Month: August 2025

Small businesses continue to grapple with a shrinking labor force, unrelenting wage pressures, and unavoidable price hikes — challenges that can weigh heavily on growth and profitability. In a recent 10-minute conversation on CNBC’s Small Business Playbook, LinkedIn Chief Economist Karin Kimbrough shares expert insights on the current state of inflation and labor trends, the evolving impact of AI on the workplace, and practical strategies for navigating today’s uncertain economic landscape.

If you’re looking for a concise, informed perspective on what’s driving the market — and how your business can adapt — this interview is well worth your time. Watch the interview here.

Climate change-fueled disasters like hurricanes and wildfires are threatening the survival of small businesses across the U.S., which often lack the resources and financial support needed to recover from prolonged disruptions. While some communities, like Asheville, NC, have mobilized aid, experts warn that more proactive planning, inclusive recovery efforts, and better insurance options are urgently needed to protect these vital economic contributors from long-term collapse. Still, local fundraising efforts and innovative solutions like parametric insurance and pre-disaster planning offer hope for building greater resilience in the face of future climate shocks. To read more about this, see this article in Grist.