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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

The move formalizes acting leadership roles both have had in different segments of the government-backed mortgage market serving many first-time homebuyers. View the full article

A reader asks: I run a small business that supplies a product to major companies. To keep the details anonymous, let’s say that we supply garments to a few mid-tier clothing retailers that you can buy in the mall. The problem is that one of my employees two levels down (he reports to someone who reports to me), Dave, behaves as though we’re making clothing for Gucci or Prada. This causes enormous production headaches. It means everything moves much more slowly through his department, because he is extremely conscientious about quality. That is admirable, but it results in things like being short with our subcontractors because they have not produced the products to his standard, even though they have produced them to industry standards. We’ve lost freelance designers because they’re being asked to make Prada-level clothing for Old Navy-type wages. He also causes many things to be done over or redoes them himself. This dramatically drives up the cost of what we produce. He should be producing 5,000 items a year in order to justify his salary but he only produces 3,000. This means we have gotten to a point where it actually costs us more to produce these products than we are being paid for them. Both his manager and I have attempted to tell him directly that he is overdoing things. This angers him and causes him to dig in his heels. We’ve said, “You don’t have to redo this work. It was fine the way the freelancers produced it. Just concentrate on the big issues like the overall cut of the fabric.” What he apparently hears is, “What you do doesn’t matter. You’re wrong to be concerned about quality.” His reaction is to stay up all night and work through the weekend to try and increase his numbers instead of just not doing everything twice. Dave’s heart is in the right place. This is tricky because it’s not like we’re asking him to do X and he refuses. We’re asking him to do X, and he does X twice and then adds Y and Z! How can I motivate Dave to take a step back and be more in alignment with the market tier we serve instead of driving up cost and increasing everyone’s aggravation by overdoing things? Or perhaps he is just a bad fit for this job? Green responds: He might be a bad fit for the job. Whether his heart is in the right place or not, you can’t keep someone on who refuses to work in the way that you need, wildly misses your production metrics, and drives up your costs—and who, when spoken to about it, flatly refuses to change what he’s doing. But first make sure you have been very, very clear with Dave. Not just “Concentrate on X, not Y” clear. This needs to be, “If you do not immediately start doing X and stop doing Y, we are going to need to let you go” clear. You need to say it that way to make sure Dave understands the stakes. It’s possible that he has been hearing, “We would like to have the level of care and quality that you’re providing and obviously it would be better if we could, but sadly we cannot find a way to sustain it.” And he’s thinking, “Let me show you how we can do it!” So you need to be crystal clear that you don’t want it and will not allow it. You also need to be clear about the consequences if he continues—that you will fire him. If you don’t spell that out explicitly and then you let Dave go, he sounds like he might be shocked because he’s focused on how much he cares and how hard he’s working (and in his mind, who would fire someone who cares so much and works so hard?). So it’s a kindness to let him know now that that’s the path he’s heading down. If you have this conversation and the problem continues, then you’ll know that he just can’t do the job you need done. At that point, you can move forward with a clear conscience because you’ll have told him clearly what he needed to do to stay in the job and will have given him a chance to do it. Want to submit a question of your own? Send it to alison@askamanager.org. —Alison Green View the full article

We need young people to gain experience that makes the world of work intelligible and builds skills and confidenceView the full article

Stocks rose in morning trading on Wall Street Friday and further trimmed losses from earlier in the week for several major indexes. The S&P 500 jumped 0.8%, adding to gains made on Thursday. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 283 points, or 0.6%, as of 10:05 a.m. Eastern. The Nasdaq jumped 1% and is now on track for a weekly gain. Technology stocks with an focus on artificial intelligence once again led the market. Nvidia jumped 3.4% and Broadcom rose 2.4%. Oracle rose 7% on news that it, along with two other investors, had signed agreements to form a new TikTok U.S. joint venture. Oracle, Silver Lake and MGX each get a 15% share in the popular social video platform, ensuring that it can continue operating in the U.S. Company earnings and how companies are performing amid tariffs and inflation were a key focus for Wall Street. Nike slumped 9.6%, as the impact from tariffs overshadowed an otherwise strong quarterly profit report. Frozen potato maker Lamb Weston fell 19.8%, despite also beating Wall Street’s profit and revenue forecasts. Winnebago Industries jumped 10.7% after turning in profits and revenue for its latest quarter that easily beat analysts’ estimates. Japanese stocks rose after the Bank of Japan raised its benchmark interest rate to its highest level in 30 years. In Tokyo, the Nikkei 225 gained 1%, leading the rise across Asia’s key markets. Markets in Europe also gained ground. —— AP Business Writer Matt Ott contributed. —Damian J. Troise, AP Business Writer View the full article

It’s the Friday open thread! The comment section on this post is open for discussion with other readers on any work-related questions that you want to talk about (that includes school). If you want an answer from me, emailing me is still your best bet*, but this is a chance to take your questions to other readers. * If you submitted a question to me recently, please do not repost it here, as it may be in my queue to answer. The post open thread – December 19, 2025 appeared first on Ask a Manager. View the full article

Learn how to check if your brand appears in AI results, spot outdated info, and which free tools help monitor your visibility. View the full article

