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A marketing campaign calendar template is an important tool for organizing your marketing efforts effectively. It helps you outline fundamental details like campaign names, target audiences, and timelines. By providing a clear visual representation of your marketing activities, this template promotes team collaboration and accountability. Comprehending its structure can greatly improve your marketing strategy, but the real question lies in how to create and manage one effectively. What steps should you take to guarantee its success? Key Takeaways A marketing campaign calendar template organizes marketing activities, providing a structured outline for campaigns, timelines, and responsibilities. It includes essential fields like campaign name, target audience, start and end dates, and channels for execution. The template enhances collaboration by assigning ownership and distributing tasks among team members. It improves planning efficiency, ensuring deadlines are met and aligning strategies with business objectives. Regular updates and reviews of the calendar facilitate real-time adjustments and accountability in campaign execution. Understanding a Marketing Campaign Calendar Template A marketing campaign calendar template is an invaluable tool for organizing your marketing efforts. It provides a structured outline of all planned activities, including campaign names, target audiences, start and end dates, and channels used. By utilizing a marketing calendar template, you can visualize your marketing schedule, ensuring you stay aligned with deadlines and deliverables. This template acts as a roadmap, allowing for real-time updates and adjustments to fit changing strategies or market trends. Integrating various channels within a marketing campaign calendar template helps maintain consistent messaging across platforms as well as aligning with important cultural and industry events. Importance of a Marketing Campaign Calendar In managing marketing efforts, having a well-structured campaign calendar is vital for ensuring that all activities are organized and aligned with your business objectives. A marketing campaign calendar helps you: Visualize timelines and deadlines for various campaigns across different channels. Improve collaboration and communication among team members, reducing miscommunication. Align marketing efforts with your business goals, ensuring every campaign contributes to your strategy. Track progress and performance regularly, allowing for adjustments based on real-time insights. Incorporate key internal and external dates, maximizing engagement opportunities and ensuring timely execution. Key Components of an Effective Marketing Campaign Calendar When creating an effective marketing campaign calendar, you’ll want to include vital elements like campaign names, owners, and target audiences to guarantee everyone’s on the same page. It’s furthermore important to align these components with your overall strategy, linking key dates and milestones to your marketing goals. Essential Calendar Elements To create an effective marketing campaign calendar, it’s vital to include key components that encourage clarity and accountability. Here are fundamental elements you should incorporate: Campaign Name: Clearly identify each campaign for easy reference. Owner: Designate a responsible individual for accountability. Target Audience: Specify who the campaign is aimed at to tailor your message. Channels: List the marketing platforms you’ll use, providing a thorough view of execution. Key Dates: Include start and end dates, milestones, and deadlines to track progress and maintain focus. Regularly updating your calendar is necessary to reflect any changes in strategy or team responsibilities. Additionally, consider adding metrics to evaluate campaign effectiveness, which will inform future marketing strategies. Strategic Alignment Importance Strategic alignment is crucial for an effective marketing campaign calendar, as it guarantees that all planned activities directly support your business objectives. By ensuring that every campaign contributes to overarching goals and measurable outcomes, you improve your overall marketing effectiveness. Your calendar should include key fields like campaign name, target audience, channels, start and end dates, and milestones, providing clarity for all team members involved. Regular updates keep the calendar accurate, allowing for real-time adjustments to evolving priorities and market dynamics. In addition, integrating significant internal and external dates, such as product launches and cultural events, increases relevance and engagement. A well-structured calendar likewise promotes effective collaboration among stakeholders, ensuring coordinated efforts and consistent brand messaging throughout your campaigns. Steps to Create a Marketing Campaign Calendar Creating a marketing campaign calendar starts with clearly defining your marketing goals and objectives, which guarantees that all activities align with your overall vision. Follow these steps to create an effective calendar: Identify key dates like product launches, holidays, and industry events that impact your campaigns. Set deadlines for each task to maintain organization and accountability. Brainstorm marketing activities that fit your goals, specifying the channels for execution (e.g., social media, email). Assign ownership for each task to team members, ensuring clarity on responsibilities. Regularly review and update the calendar to reflect changes in strategy, timelines, and tasks, encouraging collaboration. Types of Marketing Campaign Calendars After establishing the steps to create a marketing campaign calendar, it’s important to understand the different types of calendars available to boost your planning and execution. You can choose from various options, such as editorial calendars for content planning, social media calendars for tracking posts, and integrated marketing calendars that coordinate multiple channels. An advertising calendar focuses on scheduling your advertising efforts, whereas a digital marketing calendar details online activities like SEO and email campaigns. Each type typically includes crucial elements like campaign names, target audiences, channels, start and end dates, and key milestones. Best Practices for Managing a Marketing Campaign Calendar To effectively manage your marketing campaign calendar, it’s essential to assign clear ownership for each task and campaign, which improves accountability among team members. Regularly updating the calendar guarantees it reflects any changes in strategy, making it a reliable resource for all stakeholders. Clear Ownership Assignment Clear ownership assignment is crucial for the success of any marketing campaign calendar, as it directly impacts accountability and execution efficiency. When team members know their responsibilities, it leads to increased efficiency and reduces confusion. Here are some best practices for establishing clear ownership: Assign specific tasks to individuals, ensuring accountability. Define roles to minimize overlaps and improve collaboration. Regularly review assignments during team meetings for open communication. Use project management tools to track ownership and deadlines. Document ownership details, including names and contact information, in the calendar template. Regular Updates Schedule Implementing a regular updates schedule is fundamental for maintaining an effective marketing campaign calendar. Aim to update your calendar weekly or bi-weekly to reflect any changes in project timelines, task statuses, and new initiatives. Monthly review meetings with key team members are essential, as they allow you to assess planned activities’ effectiveness and adjust strategies based on performance metrics and market trends. Utilize project management tools for real-time updates and notifications, ensuring all team members stay informed. Assign a dedicated calendar owner to maintain accuracy and completeness, which boosts accountability. Finally, incorporate a feedback mechanism for team members to suggest updates or improvements, cultivating collaboration and ensuring the calendar evolves with your team’s needs. Tools and Software for Marketing Campaign Calendars When managing marketing campaigns, using specialized tools and software can greatly boost your efficiency and organization. These solutions help you streamline collaboration and keep everything on track. Here are some key features you can expect: Real-time updates: Stay informed about changes instantly. Customizable views: Tailor your calendar to fit your needs. Task assignments: Delegate responsibilities easily among team members. Integration capabilities: Sync with platforms like Google Calendar for seamless event management. Filtering options: Focus on specific campaigns or marketing activities for improved visibility. Examples of Marketing Campaign Calendar Templates Marketing campaign calendar templates come in various formats, each designed to meet specific needs and improve your campaign planning. For instance, digital marketing calendars focus on online initiatives, clearly laying out tasks and timelines for your digital efforts. Editorial calendars help you plan content publication, detailing articles, blog posts, and other materials, ensuring consistency across your messaging. Furthermore, social media calendars allow you to schedule posts on different platforms, tracking engagement and performance. These templates typically include crucial fields like campaign names, target audiences, and key milestones. Frequently Asked Questions What Is a Marketing Campaign Calendar? A marketing campaign calendar is a strategic tool that helps you organize and plan your marketing activities. It outlines your campaigns, promotions, and launches, usually by month or quarter. This calendar integrates various marketing channels and aligns your team’s efforts, ensuring consistency in messaging. Key elements include campaign names, target audiences, start and end dates, and milestones. Regular updates are crucial for maintaining accuracy and adapting to changing market trends. What Does a Good Marketing Calendar Look Like? A good marketing calendar includes clear campaign names, assigned owners, target audiences, and channels. You’ll find start and end dates, along with key milestones that keep everyone aligned. It visually organizes your activities, helping you coordinate across platforms for consistent messaging. Regular updates are crucial to reflect any strategy changes. Furthermore, incorporating significant dates like holidays and product launches allows you to seize timely engagement opportunities with your audience effectively. What Is a Marketing Content Calendar? A marketing content calendar is a strategic tool that helps you plan and manage your content creation and distribution. It outlines important elements like publication dates, topics, formats, and team responsibilities, ensuring your messaging is consistent and timely. By visualizing your content schedule, you can identify gaps and optimize your distribution across various channels. Regular updates keep your calendar adaptable to trends and changing audience preferences, aligning your content strategy with overall marketing goals. How to Develop a Marketing Campaign Template? To develop a marketing campaign template, start by defining your campaign’s goals and target audience. Next, outline crucial elements like channels, timelines, and milestones. Incorporate key dates, such as product launches or events, to align your activities. Assign responsibilities to team members to guarantee accountability, and regularly update the template to reflect changes in strategy or deliverables. Using software tools can improve collaboration and provide real-time updates for efficient execution. Conclusion In conclusion, a marketing campaign calendar template is a crucial tool for organizing and managing marketing efforts. By outlining campaign details and timelines, it promotes collaboration and accountability among team members. Comprehending its key components and best practices can greatly improve your marketing strategy. Utilizing the right tools and software can streamline the process, ensuring you stay on track and adapt to any changes. In the end, implementing a well-structured calendar can lead to more effective and aligned marketing initiatives. Image via Google Gemini This article, "What Is a Marketing Campaign Calendar Template?" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Visa and Mastercard have agreed to pay $167.5 million to settle a long-running class action lawsuit. The suit, which was first filed back in Oct. 2011, accused the two major credit card companies of conspiring to keep ATM fees artificially high. The proposed settlement, filed on Thursday in Washington, if approved, it will mean an end to “almost fourteen years of vigorously contested litigation.” The lawsuit alleged that both companies “participated in an unlawful conspiracy” involving Visa and Mastercard blocking independent ATM operators from offering lower prices. If approved, the settlement will have Visa and Mastercard pay millions to ATM users who say they were charged an unreimbursed access fee to withdraw cash from independent, non-bank ATMs. Per a Guardian report, Visa is set to pay 53% of the settlement, $88.8 million, while Mastercard will contribute 47%, or $78.7 million. In the settlement, attorneys for the plaintiffs called the settlement “an excellent result in light of the risks of continued prosecution.” Attorneys for the defendants did not immediately reply to a Fast Company request for comment. Last year, Visa and Mastercard also agreed to pay $197.5 million to ATM users who claimed they were overcharged at bank-operated ATMs. At the time, the plaintiffs’ attorneys said the settlement will “deliver immediate and assured relief.” That settlement followed a 2021 settlement with major banks, such as JP Morgan Chase, Bank of America, and Wells Fargo, agreeing to pay $66 million to settle similar claims. Still, the lawsuits against the two major credit card companies are not over, as a third lawsuit, launched by independent ATM owners and operators, is pending against the companies. “The rules prevent ATM operators from passing on the savings to cardholders when their ATM transactions are handled by an ATM network other than Visa or Mastercard,” Jonathan Rubin, an attorney for the plaintiffs said in 2023 when announcing that suit will continue to move forward. At the time, the attorney added that it will ask the court to eliminate rules which all but eliminate competition. Despite Thursday’s settlement, the companies have denied any wrongdoing. View the full article

