The U. S. government has been using tariffs to level the playing field for American manufacturers. This move has sparked a mix of hope and worry among small business owners. Some see it as a chance to boost local production and jobs. Others worry about the economic fallout and the uncertainty it brings. Drew Greenblatt, who runs Marlin Steel Wire Products, is al...
Small and medium-sized businesses are feeling the pinch from recent trade policies. These companies make up a significant portion of the US import market, bringing in goods worth $868 billion each year. Unlike giant corporations, these smaller firms are more vulnerable to financial disruptions. Many of these businesses are struggling to stay afloat. Nearly 20% of th...
Flint, Michigan, is a city that has seen better days. The General Motors Flint Assembly plant is a massive factory that produces the popular Silverado truck. This plant is a big deal for Flint, a city of about 80, 000 people in the heart of Michigan's auto industry. The plant has been a steady source of jobs and economic stability for the region. The city has a hist...
The mood in the room changed instantly. It was April 2, and the news of new tariffs on Chinese goods had just hit. Matt Rollens, a business owner, was in Las Vegas with hundreds of others. The atmosphere shifted dramatically. The tariffs were a big surprise, and not a good one. Everyone was worried about what this meant for their businesses. Many of these tariffs we...
The Texas Senate recently gave the green light to a bill that could significantly ease the tax burden on small businesses. This new law allows businesses to exclude up to $25, 000 worth of equipment, such as computers and furniture, from their taxes. This is a big jump from the previous exemption limit of $2, 500. The idea behind this change is to give small business...
In Golden, Colorado, Ben Coryell is feeling the pressure. He leads a company that takes people on adventures in the wilderness. It has been a tough time for him. Many customers have been calling to cancel their bookings for summer trips. They are worried about spending a lot of money. The reason? The economy is shaky. The government has put high taxes on imports. Thi...
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, however, is also reducing its workforce, which raises concerns about ...
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 order was signed, aiming to dismantle the Education Department and tra...
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 states where starting a business is more affordable. Utah came out on...
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 is a group for small business owners, providing a space where they can...