by Admin | May 21, 2026 | Business Strategy, Economic Insight, SMB Leadership
On February 20, 2026, the U.S. Supreme Court struck down a category of tariffs called IEEPA tariffs. More than 300,000 U.S. companies that paid these tariffs are owed refunds, totaling roughly $166 billion. U.S. Customs opened the refund process on April 20, and...
by Admin | May 14, 2026 | Becoming Bankable, Business Strategy, Economic Insight
The April Bank of America Institute Small Business Checkpoint frames a contradiction worth a closer look. Profitability growth held positive through the first quarter, but small business payroll growth has been negative for three consecutive months, and overall...
by Admin | Mar 5, 2026 | SMB Leadership, Strategy Planning
For several years, small business owners have consistently emphasized that hiring remains difficult. Even as economic conditions shift and wage pressures fluctuate, finding the right talent remains a persistent challenge. Recent research from the Wharton School, in...
by Admin | Jan 1, 2026 | Becoming Bankable, SMB Leadership, Strategy Planning
In Part 1 of this series, we explored the operational pressures shaping small business decisions as we move into 2026. This week, we look ahead to the strategic priorities business owners are putting in place to drive growth over the next five years. These decisions...
by Admin | Dec 18, 2025 | Becoming Bankable, Business Strategy, SMB Leadership
Last week, we introduced a Priority Matrix outlining seven areas that matter most for strong performance and bankability in 2026. This week, we shift from planning to the real-world pressures owners are navigating every day. Rising costs, supply chain challenges, and...