Ford is recalling more than 270,000 electric and hybrid vehicles in the U.S. because of a parking function problem that could lead to them rolling away. The Detroit automaker said that the recall includes certain 2022-2026 F-150 Lightning BEV, 2024-2026 Mustang Mach-E, and 2025-2026 Maverick vehicles. At issue is the integrated park module, which may fail to lock into the park position when the driver shifts into park. Ford said that it will implement a park module software update for free. Vehicle owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332 for additional information. View the full article

Sales of previously occupied U.S. homes rose in November from the previous month, but slowed compared to a year earlier for the first time since May despite average long-term mortgage rates holding near their low point for the year. Existing home sales rose 0.5% in last month from October to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 4.13 million units, the National Association of Realtors said Friday. Sales fell 1% compared with November last year. The latest sales figure came in slightly below the 4.14 million pace economists were expecting, according to FactSet. Through the first 11 months of this year, home sales are down 0.5% compared to the same period last year. “It’s possible that 2025, unless December (sales) figures really improve, we may be technically slightly down from one year ago,” said Lawrence Yun, NAR’s chief economist. One factor limiting home sales is weaker demand for condominiums. Sales of condos are down 6% so far this year, Yun noted. Despite sluggish sales, home prices continued to climb last month. The national median sales price increased 1.2% in November from a year earlier to $409,200, an all-time high for any November on data going back to 1999. Home prices have risen on an annual basis for 29 months in a row, even as the housing market has been mired in a slump that began in 2022 when mortgage rates began climbing from historic lows. Sales of previously occupied U.S. homes sank last year to their lowest level in nearly 30 years. Sales have been stuck at around a 4-million annual pace now going back to 2023. That’s well short of the 5.2-million annual pace that’s historically been the norm. Home sales got a boost this fall as the average rate on a 30-year mortgage declined at the end of October to 6.17%, the lowest level in more than a year. Even so, affordability remains a challenge for many aspiring homeowners, especially first-time buyers who don’t have equity from an existing home to put toward a new home purchase. Uncertainty over the economy and job market are also keeping many would-be buyers on the sidelines. A shortage of homes for sale, especially in the more affordable end of the market, continues to weigh especially on first-time homebuyers. They accounted for 30% of homes sales last month. Historically, they made up 40% of home sales. An annual survey of homebuyers by NAR showed first-time buyers accounted for an all-time low 21% of home purchases between July 2024 and June 2025, while the average age of such homebuyers rose to a record-high of 40. Homes purchased last month likely went under contract in September and October, when the average rate on a 30-year mortgage ranged from 6.5% to 6.17%, according to Freddie Mac. Mortgage rates have mostly remained close to their October low in recent weeks. Home shoppers who can afford to buy at current mortgage rates benefited from a wider selection of properties on the market last month than a year ago, although the number of homes for sale in November declined from the previous month. There were 1.43 million unsold homes at the end of last month, down 5.9% from October and up 7.5% from November last year, NAR said. The latest inventory snapshot remains well below the roughly 2 million homes for sale that was typical before the COVID-19 pandemic. November’s month-end inventory translates to a 4.2-month supply at the current sales pace. Traditionally, a 5- to 6-month supply is considered a balanced market between buyers and sellers. Yun is forecasting that existing U.S. home sales will jump 14% next year. That’s more optimistic than several other housing economist forecasts, which range from a 1.7% to 9% increase. Economists generally forecast that the average rate on a 30-year mortgage will remain slightly above 6% next year. —Alex Veiga, AP business writer View the full article

Whether you want them to or not, appliances are getting smarter. It’s increasingly challenging to find even basic models without some kind of “smart” feature or embedded artificial intelligence. If you don't believe me, just try to find a “dumb” television at your local Best Buy. You will be disappointed. While it's true that many of the “smart” features offered by these nifty new appliances are quite useful. The ability to pre-heat your oven or adjust your thermostat by pressing a button on your phone is great, and getting alerts when the fridge door is left open or when you forget to move your laundry from the washer to the dryer is undeniably a boon. But sometimes, the convenience these features offer is an illusion, as many supposedly smart features in modern appliances aren’t very smart at all—and they can actively make your life harder instead of easier. If you’re shopping for a new appliance, considering avoiding these not-so-smart features. Dryer with moisture sensors that leave your clothes dampModern clothes dryers offer a lot of great capabilities. Some can even talk to your washer, pre-setting themselves for the laundry coming its way, and many can remind you to collect your laundry, sparing you wrinkled clothes, and to clean out the lint filter. But modern dryers often come with moisture sensors that shut off the dryer when it detects that your clothes are dry. In theory, sensor drying saves you money and time over a fixed time dry. But the sensors in these dryers are notorious for being inaccurate shutting the dryer down when your clothes are still a bit damp. And you still have to make a guess as to how much drying you need and set the sensor to the proper level. At best, this can mean running another drying cycle. At worst, your clothes will sit there getting mildewy until you remember to check the machine. Dishwashers with "eco modes" that leave dishes dirtyNew dishwashers often come with efficient or “eco” modes that use less water and less energy to clean your dishes. That’s a great idea—in theory. But these modes achieve those efficiencies the only way they can: By running at lower temperatures and literally using less water in their cleaning cycles. This can often leave your dishes visibly dirty after running a load, forcing you to cancel out the benefit by running them a second time. Worse, these modes don’t get hot enough to kill dangerous bacteria like E. coli, so even if your dishes come out looking clean, they may not be sanitary. Smart fridges that misidentify your groceriesSmart fridges are often at the top of people’s complaints list for two main reasons: One, they are often abandoned by their manufacturers soon after they arrive on the market, with updates and support vanishing in as quickly as two years. That transforms your pricey smart fridge into a pricey dumb fridge. More frustratingly, smart fridges that supposedly use artificial intelligence to identify your groceries as you place them inside (in order to help you track your shopping needs and expiration dates) often get things wrong. For example, this woman complained that her smart fridge often mistook her husband’s head for an avocado, among other problems, which rendered the feature worse than useless. Sensor-cooking microwaves that don't cookWhile the modern microwave remains the steadfastly boxy, unsexy beast it’s always been, there have been attempts to make it smarter—and sometimes these attempts backfire on you. Some microwaves offer “sensor cooking,” the ability to sense the weight and moisture level of the food in order to adjust cooking time and power levels to cook your food perfectly. Except when it senses incorrectly and leaves you with a half-cooked mess, or if you’re trying to cook something that simply doesn't work well with sensor cooking, like dry foods that don’t produce enough steam for the sensor to detect. Smart kitchen scales that are just making guessesA smart kitchen scale might seem like a nifty idea; you weigh your food and use an app to get nutritional information, like the amount of calories in what you’re about to eat. That’s fine, but it really just adds an unnecessary step to your cooking routine, because most “smart” scales are just regular, standard kitchen scales and an app that Googles on your behalf. You’ll get the same general experience—and likely better accuracy—by weighing something and using your phone to search for nutritional information yourself. Smart garage doors that are less secureSmart garage doors are a great example of a piece of technology that isn’t improved much by being smart. And the core technology that makes the garage door smart—a WiFi connection to a cloud server—can also make it worse than useless. Aside from the fact that any disruption in the door’s connection can cause it to remain locked in the open position, leaving your home vulnerable, there’s also the fact that the manufacturer can make changes any time they like that could potentially alter the way your door functions or brick it entirely. View the full article

It’s “where are you now?” month at Ask a Manager, and all December I’m running updates from people who had their letters here answered in the past. Remember the letter-writer trying to decide if her coworker was harassing her or just annoying? Here’s the update. I was away from my desk the day my question was posted so didn’t get to interact with the commentariat but I did go thru and read all the comments. Thanks all for your advice! It got worse before it got better. Early August, Joe asked me what I wanted my nickname to be as he was going to give me a nickname. I replied, “I don’t do nicknames at work.” Later that month, he said to another one of my coworkers, “Too bad ‘LetterWriter’ doesn’t have any sisters.” End of August, he started calling me “Hotshot.” I asked him to stop and reiterated that I “don’t do nicknames at work.” He continued calling me “Hotshot” behind my back when he thought I wasn’t present. I asked him to stop and told him he could call me by my name. It was uncomfortable. I then heard from a few teammates that he continued using this nickname when I wasn’t present. Around that point, some coworkers from a previous job reached out and asked me to apply at their company. I got the job and, during my resignation, I laid all this out for my boss Friday afternoon. To my boss’s credit, there was an HR investigation started within four hours, they had me work from home Monday, and Joe was suspended that Monday pending investigation. He was suspended my entire notice period and I never saw him again. They fired him for cause about four days after I left the company. I feel bad that he’s most likely in a hard financial position in a less than great job market. I honestly didn’t think much was going to come of my complaint, but HR spoke to everyone on the team and the other gals so perhaps I didn’t have the only complaints. All I can do is trust their process and hope he’s doing okay. Thanks again to all the commentators! The post update: is this guy harassing me or just annoying? appeared first on Ask a Manager. View the full article

Microsoft published guidance on how duplicate content affects AI search visibility, explaining that AI systems cluster similar pages and may surface unintended versions. The post Microsoft Explains How Duplicate Content Affects AI Search Visibility appeared first on Search Engine Journal. View the full article

Burnett Says Maybe — If You Know the Rules. By CPA Trendlines Research LIVE WEBINAR: Is AI Fit for Tax? with Bradley Burnet Mon, Dec. 29. Register | Learn more Go PRO for members-only access to more Bradley Burnett. View the full article

Burnett Says Maybe — If You Know the Rules. By CPA Trendlines Research LIVE WEBINAR: Is AI Fit for Tax? with Bradley Burnet Mon, Dec. 29. Register | Learn more Go PRO for members-only access to more Bradley Burnett. View the full article

