You don’t need a super technical or complicated idea to start a successful business. For example, the founders of Twilla started with just a sewing machine and a desire to create more comfortable pillows. It doesn’t hurt to have an entrepreneurial sibling and a background in product design, either. Learn more about Twilla below in this week’s Small Business Spotlight. What the Business Does Sells unique pillows. Founders Mark and Peter Rane told Small Business Trends, “We sell adjustable sleeping pillows that are available in Queen, King, and Body sizes.” Business Niche Offering a simple and ..read more

The proposed ban on TikTok has many business owners worried. The idea of a ban comes from concerns about user privacy and national security. But it may also have serious implications for many small businesses that use the platform for marketing and/or revenue generation. For example, Atlanta-based entrepreneurs Lynda and Paul Truong, who own skincare company Love & Pebble, said at a recent event “I mean, 90% of our sales are on TikTok Shop… It would be catastrophic.” Brian Firebaugh is another entrepreneur who relies heavily on Tiktok. The Texas rancher uses TikTok to sell cattle and beef ..read more

Managing your warehouse inventory effectively is key to running a successful small business. It’s like the heart of your supply chain, keeping everything running smoothly. In this article, we’ll share some top tips to help small businesses with warehouse inventory management. What is Warehouse Inventory Management? Warehouse inventory management refers to the systematic process of overseeing and controlling the flow of goods into, within, and out of a warehouse facility. It involves various activities, including inventory tracking, stock replenishment, order picking, packing, and shipping. The ..read more

There is increasing concern among the recipients of Payment Protection Program (PPP) Loans about potential audits. This follows an estimate by the Small Business Association’s (SBA) Office of Inspector General that up to one-third of PPP Loans have shown signs of potential fraud. According to the Interim Final Rule, the SBA has authorization to audit the compliance of all PPP Loan borrowers’ eligibility and other requirements put forward at the time of a borrower’s application. Audits involve an investigation into whether a business accurately calculated its loan eligibility or not and if the ..read more

Sales are the lifeblood of any business; understanding sales statistics is not merely an exercise in number-crunching. It is a strategic imperative that offers invaluable insights into consumer behavior, market trends, and business health. This article aims to shed light on the pivotal sales statistics that define today’s sales environment, providing a compass for navigating the complex terrain of modern business practices. By presenting a curated collection of 100 key statistics, we endeavor to equip industry professionals, stakeholders, and enthusiasts with the knowledge to understand the nu ..read more

Mastercard has announced an expansion of benefits for its cardholders through new partnerships with leading companies in health and wellness, travel, and lifestyle. These enhancements are designed to add value for both everyday consumers and small business owners. The credit card giant has teamed up with Alo Moves, Booking.com, HealthLock, Instacart Business, Lyft, MoviePass, and ResortPass to offer discounts and exclusive services that address key spending areas for its users. This move is part of Mastercard’s strategy to offer more than just financial services, by enriching its cardholders ..read more

eBay Inc. and Collectors, the parent company of the well-known grading service PSA, have announced a partnership that wants to change how people buy, sell, and store trading cards. The deal includes eBay buying Goldin, a top auction house for collectibles, and PSA purchasing eBay’s vault service. This collaboration aims to make the trading card hobby easier and more enjoyable by streamlining the process of buying, selling, and grading cards. Both eBay and PSA are recognized for their innovative approaches to helping collectors and small business owners in the industry. Jamie Iannone, CEO of eB ..read more

Imagine crunching massive data sets to predict customer behavior, personalize content in real time, and automate repetitive tasks. This is how AI is going to be revolutionizing marketing. Get ready for a marketing revolution at Strategic Marketing West 2024. By automating and optimizing ad placements and content delivery, AI ensures that marketing messages resonate with individual consumers like never before. With its ability to analyze vast datasets in real time, businesses can anticipate market trends and customer needs, unlocking strategic engagement opportunities. Moreover, AI-driven chatb ..read more

Growing a small business doesn’t need to involve expensive marketing tools or major initiatives. There are many affordable ways to grow a business. Get budget-friendly tips and tricks from members of the online small business community below. Use These Budget-Friendly Tips to Run Effective PPC Advertising Campaigns PPC advertising is one of the most effective ways to grow a business online quickly. Though it does come with some extra costs, it doesn’t have to be expensive. Harry and Sally Vaishnav of Small Biz Viewpoints share budget-friendly tips here. Get Better Content Results on a Limited ..read more

Major disasters like the recent collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore can have major implications for nearby businesses. This leaves communities to find ways to help businesses through difficult periods so they’re still in operation once conditions return to normal. Two such programs recently launched in Baltimore. Read about them and other current small business grants below. Port of Baltimore Worker Retention Program and Emergency Business Assistance Program Businesses that are struggling to retain employees due to the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore may ..read more