Hiring your first employee is an exciting milestone for any small business. It signifies growth, success, and the chance to share the workload. But knowing when to take that step–and how to do it wisely–can feel overwhelming. With thoughtful preparation and a strategic approach, you can confidently decide when to hire your first employee and ..read more

For many Rhode Island small businesses, the holiday season can drastically impact their fiscal year. Customer demand and spending skyrocket, offering extensive new opportunities to strengthen customer relationships and boost sales. However, this increased demand brings a unique set of challenges. Supply chain disruptions, competition from larger retailers, and the need for creative marketing all ..read more

Cybersecurity is often associated with major corporations, but small businesses are just as vulnerable to cyberattacks. Cybercriminals frequently attack small companies because they assume small business owners invest less in cybersecurity, making them an easier target. This blog will explore the most common cyber threats, how to identify vulnerabilities, and our top cybersecurity tips for ..read more

The holiday season is fast approaching and can be a small retail business’s busiest and most crucial time of the year. Holiday sales can account for up to 30% of a retailer’s annual revenue, so it’s imperative to take advantage of this opportunity and start preparing for the holiday rush early.  In this guide, we’ll ..read more

Expanding into international trade can be a game-changer for businesses, offering new opportunities for growth, diversification, and increased revenue. For many small business owners, the idea of taking their products beyond U.S. borders brings a mix of opportunities and challenges.  [Related: 5 Fears that Stop RI Manufacturers From Expanding into International Trade] In this blog ..read more

With a national trend towards shopping online, it’s natural that Rhode Island entrepreneurs (that’s you!) are opening up ecommerce stores left and right. But is this a smart step for you and your business? How do you evaluate if investing in ecommerce is a growth opportunity--or a huge distraction? What should you first consider before ..read more

M/WBE certifications are an excellent tool for small business owners who belong to historically disadvantaged groups. These government-backed certifications provide a high level of support and access for these small businesses, including limited competition on certain contracts and specific tax breaks. Let’s dive into these two certifications, as well as the requirements needed to apply ..read more

Small business owners are determined and passionate, which often results in trying to take on every aspect of running their business. One area where entrepreneurs struggle the most is marketing, especially when it comes to branding. Creating and maintaining a consistent brand identity that represents the core of your business is essential in developing brand ..read more

With interest rates on the rise and banks implementing strict underwriting criteria, many small business owners are looking for creative ways to infuse cash into their companies. Whether it’s to start a new venture, hire and train staff, purchase equipment or expand to a new location, you need access to capital at a reasonable cost ..read more

Small businesses are the backbone of our economy, and in today's digital age, having a solid online presence is essential for success. ChatGPT is a powerful tool that can help small businesses become much more efficient, improve customer engagement, and ultimately increase sales.  In this blog post, we'll explore the benefits of ChatGPT and why ..read more