprofit organizations and community lenders usually offer microloans, focusing on local business development. Here’s a quick comparison of microloans: Feature Microloans Traditional Loans Funding Amount Up to $50,000 Varies, often higher Qualification More flexible Stricter criteria Interest Rates Usually affordable Can be higher Application Process Simple and quick Often lengthy and complex With interest rates usually lower than alternative options, microloans can help you manage repayments effectively, often providing funding within days of approval. Merchant Cash Advances Explained When businesses face immediate cash flow challenges, merchant cash advances (MCAs) can provide a quick funding solution by allowing access to capital based on future credit card sales. They offer a flexible option for businesses that need fast cash without traditional credit checks. Here are key features of MCafees: Repayment Structure: Repayment is a percentage of daily credit card sales, making it adaptable for businesses with fluctuating revenues. Speedy Approval: MCAs can be approved and funded within 24-72 hours, providing rapid access to necessary funds. Higher Costs: Interest rates can be considerably higher than traditional loans, potentially leading to a more expensive borrowing experience. While MCAs don’t require collateral, their reliance on sales volume can strain finances if sales dip. Hence, it’s essential for businesses to carefully assess their cash flow needs before opting for this form of financing. Building Your Business Plan for Financing A well-structured business plan plays a crucial role in securing financing, as it effectively communicates your business model and growth strategies to lenders. Start by outlining your business model, detailing how your operations will generate revenue. Include financial projections, such as cash flow statements and profit-and-loss forecasts, to demonstrate your ability to repay the financing. Highlight your equipment needs, specifying how they’ll improve operational efficiency within your business. A thorough analysis of your target market and competitive environment will showcase your industry comprehension, making your application more compelling. Incorporate contingency plans to address potential challenges, showing lenders that you’re prepared for various scenarios. This proactive approach can bolster your credibility and increase your chances of approval. By clearly presenting these elements, you not only strengthen your application but likewise instill confidence in potential lenders regarding your business’s viability and potential for growth. Tips to Improve Your Approval Chances Improving your chances of securing financing requires strategic preparation and a thorough comprehension of lender expectations. Here are some vital tips to improve your approval odds: Organize Your Finances: Gather important documents like bank statements and tax returns. This presents a clear picture of your financial health to lenders, making you a more appealing candidate. Increase Your Down Payment: Providing a larger down payment reduces the lender’s risk, which can boost your chances of approval and lower your monthly payments. Develop a Detailed Business Plan: Showcase revenue growth potential or cost-cutting measures in your plan. This instills confidence in lenders regarding your ability to repay the loan. Frequently Asked Questions How to Get Equipment Financing With Bad Credit? To get equipment financing with bad credit, start by researching lenders that specialize in flexible financing options. Prepare a detailed application, including a signed credit application and a quote for the equipment you need. Highlight your business’s strengths and provide any additional collateral to boost your chances. Consider offering a larger down payment and make certain you have a clear business plan to present to lenders, which can improve your credibility. What Is the Minimum Credit Score for Equipment Financing? The minimum credit score for equipment financing varies by lender. Typically, scores can start as low as 550, with some lenders like eLease offering flexible terms. Others, such as National Funding, require a score of at least 600. If your credit score falls below these thresholds, it’s essential to explore alternative financing options. Comprehending your specific lender’s requirements can help you find the best financing solution customized to your needs. How to Get $2000 Dollars Fast With Bad Credit? To get $2,000 quickly with bad credit, consider alternative lenders who often have more lenient requirements and faster processing times. You can apply for equipment financing, which typically involves a simple application and minimal documentation. Furthermore, explore microloans or short-term loans, as they may offer quick access to funds with less stringent credit checks. Equipment leasing is another option, allowing you to acquire necessary equipment during managing cash flow effectively. Can You Get an SBA Loan With a 500 Credit Score? You might find it challenging to secure an SBA loan with a 500 credit score. Usually, the SBA requires a minimum score of 620, making it difficult for you to qualify. Even though some lenders may consider lower scores, they often demand strong business financials or additional collateral. You should explore alternative financing options, like equipment financing or leasing, which typically have more lenient credit requirements, allowing you to access funds in spite of your credit situation. Conclusion In summary, securing equipment financing with bad credit is challenging, but it’s not impossible. By exploring options like alternative lenders, equipment leasing, microloans, and merchant cash advances, you can find a solution that meets your needs. A well-prepared business plan can improve your chances of approval, demonstrating your financial health and equipment requirements. With the right approach and information, you can successfully navigate the financing terrain and obtain the equipment vital for your business’s growth. Image via Google Gemini This article, "7 Equipment Financing Options for Bad Credit" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Instagram will soon alert parents if their teen repeatedly searches for content related to suicide and self-harm on the