December retail sales stayed flat month‑to‑month, a sharp fall from the expected rise after November’s rebound. The drop marks the slowest year‑over‑year growth since September 2024. Motor vehicle and clothing purchases fell the most, while spending on building materials and food & beverage grew
The county has opened a new window of help for local entrepreneurs who felt the squeeze of COVID‑19. A fresh grant program gives up to $2, 500 to small businesses that kept running through the pandemic and offers free coaching from two local partners. The initiative is run by the Office of Communi
The public debate about the Small Business Administration’s 8(a) program has drifted from facts to exaggeration. Many claim the program lets firms grab federal contracts without competition, but that is a false picture. An 8(a) company does not have a special license to win contracts by default. It
Tax season can be a headache for small business owners. It's not just about filling out forms. It's about understanding how taxes impact the health of a business. Many small businesses struggle to survive, and taxes play a big role in that. Small businesses make up a huge part of the U. S. economy.
In 2025, the U. S. Small Business Administration (SBA) saw a significant turnaround. The agency focused on boosting small businesses and stimulating economic growth. This shift came after a period marked by high inflation, excessive bureaucracy, and widespread fraud. The SBA achieved impressive res
Ravenna's Chamber of Commerce is stepping up its game to support local entrepreneurs. The Business Launchpad, a program designed to help new businesses take off, has already seen success with its first venture, E. T. C. Sports. Now, it's gearing up for its second business, The Record Arsenal, set to
In many parts of the world, getting a loan is a big challenge. Traditional banks often require a solid credit history and stable income, which many small business owners lack. This leaves a lot of people without access to the funding they need to grow their businesses. Enter Solana-based lenders. T
Taxes aren't just about that big annual filing. For many, it's a quarterly task. Who's on this list? Small business owners, freelancers, and independent contractors. If you expect to owe at least $1, 000 in taxes for the year, you're likely one of them. These quarterly payments are due four times a
Pennsylvania's skill game industry is at a crossroads. For years, small businesses have relied on these machines to boost their income and provide entertainment. But now, the industry faces a big challenge: fair regulation. The skill game industry has grown a lot. It started small, with simple mach
Pico’s BBQ, a beloved Texas-style barbecue spot, has shut its doors. The food truck, known for its mouthwatering ribs, brisket, and sausage, was a rare gem in the Peninsula area. It had been serving up delicious eats on Saturdays for about a year in Redwood City. Before that, it was a pop-up, poppin