Learn how small teams can track AI visibility. Discover affordable tools they can use and key metrics they should focus on. View the full article

Last month, the U.S. Congress passed the Epstein Files Transparency Act, which was subsequently signed into law by President Donald The President. The act mandates that the Department of Justice (DOJ) publish all unclassified information it has on the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein by Friday, December 19. That’s today. Here is what to know about what will likely be included in the trove of documents, as well as where and when you can view them. What documents will be included in the disclosure? When Congress passed the Epstein Files Transparency Act, it mandated that the DOJ must publish its unclassified material on Jeffrey Epstein. But what exact material will be included in the disclosure? The act was pretty specific. According to the November law, the DOJ must publish all unclassified: records documents communications investigative materials One can presume that this includes digital evidence such as emails and photos, as well as documents and communications the DOJ created in relation to the investigation and prosecution of Epstein. However, the Epstein Files Transparency Act further clarifies that the release applies to more than just files related to investigations, prosecutions, or custodial matters regarding Epstein. The law states that the following must also be released by the DOJ: materials that relate to Ghislaine Maxwell flight logs and travel records individuals named or referenced (including government officials) in connection with the investigation and prosecution of Jeffrey Epstein Entities, including corporations and governmental, with known or alleged ties to Epstein’s financial or trafficking networks immunity or other deals with Epstein or his associates Files related to his detention and death Files held by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices must also be released. Can the DOJ withhold any information? Yes, the DOJ can withhold information from the release of files under a few circumstances, including: If the files or information are classified If the information contains personal information about Epstein’s victims If the information, if released, would jeopardize an active federal investigation However, the law specifically states that no information can be withheld solely because that information would cause “embarrassment, reputational harm, or political sensitivity, including to any government official, public figure, or foreign dignitary.” When will the DOJ release the Epstein files? The law states that the DOJ must release the Epstein files “in a searchable and downloadable format” no later than 30 days after the Epstein Files Transparency Act was enacted. The Epstein Files Transparency Act was enacted on November 19, 2025. That means that the DOJ has until 11:59 p.m. tonight to release the files. Where will the files be released? The Epstein Files Transparency Act doesn’t explicitly state where or how the Department of Justice must release the files beyond saying that the files must be “in a searchable and downloadable format.” That clause means the DOJ must release the files digitally (since they must be downloadable). However, the law does not state which website must host the files. However, it is very likely that the files will be hosted on the Department of Justice’s website (justice.gov) or the Justice Department will specify via a press release on its website where the files will be hosted. It’s possible that the DOJ could set up a dedicated website where the files will be available to search and download. We’ll update this story with the link once it becomes available. View the full article

Deputy attorney-general Todd Blanche says thousands more will be unveiled in ‘next couple of weeks’ View the full article

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Canada and the U.S. will launch formal discussions to review their free trade agreement in mid-January, the office of Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said. The prime minister confirmed to provincial leaders that Dominic LeBlanc, the country’s point person for U.S-Canada trade relations, “will meet with U.S. counterparts in mid-January to launch formal discussions,” Carney’s office said in a statement late Thursday. The United States-Mexico-Canada trade pact, or USMCA, is up for review in 2026. U.S. President Donald The President negotiated the deal in his first term and included a clause to possibly renegotiate the deal in 2026. Carney met with the leaders of Canada’s provinces on Thursday to give them an update on trade talks with the U.S. Canada is one of the most trade-dependent countries in the world, and more than 75% of Canada’s exports go to the country’s southern neighbor. But most exports to the U.S. are currently exempted by USMCA. The President cut off trade talks to reduce tariffs on certain sectors with Carney in October after the Ontario provincial government ran an anti-tariff advertisement in the U.S. That followed a spring of acrimony, since abated, over The President’s insistence that Canada should become the 51st U.S. state. Carney said earlier Thursday that Canada and the U.S. were close to an agreement at the time on sectoral tariff relief in multiple areas, including steel and aluminum. Tariffs are taking a toll on certain sectors of Canada’s economy, particularly aluminum, steel, auto and lumber. Carney also said trade irritants flagged this week by U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer are elements of a “much bigger discussion” about continental trade. Greer said a coming review of the Canada-U.S.-Mexico trade deal will hinge on resolving U.S. concerns about Canadian policies on dairy products, alcohol and digital services. Carney and the provincial premiers agreed to meet in person in Ottawa early in the new year. Canada is the top export destination for 36 U.S. states. Nearly $3.6 billion Canadian (US$2.7 billion) worth of goods and services cross the border each day. About 60% of U.S. crude oil imports are from Canada, as are 85% of U.S. electricity imports. Canada is also the largest foreign supplier of steel, aluminum and uranium to the U.S. and has 34 critical minerals and metals that the Pentagon is eager for and investing in for national security. Carney said U.S. access to Canada’s critical ministers is not a certainty. “It’s a potential opportunity for the United States, but it’s not an assured opportunity for the United States. It’s part of a bigger discussion in terms of our trading relationship, because we have other partners around the world, in Europe for example, who are very interested in participating,” Carney said earlier Thursday. —Rob Gillies, Associated Press View the full article