Cyber Threats to Small Business

Nearly half of small and medium-sized businesses globally have experienced a cyberattack, according to a forthcoming Mastercard survey of over 5,000 business owners. The most common forms of attack include hacking, malware, and phishing. These breaches not only lead to financial losses and reduced productivity but also lasting reputational damage—80% of affected businesses reported needing to rebuild trust with clients and partners. Alarmingly, nearly one in five businesses that suffered an attack ended up closing or filing for bankruptcy.

While 86% of small businesses have conducted cybersecurity risk assessments and created prevention plans, only 23% feel very confident in those plans or in their ability to detect threats. A major challenge is educating employees, who often serve as both the first line of defense and a potential vulnerability; 73% of owners report difficulty getting staff to take cybersecurity seriously.

The article published by Mastercard underscores the urgent need for better tools, training, and support to help small businesses strengthen their cyber defenses and avoid devastating consequences.

Celebrating Growth at the Bank of America Institute for Women’s Entrepreneurship at Cornell: A Fireside Chat from Celebration Ezra 2025

This video features a fireside chat about the Bank of America Institute for Women’s Entrepreneurship at Cornell, held during Celebration Ezra 2025 — a two-day entrepreneurship conference hosted each spring to unite students, alumni, faculty, staff, and community members.

The conversation between Program Director Kirsten Barker and Faculty Director Deborah Streeter explored the Institute’s remarkable growth, from an initial goal of educating 5,000 students to enrolling over 100,000 participants. They also shared video clips of student stories, highlighting how the program has helped entrepreneurs expand their networks and grow their businesses.

Understanding Small Business Lines of Credit

A small business line of credit is a flexible financing option that allows businesses to borrow, repay, and reborrow funds as needed, only paying interest on the amount currently drawn. It helps manage cash flow, cover unexpected expenses, and navigate seasonal fluctuations. Credit lines can be secured (backed by collateral) or unsecured, with eligibility based on factors like credit score and financial history. Unlike term loans, they provide revolving access to funds, offering more control but also requiring disciplined use to avoid accumulating debt. It’s ideal for businesses needing short-term, on-demand access to capital rather than a lump sum loan. To learn more, check out this helpful link published by PNC Bank.

Monetizing Your Podcast

This week’s episode of the Side Hustle Pro podcast delivered a hands-on lesson in business growth for content creators. In this April 16th episode titled “Why Your Podcast Isn’t Making Money (and How to Fix It),” host Nicaila Matthews Okome shared strategies to turn a creative side hustle into a revenue-generating business​. She outlined effective marketing tactics to consistently reach your audience, how to think outside the box with non-traditional sponsorships (e.g. events or retreats, not just ads), and ways to create offerings that listeners will pay for (such as courses or premium content)​.

Looking for Inspiration? Check Out These Titles

If you’re an entrepreneur looking for inspiration, practical advice, or just a good business read, this roundup of 20 must-reads for 2025 has you covered. From Kathryn Finney’s empowering Build the Damn Thing for underrepresented founders, to Andy Dunn’s raw memoir Burn Rate about mental health and startup pressure, the list covers everything from emotional intelligence (Primal Leadership) to harnessing AI for growth (Competing in the Age of AI). Whether you’re launching your first product (Launch, 48-Hour Start-up), building a virtual team (Virtual Freedom), or rethinking leadership (Dare to Lead, Move Fast and Fix Things), there’s a book here that meets you where you are. With tips on financial literacy, productivity hacks, and human-centered entrepreneurship, this list is basically a curated bookshelf for anyone who wants to grow smarter, lead better, and stay sane while building something meaningful.

Impact of US Tariffs on Small Business

Donald Trump’s push to expand tariffs—taxes on imported goods—could significantly impact small businesses by increasing the cost of raw materials and components, especially for those reliant on global supply chains. This would raise production expenses, squeeze profit margins, and potentially force small businesses to increase prices or reduce operations. Uncertainty surrounding trade policy may also deter business investment and disrupt consumer confidence, creating a more volatile environment for small enterprises. To read more about the impact of tariffs, check out this article in The Guardian.

Insights from the 2024-25 GEM (Global Entrepreneurship Monitor) Report

Entrepreneurial activity in the U.S. has bounced back to a historic high, with a diverse group—including veterans, immigrants, and underrepresented communities—actively launching businesses, though many are doing so out of necessity rather than opportunity.

Digital tools, AI, and sustainability are becoming increasingly important, especially among younger entrepreneurs, and women are making international strides despite persistent confidence gaps. Black and Hispanic individuals show especially high optimism and motivation for entrepreneurship, highlighting the need for targeted support to fuel inclusive economic growth.

To read more details from this report, see this link.

Why 2025 Is a Great Time to Start a Small Business

2025 is shaping up to be a great year for small businesses. With AI, automation, and digital tools leveling the playing field, small businesses can innovate faster than big corporations. There’s more support than ever—grants, training programs, and online platforms make entrepreneurship accessible. (To see our list of grants and opportunities for small businesses, check out this link)

Consumers are also prioritizing values like sustainability, giving small businesses an edge in building authentic connections. Plus, remote work is expanding opportunities, making it easier to find talent and reduce costs. If you’ve been thinking about starting a business, now might be the perfect time! To read more about this, see this article in Kiplinger.

Women of Courage: Speaking Truth, Driving Change

Bravery inspires us most, particularly when women use their platforms to speak truth to power and unite for change, following in the footsteps of past activists like the suffragists, whose courage set a blueprint for today’s movements. Women such as Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Rachel Maddow, Jane Fonda, Nicole Kidman, Rep. Jasmine Crockett, and the ‘Meno-Posse’ continue this legacy by holding leaders accountable, advocating for justice, and reshaping conversations on politics, media, and social issues. Read more about these stories at this link to The Story Exchange.

Factors That Can Make or Break Your Small Business Growth

Starting a business is thrilling, but success depends on more than just a great idea—it requires strategic planning to navigate potential obstacles like shifting consumer trends, economic conditions, and workforce availability. Factors such as business costs, digital infrastructure, local competition, access to funding, and regulatory policies can significantly impact growth and sustainability. By researching these elements in advance, entrepreneurs can make informed decisions that position their businesses for long-term success in the right location. To read more about this, check out this article in BNO News.