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A close-up of a hand placing a twenty-dollar bill into a glass tip jar labeled "Tips" with a blue sticky note, surrounded by smaller bills and coins. The image represents tipping practices in service industries, aligning with the "no tax on tips deduction" topic. The blurred background suggests a casual indoor setting, such as a cafe or restaurant.

What Small Business Owners Need to Know About ‘No Tax on Tips’

If you're a small business owner in an industry like hospitality, personal care, or transportation, you'll need to understand this new rule.
Storefront window with sale signs promoting holiday discounts for small businesses. A large red circular sign displays 'UP TO 50% OFF ON SELECTED STYLES,' while a smaller white oval sign reads 'LAST WEEK,' creating urgency for shoppers.

The Power of Discounts: How Promotions Can Drive Holiday Revenue

For 51% of small business owners, discounts and sales are the most effective tactics for driving holiday revenue.
Sunset view of the Massachusetts State House with its iconic golden dome, surrounded by lush greenery and urban architecture, symbolizing the complexity of state labor laws in the region.

Which States Have the Most Complex Labor Laws?

Federal laws provide a baseline, but each state has its own set of rules that can significantly impact how you manage your workforce.
Close-up of a person using a smartphone to scan a QR code on a wooden table in a cafe setting, highlighting the importance of avoiding common QR code mistakes in small business operations.

6 Common Mistakes to Avoid When Using QR Codes

QR codes have quickly become a powerful tool for businesses of all sizes. But like any tool, their effectiveness depends on how you use them.
A smiling small business owner working at her desk in a bright, organized home office. She uses a laptop and notebook, surrounded by packaging boxes and a clothing rack, symbolizing affordable email marketing for small businesses in the fashion or e-commerce industry.

Affordable Email Marketing Tips for Small Businesses

You can launch effective email campaigns that drive sales and build loyalty without breaking the bank.
Two retail employees, a woman and a young man, engaged in a discussion in a store aisle, illustrating effective communication and training practices for hiring and managing underage employees.

Do’s and Don’ts for Hiring and Managing Underage Employees

Navigating labor laws is one of the most critical parts of hiring minors.
A metallic security shutter with the text 'Sorry WE'RE CLOSED' in bold black and red letters, similar to phrasing used by small businesses. Through the partially open shutter, the U.S. Capitol Building is visible under a cloudy sky, symbolizing the October 2025 government shutdown.

UPDATE: Small Businesses Sound Alarm as Shutdown Drags On

While the shutdown affects the entire economy, some industries will feel the pressure more acutely than others.
A smiling salesperson shakes hands with a female customer in a modern home furnishings showroom, with fabric swatches on a sofa and stylish kitchen and bathroom displays in the background. The scene reflects trust and collaboration, showcasing how to build customer trust.

The Key to Thriving in Today’s Economy? Customer Trust

The latest NFIB report notes that declining consumer confidence is a significant headwind for small businesses.