Q
Trending
Small Business Grants
Top Stories of 2025
Fastest-Growing Cities
The OBBB: Key Takeaways
Retirement Planning Mistakes
Q

The Latest in: News

2025 Year In Review: Top Stories for Small Business Owners

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.
Employee Management OCT 31
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.
Brand and Marketing OCT 29
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.
Brand and Marketing OCT 27
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.
Employee Management OCT 24
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.
Business Planning OCT 23
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.
Brand and Marketing OCT 21
A florist or small business owner wearing a striped apron works at a wooden counter surrounded by fresh white lilies and dried flowers. They use a calculator with a receipt printer, symbolizing financial management and strategies for how to handle rising costs.

How to Handle Rising Costs: A Guide for Small Business Owners

With a smart approach, you can protect your profitability and ensure your business remains resilient.
Business Planning OCT 15
Overhead view of a commercial space undergoing renovation, with furniture covered in plastic sheeting and a woman holding a laptop standing on a wooden floor. The scene reflects preparation or transition, symbolizing investment and change, aligning with capital spending trends.

Is Now the Right Time to Invest in Your Business?

While many owners are currently investing, future plans show a sense of caution.
Business Planning OCT 13

Latest in Operations

Hero image featuring a magnifying glass centered on the year '2025' in bold, white numbers against black squares, with the phrase 'A Look Back' below. The magnifying glass rests on a light gray background, symbolizing reflection and analysis of the 2025 year in review and the top stories for small business owners on Small Business Xchange.

2025 Year In Review: Top Stories for Small Business Owners

A confident small business owner stands in front of a vibrant blue storefront with large glass windows, wearing a white top and denim apron. The welcoming shop features decorative lights and international flags, symbolizing growth and resilience for small businesses in growing metro areas.

The Top 5 Fastest-Growing Metro Areas for Small Businesses

A smiling small business owner hangs an 'OPEN' sign on the inside of a glass window, signaling the start of business hours. The image reflects a welcoming atmosphere, symbolizing opportunities like small business grants to help entrepreneurs thrive.

5 Small Business Grants to Apply for Right Now [December 2025]

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?

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