Did you know that duplicate content can hurt your visibility within AI Search? Fabrice Canel and Krishna Madhavan from Microsoft explained that with AI Search, having duplicate content makes it harder for the systems to understand signals which reduces “the likelihood that the correct version will be selected or summarized.” This is not too different from how duplicate content or very similar content can cause issues for ranking in traditional search. That is, because AI Search, on Bing and Google, are grounded by the same signals that are used in traditional search – having duplicate content can potentially cause confusion and blur intent signals. The issue with duplicate content and AI Search. Here are some bullet points from the Bing blog post on why duplicate or very similar content can cause issues with that content showing in AI Search: AI search builds on the same signals that support traditional SEO, but adds additional layers, especially in satisfying intent. When several pages repeat the same information, those intent signals become harder for AI systems to interpret, reducing the likelihood that the correct version will be selected or summarized. When multiple pages cover the same topic with similar wording, structure, and metadata, AI systems cannot easily determine which version aligns best with the user’s intent. This reduces the chances that your preferred page will be chosen as a grounding source. LLMs group near-duplicate URLs into a single cluster and then choose one page to represent the set. If the differences between pages are minimal, the model may select a version that is outdated or not the one you intended to highlight. Campaign pages, audience segments, and localized versions can satisfy different intents, but only if those differences are meaningful. When variations reuse the same content, models have fewer signals to match each page with a unique user need. AI systems favor fresh, up-to-date content, but duplicates can slow how quickly changes are reflected. When crawlers revisit duplicate or low-value URLs instead of updated pages, new information may take longer to reach the systems that support AI summaries and comparisons. Clearer intent strengthens AI visibility by helping models understand which version to trust and surface. Syndicated content. A lot of people don’t know that syndicated content, content that you may have published on your site but allow others to copy and publish on their own sites, can also cause issues. Syndicated content, at least as Microsoft defines it, is considered duplicate content. “When your articles are republished on other sites, identical copies can exist across domains, making it harder for search engines and AI systems to identify the original source,” Microsoft wrote. How do you reduce duplicate content? When it comes to syndicated content, you can try to ask the syndication partner to: Add a canonical tag from what they published on their site, to the original version on your site You can ask them to rework the content, so it is not too similar You can ask them to noindex the content, so search engines don’t see it Campaign pages. Microsoft also said that “Campaign pages can become duplicate content when multiple versions target the same intent and differ only by minor changes, such as headlines, imagery, or audience messaging.” So you want to make sure to be very careful about your internal site’s page organization and URL structure. Select one primary campaign page to collect links and engagement. Use canonical tags on variations that do not represent a distinct search intent Only keep separate pages when intent clearly changes, such as seasonal offers, localized pricing, or comparison-focused content. Consolidate or 301 redirect older or redundant campaign pages that no longer serve a unique purpose. Localization pages. Yes, localization can also create duplicate content pages. If you have a lot of pages that say the same thing but swap out the city or location, that is too similar to the other pages, which can cause issues. “Localization creates duplicate content when regional or language pages are nearly identical and do not provide meaningful differences for users in each market,” Microsoft wrote. To fix it, Microsoft suggests: Localize with meaningful changes such as terminology, examples, regulations, or product details. Avoid creating multiple pages in the same language that serve the same purpose. Use hreflang to define language and regional targeting Other technical SEO issues. And yes, technical issues on your site can cause duplicate content. You can have an issue that generates multiple URLs for the same piece of content. Normally, many search engines can handle this automatically but why let the search engine decide, you should control this by ensuring you have only one URL for that one piece of content. URL parameter issues can cause this, HTTP vs. HTTPS variations, upper- and lowercase in the URL, trailing slashes, printer-friendly pages, staging or test sites, and more. To fix this, Microsoft suggests: Use 301 redirects to consolidate variants into a single preferred URL. Apply canonical tags when multiple versions must remain accessible. Enforce consistent URL structures across the site. Prevent staging or archive URLs from being crawled or indexed. Why we care. Duplicate content in SEO is not a new topic and it will carry over from traditional search to AI search. Many of you have a lot of experience dealing with duplicate or nearly identical content and how that negatively impacts indexing and ranking. For more tips and advice, check out the Bing Webmaster blog. View the full article

More than 80% of mortgage brokers expect business to grow in 2026, mainly through the strengthening of referral networks and the expansion of non-QM offerings. View the full article

