SMALL BUSINESS

Oct 30 2025BUSINESS

Big Moves: Ant Group Expands into Latin America

Ant Group, a major player in the online finance world, has set its sights on Latin America. The company, which was co-founded by Jack Ma, is putting money into R2, a company that helps other businesses get loans. This isn't just any investment. It's a big step for Ant Group to grow in a new market. R2 is a fintech company that focuses on small and medium-sized busin...

reading time about 1 minute
Oct 28 2025OPINION

Small Businesses Face Health Care Hurdles

In the heart of Anchorage, a small business owner found the freedom to pursue their passion a decade ago. This leap was made possible by the Affordable Care Act (ACA), which provided a safety net for those venturing into self-employment. Health care, much like public services, is a fundamental need. It should not be a privilege tied to a job. A system where everyone ...

reading time about 1 minute
Oct 24 2025HEALTH

Health Insurance Costs: A Growing Burden for American Families

Health insurance costs in the U. S. are climbing fast. For families, the average yearly cost is now close to $27, 000. This is a big jump, especially since costs have been going up for three years straight. Economists are worried. When health care costs rise faster than the economy, there's less money for wages. This can slow down job growth and make life harder for...

reading time about 1 minute
Oct 24 2025BUSINESS

Clara Capital: Speeding Up Small Business Funding with AI

Clara Capital has hit a big milestone. They've lent over $350 million to small and medium-sized businesses. This company uses AI to make things faster and easier for both businesses and their partners. The CEO, Ryan Adwar, says their AI-first approach cuts down the time it takes to get a funding offer. It used to take days, now it takes hours. This speed doesn't com...

reading time about 1 minute
Oct 03 2025BUSINESS

Lovers Lane: A Bumpy Ride for Local Shops

Lovers Lane, a bustling street in University Park, is currently a hotspot for construction. This isn't just any construction; it's a massive project that's been in the works for years. The goal? To give the area a much-needed facelift. But while the city is busy improving the infrastructure, small businesses are feeling the pinch. The construction, which kicked off ...

reading time about 1 minute
Sep 04 2025BUSINESS

How AI is Changing the Game for Small Businesses

AI is not just a buzzword anymore. It's becoming a daily reality for small businesses everywhere. Over 60% of small businesses in the U. S. plan to use AI tools by 2025. This is not just a trend; it's a big shift in how business is done. Global trade is changing fast. Before, you needed a big team and lots of time to start selling in other countries. Now, a small te...

reading time about 1 minute
Aug 21 2025BUSINESS

Smart Money Moves: Top Picks for Business Banking

Running a business means keeping your personal and business money separate. A good business checking account can help you track spending, manage cash flow, and even earn some extra cash through interest or bonuses. But not all accounts are created equal. Some offer great perks, while others come with hidden fees. Let's break down the best options out there. BlueVine...

reading time about 2 minutes
Aug 17 2025CRIME

Rio Linda's Night of Chaos: A Community Stands Strong

In the early hours of Friday morning, a wave of burglaries hit Rio Linda, leaving six small businesses in disarray. The culprit, 24-year-old Brendan Williams, was swiftly apprehended by Sacramento County Sheriff's Deputies. Williams is now facing a slew of charges, including felony vandalism, burglary, and multiple misdemeanors. The spree started at Sterling Water S...

reading time about 1 minute
Jul 28 2025BUSINESS

Chicago's Pope Boom: How Local Businesses Are Cashing In

Pope Leo XIV's election has sparked a wave of creativity among Chicago's small businesses. The city's connection to the new pope has led to a surge in pope-themed merchandise, from beer to baby onesies. This trend, dubbed "the pope economy, " has given a significant boost to local entrepreneurs. Brent Raska, owner of Burning Bush Brewery, saw a huge demand for his D...

reading time about 1 minute
Jun 27 2025BUSINESS

A Hero for Small Businesses

In the middle of the COVID-19 storm, one person stood out. Saint Hung, the head of a financial tech company in New York City, did something amazing. He and his team helped over 35, 000 Asian American-owned businesses stay afloat. They did this by giving out protective gear, financial advice, digital tools, and resources in many languages. At a recent event, around 2...

reading time about 1 minute