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...
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...
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...
Small and big businesses in Baton Rouge have been closed due to the recent snow and ice, but now that the weather is getting better, they're getting back to work. Mia Monet from 2une In visited SoLou, a local restaurant, to chat about how businesses are recovering and getting ready for Winter Restaurant Week, happening from January 27 to February 1. Many restaurants ...
As the COVID-19 pandemic swept through the nation, it posed new hurdles for businesses and worker safety. In response, a team of experts from various fields conducted the COVID-19 Worksite Impact Survey. This survey aimed to understand how the pandemic was affecting small and medium businesses in ten North Carolina counties. By gathering this information, the team co...
The wealthy couldn't be happier. Bitcoin soared past $100, 000 last year, and banks celebrated Donald Trump's victory. Wall Street is eagerly waiting for stock gains in 2025. At the same time, homelessness jumped 18%. Small business owners worry about Trump's tariffs and immigration threats. It's a story of the rich getting richer, with big companies ready to benefit...
Imagine running a small business and suddenly losing a powerful tool like TikTok. That’s what millions of small business owners might face if a TikTok ban happens. Desiree Hill from Crown’s Corner Mechanic in Georgia knows this worry all too well. She started as a mobile mechanic and grew her business thanks to TikTok videos showcasing her work. Now, she runs a big s...
You might think that offering discounts to women on Ladies' Night would boost business, but it can actually put small restaurants out of business. That's what happened to Lima Restaurant in California. The owner, John Marquez, had to close after settling a discrimination lawsuit over a Ladies' Night promotion. This isn't rare. Many small businesses face lawsuits unde...
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. "If they're not doing well, our economy isn't either. " This was es...
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 fear these new tariffs could lead to higher prices and slower econom...