Great experiences rarely come from one big moment. They’re built through hundreds of small details that add up over time. That idea guided how we spent some time this year focusing on customer experience at Buffer. Customer Experience Week was our first dedicated, cross-functional sprint centered entirely on how Buffer feels to use. We took advantage of the natural slowdown at the end of the year to form small teams, each focused on one improvement they believed they could meaningfully ship in a short window. This wasn’t our first experiment with focused building time. We’ve run initiatives like Build Week in 2022 and 2023, where teams explored new ideas and shipped experiments. Last year, we also ran an Engineering-only Fixathon to tackle bugs and technical debt. Customer Experience Week builds on that foundation, but with a wider lens. Instead of focusing primarily on new features or technical wins, this week centered on the everyday moments customers experience across the product, our content, support workflows, and internal systems. This year, 17 teams each worked on a dedicated project. By the end of the week, they shipped improvements across the help center, in-product experiences, onboarding, billing, analytics, and even a highly requested new integration. Every project started with real customer feedback drawn from support conversations, feature requests, and patterns we see every day. The shared goal was simple: make Buffer clearer, smoother, and more supportive, especially during the moments that matter most. Here’s everything we worked on this week, grouped into five categories of improvement. 1. Expanding what customers can do with BufferSome projects focused on extending Buffer’s capabilities — not through large platform changes, but through additions that unlock new (often highly requested) workflows. n8n integrationProject: Automation-minded customers often rely on tools like n8n to connect content workflows across their stack, but until now, there was no direct way to create content in Buffer as part of those workflows. This project focused on making it possible to create ideas and posts in Buffer automatically, while keeping the core product simple and uncluttered. Team: Joe B., Adnan, Steven, and Hannah The team built a direct integration between Buffer and n8n, allowing customers to create Buffer ideas or posts as part of an n8n workflow. In practice, a trigger in n8n can send structured data to Buffer, where it becomes content ready for scheduling, review, or refinement — without manual copy-pasting. Rather than prescribing a single ‘right’ setup, the n8n integration is designed to support workflows that range from simple triggers to more advanced systems, meeting automation-focused customers where they already work. What you can do with the integration: Create Buffer ideas automatically from new Notion database entriesTurn form submissions into posts using AI-generated or refined copyPublish posts when new videos are added to Google Drive, complete with generated captionsPull in and filter RSS content to create curated ideasSchedule posts through multi-step workflows that combine data from multiple toolsThe integration isn’t yet available in the n8n store. It’s currently live for Buffer’s API Closed Beta users who run a self-hosted n8n instance. A broader release is planned to align with the Buffer Public API moving into Open Beta, at which point the team aims to expand the available actions and triggers. Support reposts and quote posts for ThreadsProject: Creators wanted a way to reshare and reference existing Threads posts through Buffer, but early platform documentation made it unclear how reposts would actually work. This project focused on supporting the right Threads post type, enabling creators to participate more fully in conversations on the platform. Team: Amanda, Dinos, Cheryl, and Mw As the team explored repost support, they discovered that Threads’ documentation didn’t behave as expected. Instead of forcing an incomplete solution, they adapted quickly when Threads introduced support for “ghost posts” — a post type that enables repost and quote-style sharing. The team shipped support for ghost posts as a new post type for Threads in Buffer’s web composer. This gives creators a way to reshare and reference Threads posts directly from Buffer, aligning the publishing experience more closely with how Threads actually works. This update helps creators engage more naturally on Threads, especially when responding to or amplifying conversations already happening on the platform. The team is continuing to explore follow-up improvements, including expanding support beyond web. 💙Is there something you'd like to see our team add to Buffer? Head over to our Suggestions Board to upvote ideas or submit your own. We review every submission. 2. Making everyday product interactions clearer and easierThis category focused on reducing friction in the moments customers interact with Buffer most often — composing posts, previewing content, and navigating analytics. The goal was to make existing experiences feel more intuitive, trustworthy, and aligned with how platforms actually work. Projects in this category addressed areas where small mismatches or missing context could lead to confusion, second-guessing, or unnecessary support requests. Simplify our analytics featureProject: Parts of our analytics feature had become cluttered with deprecated metrics and unclear distinctions that made it harder for customers to understand their performance. This project focused on simplifying Analyze today while laying early groundwork for a clearer, more actionable approach to insights in the future. Team: Brandon, Mike SR, Joel, and Dave The team removed references to metrics and data we no longer have access to, including outdated Facebook Page and audience insights. With that clutter gone, they repurposed space in our analytics feature to clearly explain the difference between Overview and Posts metrics — a long-standing point of confusion for customers. Alongside this cleanup, the team began shaping a future-facing Insights experience designed to help customers better understand engagement and adjust their strategy over time. They built and refined a working prototype, using Instagram as an initial test case, and made progress toward a production-ready version intended for early user testing. Rather than treating cleanup and innovation as separate efforts, this work makes our analytics features clearer today while setting a foundation for how insights can become more useful, actionable, and aligned with how creators actually make decisions. Refresh channel previews in the composerProject: Buffer users rely on post previews to catch formatting issues before publishing, but outdated styling and missing interactions made some previews hard to trust. This project focused on bringing Buffer’s channel previews closer to how posts actually appear on each platform, so you can schedule with more confidence. Team: Ismail, Maya, and Mel The team refreshed previews across multiple platforms, starting with a rebuild of LinkedIn previews to better match real-world behavior. This helps creators spot issues before a post goes live, rather than discovering them after publishing. They also added key interactions that were previously missing. You can now click “See more” to expand longer posts directly inside the preview, and scroll through every image in Instagram carousels or stories before scheduling — including using arrow keys for faster review. Beyond individual improvements, the team updated the overall look and feel of previews across Mastodon, TikTok, X, Instagram, Threads, YouTube, and Bluesky. These were small, deliberate changes, but together they make creating, reviewing, and approving posts feel clearer, more accurate, and more modern. Getting previews right required hands-on testing and iteration. Social platforms don’t document preview behavior, and results can vary by context, but getting closer meaningfully improves trust — especially in high-stakes publishing moments. Show previously used Threads topics in ComposerProject: Frequent Threads posters often reuse the same topics, but having to retype them every time created unnecessary friction. This project focused on making topic selection faster and easier during post creation. Team: Diego C., Ben, and Daisy The team added a smart dropdown to the Threads composer that surfaces previously used topics, sorted by recent usage. Instead of starting from scratch, creators can now select a topic with a single click. The dropdown shows up to five recent topics at a time and includes an option to search that filters as you type, making it easy to find the right topic even as your list grows. It’s a small interaction, but one that adds up for frequent posters, leading to fewer interruptions and smoother publishing. The feature is currently deployed behind a feature flag and in internal testing, with the team continuing to refine the experience before a broader rollout. Instagram in-app guidanceProject: Instagram has some of the most nuanced requirements and edge cases, which can make posting feel confusing or fragile — especially when errors appear without clear next steps. This project focused on adding clearer, more proactive guidance so creators can set up and publish Instagram posts with more confidence. Team: Daniel P., Esther, and Jess The team improved several key moments in the Instagram experience, starting with a redesigned connection screen that helps customers more clearly understand the difference between Personal and Professional accounts. By clarifying this early, creators are more likely to connect the right account and avoid issues later. They also refined composer alerts when attaching media to Instagram posts. The updated alerts use clearer language and more consistent styling, guiding customers toward the right next step instead of feeling like hard errors or blockers. Finally, the team introduced a proactive alert mechanism that can be toggled on during known Instagram video error spikes. When issues are detected, creators uploading videos are guided toward a more stable connection option before a post fails — helping prevent frustration rather than reacting to it after the fact. Together, these changes make the Instagram experience feel calmer, clearer, and more supportive — especially in moments where confusion or errors are most likely to occur. An in-app changelog to share updates more easilyProject: Customers want a clear, reliable way to understand what’s changing in Buffer — without needing to hunt for updates or piece together announcements. This project focused on creating a more transparent, consistent, and accessible changelog experience directly inside the product. Team: Carlos, Juliet, Åsa, and Mike E., with support from Sofía The team built a fully custom changelog system inside Buffer that allows updates to be created, edited, and published directly in the app. Each entry includes a live preview, rich formatting, and optional cover images, making it easier to share product changes clearly and consistently. Customers now see a subtle in-app notification when there’s something new, without being overwhelmed. The system tracks which updates have been seen, supports different audiences (alpha, beta, or everyone), and brings historical changelog entries into one place for continuity. Beyond the tooling itself, the team also established guidelines and templates to keep changelog entries clear, useful, and on-brand — along with a regular cadence for sharing updates. Together, this work strengthens Buffer’s commitment to transparency and helps customers stay informed about how the product is evolving over time. 3. Reducing support friction with better tools and dataSupport teams often spend time solving the same problems repeatedly — not because the answers don’t exist, but because the information is scattered across tools, docs, and systems. This category focused on giving our Customer Advocates faster access to the right context, smarter tools to diagnose issues, and cleaner data to spot patterns earlier. AI-powered tool to diagnose failed postsProject: When a post fails to publish, it’s often frustrating and time-consuming to figure out why — both for customers and for Advocates. This project focused on reducing that friction by making failed post errors easier to understand and troubleshoot, ideally before a customer even needs to reach out for help. Team: Danny, Jose, and Mick The team built a new AI-powered diagnostics tool that helps explain failed posts more clearly and suggest next steps. Instead of leaving customers with a generic error, the tool surfaces likely causes and relevant guidance directly from the error message inside the Buffer dashboard. Alongside the customer-facing experience, the team also created an internal tool for Advocates that pulls in raw post data and context to speed up troubleshooting. Together, these tools reduce the time it takes to diagnose issues and make support conversations more focused and less repetitive. The long-term goal is to help customers resolve common issues on their own, while giving Advocates better tools for the cases that do require human support. By bringing clearer explanations closer to the moment something goes wrong, this work helps make Buffer feel more supportive — especially in moments that can otherwise feel stressful. Customer friction analysisProject: Patterns in support conversations hold valuable insight into where customers get stuck, but that information was previously manual to gather and difficult to access. This project focused on automating how support friction is categorized and making those insights easier to see and act on. Team: Adam, Eric, Peter, Jenny, and Julian The team automated the process of extracting support conversations and analyzing them to identify common friction points. Conversations are now processed automatically, categorized, and logged in a shared system rather than living in hidden or manual workflows. To make these insights more useful over time, the data is now connected to broader customer context and surfaced in a dedicated dashboard. This makes it easier to spot trends, track changes month over month, and understand where product, content, or support improvements could have the biggest impact. While this work is internal, it directly supports a better customer experience by helping teams identify recurring issues earlier and prioritize improvements more confidently. By turning scattered conversations into visible signals, the project helps ensure customer feedback informs decisions more consistently. Homegrown customer feedback widgetProject: In-app feedback is one of the most direct ways customers share what’s working — and what isn’t — but our existing widget made it hard to capture detailed context or act on responses meaningfully. This project focused on rebuilding the feedback experience so customers can share richer input and teams can review and follow up more effectively. Team: Nathan, Julia, Hailley, and Jakub The team rebuilt Buffer’s in-app feedback widget to support more thoughtful and actionable responses. Customers can now categorize their feedback, write freely without character limits, and upload images or videos to better show what they’re experiencing. On the receiving end, feedback is automatically routed to a shared Google Sheet, making it easier to review, collaborate, and spot patterns over time. This removes friction from the feedback loop and helps ensure customer input doesn’t get lost or siloed. Beyond the UI changes, the team also established a recurring product review process so this feedback is treated with the same level of care as feature requests and support conversations. While the new widget isn’t live to customers just yet, it’s complete, low-risk, and moving toward beta — setting a stronger foundation for listening and learning at scale. 4. Helping creators succeed, not just use the productMany customers come to Buffer with a clear goal: they want to grow as creators. This category focused on supporting that goal more directly — through education, guidance, and reusable systems that make consistency easier. Rather than treating content success as separate from the product, these projects bring creator support closer to where customers already are. Connecting blog content to the Help CenterProject: Buffer users often visit the Help Center looking for answers, but the solution isn’t always technical. This project focused on connecting strategic blog content with Help Center articles so customers can find deeper guidance — such as planning, strategy, and interpretation — when they need it. Team: Kirsti, Kelly, and Pierre The team audited high-traffic Help Center articles and mapped them against existing blog content to identify where a blog post could meaningfully support someone already looking for help. The goal was to surface the most relevant educational resources without asking customers to search for them. By the end of the week, they added 3 to 5 curated recommended resources to 47 Help Center articles, giving readers a clear path to go deeper into topics like content planning, posting strategies, and analytics interpretation. To make this work sustainable, the team also created systems behind the scenes — including a Notion database of evergreen blog posts organized by category, automatic UTM generation for tracking links, and clear documentation so future connections can be added consistently. They also set up a dashboard to track weekly traffic from Help Center articles to blog posts, creating visibility into which resources are actually helping customers move forward. New Creator Crash CourseProject: Many creators want to grow consistently, but most advice online focuses on hacks, virality, or chasing trends. This project focused on creating a calmer, more sustainable resource that helps creators reduce decision fatigue, build intentional habits, and learn from their work over time. Team: Sabreen, Suzanne, Alicja, Simon, and Amaan The team created The Creator Playbook by Buffer, a practical, people-first course designed to support creators at every stage. The course walks through choosing a clear focus, building sustainable posting rhythms, repurposing content thoughtfully, developing recognizable formats, using AI responsibly, and learning from results without spiraling or burning out. The playbook provides a repeatable system that creators can return to as their goals, capacity, and platforms change. It also sets a strong foundation for how Buffer can continue building high-quality educational resources grounded in lived creator experience — not trends or shortcuts. Template Library campaign systemProject: Running community and content campaigns through the Template Library often required custom setup and repeated engineering work. This project focused on building a reusable system that makes it easier to launch, manage, and rotate template campaigns — without starting from scratch each time. Team: Tami, Eduardo, Andreas, and Kate The team introduced a more intentional release system for the Template Library, starting with three clear release states that reflect how templates are actually published. Each state has defined behavior and consistent banner designs across light and dark modes, helping releases feel more predictable rather than one-offs. They also built a dedicated campaign database with simple setup logic, making it possible to manage ordering, timing, and visibility in one place — without ongoing engineering support. When no focused campaign is running, the system now surfaces underused or less-seen templates by default, giving more of the library a chance to be discovered. Alongside this, the team refined how programs and collections work, including clearer labeling, cleaner transitions, and better handling of overlapping releases. To support future use, they shipped an explainer that walks through how a template release flows from setup to live, laying the groundwork for teams to run campaigns end-to-end on their own. AI-generated alt text for imagesProject: Most images shared on social media don’t include alt text, which makes content less accessible for people who rely on assistive technology. This project explored whether AI could help generate meaningful alt text — reducing the effort required from creators while improving accessibility for their audiences. Team: David, Martín G.M., with support from Dave, Nathan, and Esther The team improved the alt text experience in Buffer by making it clearer and easier to save manual updates, and by introducing AI-assisted alt text generation as a progressive enhancement. The goal wasn’t to replace human judgment, but to support creators in adding alt text where it might otherwise be skipped. Early work focused on handling nuance — such as distinguishing between decorative and meaningful images, and understanding when an image adds value in context. In promising cases, the AI can recommend leaving alt text empty when an image doesn’t meaningfully contribute, helping avoid noise as well as omission. This exploration also informed broader improvements to how AI is used within Buffer, opening the door to more flexible model choices over time. Overall, the project supports a more inclusive social experience while keeping accessibility practical and approachable for creators. 5. Creating smoother onboarding and re-engagement momentsFirst impressions matter — but so do second chances. This category focuses on improving how customers experience Buffer when they return, join a team, or interact with billing and account workflows. The goal was to make these moments feel clearer, more relevant, and more human. A smoother reactivation experienceProject: When customers return to Buffer after some time away, the first few moments matter. This project focused on reducing visual clutter and interruptions in the dashboard so returning users can get oriented quickly and get back to what they came to do. Team: Ross, Sofía, and Rathes The team improved how banners and announcements appear in the Buffer dashboard, especially for returning customers. They reduced the number of pop-ups users have to dismiss, removed outdated banners, and introduced clearer prioritization so important messages don’t stack or compete for attention. They also added smarter logic to banners, including expiry dates and account-based visibility, so messages feel more relevant and timely. With the new in-app changelog handling feature announcements, the dashboard experience is now calmer and more focused — making it easier for customers to jump straight into their work. Alongside these improvements, the team explored future ideas for reactivation, including a more intentional “welcome back” moment that highlights what’s changed since a customer last used Buffer and guides them toward a clear next step. Together, this work lays the foundation for a more thoughtful, supportive experience when customers return. Team onboarding improvementsProject: New team members joining a Buffer organization were often running into small but meaningful friction during onboarding — especially around permissions, access, and what to do next. This project focused on making team onboarding clearer, more supportive, and better aligned with how people actually build a posting habit together. Team: Maggie, Darcy, and Raf The team refreshed the entire team onboarding email series to reduce confusion and improve relevance. The updated flow mirrors Buffer’s Free and Trial onboarding more closely, with a stronger emphasis on habit formation alongside team-specific collaboration features. They also added smarter personalization and action-based logic to improve timing and reduce redundant messages. Roles and permissions are now explained more clearly, helping teammates understand what access they have — and how to get more — without needing to reach out to support. To raise the bar on customer care, the series now comes from the Customer Advocacy team and ends with a personal check-in that only sends if signals suggest someone might be stuck. Together, these changes create a calmer onboarding experience that helps new team members get value faster while reducing avoidable support friction. Billing quick winsProject: Billing issues tend to surface during high-stress moments — payment failures, renewals, or finance handoffs — where even small friction can create outsized frustration. This project focused on reducing that friction by making billing communication clearer and easier to manage. Team: Nate, Jacob, Kyle, Mau, with support from Maggie and Amaan The team shipped several targeted improvements aimed at making billing interactions feel calmer and more predictable. Customers can now use a dedicated billing email address, separate from their account email, making it easier to route invoices and payment notifications directly to finance or accounting teams without manual forwarding. They also improved billing error messages so customers get clearer guidance on what went wrong and what to do next when a payment fails. This helps reduce confusion and back-and-forth with support during moments that already feel urgent. While attaching Stripe invoices directly to emails turned out to be larger in scope than CX Week allowed, the groundwork laid during this project sets the stage for safer, smoother invoice delivery improvements in the future. None of these changes are flashy, but together they remove friction at moments that matter most — and make Buffer feel more reliable when it counts. — We’re incredibly impressed with everything our team built this week, and we're really looking forward to continuing to shape Buffer into the best tool possible for our customers. We hope these improvements made a difference in your experience. Reach out to us anytime on social media or in our Community with any thoughts or questions! View the full article

