SMALL BUSINESS

Dec 01 2024BUSINESS

Shopping Small: A Big Deal for Communities

Imagine walking through a mall on a Saturday morning, browsing through a kiosk filled with cute stuffed animals. That was what Aurora resident Michael Steinbarth was doing with his son. He had a clear view on why small businesses are so important. "They're like the backbone of our country, " he said

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Nov 30 2024BUSINESS

Small Business Owners Brace for More Tariffs

As President Trump proposes new tariffs, small business owners are scrambling to protect their companies. Many are worried these higher tariffs could make things even tougher than before. Experts disagree with Trump's claims that his previous tariffs created jobs and didn't cause inflation. Analysts

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Nov 30 2024BUSINESS

Why Small Businesses Deserve Our Shopping Dollar year-round

It’s not just about Black Friday and Cyber Monday anymore—Small Business Saturday is making a splash! Born in 2010 by American Express and co-sponsored by the United States Small Business Administration since 2011, this shopping day puts the spotlight on local businesses. They're the heart of commun

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Nov 24 2024LIFESTYLE

La Grange’s Month of Magic: Fun for Everyone this Holiday Season

Get ready, La Grange! The annual Hometown Holidays event kicks off on November 30, bringing a whole month of festive activities to the town. Organized by the La Grange Business Association and the village, this year’s celebration is set to be even more exciting. The festivities start with the Small

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Nov 24 2024BUSINESS

Health Insurance: A Big Concern for Small Businesses

Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey recently met with small-business owners from the Retailers Association of Massachusetts (RAM). She noticed they were worried about the rising cost of health insurance. Their forecast for holiday sales was modest, with only a 1. 5% increase expected. Healey introdu

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Nov 23 2024BUSINESS

Ready to Retire? Plan Ahead for Your Small Business

Thinking about retiring? If you own a small business, it's smart to start planning early. Mike Roach, who started Paloma Clothing in Portland, Oregon, knew he had to think about the future when he turned 74. His manager, Traci Burnes, had been crucial in navigating the pandemic, so he decided to off

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Nov 20 2024BUSINESS

Planning for a Small Business Exit: A Casual Guide

Starting a small business is tough. But have you thought about what happens when you want to retire? It turns out, figuring out how to step away can be even more challenging. Mike Roach, who co-founded Paloma Clothing in Portland, Oregon, in 1975, realized he needed a plan after nearly 50 years. His

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Nov 18 2024BUSINESS

Tough Times for Small Businesses: Surviving Inflation's Bite

Inflation is a cruel beast, especially for small businesses as they face skyrocketing costs and disgruntled customers. Enjou Chocolat, a small chocolate shop in New Jersey, knows this story all too well. Forcing customers to shell out more for treats, like $14. 99 for a half-pound bag of foil chocol

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Nov 15 2024BUSINESS

A Viral Star's Virtual Visit Keeps a Colorado Bakery Afloat

In the heart of Colorado Springs, a tiny bakery named Norma's Bakery was nearly shipwrecked after just one year of sailing. Its owners, Norma Torres Canales and Martin Gerardo Ortiz Ceja, were forced to reduce employee hours. The family-owned business was at risk of shutting down. Their daughter-in-

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Nov 08 2024BUSINESS

Staying Strong: Dar es Salaam's Businesses Defy Floods

In Dar es Salaam's bustling cityscape, there's a unique story of resilience unfolding in the flood-prone areas, particularly in Kigogo. Here, many small and medium-sized businesses, also known as MSMEs, operate amidst the challenges posed by floods. Despite the risk, these businesses seem to thrive,

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