Category: Running a Business

Main Street Makers: How Blake Creates Community With His Small Business

Main Street Makers: How Blake Creates Community With His Small Business

In our first ever episode of Nav's new podcast, Main Street Makers, learn how Blake M. took Guapaholics, a lifestyle brand, from a dorm room operation to a thriving small business. Follow on Spotify and Apple Podcasts. Episode transcript Blake (00:00) I got kicked off campus. They didn't know what I was doing. They just know people always would come to my room. I was artistic, but they really didn't understand. I had a full blown operation in my dorm… Read More
Five Legal Questions To Ask Yourself if You Own a Small Business in 2025

Five Legal Questions To Ask Yourself if You Own a Small Business in 2025

Owning a small business can be filled with blessings and curses. The blessings of business ownership revolve around having control of your source of income and being able to build equity for larger, future personal and family goals. The curses range from people mistakenly thinking you can work (or not work) whenever you want and knowing that much of what may happen inside and outside your business can have significant legal consequences for you and/or your business.  This article addresses… Read More
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
Starting a Business After Chapter 7 Bankruptcy: A Guide to Moving Forward

Starting a Business After Chapter 7 Bankruptcy: A Guide to Moving Forward

Key Findings: Nearly 450,000 Americans filed for bankruptcy in 2023, and there were nearly 19,000 business bankruptcies the same year.  Americans are also starting businesses in record numbers, with over 21 million businesses started over the past four years. Bankruptcy will create challenges for starting a business, but does not have to stop entrepreneurs who are passionate about launching their business.  “I love entrepreneurs,” says San Francisco bankruptcy attorney Cathy Moran. “They are the most optimistic and hard working folks… Read More
Can You Start and Run a Business Without Loans?

Can You Start and Run a Business Without Loans?

Key takeaways: Starting a business  without loans offers greater control and flexibility, but requires careful planning and realistic expectations about how to grow with fewer resources. Small business loans and financing can help you grow faster, and be more competitive, but also carries financial risk.  Success often comes from combining multiple strategies: starting lean, reinvesting profits strategically, and knowing when financing might make sense for growth opportunities. When Levi King started his sign manufacturing and repair business in Idaho in… 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 3/12/2025 The US International Trade Commission publishes the Harmonized Tariff Schedule which… Read More