It’s been nearly a decade since Netflix introduced fans to the fictional town of Hawkins, Ind., the Upside Down, Demogorgons, and the Stranger Things universe. Since 2016, the sci-fi series has become a massive hit for Netflix making it one of the streaming service’s most-watched shows with the fourth season alone amassing over 140.7 million views globally, according to the company. The series has earned 12 Primetime Emmy Awards over the course of the last several years, has pushed its young cast into superstardom, and has become a global phenomenon inspiring several live events and pop-up stores in various cities. And its fifth and final season, which is premiering in three parts, is no exception when it comes to the scale. While the streaming giant and showrunners Matt and Ross Duffer have other spin-offs planned, the fandom was always at the top of their mind when planning the marketing for the show to give the original series a proper send-off. “Stranger Things is the first franchise for Netflix overall so we do different things year round to reach all the fans and we’ve done that for years and it just keeps building,” Marian Lee, chief marketing officer of Netflix, tells Fast Company. “The fact that we started our live experiences with Stranger Things and have continued to evolve them in different ways is exciting.” To really build that excitement for fans heading into the final season, Netflix launched a massive global marketing campaign that includes a mix of real life, immersive experiences as well as social media components. And by the beginning of next month, Netflix will have launched several fan events across 32 cities across 23 countries from Tokyo to London and Berlin to Los Angeles. Turning ‘Stranger Things’ into real-world experiences Netflix hosted a “One Last Ride” cycling event with CicLAvia with over 50,000 attendees; a transit station in Buenos Aires was turned into an Upside Down-portal at a transit station; a holographic featuring elements from the series was projected over the Sydney Harbour in Sydney; an old airport hangar in Berlin was transformed into the Stranger Things universe where visitors had the opportunity to enjoy a bike ride through pivotal moments from the show; and just last month in New York City, a Stranger Things-themed float was debuted at the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade to its three million attendees. Other events are planned in London, Bangkok, Milan, Las Vegas, and Madrid later this month. In Las Vegas, fans will be treated to “One Last Adventure: Las Vegas,” a drone show that will feature 5,000 choreographed drones and pyrotechnics highlighting moments from the show complete with a musical mashup. Meanwhile, fans will be able to watch the final episode in theaters across the United States and Canada. Earlier this month, Netflix House, the new live entertainment venue that launched in Philadelphia and Dallas this month, features Stranger Things elements at both locations. The Dallas location features an immersive Stranger Things: Escape the Dark experience with a brand new storyline, while the Philadelphia location features a Stranger Things: Catalyst game developed in collaboration with Sandbox VR. On top of that, visitors can enjoy food inspired by the show in the Netflix Bites food court at the Las Vegas location debuting next year. But even before Netflix began heavily leaning into the experiences during the second half of the year, they also opened its Stranger Things: The First Shadow show on Broadway and West End earlier this year. According to the entertainment giant, demand across Broadway and the West End saw an almost instant sustained increase in sales, with sales at their highest levels since the initial launch of both productions. The Upside Down takes over social media Lee said when her team was planning the marketing for the final season, it was important to start early with a social campaign that focused on rewatching previous seasons to get ready for the new one. Ahead of the final season, Netflix rolled out a pre-launch rewatch campaign, which has generated 5.7 billion earned global social impressions. “It’s a brilliant way for the team to really think about how to re-engage fans and to get them ready for this next season,” Lee said. “A lot of our strategy really leaned into those core moments.” A video featuring the four boys played by Finn Wolfhard, Noah Schnapp, Caleb McLaughlin, and Gaten Matarazzo, recreating a scene from the second season earned over 215 million impressions globally. According to Netflix, total earned social impressions for the fifth season has reached 11.5 billion and that’s without the last two volumes of the episodes released yet. Since then, Netflix has also released many behind-the-scenes moments and audition tapes of the cast across its social channels, which all have millions of followers. Powered by brands… and ‘80s nostalgia Lee said another essential part of the campaign was its various partnerships with brands — and for this season, Netflix partnered with many companies across various lifestyle and retail categories like Spotify, Meta, Target, Walmart, Nike, Gap, and several food and beverage brands like Eggo, Doritos, Kellogg’s, Chips Ahoy, and Gatorade all infused with nostalgic elements inspired by the show’s 1980s setting. Netflix launched a collaboration with military quarantine snack Peanut Butter Boppers earlier this month for a limited time, several other items and snacks inspired by the series with including a special collection with Target that included over 150 exclusive products like Demogorgon popcorn bucket, Demogorgon Bundle Box by Jazwares and exclusive Gatorade x Stranger Things apparel and accessories. Along with the partnerships with brands like Doritos and Discover, Netflix collaborated closely with each respective brand on a custom partnership that included commercials. Lee said her and her team set the bar really high when it came to working with its brand partners this season. “This fandom is so rich and unique and it just happens to also dovetail really nicely with brands and retailers who are seeing the nostalgia for that 80s’ aesthetic come back so it came together in a really serendipitous way for us to lean in,” Lee said. Ultimately, Lee said all the work her and her team really ties back to the fanbase the series has accumulated over the last five seasons. “It is hard to even articulate the impact on culture that the Duffer Brothers has had,” Lee said. “To watch them tell their story of dreams they had of bringing this show to life and we’re lucky to be the home for that.” View the full article

A federal judge’s four-year prison sentence for an Iowa meatpacking plant worker underscores that pandemic-era relief fraud remains an active enforcement priority—and a cautionary tale for small business owners who relied on Paycheck Protection Program funds to survive COVID-19 disruptions. According to a release from the Small Business Administration (SBA) Office of Inspector General, Yovany Ciero, 48, of Mason City, Iowa, was sentenced on December 3, 2025, to 48 months in federal prison for his role in a multi-million-dollar scheme to defraud the SBA through fraudulent Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans. Ciero was convicted by a jury earlier this year on multiple counts, including wire fraud, money laundering, and conspiracy, after prosecutors showed he helped orchestrate and profit from false loan applications during the pandemic. The case, detailed in an SBA investigative summary, highlights how PPP funds—intended to help legitimate small businesses keep workers on payroll—were instead siphoned off through organized fraud. Evidence presented at trial showed that Ciero, a former sergeant in the Cuban military, was working at an Algona, Iowa meatpacking plant when the COVID-19 pandemic began. Beginning in July 2020, he and more than 100 other immigrants from Cuba obtained fraudulent PPP loans by falsely claiming they were self-employed individuals with approximately $100,000 in gross income in 2019. In reality, they were wage employees at meatpacking plants or other businesses. Prosecutors described Ciero as one of six “bundlers” in the scheme. His role involved recruiting participants, collecting their personal identifying information, and passing that information to others who submitted the fraudulent loan applications to participating lenders. Investigators determined that more than $4 million in fraudulent PPP applications were submitted, resulting in losses of over $2.4 million to the federal government. Once loan funds were disbursed—typically about $20,000 per applicant—Ciero also acted as a “funnel” in a money laundering conspiracy. He collected fees charged by the organizers, usually $3,000 per fraudulent loan. The government also showed that Ciero personally obtained two fraudulent PPP loans, one for himself and one for his paramour, and used much of that money to purchase a semi-truck. After receiving the PPP funds, he also obtained a Federal Housing Administration loan to buy a home in Mason City. The district court judge found that Ciero obstructed justice by testifying falsely at trial, a factor that contributed to the length of his sentence. United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand ordered Ciero to pay $212,293 in restitution to the SBA and to serve two years of supervised release following his prison term. There is no parole in the federal system. For small business owners, the case serves as a reminder that PPP compliance did not end when the program stopped accepting applications. Federal agencies continue to audit loans, pursue criminal cases, and seek restitution years after funds were distributed. Businesses that legitimately received PPP loans should ensure their documentation—including payroll records, tax filings, and forgiveness applications—remains complete and accessible. The case also illustrates how fraud schemes can involve individuals who were not business owners at all, but who falsely claimed self-employment status. For legitimate sole proprietors and independent contractors, this distinction matters. The government’s aggressive pursuit of false claims can increase scrutiny across the board, making accurate reporting and careful recordkeeping even more important for compliant businesses. Ciero is the fifth former Iowa meatpacking plant worker sentenced in this particular scheme. Other defendants received prison terms ranging from five to 11 months and were ordered to pay restitution amounts between roughly $60,000 and $138,000, according to court records. Prosecutors said the investigation involved multiple agencies, including the SBA Office of Inspector General, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Office of Inspector General, Homeland Security Investigations, the FBI, and local law enforcement. As enforcement actions continue, small business owners may want to revisit how they applied for pandemic relief, how funds were used, and whether forgiveness filings accurately reflected their operations. While the vast majority of PPP recipients followed the rules, cases like this demonstrate that the government is still sorting out pandemic-era abuses—and that the consequences for fraud can be severe and long-lasting. Image via Google Gemini This article, "Cuban Military Veteran Sentenced in $2.4M PPP Loan Fraud Scheme" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

A federal judge’s four-year prison sentence for an Iowa meatpacking plant worker underscores that pandemic-era relief fraud remains an active enforcement priority—and a cautionary tale for small business owners who relied on Paycheck Protection Program funds to survive COVID-19 disruptions. According to a release from the Small Business Administration (SBA) Office of Inspector General, Yovany Ciero, 48, of Mason City, Iowa, was sentenced on December 3, 2025, to 48 months in federal prison for his role in a multi-million-dollar scheme to defraud the SBA through fraudulent Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans. Ciero was convicted by a jury earlier this year on multiple counts, including wire fraud, money laundering, and conspiracy, after prosecutors showed he helped orchestrate and profit from false loan applications during the pandemic. The case, detailed in an SBA investigative summary, highlights how PPP funds—intended to help legitimate small businesses keep workers on payroll—were instead siphoned off through organized fraud. Evidence presented at trial showed that Ciero, a former sergeant in the Cuban military, was working at an Algona, Iowa meatpacking plant when the COVID-19 pandemic began. Beginning in July 2020, he and more than 100 other immigrants from Cuba obtained fraudulent PPP loans by falsely claiming they were self-employed individuals with approximately $100,000 in gross income in 2019. In reality, they were wage employees at meatpacking plants or other businesses. Prosecutors described Ciero as one of six “bundlers” in the scheme. His role involved recruiting participants, collecting their personal identifying information, and passing that information to others who submitted the fraudulent loan applications to participating lenders. Investigators determined that more than $4 million in fraudulent PPP applications were submitted, resulting in losses of over $2.4 million to the federal government. Once loan funds were disbursed—typically about $20,000 per applicant—Ciero also acted as a “funnel” in a money laundering conspiracy. He collected fees charged by the organizers, usually $3,000 per fraudulent loan. The government also showed that Ciero personally obtained two fraudulent PPP loans, one for himself and one for his paramour, and used much of that money to purchase a semi-truck. After receiving the PPP funds, he also obtained a Federal Housing Administration loan to buy a home in Mason City. The district court judge found that Ciero obstructed justice by testifying falsely at trial, a factor that contributed to the length of his sentence. United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand ordered Ciero to pay $212,293 in restitution to the SBA and to serve two years of supervised release following his prison term. There is no parole in the federal system. For small business owners, the case serves as a reminder that PPP compliance did not end when the program stopped accepting applications. Federal agencies continue to audit loans, pursue criminal cases, and seek restitution years after funds were distributed. Businesses that legitimately received PPP loans should ensure their documentation—including payroll records, tax filings, and forgiveness applications—remains complete and accessible. The case also illustrates how fraud schemes can involve individuals who were not business owners at all, but who falsely claimed self-employment status. For legitimate sole proprietors and independent contractors, this distinction matters. The government’s aggressive pursuit of false claims can increase scrutiny across the board, making accurate reporting and careful recordkeeping even more important for compliant businesses. Ciero is the fifth former Iowa meatpacking plant worker sentenced in this particular scheme. Other defendants received prison terms ranging from five to 11 months and were ordered to pay restitution amounts between roughly $60,000 and $138,000, according to court records. Prosecutors said the investigation involved multiple agencies, including the SBA Office of Inspector General, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Office of Inspector General, Homeland Security Investigations, the FBI, and local law enforcement. As enforcement actions continue, small business owners may want to revisit how they applied for pandemic relief, how funds were used, and whether forgiveness filings accurately reflected their operations. While the vast majority of PPP recipients followed the rules, cases like this demonstrate that the government is still sorting out pandemic-era abuses—and that the consequences for fraud can be severe and long-lasting. Image via Google Gemini This article, "Cuban Military Veteran Sentenced in $2.4M PPP Loan Fraud Scheme" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

