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The Latest in: Business Planning

A vibrant scene inside a modern cafe, featuring two baristas in matching aprons celebrating with a high-five over a marble counter. The counter holds a laptop, a blender, and stacked plastic cups, symbolizing teamwork and success. The background showcases neatly arranged shelves with decorative items, plants, and supplies, creating a welcoming atmosphere. This image represents the excitement and opportunities that small business grants can bring to entrepreneurs.

5 Small Business Grants to Apply for Right Now [February 2026]

Whether you're launching a new venture, expanding your offerings, or facing unexpected setbacks, having access to additional financial resources can make a world of difference.
A young woman in a storage area holding a tablet, surrounded by shelves of cardboard boxes, representing inventory management and preparedness. The scene highlights the importance of organizing emergency supplies for small businesses.

Essential Emergency Supplies Every Small Business Should Have

Preparation is the difference between a minor hiccup and a business-ending disaster.
A man and a woman collaborating at a wooden table in a cozy cafe, surrounded by a laptop, notebook, and coffee mugs, symbolizing a productive discussion about hiring freelancers for small business growth.

The Small Business Owner’s Guide to Hiring Freelancers

Freelancers bridge the gap between "we need this done now" and "we can't hire a full-time person yet."
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

From legislative changes to financial strategies, these articles tackled the challenges and opportunities shaping the small business landscape.
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

Smaller and midsize metropolitan areas are seeing a surge in new business activity that far outpaces their larger counterparts.
A young man in a black polo shirt and jeans stands next to a conveyor belt filled with amber-colored bottles in a bright, modern manufacturing facility. Representing the spirit of small business, he holds a tablet or clipboard, inspecting the production line. The scene reflects the potential impact of recent house bills, such as H.R. 3174: The Made in America Manufacturing Finance Act and H.R. 2066: The Investing in All of America Act of 2025, which aim to support small manufacturers and boost American production.

Big Wins for Main Street: How 5 New Bills Could Help Your Business

Learn what they mean for manufacturing, rural entrepreneurs, and SBA lending.
Smiling small business owner and employee reviewing retirement plans on a tablet in a cozy coffee shop, with a chalkboard menu and coffee-making equipment in the background.

Retirement Plans: The Employee Perk That Pays You Back

Research suggests that offering a retirement plan can be both a benefit for your team and a way to strengthen your business.
Get to know Jillian Wells, owner of Paloverde Botanicals, a small business offering plant and nature-inspired gifts that feel thoughtful, personal, and a little magical.

Small Business Spotlight: Paloverde Botanicals

Get to know Paloverde Botanicals, a woman-owned brand creating eco-friendly, custom plant gift boxes and unique gifts for plant lovers.