Category: Growing a Business

Bookkeeping 101 for Small Business: Everything You Need to Know

Bookkeeping 101 for Small Business: Everything You Need to Know

Key takeaways: Bookkeeping isn’t just about taxes—it helps you track cash flow, qualify for funding, and make smarter financial decisions. Learn why keeping accurate records is essential for your business’s success. You don’t have to be a finance expert to set up a solid bookkeeping system. With advice from tax pros, we’ll break down the basics. Avoid costly mistakes and stay tax-ready with simple strategies. Discover common bookkeeping pitfalls, how to manage your records efficiently, and when to consider outsourcing.… Read More
Should You Start a Business for Freedom?

Should You Start a Business for Freedom?

Key takeaways: While business ownership can lead to more freedom, it also often comes with trade-offs like long hours, financial risk, and short-term sacrifices. Choosing the right business model is key to achieving your version of freedom, whether it’s flexibility, financial growth, or independence. Learn from other entrepreneurs who achieved freedom in their businesses, and get strategies to help you succeed.  Freedom was a key reason why serial entrepreneur Susan Nilon started her latest business, The Stress-Free CEO, a consulting… Read More
How Tariffs Can Impact Your Small Business: An Up-To-Date Guide 

How Tariffs Can Impact Your Small Business: An Up-To-Date Guide 

Key Takeaways President Trump made tariffs a key campaign promise, and has proposed significant tariffs against Canada, Mexico, and China, and other countries.  Many economists predict tariffs will lead to increased prices, and will likely impact consumers and small businesses more than large businesses. Small business owners should understand how tariffs may impact their business and consider taking steps to mitigate the possible effects.  Tariff Updates Last updated 2/10/2025 The US International Trade Commission publishes the Harmonized Tariff Schedule which… Read More
SBA Working Capital Line of Credit: Everything Small Businesses Need to Know

SBA Working Capital Line of Credit: Everything Small Businesses Need to Know

Key takeaways: The SBA introduced a new working capital line of credit program in 2024. It offers up to $5 million in flexible working capital through revolving or non-revolving lines of credit. These loans are available to eligible businesses with at least 12 months business history. Find out whether this loan may be right for your business, and explore alternatives.  As a small business owner, having access to working capital can make the difference between taking advantage of opportunities, instead… Read More
Top Business Loans and Grants for Native American Entrepreneurs in 2024-2025

Top Business Loans and Grants for Native American Entrepreneurs in 2024-2025

There are about 49,000 American Indian and Alaska Native-owned small businesses in the US, according to US Census Bureau research. Indigenous entrepreneurs in the USA often face significant financial challenges, however: 56% of Native and Indigenous entrepreneurs cite financial issues such as raising capital or budgeting as their biggest challenge, according to a Breaking the Blueprint HubSpot blog survey. 16.3% of Native households don't use banks, due to high poverty rates, systemic racism, and lack of brick-and-mortar institutions on reservations,… Read More
D-U-N-S Number Lookup

D-U-N-S Number Lookup

If you run a small business, you’ve no doubt heard the expression: “Know your numbers”. While that advice often refers to numbers like sales or profit margins, there are other numbers you’ll need to know.  One is your company’s D-U-N-S® Number. Here’s what that number means, why it’s important, and how you can leverage it to help grow your business. What Is a D-U-N-S Number? A D-U-N-S Number is a unique nine-digit identifier for businesses, created by Dun & Bradstreet… Read More