The fourth requirement to make clients value your advice. By Hitendra Patil Client Accounting Services: The Definitive Success Guide Go PRO for members-only access to more Hitendra Patil. View the full article

The fourth requirement to make clients value your advice. By Hitendra Patil Client Accounting Services: The Definitive Success Guide Go PRO for members-only access to more Hitendra Patil. View the full article

As you get stronger, you become able to lift heavier and heavier weights. That's the idea at the heart of an often-misunderstood fitness concept: progressive overload. Unfortuantely, there are a lot of myths and misunderstandings about this principle, so here's how to use it to plan your own workouts or judge whether a program you're following will keep you on track. What is progressive overload? Progressive overload is the increase, over time, in the amount of work or stress you ask your body to handle. The term is used two different ways: as a principle of how the human body works, and as a description of how a workout program changes over time. If you want to know how to "do progressive overload," you're thinking of the second one—how to design a workout program. The simplest way to implement this is to just do a little more each time you're in the gym. More weight, or more reps, or making the workout harder in some other way. You can still take some easier "deload" workouts (or weeks) from time to time, but over the long term you want to see a trend of the workouts getting harder. They won't necessarily feel harder, because you'll be getting stronger. It's more like the workouts are keeping up with you. In other words, progressive overload is a bit of a chicken-and-egg situation. As you get stronger, your workouts need to get harder to keep up. But in a sense you are also becoming stronger because you're challenging yourself with harder workouts. What does progressive overload look like in real life?If you’re bummed out by the idea of working harder and harder forever, don’t panic. You’ll work harder in absolute terms—by lifting heavier weights, let’s say—but the challenge stays about the same in relative terms. Your workouts will fall into an effort level you might call “hard, but doable,” and you’ll notice progress because your numbers are going up. (A similar approach applies to endurance sports. As cyclist Greg Lemond reportedly said: “It never gets any easier, you just go faster.”) When I started lifting weights many years ago, 65 pounds was a decently challenging bench press for me. I remember being proud of myself for being able to squeeze out a rep or two at 85 pounds. Now, if I’m going to do a bench workout, I don’t even bother loading those amounts onto the bar. My warmup sets start at 95 pounds, and a heavy single might be around 135. That 135 feels just as hard as 85 used to, but it’s undeniably more weight. How did I make that progress? Well, I kept lifting the weights that felt heavy for me. Over time, the same weights that used to be challenging started to feel easy, and I needed to add more and more weight to the bar to get something that actually felt heavy. (I have a guide here to figuring out whether you’re lifting “heavy.”) Most of the time, I either followed a program that told me how many pounds to lift, increasing that amount slowly over time, or one that told me what effort level to lift at (a concept called RPE), which allowed me to choose an appropriate weight each day. Following a program will usually net you better progress than just winging it, but as long as you’re using the overload principle and the progression principle, you will get stronger. Workout routines that use progressive overloadHere are some examples of workout routines that use progressive overload: Double progression. Let's say you're aiming for three sets of eight to 12 reps of dumbbell shoulder press. You choose a weight that you can handle for 3 sets of 8 reps. The next time you do shoulder press, try to add at least one rep. If you can't, that's fine—just do your three sets of eight. One day maybe you'll get 10 reps on the first set, then only eight on the next two. Another time maybe you get 12, 10, and eight. After a few weeks you manage three full sets of 12. That means it's time to increase the weight! The next time you do the exercise, you'll use a heavier set of dumbbells and start again at three sets of eight. It's called "double" progression because first you increase the reps, and then you increase the weight. Linear progression. This is a common progression for barbell exercises for beginners. You do the same number of reps every time (say, five sets of five reps) but add a small amount of weight every workout. Often the program will have instructions for what to do if you can't complete the five sets of five reps at the new weight. These workouts aren't usually realistic for experienced lifters, since you can't keep increasing the weight forever, but they're great for people who are learning an exercise for the first time or returning to the gym after a break. Set progression. This may be used along with double progression, or may be its own thing. You start with just a few sets of an exercise per workout, say two or three, and then add a set each week. Once you're doing, say, five sets, you'll start over with heavier weight. If you're using it with double progression, you'll increase sets, and then reps, and then weight. Density progression. This is commonly used in timed sets, like Crossfit WODs ("workout of the day") or for accessory lifts. Set a timer for several minutes and do as many reps as possible in the given time, resting as needed. The next time you do the workout, try to do more reps in the same amount of time. Once you can do the lifts with little to no rest, you'll either add weight or find another way to make the exercises harder (for example, doing dips instead of pushups). As you can see, weight isn't the only variable that progresses. You can increase reps, or sets, or increase the amount of work you do in a given time by decreasing rest. You can increase the difficulty by choosing a harder exercise (like progressing from dips to pushups). As long as things get harder over time, you're doing progressive overload. How to use progressive overload even if you can't add more weightAdding weight is part of most progressive overload schemes, but you don’t have to add weight to the bar literally every time you lift. There’s a wide range of weights and rep ranges that can be effective for building strength and muscle. For example, if I did a bench workout today, I might do sets of 10 at 100 pounds, or sets of five at 120, or some heavy singles at 140, or any combination of these. If I’m really tired or stressed, I might decide to do the sets of 10 at just 90 pounds. If I’m feeling great, I might be able to do them at 105. This is what I mean by a wide range: All of these are hard enough work to spur my muscles to adapt and get stronger. (There are reasons you might choose one of these workouts over the others, but we don’t need to get into those details at the moment.) What wouldn’t be progressive overload? Well, if I did sets of 10 with just the bar, that wouldn’t help me get stronger. If I had a mini barbell set, and it maxed out at 85 pounds, my strength would stagnate once I got to the point where 85 pounds isn’t a challenging weight anymore. Even as your strength improves, you don’t have to do more every single workout, as long as you’re getting stronger in the long term, and your workouts are still in the range that is challenging to you. So let’s say you’re doing bicep curls with a 10-pound dumbbell. You can do eight or 10 reps with it. Perfect. But the only way to add weight, at your gym, might be to pick up a 15-pound dumbbell. If that weight is too heavy for you, that’s okay. Keep working with the 10-pounder, and in time you’ll be ready for the 15. You can progress on more than one metricWhile you’re probably itching to lift heavier weights, weight on the bar is not the only way to progress. Sometimes you can’t add weight because of equipment issues, or just because your strength is improving slowly. (Even if your beginner gains were meteoric, everybody’s progress slows down at some point.) But if you’re smart, you probably don’t want to only get better at one specific thing. A lot of beginners start off doing squat, bench, and deadlift in sets of five reps, and trying to add weight each workout. But you’ll be a more well-rounded lifter if you also know how to lift heavy singles and sets of 10 or 15. Depending on your goals you might consider front squats in addition to back squats, and reverse hypers or kettlebell swings in addition to deadlifts. There are ways to improve at all of these things, and it’s normal for a lifter to be simultaneously increasing their reps in accessory lifts, increasing their weight on the bar for heavy singles, and increasing the amount of time they spend on conditioning workouts. How to spot workouts that don't use progressive overloadNot every workout or routine will have progressive overload built in. For example, if you have a favorite workout that you do every day, but you never make it any harder (say, it's always three sets of ten pushups), you won't make progress over time. That's OK if you enjoy the workout for another reason, like if you're just trying to get the mental health benefits of a little exercise boost in the morning. But if you want to get better at pushups, you need to find a way to do more of them over time, or make them harder in some way (like elevating your feet, or doing them with a backpack on). Workouts with progressive overload tend to be personalized to you. If the workout tells you exactly what to do, down to the exact weight of dumbbell to pick up, it's not giving you room to choose the weight that matches your current strength level. The 12-3-30 treadmill workout, for example, is the same for everyone every time. If it's one-size-fits-all, there's no way to progress. That said, some workouts have a sneaky progression built in. If you jog for 30 minutes each day, chances are you'll get a little faster over time even if you don't realize it, and then you're doing more work within the same amount of time. Or if you do "three sets of 10" of an exercise, but each day you pick up whatever dumbbells feel appropriate for that level, you'll probably end up using heavier ones over time. Just make sure you don't get stuck doing the exact same thing month in and month out. The limits of progressive overloadOne last thing, now that we’ve discussed what progressive overload looks like. It’s important to remember that progression happens in the long term. Some competitive lifters might not test their one-rep max outside of competition, which means they’ll only find out once or twice a year how much their deadlift has gone up. That doesn’t mean they haven’t progressed in the meantime. If they’re doing an effective program, consistently challenging themselves, they’re still working. Plateaus are a fact of life when you’re a lifter. Sometimes it takes a while to get stronger. Sometimes you need to work on your technique to be able to express your newfound strength. Sometimes factors like stress or weight loss or changes in your training can make you weaker in the short term, but if you keep training in a way that challenges you, you’ll set new PRs soon enough. 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Planned £100mn overhaul of train station will seek to end ‘holding pen’ experience for passengers View the full article

Three tech solutions for protecting client data. By Jody Grunden Building the Virtual CFO Firm in the Cloud Go PRO for members-only access to more Jody Grunden. View the full article

Three tech solutions for protecting client data. By Jody Grunden Building the Virtual CFO Firm in the Cloud Go PRO for members-only access to more Jody Grunden. View the full article

