Numbers tell a story. We all love stories, but statistics, not so much. All businesses start small. Maybe it’s that “aha” moment of discovery about how to build that perfect mouse trap everybody’s been waiting for. Maybe it’s a really big idea about how to grow apple trees in the desert. Remember that phrase, “Necessity is the mother of invention?” It’s true! To illustrate, let’s do the numbers just for a moment. There are 33,185,550 small businesses in the United States. That’s a big number! … [Read more...] about Small is Big When It Comes to Shopping Locally
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Navigating Small Business Lending During Uncertain Times
Navigating as a small business owner can be daunting, especially during a pandemic. But with a little insight and planning, businesses can chart a smart course through uncertain times. Have lenders changed operations or lending procedures during the COVID-19 pandemic? Certainly, some lenders are stepping back and scrutinizing their practices right now. Typically, when you see a volatile market, commercial lenders are the first to step back so they can watch and see what happens with the … [Read more...] about Navigating Small Business Lending During Uncertain Times
5 Ways to Thank Your Local Small Business
In the middle of a pandemic that has taken so much from us, acts of celebration and sharing hold an even deeper significance. Although our holidays celebrations will look different this year, our values remain unchanged. This is a season of caring, a season of giving. We each look for ways to ease suffering and connect with our loved ones, even if over a computer screen. As we care for our neighbors by donating meals and gifts and prepare the same for our families, I urge you to make those … [Read more...] about 5 Ways to Thank Your Local Small Business
Intellectual Property: Does Your Small Business Need a Trademark, Servicemark?
Many small business owners rarely give much thought to building a brand and creating an “intellectual property” (IP) portfolio for their business. When business advisors bring up the subject of consciously creating intellectual property, it is often misunderstood to mean patents. While patent protection can be extremely important for certain types of businesses, it is only one type of IP that can create value for the business. This article will be the first in a series of articles that discuss … [Read more...] about Intellectual Property: Does Your Small Business Need a Trademark, Servicemark?