SMALL BUSINESS

Mar 25 2025EDUCATION

What's Next for Student Loans and FAFSA?

The Department of Education might be shutting down, but what does this mean for student loans and the FAFSA? The Small Business Administration (SBA) is stepping in to manage federal student loans. This shift comes after significant cuts to the Department of Education's staff and resources. The SBA,

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Mar 25 2025EDUCATION

Student Loan Shifts: What's Happening with Your Payments?

The recent shifts in student loan management have left many borrowers puzzled and worried. The Small Business Administration (SBA) is now in charge of the $1. 6 trillion college student loan portfolio, a task previously handled by the U. S. Education Department. This change came after an executive o

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Mar 18 2025BUSINESS

Where to Kickstart Your Business on a Budget

Starting a business is a big challenge. It is even more difficult when you have to deal with high costs. These costs include rent, labor, and taxes. Living near the coasts in the U. S. can make it even harder. This is because costs are generally higher in these areas. A recent study highlighted the

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Mar 18 2025BUSINESS

The Power of Peer Support for Small Business Owners

Running a small business can often feel like a lonely journey. Many entrepreneurs struggle with the weight of their responsibilities, often feeling isolated and without a support network. This is where the SMB Community comes in, offering a unique solution to this common problem. The SMB Community i

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Mar 14 2025BUSINESS

Local Legends and Rising Stars: 2025 Business Honors

In St. Cloud, Minnesota, a few businesses were recently celebrated for their achievements. The first was a bakery that started in 1998. Mike and DeNae Hiltner were introduced to Great Harvest Bread Company while on a trip to Montana. They learned about the franchise opportunity in Central Minnesot

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Mar 12 2025BUSINESS

Small Businesses in a Spin: What's Going On?

In the United States, small businesses are feeling the heat. The National Federation of Independent Business's Uncertainty Index hit its second-highest level since 1973. This means small business owners are worried about the economy's future. The share of respondents who think it's a good time to ex

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Mar 12 2025BUSINESS

AI: Your New Business Buddy, Not Boss

Mark Cuban, a well-known tech investor, recently spoke at a big conference in Austin. He had some interesting things to say about AI and small businesses. He believes AI can give small businesses a big boost, but it's not a magic solution. It's more like a helpful tool. Cuban thinks that ne

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Mar 08 2025POLITICS

Small Business Administration Shifts Offices

The Small Business Administration (SBA) has decided to move six of its regional offices. These offices are currently in cities known for their immigrant-friendly policies. The SBA calls these cities "sanctuary cities. " The move is part of a larger effort to enforce stricter immigration laws. The S

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Feb 16 2025BUSINESS

Small Businesses Face Uphill Battle in New Political Climate

Small businesses are feeling the pinch just one month into the new administration. The changes have been swift and significant, with funding freezes, tariffs, and a crackdown on diversity efforts. These changes have left many small business owners scrambling to adapt. David Funk, the founder of Zer

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Feb 12 2025BUSINESS

The Cost of Protectionism

In the heart of Denver, Sandra Payne, the brain behind Denver Concrete Vibrator, is worried. Her business depends on steel and other raw materials from China, Canada, and Mexico. But now, President Trump's new tariffs are making her life harder. Her company makes tools for concrete and other indust

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