The seven states that rely on the Colorado River to supply farms and cities across the U.S. West appear no closer to reaching a consensus on a long-term plan for sharing the dwindling resource. The river’s future was the center of discussions this week at the annual Colorado River Water Users Association conference in Las Vegas, where water leaders from California, Nevada, Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming gathered alongside federal and tribal officials. It comes after the states blew past a November deadline for a new plan to deal with drought and water shortages after 2026, when current guidelines expire. The U.S. Bureau of Reclamation has set a new deadline of Feb. 14. Nevada’s lead negotiator said it is unlikely the states will reach an agreement that quickly. “As we sit here mid-December with a looming February deadline, I don’t see any clear path to a long-term deal, but I do see a path to the possibility of a shorter-term deal to keep us out of court,” John Entsminger of the Southern Nevada Water Authority told The Associated Press. An essential resource More than 40 million people across seven states, Mexico, and Native American tribes depend on the water from the river. Farmers in California and Arizona use it to grow the nation’s winter vegetables such as broccoli, cabbage, and carrots. It provides water and electricity to millions of homes and businesses across the basin. But longstanding drought, chronic overuse, and increasing temperatures have forced a reckoning on the river’s future. Existing water conservation agreements that determine who must use less in times of shortage expire in 2026. After two years of negotiating, states still haven’t reached a deal for what comes next. The federal government continues to refrain from coming up with its own solution — preferring the seven basin states reach consensus themselves. If they don’t, a federally imposed plan could leave parties unhappy and result in costly, lengthy litigation. Not only is this water fight between the upper and lower basins, individual municipalities, tribal nations and water agencies have their own stakes in this battle. California, which has the largest share of Colorado River water, has over 200 water agencies alone, each with their own customers. “It’s a rabbit hole you can dive down in, and it is incredibly complex,” said Noah Garrison, a water researcher at the University of California, Los Angeles. No deal emerges During a Thursday panel of state negotiators, none appeared willing to bend on their demands. Each highlighted what their state has done to conserve water, from turf-removal projects to canal lining in order to reduce seepage, and they explained why their state can’t take on more. Instead, they said, others should bear the burden. Entsminger, of Nevada, said he could see a short-term deal lasting five years that sets new rules around water releases and storage at Lakes Powell and Mead — two key reservoirs. Lower Basin states pitched a reduction of 1.5 million acre-feet per year to cover a structural deficit that occurs when water evaporates or is absorbed into the ground as it flows downstream. An acre-foot is enough water to supply two to three households a year. But they want to see a similar contribution from the Upper Basin. The Upper Basin states, however, don’t think they should have to make additional cuts because they already don’t use their full share of the water and are legally obligated to send a certain amount of water downstream. “Our water users feel that pain,” said Estevan López, New Mexico’s representative for the Upper Colorado River Commission. Upper Basin states want less water released from Lake Powell to Lake Mead. But Tom Buschatzke, director of the Arizona Department of Water Resources, said he hasn’t seen anything on the table from the Upper Basin that would compel him to ask Arizona lawmakers to approve those demands. Within the coming weeks, the Bureau of Reclamation will release a range of possible proposals, but it will not identify a specific set of operating guidelines the federal government would prefer. Scott Cameron, the bureau’s acting commissioner, implored the states to find compromise. “Cooperation is better than litigation,” he said during the conference. “The only certainty around litigation in the Colorado River basin is a bunch of water lawyers are going to be able to put their children and grandchildren through graduate school. There are much better ways to spend several hundred million dollars.” —Jessica Hill, Associated Press View the full article

When starting a business, securing the right funding is vital for your success. There are several types of startup loans available, each designed to meet different needs. From small microloans to larger SBA loans, knowing your options can help you make informed decisions. Comprehending how to access these funds is fundamental, especially if you face challenges along the way. Let’s explore the key loan options available for startups and how you can navigate this financial environment effectively. Key Takeaways SBA Microloans provide up to $50,000, ideal for new businesses needing smaller amounts, with an average loan of $16,208. SBA 7(a) loans can be hard to secure for startups under two years, but offer larger funding options when approved. Online loans cater to startups with less than one year of operation, offering quicker access to necessary funds. Equipment financing allows startups to acquire essential tools without needing additional collateral, making it a practical option. Merchant Cash Advances (MCAs) offer quick funding based on future sales, though they typically come with higher costs. What Is a Startup Business Loan? A startup business loan is a financial tool designed to help new companies access the funds they need to cover various expenses, such as working capital, inventory, and fixed assets. Unlike traditional loans, these loans often have less stringent requirements, making them more accessible for entrepreneurs. The loan amounts typically range from $1,000 to over $1.5 million, with annual percentage rates starting as low as 4.66%, depending on the lender and loan type. You can qualify for various options, including SBA Microloans up to $50,000 or online loans that may require only a few months of operational history. Many lenders look for a minimum credit score ranging from 570 to 680, so improving your score can boost your chances of approval. If you’re wondering how to get a grant to start a business, keep in mind that startup business loans serve as a viable funding option for new ventures. Types of Startup Business Loans Numerous types of startup business loans exist, each customized to meet the unique needs of new entrepreneurs. For instance, SBA Microloans provide up to $50,000, perfect for small businesses, with an average loan amount of $16,208. If you’re considering a more substantial option, SBA 7(a) loans can be challenging to secure, especially for those with less than two years in operation. Online loans are accessible for startups with one year or less, offering quicker approval than traditional banks. Equipment financing helps you acquire necessary tools without extra collateral, whereas invoice financing allows you to sell unpaid invoices for immediate cash. Moreover, Merchant Cash Advances (MCAs) base funding on future sales, making them easier to qualify for, though they tend to be expensive. Don’t forget to explore startup business grants as well; knowing how to get grant money to start a business can greatly aid your business launch. Best Startup Business Loan Options When starting a new business, finding the right funding option can greatly impact your success. Several excellent startup business loan options can help you manage your business finances effectively. Fora Financial offers loans up to $1.5 million with a minimum credit score of 570 and just six months in business, making it accessible for new ventures. If you need quick cash, OnDeck provides short-term loans from $5,000 to $250,000, requiring a credit score of 625 and offering same-day funding. For flexible borrowing, Headway Capital‘s line of credit up to $100,000 is a great choice, with a credit score requirement of 625. Fundbox specializes in lines of credit based on invoices, allowing quick access up to $250,000 for those with a score of 600. Finally, National Funding focuses on equipment financing, helping you acquire necessary tools without additional collateral. These options can be essential as you explore how to start a business and attract investors for a business. How to Get a Startup Business Loan Securing a startup business loan requires careful planning and a clear comprehension of your financial needs. Start by realistically evaluating how much capital you need for marketing, inventory, and operations. Next, confirm your eligibility by reviewing lender requirements, which often necessitate a minimum of six months in business and specific revenue thresholds. Research multiple lenders to prequalify, comparing their rates, terms, and repayment schedules to find the best fit for your business. Compile vital documentation, such as business licenses, bank statements, and financial projections, to strengthen your loan application. Moreover, explore grants for new business owners, as they can provide critical funding—ask yourself, how can you get a grant to start a business? Finally, understand the steps to set up a company, ensuring everything is in order before applying for your loan. By following these guidelines, you can increase your chances of securing the financing you need. What to Do If Denied a Startup Business Loan Facing a denial for a startup business loan can be disheartening, but it’s important to view it as an opportunity for growth and improvement. Start by inquiring with the lender about the specific reasons for the denial; comprehending their concerns can help you address them before reapplying. Strengthen your business plan by incorporating projected financial statements and clearer market analysis, which can improve future applications. Consider exploring alternative financing options, such as microloans or crowdfunding, which often have more flexible requirements. You might likewise look into grants for young business owners from government agencies or private foundations, as these funds don’t need to be repaid, though competition can be tough. Finally, evaluate borrowing from friends and family, ensuring you communicate loan terms clearly to avoid misconceptions and maintain valuable relationships. Each step can help you move closer to securing the funding you need for your small business to start. Alternatives to Startup Business Loans If you’re exploring funding options for your startup, consider alternatives to traditional business loans that might better suit your needs. Startup business grants are a great option, as they come from federal and private organizations, often targeting specific industries, and they don’t require repayment. Business credit cards can provide quick access to cash for daily operations, allowing you to manage short-term expenses as you build credit for future financing. If business loans aren’t available, personal loans can help cover startup costs, even though they may carry higher interest rates. Crowdfunding platforms are another avenue, enabling you to raise capital from many individuals online; a compelling pitch is key to attracting contributions. Furthermore, friends and family can offer funding through personal loans or gifts, usually with fewer formalities. Nevertheless, it’s essential to communicate terms clearly to avoid misunderstandings. Explore these alternatives to find the best fit for your startup’s needs. Tips for Comparing Startup Business Loans When you’re ready to compare startup business loans, how do you know which option is best for you? Start by evaluating the types of loans available, such as SBA microloans, online loans, and equipment financing. Next, check the interest rates and Annual Percentage Rates (APRs), which can differ notably among lenders. Loan Type Interest Rates Minimum Credit Score Requirements SBA Microloans 4.66% – 9% 650 Online Loans 7% – 30% 500 – 700 Equipment Financing 5% – 15% 600 Additionally, review the minimum credit score requirements, as higher scores typically lead to better terms. Analyze repayment terms, which can range from short (12-24 months) to more flexible options, and don’t forget to take into account customer service and online reviews to guarantee a smooth borrowing experience. Frequently Asked Questions Can You Get a Loan of $50,000 for a Startup Business? Yes, you can get a loan of $50,000 for a startup business. Options include SBA Microloans, which offer up to $50,000, and online lenders with fewer restrictions, often requiring a minimum credit score of around 600. To improve your chances of approval, prepare a solid business plan and relevant financial documents. Moreover, consider alternative financing methods like equipment financing or lines of credit customized to specific business needs. Can a New LLC Get a Small Business Loan? Yes, a new LLC can get a small business loan, but it often faces stricter requirements. You’ll need a solid business plan and a personal credit score typically between 570 and 680. Many lenders require your LLC to be operational for at least six months, though some online lenders consider three months. Furthermore, building relationships with lenders and providing thorough financial documentation can improve your chances of securing funding successfully. Can You Get a Loan for a Start-Up Business? Yes, you can get a loan for a start-up business. Various options exist, including SBA microloans and online loans, which often have less strict requirements. Nevertheless, lenders typically expect a solid business plan, proof of revenue, and a decent credit score, usually between 500 and 680. Keep in mind that although alternative financing like merchant cash advances offers quick cash, they often come with higher costs. Always evaluate the terms carefully before proceeding. Can I Use My EIN to Get a Loan? Yes, you can use your Employer Identification Number (EIN) to apply for a loan. Lenders often require an EIN to verify your business’s legitimacy and financial history. Having an EIN helps separate your personal and business finances, which can improve your chances of approval. Nevertheless, keep in mind that lenders additionally consider other factors, such as your credit score and business plan, when evaluating your loan application. Conclusion Securing the right funding is essential for your startup’s success. By comprehending the various types of loans available, such as SBA Microloans and Merchant Cash Advances, you can make informed decisions that align with your business needs. If you encounter challenges in obtaining a loan, exploring alternative funding options can likewise be beneficial. Always compare different loan offerings to guarantee you choose the best fit for your financial situation and growth objectives, helping you lay a solid foundation for your enterprise. Image via Google Gemini This article, "7 Essential Business Loans for Startup Companies" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