platform. According to an announcement from Meta, these notifications will be available to parents in the U.S., UK, Australia, and Canada who supervise their teen's accounts starting next week. As TechCrunch reports, this feature is being rolled out amid numerous lawsuits over how Meta and other tech companies have failed to protect kids and teens across their platforms. How the new safety alerts workInstagram will use teens' search activity to generate alerts. Searches that are flagged include "phrases promoting suicide or self-harm, phrases that suggest a teen wants to harm themselves, and terms like ‘suicide’ or ‘self-harm,'" according to Meta. Parents will receive alerts via email, text, or WhatsApp as well as an in-app notification. The message lets parents know that their teen has "repeatedly searched" for content related to suicide or self-harm and includes resources for supporting teens. Instagram already blocks searches associated with suicide and self-harm, directing users to resources instead. While users can post about their personal experiences, Meta's policies do not allow content that promotes or glorifies these topics, and Instagram hides related content from teens (even if it's from someone they follow). Enable parental supervision on InstagramTo receive alerts, parental supervision must be enabled on your teen's account. Supervision allows parents to set app time limits, enable sleep mode, and monitor and manage things like account settings, followers, accounts followed, content topics searched, and app usage. Parental supervision is available for teens ages 13–17, and teens have to agree to participate. To send a supervision invite to your teen, open the More menu in the bottom-left and click Settings. Select Supervision > Create Invite, review the information, and hit Continue. From here, you can copy the invite to send via any messaging app. Note that teens can decline supervision requests—the feature is opt-in for both parties. View the full article

Artificial intelligence chipmaker Nvidia on Wednesday announced another quarter of astounding quarterly growth as investors try to decipher whether technology’s latest craze is overblown hyperbole or a springboard into a new era of prosperity and productivity. The results for the November-January period blew past the analyst projections that shape investors’ perceptions, as has been the case since Nvidia’s high-end chips emerged as AI’s best building blocks three years ago. Nvidia’s fiscal fourth-quarter revenue surged 73% from the previous year to $68.1 billion while its profit nearly doubled to roughly $43 billion, or $1.76 per share. “No quarter has had more riding on it than this one,” said Jake Behan, head of capital markets for the investment firm Direxion. “The AI trade needed some positive news and Nvidia’s earnings report brought plenty of it.” The Santa Clara, California, company also provided a forecast exceeding analyst projections while its CEO Jensen Huang reinforced the demand for the company’s chips is still “skyrocketing.” That description feeds into Huang’s thesis that the AI boom is still in the early stages of a buildout that will reshape society. If Nvidia hits its revenue target for the February-April period, it will translate into a 77% increase from last year — a sign that the company’s already phenomenal growth rate is still accelerating. “AI is here, AI is not going to go back,” Huang said during a conference call with analysts. “AI is only going to only get better from here.” Despite the stellar results and still-rosy outlook, many investors still evidently are worried about a jarring comedown after a three-year boom that has seen Nvidia’s market value soar from $400 billion at the end of 2022 to nearly $4.8 trillion now. After initially rising 4% in extended trading after the latest quarterly numbers came out, Nvidia’s stock price backtracked and was slightly down following Huang’s upbeat conference call. Nvidia has regularly cleared the bar set by analysts in the past three years, often by a wide margin, but that hasn’t always been enough to satisfy investors who have become increasingly skeptical about whether AI will justify the trillions of dollars that are being spent to develop the technology. After Nvidia delivered a stellar performance that far exceeded analyst forecasts in its last quarterly report, its stock price still fell by 3% during the next day’s trading. The AI fervor has escalated again during the past month as the four companies leading the AI charge — Amazon, Microsoft, Google parent Alphabet and Facebook parent Meta Platforms — collectively made commitments to spend about $650 billion this year ramping up their AI computing power. A significant amount of the money is expected to be earmarked to buy more Nvidia chips required to power their AI factories, just as has been the case for much of the past three years — as Nvidia’s annual revenue soared from $27 billion to $216 billion. Analysts expect the chipmaker’s revenue to surpass $330 billion during the company’s next fiscal year, a more than 50% increase from the past year. “We want to take the great opportunity that we have as we’re in the beginning of this new computing era, this new computing platform shift, to put everybody on Nvidia,” Huang said. —Michael Liedtke, AP Technology Writer View the full article

There are few things that unite the world like animal videos. There are also few things that are so readily commoditized. Both have occurred in the case of Punch, a baby monkey at the Ichikawa City Zoo in Japan. Punch captured hearts around the world after a viral post showed him hugging a stuffed orangutan toy after being rejected by other monkeys. E-commerce sellers act quickly with monkey merch Now, the young Japanese macaque and his stuffed friend are available as everything from toys on Etsy to a—decide for yourself if it’s AI—children’s book on Amazon. There’s also an “official” Punch Monkey store with products like stickers, shirts, and mugs. Some of the merchandise even contains hopeful sayings, like “Small, but brave,” alongside imagery of the pair. In fact, the original plush orangutan doll is available for $19.99, as it’s one of the Djungelskog soft toys from Ikea. The Swedish retailer has gone so far as to make an advertisement based on Punch and shared to its social channels. In it, a stuffed monkey holds the orangutan while real monkeys appear in the background. The copy reads, “Sometimes, family is who we find along the way.” It then refers to the stuffed toy as “Punch’s comfort orangutan.” Fast Company has reached out to Ikea for more information on the retailer’s orangutan soft toy sales. We will update this post if we hear back. Meanwhile, a new video appears to show Punch having made some progress with his fellow monkeys. But the young creature has already reached the same status as its fellow infamous animals like Moo Deng, the pygmy hippo. View the full article

