Blogs

National Hispanic Heritage Month runs from September 15 through October 15, and whether you're a part of the community or cheering on in support, this September is the perfect opportunity to elevate Hispanic and Latino owned small businesses. As of 2023, there are five million Latino-owned businesses in the United States, to aid this growth, here are five resources we think would benefit your small business this National Hispanic Heritage Month!

Franchise agreements are often written by and largely benefit the franchisor at the expense of the franchisee, who doesn’t have the leverage needed to bargain for more favorable terms. Fortunately, the FTC is required to protect franchisees from unfair methods of competition and unfair and deceptive practices. Read on to learn more about the FTC’s new guidance and actions.

The Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA) went into effect on June 18, 2024. The new law requires employers to provide reasonable accommodations for pregnant employees. Many small firms have questions about how the new law may impact their business and their workforce. Read on to learn about this new law.

There is a new tool in California to help connect small business owners with safe and affordable capital. California Small Business Loan Match gathers dozens of community development financial institutions (CDFIs) on one platform for a one-stop experience. All lenders have been pre-vetted and enrolled in IBank’s Loan Guarantee Program, which specializes in bridging the gap between responsible lenders and small businesses.

The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) recently announced a new final rule, which revises and updates the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). The final rule raises the minimum salary for most workers exempt from overtime pay, altering how and when businesses must compensate employees for working overtime.

To ensure entrepreneurs can take advantage of resources and funding available to them, we’ve compiled a list of new grant and loan programs available to small business owners during National Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month in May and beyond. Discover these resources below.

With artificial intelligence (AI) rapidly evolving and taking the world by storm, small businesses need to stay ahead of the curve. For entrepreneurs, leveraging the nascent AI tools can help streamline their operations, improve efficiency, and stay competitive in the business landscape. This blog dives into 5 key AI tips and tricks that entrepreneurs can readily integrate into their business decision making.

February isn’t just about celebrating Black history–it’s about honoring the past, the present and investing in the future. Throughout this month, business and community organizations recognize the significant contributions of Black communities and their immense power in business. This is why we’ve compiled a select list of grant programs that small business owners can take advantage of during Black History Month and beyond.

Mentors can play a crucial role in the trajectory of a small business through guidance, support and encouragement. Mentors are often industry experts or business professionals who share their insights and knowledge of the industry to help entrepreneurs navigate the ever-changing challenges of business ownership to make more informed decisions.