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The Latest in: Finance and Growth

A close-up of hands opening a brown cardboard box with a utility knife, cutting through clear packing tape. The box features a delivery note label with order details. The person wears a striped shirt, a watch, and a ring. The image illustrates the end of the de minimis exemption in the United States and the resulting impact on small businesses.

The End of De Minimis: What Small Businesses Need to Know

This change affects millions of small businesses and e-commerce operations that rely on international suppliers or serve international customers.
A busy woodworking workshop representing small business sectors hit hardest by tariffs. Two workers in motion, one carrying a wooden panel and another operating machinery, surrounded by tools, raw materials, and industrial equipment, highlighting the challenges faced by small businesses in affected industries.

These Are the Small Business Sectors Hit Hardest by Tariffs

Construction companies represent the hardest-hit sector, with 78% reporting direct tariff impacts.
A smiling man, likely a small business owner, stands behind a wooden counter in his shop. He wears a dark blue t-shirt and a white apron, holding a stack of papers in one hand while interacting with a sleek silver laptop. A modern white point-of-sale system is visible on the counter. The background features rustic wooden shelves filled with neatly organized items like paper bags, twine, and decorative trinkets. The scene conveys a professional and welcoming atmosphere, representing the dedication and daily operations of small business owners. This image aligns with the theme of the Square small business grant, showcasing the hardworking individuals it aims to support.

Square Seller? Here’s How to Get a $10K Small Business Grant

Selected businesses will receive a comprehensive support package designed to make a real impact.
A barista in a coffee shop offers a cardboard tray with two takeaway coffee cups and a loyalty card featuring circular stamps, promoting small business loyalty programs.

Create a Loyalty Program That Keeps Customers Coming Back

Whether simple punch cards, app-based, software, or e-commerce systems, there are tools any sized small business owner can deploy.
A storefront window with bold white text reading "Prime retail space" and "Available now," set against a dark reflective background. The scene includes a busy commercial street with pedestrians and shop facades, emphasizing a prime location. Perfect for illustrating lease negotiation tips in a bustling retail environment.

Lease Negotiation Tips for Small Business Success

A single lease negotiation mistake can cost your business thousands of dollars annually — or worse, force you to close when unexpected expenses arise.
A modern café with stacked chairs on tables, pendant lights, and a man sitting on a raised platform using his smartphone. The scene reflects a small business managing fixed costs by optimizing space and resources during non-operational hours.

Understanding Fixed Costs: A Guide for Small Business Owners

Learn what fixed costs are, why they matter, and proven strategies to reduce them.
A modern café scene illustrating the 80/20 rule, where a small group of loyal customers drives the majority of revenue. The image shows a bustling environment with a customer interacting with staff at the counter, emphasizing the importance of focusing on high-value customers to optimize revenue from top customers.

Why 80% of Your Revenue Comes from 20% of Your Customers

Ever wondered why some customers seem to keep your business thriving while others barely move the needle? You're witnessing the 80/20 rule in action.
A senior man stands in a flower shop, using a laptop to apply for small business grants, while a young woman carefully wraps flowers in the background.

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

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.