When a disaster strikes, don’t let your business drown in misfortune. The Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse is an example and a major setback for local businesses, but grant programs can help. Research federal, state, and local resources to see if there are assistance programs being deployed. Prepare now: gather damage documentation and keep receipts for repairs. Act fast: deadlines loom. With some legwork, grants can get your business back on its feet. Whether there is a disaster or not, public and private entities always offer grants. Keep an eye on the latest offerings and apply as soon as ..read more

A luxury handbag company, its founder, and a co-conspirator have been sentenced to prison for illegally importing merchandise made from protected wildlife species, including caiman and python skin. The sentencing marks a significant victory in the fight against wildlife trafficking and serves as a warning to companies and individuals who engage in illegal activities. Gzuniga Ltd., a luxury handbag company, was ordered to forfeit all handbags and products made from protected wildlife, banned from commercial trade in wildlife for three years, and sentenced to three years of probation. The compan ..read more

Adobe has announced an update to Photoshop, which brings more creative power to users of all skill levels. The new Photoshop (beta) introduces advanced generative capabilities, including Reference Image, Generate Image, and Generate Similar, which empower users to bring their creative vision to life in seconds. Powered by the new Firefly Image 3 Foundation Model, these innovations mark a significant leap forward in the world of image editing. The latest update is designed to shorten the distance between the blank page and amazing results, making it easier for users to generate high-quality con ..read more

Amazon emerges as a formidable king in global commerce, and its moves are calculated in bytes and bandwidth as well as sales. The company’s numbers show dominance and ambition, from its staggering revenue figures to colossal shipping volumes. Amazon’s statistics are not just digits; they are testaments to a vision that transformed it into a behemoth that continuously sets the bar for the digital marketplace. With a strategy rooted in relentless innovation and customer obsession, Amazon has redefined the e-commerce landscape. As we delve deeper into Amazon’s numbers game, we uncover the keystro ..read more

The gig economy, characterized by temporary or flexible jobs, is an increasingly significant part of the global economy. Understanding the statistics behind this trend is of great value for employers, employees, and businesses adapting to this new way of work. This article provides a comprehensive guide to the history and future of gig economy with over 53 essential gig economy statistics. The Growth of the Gig Economy The gig economy has been experiencing a significant surge in recent years. This growth is fueled by a combination of technological advancements, changing workforce demographics ..read more

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