Small Business Tips and Advice

Category: Small Business

Looking to grow your small business? We provide tips and advice on starting and growing a small business.

BlueVine business checking account

BlueVine Business Banking Expands Roll Out Following Beta

Just as FinTech banking options have changed the personal finance landscape in recent years, FinTech startups have also had an impact on small business finance. This is perhaps most evident in the lending space where companies such as OnDeck and Kabbage have made it easier for entrepreneurs to obtain capital quickly. Now another online small business lender is expanding its reach by rolling out business checking features. After launching in...
Chase card reader and app

JPMorgan Chase Introduces New Card Readers for Small Businesses

It seems as though one big bank is looking to appeal to small business owners, introducing a new set of banking and payment solutions. This week, JPMorgan Chase announced the debut of its Business Complete Banking offering, which includes QuickAccept — a new mobile card reader tool that will allow businesses to accept credit cards and contactless payments. While the account will carry a $15 a month service fee by...
AMEX virtual classroom

American Express Announces Virtual "Summit for Success" Event for Small Businesses

American Express has announced that the 2020 edition of the Business Class LIVE: Summit for Success will take place on Tuesday, October 20th. While the Summit is typically held in person, this year's event will take place in a virtual campus from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. EDT. This digital space will host seminars throughout the day, as well as give small business owners the opportunity to network. Not only...
woman wearing a mask walking past a restaurant

Survey Finds Majority of Business Owners Feel Prepared for Another COVID-19 Wave

With autumn approaching, fears that the current coronavirus pandemic will worsen continue to grow. However, armed with more experience and some enhanced technologies, small business owners are feeling better about handling things this time around. According to a survey from Comcast Business, 78% of small business owners say their businesses are prepared to handle an increase in COVID-19 cases. Leading this confidence were changes businesses made to the way they...
Black business owner

American Express Details “Coalition to Back Black Businesses” Grant Program

This past week, American Express continued its efforts to support small businesses during these turbulent times. In this case, the company turned its attention to the Black community, helping to form the Coalition to Back Black Businesses Grant Program. The Coalition is a collaboration between four other organizations: the National Black Chamber of Commerce, the National Business League, the U.S. Black Chambers, Inc., and Walker’s Legacy. Amex's $10 million commitment...
SBA Project Financing illustration

SBA's 504 Loan Program Sees Record Lending Month

At a time when thousands of small businesses across the country are struggling to stay afloat, it seems that some entrepreneurs are investing in future projects. As the National Association of Development Companies notes, the Small Business Administration completed a record number of loans under its 504 loan programs in the past month. During that time, the Administration approved a total of 1,462 loans amounting to $1,284,274,000. That more than doubles...
Closed restaurant

National Restaurant Association Survey Finds 1 in 6 Restaurants Remain Closed

If you've noticed that a number of your local restaurants have stayed closed since the pandemic struck, you're certainly not alone. In fact, 56% of Americans surveyed said that locations in their community had closed for good. Moreover, as the National Restaurant Association reports, these closures could worsen in the coming months. According to the Association's survey, one out of six restaurants in the United States remain closed (either permanently...
using a business calculator

Paycheck Protection Loans Could Complicate Small Business Acquisitions

Earlier this year, as the coronavirus pandemic and the mandated closures that came with it battered the United States economy, Congress authorized the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), which would be managed by the Small Business Administration (SBA). The idea was that entrepreneurs could obtain the funds necessary to keep their business afloat and keep their staff employed during the uncertain times. Then, provided they met certain requirements, part or all...
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A Guide to Building Credit and Increasing Your Credit Scores

When it comes to credit, there’s some good news. The average credit score in the United States has been steadily rising in recent years, coming in at 715 in 2023. That may be because, today, consumers not only have more ways to access their credit reports and scores than ever before but also because there are an increasing number of options that Americans have for building credit in the first...

2024 SoFi Checking and Savings Review

Ever since I started taking an interest in the FinTech sector, one company whose name I’ve seen pop up over and over again is SoFi. Lately it seems as though that theme has been sent into overdrive as the company has not only become a household name thanks to its stadium naming rights deal but also because of the company’s continued product expansions. The most interesting development in my mind...
Chase Freedom Flex card

Chase Reveals Q2 2024 Freedom 5%(+) Bonus Categories

Chase has announced its bonus category picks for the second quarter of 2024 — including some interesting twists. About the categories: As April approaches, Chase has revealed what categories Freedom and Freedom Flex cardholders can earn bonuses on. From April 1st through June 30th, customers can earn 5% (or more) in three categories: Amazon.com, Hotels, and Restaurants. Similar to how Chase embraced a "New Year, New Me" theme last quarter,...

FedEx Announces Winners of 11th Annual 2023 Small Business Grant Contest

Nearly three months after the entry period ended, FedEx has announced the winners of its 11th annual Small Business Grant Content. This year's event saw more than $300,000 in funds going to a variety of small businesses across the nation. Last month, the company revealed 100 finalists, with that list now being narrowed down to just 10 winners. This year's grand prize winners included KindVR, The Cupcake Collection, Up In...
H-E-B and Central Market  credit cards

Imprint Launches Credit Cards from H-E-B and Central Market 

The FinTech Imprint is partnering with the popular Texas-based grocery chain H-E-B for a pair of new rewards credit cards. This week saw the launch of the H-E-B Visa Signature Credit Card as well as the Central Market Visa Signature Credit Card. With these two (nearly identical) options, customers will be able to earn rewards on groceries and beyond. First, both versions of the card earn up to 5% back on select...