The February 2026 SEO Update by Yoast is part of our monthly webinar series covering the latest developments in search and AI. In each session, we review the most important news from the past month and explore how it affects your search strategy. Hosted by Carolyn Shelby and Alex Moss, this month’s update focused on AI-driven shifts in search, emerging agentic workflows, and Google’s latest core updates. Below is a recap of the topics discussed and what they mean for your strategy. Watch the full recap on YouTube to hear Carolyn and Alex dive deeper into these topics, answer audience questions, and share real-world examples. SEO and AI news from February 2026 Search engines expand AI reporting and website controls Google and Bing introduced new tools for publishers to manage AI interactions. Bing’s AI Performance Report shows how often Copilot cites your site, including citation counts and queries. Google now allows publishers to control AI access via robots.txt using Google-Extended. Actionable takeaway: Monitor AI citation reports in Bing Webmaster Tools to track visibility Review your robots.txt and AI access settings to align with your strategy Debate over Markdown, AI agents, and machine-readable content OpenAI launched the Codex app, enabling users to manage multiple AI agents for complex tasks. WordPress co-founder Matt Mullenweg proposed making content available in Markdown format to improve AI comprehension, while Cloudflare introduced a Markdown-based approach for AI bots. However, Google’s John Mueller dismissed Markdown files as increasing crawl load. Actionable takeaway: Simplify your site’s structure to make content more accessible to AI agents If your site is overly complex, explore Markdown or structured data alternatives, but prioritize fixing underlying issues first Is Google cracking down on self-promotional listicles? Lily Ray identified a pattern of sites losing visibility due to self-promotional listicles (e.g., “Top 20 SEO Agencies in the US,” with the publisher ranked #1). Google appears to be penalizing manipulative tactics. Actionable takeaway: Avoid self-serving listicles. If creating comparison content, use objective criteria and transparent methodology Microsoft’s vision for a sustainable agentic web Microsoft outlined its approach to agentic search, emphasizing structured data, concise content, and publisher compensation for AI-driven traffic. The shift from human clicks to AI-driven retrieval was highlighted as a major trend. Actionable takeaway: Optimize for machine-readable actions (e.g., structured data, clear CTAs) Prepare for AI-driven monetization models (e.g., compensation for citations) Meta’s Avacado agent and OpenClaw integration Meta is testing Avacado, a new AI agent integrating OpenClaw and Manus for workflow automation. This reflects a broader push toward omnichannel AI interactions. Actionable takeaway: Ensure consistent messaging across all platforms (website, social, email) to reinforce AI comprehension ChatGPT rolls out ads ChatGPT began serving ads to free users, with OpenAI charging advertisers based on ad impressions rather than clicks. The move mirrors traditional search ad models but raises concerns about user experience. Actionable takeaway: Monitor how AI-driven ad placements impact user engagement and brand visibility WebMCP is a new protocol for AI agents Chrome introduced WebMCP, a protocol that enables AI agents to interact with websites via machine-readable actions (e.g., form submissions). Early adoption is limited, but it signals a shift toward agent-first web design. Actionable takeaway: Audit your site’s underlying code for clarity (e.g., semantic HTML, structured data) Proceed cautiously. WebMCP is experimental and could pose security risks if misconfigured Bing Webmaster Tools launches AI Performance Report Bing’s AI Performance Report now shows how often Copilot cites your site, including queries and cited pages. The tool bridges traditional SEO metrics with AI-driven search. Actionable takeaway: Set up Bing Webmaster Tools if you haven’t already Compare Bing’s AI data with Google Search Console to identify gaps Google AI Mode introduces UCP-powered checkout Google’s AI mode now supports UCP-powered checkout, allowing agents to complete purchases on behalf of users. Early adopters include Etsy, Wayfair, and Walmart. Actionable takeaway: If you’re in e-commerce, prioritize structured product data and fast load times to capitalize on agentic commerce OpenClaw, OpenAI, and the future of AI agents The rise of OpenClaw and OpenAI’s advancements underscores a shift toward websites exposing capabilities (not just pages) to AI agents. Early experiments show agents interacting with sites via machine-readable actions. Actionable takeaway: Focus on clear site structure and consistent data to ensure reliable AI interpretation What to focus on in 2026 The February SEO Update by Yoast highlighted four key priorities: Optimize for AI-driven search: Use structured data and markdown to improve AI comprehension Build brand authority across channels: Ensure consistent messaging for AI agents to reinforce Prepare for agentic commerce: Prioritize structured product data and fast load times Avoid low-quality AI content: Google is cracking down on manipulative tactics like self-promotional listicles Sign up for the next SEO Update by Yoast The next SEO Update by Yoast is on March 24, 2026, at 4 PM CET / 10 AM EST. Sign up here to join the live discussion or receive the recording. The post Recap of the February 2026 SEO Update by Yoast appeared first on Yoast. View the full article

Probe into former commissioner for trade is expected to be wide-ranging View the full article