Author: Kirsten Barker

Remote Work Best Practices

Whether you run a small business that relies on remote and/or hybrid workers, you are part of a large organization navigating how the post-COVID workplace looks or you are a remote worker yourself, figuring out best practices to support this work arrangement is critical for corporate success.

This post on Business.com discusses critical best practices to consider to ensure that remote work is a success including technology adaptations, work scheduling and IT security concerns to name a few. The piece also discusses the important of outlining a remote work policy and provides tips on how to navigate that process.

Tips for How To Network To Grow Your Small Business

This post published by the US Chamber of Commerce provides some helpful advice for small business owners who are looking to expand their local networks. Specifically, the piece shares suggestions such as volunteering with local nonprofits, attending trade shows, exploring digital networking and collaborating with other local businesses for cross-promotion and support. Check out the post to see other tips!

Considerations When Turning Your Side Hustle Into a Full-Time Business

This blog post from SCORE (which stands for Service Corps of Retired Executives) highlights eight points to ponder when considering whether to turn your side hustle into a full time business. Specifically, the piece mentions the importance of considering what automation tools you will use to help you scale efficiently (for tasks like scheduling, accounting, inventory, etc) as well as considerations about your marketing plan and customer base. Check out the blog post for more tips!

Funding Options for Entrepreneurs With Bad Credit

Women entrepreneurs with poor credit scores have a few lending options to check out when getting a business loan. One option is nonprofit lenders that focus on helping women-led startups get funding. Another option is alternative lenders with less strict requirements. Even if your credit is bad, there are still possibilities to secure funding for your business. Check out this this article in Forbes for resources that can help with funding!

Challenges Faced by AAPI Women Entrepreneurs in the Pandemic Era

The COVID pandemic has worsened existing challenges for Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AAPI) women entrepreneurs. Many AAPI-owned businesses have been hit hard, especially in industries heavily affected by the pandemic.

Language barriers and a lack of banking relationships have limited their access to loans and capital. AAPI women face a wage gap and have shouldered increased caregiving responsibilities. Despite these obstacles, AAPI women entrepreneurs remain resilient and determined to overcome the challenges they face. See this April 2023 post from CNBC to read more.

Incorporating AI Into A Small Business

This article in Forbes discusses the impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on small businesses and how AI can yield potential benefits. Specific areas where AI can be applied include analysis, customer care, marketing, operational efficiency, and recommendation algorithms. The article emphasizes the need for careful consideration before integrating AI, taking into account company size, resources, and operational goals. It also highlights steps for small businesses to follow, including defining goals, assessing tasks suitable for AI, conducting cost-benefit analysis, and tracking progress. Take a look at the piece and consider how AI can help you work smarter and not harder!

Where Should Small Businesses Keep Their Cash?


After three recent failures of medium-sized banks, many small business owners are worried about the safety of their money. According to this article from Investopedia, experts recommend diversifying deposits across multiple institutions to stay within the $250,000 FDIC limit. In addition, small businesses may want to approach credit unions and small banks as they may offer better terms. Check out the article for more thoughts on the topic.

Starting a Business With Little to No Capital

Owning your own business offers flexibility, creative freedom, and unlimited income potential. Lacking financial resources doesn’t mean you are out of luck! According to this article in Forbes, it is possible to still start a business with limited funds. no money. Some tips from the article include: keep your day job while working on your business during your free time, choose a business idea that doesn’t require upfront capital (such as freelance writing, virtual assisting, or social media management), scale up gradually, and utilize free resources and networking opportunities. Check out the link to the article to read more!

Supporting Women-Owned Businesses

This article in Entrepreneur offers five practical ways to support women-owned businesses. These include shopping at women-owned businesses to support owners, employees, and the local economy; spreading the word about these businesses through social media and personal networks; attending events organized by women-owned businesses to show support and foster community; writing positive reviews to boost visibility and influence potential customers; and partnering with women-owned businesses to collaborate and mutually benefit. These actions can bring about significant changes in behavior and contribute to empowering women entrepreneurs while promoting economic growth and diversity in the marketplace.

Suggestions for How To Run A Crowdfunding Campaign When A Founder Is From A Marginalized Community

This article from Forbes discusses the increasing popularity of crowdfunding as a funding option for early-stage startups, especially for female founders from marginalized communities. In general, crowdfunding provides an innovative solution for raising funds to launch or grow a businesses.

The article highlights specific difficulties faced by these marginalized founders in obtaining traditional funding and provides tips for running successful crowdfunding campaigns, including setting realistic goals, explaining the product or service clearly, promoting the campaign through multiple channels, building social proof, and offering attractive rewards to participants.