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The Latest in: Operations

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 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 small business owner at a desk with a laptop, surrounded by office supplies and storage boxes, learning how to secure customer data.

Hackers Want Your Customer Data — Here’s How to Protect It

As a small business owner, it's important for you to understand how to secure customer data like addresses, phone numbers, and payment details.
A waitress gazes thoughtfully out of a window, symbolizing the emotional and operational challenges businesses face due to the impact of tariffs.

Businesses Take Profitability Hit as Stressed Consumers Buy Less

Rising costs driven by tariffs are reshaping how global consumers live, shop, and engage with brands.
Two smiling Gen Z employees in a modern hair salon, standing together with a friendly pose, showcasing teamwork and a welcoming workplace environment.

Understanding Gen Z Employees: A Guide for Small Businesses

Gen Z employees bring their own unique set of characteristics, values, and expectations to the job.
A woman in a warehouse holding a clipboard and pen, standing between shelves of neatly stacked boxes, illustrating the process of improving employee ROI through organized workflows.

Employee ROI Explained: The Win-Win of Prioritizing People

If employee ROI is so valuable, why do so many companies struggle with it? The issue often stems from focusing on short-term results.
Two café workers, one older and one younger, engaged in conversation behind the counter, illustrating the benefits of hiring older workers through their collaboration and experience-sharing.

5 Key Benefits of Hiring Older Workers for Your Small Business

For small businesses, the benefits of hiring older workers go far beyond filling manpower gaps.