Weekly Blog

Another calendar page has come and gone and with it, we’re ushering in May and Small Business Month. There’s no better time to show some local love! Small businesses are the heartbeat of our community. They’re the coffee shops where we meet friends, the boutiques that stock one-of-a-kind finds, and the service providers who remember…

You know the old adage, “It takes money to make money”? While that may be true, marketing and advertising don’t have to cost a fortune. In fact, some of the most effective ways to get your business noticed are either free or surprisingly affordable(especially with the technology available). Whether you’re just getting started or trying…

Your Google Business Profile is a free marketing tool that can help you manage your business’s online presence. Google My Business can be a boon to local businesses if utilized correctly. – Getty Images/yongyuan Your Google Business Profile is a free tool to help you improve your local SEO efforts and attract more customers. These six steps will…

A business plan is a living, breathing document. We explain why you should write one and when you’ll know it’s time to update it. Some entrepreneurs assume that business plans have to be in-depth documents, but depending on your business, they can vary in complexity and length. – Getty Images/Hispanolistic Budding small businesses face tough odds:…

In this edition of “Ask the Board,” we feature Ellen Marie Bennett, Founder and Chief Brand Officer of Hedley & Bennett, a multimillion-dollar kitchen essentials company. Ellen explains how to use your customer feedback to grow your venture. Ellen Marie Bennett, Founder of Hedley & Bennett, embraces tough feedback from her chef customers because it…

Struggling to manage your business’s budget? Here are the features you should look for and some top budgeting tools you can use. An effective budgeting tool will include cybersecurity technology along with the usual accounting offerings. – Getty Images/andreswd As a small business owner, knowing where your money goes is key to your company’s growth. Thankfully,…

Want to scale your business? Achieve your goals with these core growth strategies and activities. Small Business Month is a great time to refresh your inspiration and motivation to find new ways to grow your business. – Getty Images/CandyRetriever May is Small Business Month, a time to support and celebrate the contributions of America’s 33.2 million small businesses and…

With over 1 billion users worldwide and a rapidly growing e-commerce ecosystem, TikTok has become a powerful platform for small businesses and solopreneurs to reach new audiences and boost sales. Whether you’re a boutique owner, a skincare brand, or a service provider, or someone with an under 40 audience, TikTok offers a unique way to…

Let’s be real. Elevator pitches can feel like a late-night infomercial-a robotic recitation of what your business does with an added exclamation point at the end. But for business owners and sales professionals, every interaction is an opportunity. A truly effective elevator pitch transcends mere information delivery. It’s about forging genuine connections that can blossom…

That Will Save You Money From paying down debt to choosing a retirement plan, there are several decisions small business owners need to make that can have an effect come tax season. Knowing how your decisions will affect your taxes and preparing ahead of time will help you plan for your future and avoid unpleasant…

Some people think chambers of commerce work magic and in many ways, they do. But to see real results and get the most from your membership, you need to be involved. Joining isa smart move, but the true value comes when you actively engage. If you’ve been wondering whether you’re making the most of your…

Interested in opening a local business? Here’s how to find your niche in your small business community. Considering opening a physical business? These tips and resources can help you understand your target market and how to uniquely position your business for success. – Getty Images/Eleganza When it comes down to it, every business is a local business:…