When starting a business, securing the right funding is vital for your success. There are several types of startup loans available, each designed to meet different needs. From small microloans to larger SBA loans, knowing your options can help you make informed decisions. Comprehending how to access these funds is fundamental, especially if you face challenges along the way. Let’s explore the key loan options available for startups and how you can navigate this financial environment effectively. Key Takeaways SBA Microloans provide up to $50,000, ideal for new businesses needing smaller amounts, with an average loan of $16,208. SBA 7(a) loans can be hard to secure for startups under two years, but offer larger funding options when approved. Online loans cater to startups with less than one year of operation, offering quicker access to necessary funds. Equipment financing allows startups to acquire essential tools without needing additional collateral, making it a practical option. Merchant Cash Advances (MCAs) offer quick funding based on future sales, though they typically come with higher costs. What Is a Startup Business Loan? A startup business loan is a financial tool designed to help new companies access the funds they need to cover various expenses, such as working capital, inventory, and fixed assets. Unlike traditional loans, these loans often have less stringent requirements, making them more accessible for entrepreneurs. The loan amounts typically range from $1,000 to over $1.5 million, with annual percentage rates starting as low as 4.66%, depending on the lender and loan type. You can qualify for various options, including SBA Microloans up to $50,000 or online loans that may require only a few months of operational history. Many lenders look for a minimum credit score ranging from 570 to 680, so improving your score can boost your chances of approval. If you’re wondering how to get a grant to start a business, keep in mind that startup business loans serve as a viable funding option for new ventures. Types of Startup Business Loans Numerous types of startup business loans exist, each customized to meet the unique needs of new entrepreneurs. For instance, SBA Microloans provide up to $50,000, perfect for small businesses, with an average loan amount of $16,208. If you’re considering a more substantial option, SBA 7(a) loans can be challenging to secure, especially for those with less than two years in operation. Online loans are accessible for startups with one year or less, offering quicker approval than traditional banks. Equipment financing helps you acquire necessary tools without extra collateral, whereas invoice financing allows you to sell unpaid invoices for immediate cash. Moreover, Merchant Cash Advances (MCAs) base funding on future sales, making them easier to qualify for, though they tend to be expensive. Don’t forget to explore startup business grants as well; knowing how to get grant money to start a business can greatly aid your business launch. Best Startup Business Loan Options When starting a new business, finding the right funding option can greatly impact your success. Several excellent startup business loan options can help you manage your business finances effectively. Fora Financial offers loans up to $1.5 million with a minimum credit score of 570 and just six months in business, making it accessible for new ventures. If you need quick cash, OnDeck provides short-term loans from $5,000 to $250,000, requiring a credit score of 625 and offering same-day funding. For flexible borrowing, Headway Capital‘s line of credit up to $100,000 is a great choice, with a credit score requirement of 625. Fundbox specializes in lines of credit based on invoices, allowing quick access up to $250,000 for those with a score of 600. Finally, National Funding focuses on equipment financing, helping you acquire necessary tools without additional collateral. These options can be essential as you explore how to start a business and attract investors for a business. How to Get a Startup Business Loan Securing a startup business loan requires careful planning and a clear comprehension of your financial needs. Start by realistically evaluating how much capital you need for marketing, inventory, and operations. Next, confirm your eligibility by reviewing lender requirements, which often necessitate a minimum of six months in business and specific revenue thresholds. Research multiple lenders to prequalify, comparing their rates, terms, and repayment schedules to find the best fit for your business. Compile vital documentation, such as business licenses, bank statements, and financial projections, to strengthen your loan application. Moreover, explore grants for new business owners, as they can provide critical funding—ask yourself, how can you get a grant to start a business? Finally, understand the steps to set up a company, ensuring everything is in order before applying for your loan. By following these guidelines, you can increase your chances of securing the financing you need. What to Do If Denied a Startup Business Loan Facing a denial for a startup business loan can be disheartening, but it’s important to view it as an opportunity for growth and improvement. Start by inquiring with the lender about the specific reasons for the denial; comprehending their concerns can help you address them before reapplying. Strengthen your business plan by incorporating projected financial statements and clearer market analysis, which can improve future applications. Consider exploring alternative financing options, such as microloans or crowdfunding, which often have more flexible requirements. You might likewise look into grants for young business owners from government agencies or private foundations, as these funds don’t need to be repaid, though competition can be tough. Finally, evaluate borrowing from friends and family, ensuring you communicate loan terms clearly to avoid misconceptions and maintain valuable relationships. Each step can help you move closer to securing the funding you need for your small business to start. Alternatives to Startup Business Loans If you’re exploring funding options for your startup, consider alternatives to traditional business loans that might better suit your needs. Startup business grants are a great option, as they come from federal and private organizations, often targeting specific industries, and they don’t require repayment. Business credit cards can provide quick access to cash for daily operations, allowing you to manage short-term expenses as you build credit for future financing. If business loans aren’t available, personal loans can help cover startup costs, even though they may carry higher interest rates. Crowdfunding platforms are another avenue, enabling you to raise capital from many individuals online; a compelling pitch is key to attracting contributions. Furthermore, friends and family can offer funding through personal loans or gifts, usually with fewer formalities. Nevertheless, it’s essential to communicate terms clearly to avoid misunderstandings. Explore these alternatives to find the best fit for your startup’s needs. Tips for Comparing Startup Business Loans When you’re ready to compare startup business loans, how do you know which option is best for you? Start by evaluating the types of loans available, such as SBA microloans, online loans, and equipment financing. Next, check the interest rates and Annual Percentage Rates (APRs), which can differ notably among lenders. Loan Type Interest Rates Minimum Credit Score Requirements SBA Microloans 4.66% – 9% 650 Online Loans 7% – 30% 500 – 700 Equipment Financing 5% – 15% 600 Additionally, review the minimum credit score requirements, as higher scores typically lead to better terms. Analyze repayment terms, which can range from short (12-24 months) to more flexible options, and don’t forget to take into account customer service and online reviews to guarantee a smooth borrowing experience. Frequently Asked Questions Can You Get a Loan of $50,000 for a Startup Business? Yes, you can get a loan of $50,000 for a startup business. Options include SBA Microloans, which offer up to $50,000, and online lenders with fewer restrictions, often requiring a minimum credit score of around 600. To improve your chances of approval, prepare a solid business plan and relevant financial documents. Moreover, consider alternative financing methods like equipment financing or lines of credit customized to specific business needs. Can a New LLC Get a Small Business Loan? Yes, a new LLC can get a small business loan, but it often faces stricter requirements. You’ll need a solid business plan and a personal credit score typically between 570 and 680. Many lenders require your LLC to be operational for at least six months, though some online lenders consider three months. Furthermore, building relationships with lenders and providing thorough financial documentation can improve your chances of securing funding successfully. Can You Get a Loan for a Start-Up Business? Yes, you can get a loan for a start-up business. Various options exist, including SBA microloans and online loans, which often have less strict requirements. Nevertheless, lenders typically expect a solid business plan, proof of revenue, and a decent credit score, usually between 500 and 680. Keep in mind that although alternative financing like merchant cash advances offers quick cash, they often come with higher costs. Always evaluate the terms carefully before proceeding. Can I Use My EIN to Get a Loan? Yes, you can use your Employer Identification Number (EIN) to apply for a loan. Lenders often require an EIN to verify your business’s legitimacy and financial history. Having an EIN helps separate your personal and business finances, which can improve your chances of approval. Nevertheless, keep in mind that lenders additionally consider other factors, such as your credit score and business plan, when evaluating your loan application. Conclusion Securing the right funding is essential for your startup’s success. By comprehending the various types of loans available, such as SBA Microloans and Merchant Cash Advances, you can make informed decisions that align with your business needs. If you encounter challenges in obtaining a loan, exploring alternative funding options can likewise be beneficial. Always compare different loan offerings to guarantee you choose the best fit for your financial situation and growth objectives, helping you lay a solid foundation for your enterprise. Image via Google Gemini This article, "7 Essential Business Loans for Startup Companies" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

We may earn a commission from links on this page. Bone conduction headphones (BCHs) have been around for a while, but I didn't really start using them until this year, and they've honestly changed everything for me. They have helped keep my mind occupied—usually with an audiobook—while I tackle mundane tasks while leaving me able to communicate with my wife without constantly taking my earbuds out. As I result, I've listened to more books than ever this year, but beyomnd that accomplishment, I love that I'm able to remain aware of my surroundings while listening to my music, podcast, shows, calls, or, yes, my audiobook. That's why BCHs are my tech upgrade of 2025. Why I love the Shokz OpenRun Pro 2Earlier this year, I reviewed the Shokz OpenRun Pro 2, and I'm glad I did. I'd tested other BCHs previously, but the OpenRun Pro 2 were on a different level entirely. They employ a hybrid of BCH technology and open-air sound that projects low frequencies to your ears. This means they sound almost like regular headphones, while keeping the benefits of BCH. (they don't cover your ears, so you're more tuned in to the world around you). Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 $139.95 at Amazon $179.95 Save $40.00 Shop Now Shop Now $139.95 at Amazon $179.95 Save $40.00 No more losing an earbudI used to use regular earbuds while taking work calls or doing household chores, and I would often find myself only using one earbud so I wouldn't be totally tuned out to my surroundings. Yes, most earbuds now have a transparency mode of some sort, but I'd usually find it easier to just take one out rather than remembering how to toggle it on or off. The downside here is that I'd typically leave whichever earbud I'd removed lying somewhere around the house, or lose it outright. Moreover, if I was listening to something in stereo, I'd be missing out on half of the experience. That all changed when I started using the OpenRun Pro 2 as my go-to headphones. Comfortable and functional Unlike earbuds or over-ear headphone, which can be fatiguing after extended use, the OpenRun Pro 2 are so comfortable, I sometimes forget I'm wearing them. Their microphones are great, so I can use them to take calls or virtual meetings without issue. Because of their hybrid audio model, I don't experience the sensation of vibration that tickled my ears when I tried other BCH models. I love that I can have a full conversation with my wife while washing the dishes or cooking and not have to worry about pausing my media or fumbling with my earbuds. And the best part is that they're waterproof, so I can go from a runs and straight to the shower without missing a beat—or, more often, a chapter of my current book (you'd be surprised how many minutes of extra listening you can rack up over the course of a year of showers, not to mention washing dishes, walking the dog, and other everyday tasks). With the help of these headphones, I look forward to beating my audiobook record again in 2026. View the full article