Blog

Are you looking for timely and easy to consume resources? Small business owners can find blogs about key strategies and resources to help grow your small business, increase financial literacy and employee retention, tax responsibilities and more.
Thursday, January 20, 2022 | Business assistance, COVID-19, Taxes

The Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development launched the California Competes tax credit, a tax deduction program available to small businesses that want to relocate or stay and grow in California. All businesses, regardless of size, industry or location can apply to receive this credit during three application periods each year. Applications will be reviewed and analyzed on a number of factors, including number of full-time jobs created, investment amount, and importance to the state or region. 

Friday, January 14, 2022 | COVID-19, General Small Business, Business planning and strategy

If 2020 and 2021 have taught us anything, it’s that preparation is key to running a small business, as are flexibility and determination to shift the course in unique situations. We’ve put together seven resolutions for small business owners to keep in mind as they navigate the new year.

Thursday, January 6, 2022 | General Small Business, Taxes, Workforce Issues

As the new year begins, new laws are taking effect that impact small businesses. Please see below for a compilation of recent changes that may affect your small business in 2022. 

Friday, December 3, 2021 | Business planning and strategy

Whether you’re offering your products and services online, in-store or both, the holiday season has arrived. This is the perfect time to reach new customers, boost your bottom line and achieve your goals for the year. To help you stand out from the crowd as you compete with other small businesses in your area and large competitors, we’ve put together a few helpful tips to get you through the busiest season of the year.

Friday, November 12, 2021 | Healthcare, Small group coverage, Individual coverage

This year, the American Rescue Plan (ARP) is providing more financial assistance for small business owners, self-employed entrepreneurs and small business employees who are looking to access healthcare through the individual marketplace. Through the ARP’s improved investments, it’s estimated that 4 out of 5 consumers can find a HealthCare.gov plan for less than $10 a month. Small business owners will be able to find affordable health insurance plans that cover everything from doctor’s visits to preventive health to prescription drugs.

Thursday, October 21, 2021 | Access to Capital

More than a year and a half into the pandemic, many small businesses are unsure if they will be able to recover after fighting to stay above water and accruing crippling debt. Small business owners of color, women and immigrants have been disproportionately impacted by the pandemic as they’ve faced barriers to accessing federal relief programs and traditional lending. Small business owner Daysi Del Rosario Rivas Peralta is one example.  

Thursday, October 21, 2021 | Business assistance, COVID-19, Emergency capital

Federal relief programs for small businesses are slowly coming to an end, and with only a few months left in the year, we’ve put together a list of resources that may have already expired or are about to expire. 

Monday, October 11, 2021 | Business planning and strategy, International trade

As the global marketplace continues to rapidly grow and change, small businesses in the United States are considering ways to expand their reach and operations as they emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic. According to the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), nearly 96% of all consumers live outside the United States, while two-thirds of the world’s purchasing power is in foreign countries.

Wednesday, September 22, 2021 | COVID-19, Paid Family & Medical Leave, Paid Sick Leave

The American Rescue Plan provides assistance in the form of tax credits to small employers who provide paid time off to employees for situations related to COVID-19 vaccination or illness. Small business owners may claim these credits on their quarterly taxes, but the deadline to file is just around the corner. Here’s what you need to know to determine if your small business is eligible and how to benefit from these tax credits.

Friday, September 10, 2021 | General Small Business

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is hosting National Small Business Week from September 13-15 in an all-virtual summit, honoring the nation’s 31 million small businesses and their perseverance, ingenuity, triumphs, and creativity amid unique challenges brought on by the global pandemic.