Category: Small Business News

Perception vs. Reality: Recent Survey Suggests Small Business Owners Need Stronger Financial Planning

A new TD Bank survey reveals a significant gap between small business owners’ confidence in their financial preparedness and their actual readiness. While 94% of owners believe they’re prepared for the next 12–18 months, many would struggle after just two quarters of revenue shortfalls. The study highlights that although New York-based businesses are slightly more resilient than the national average, most still face challenges like inflation, customer growth, and the rapid evolution of AI tools. Many are turning to digital budgeting tools, loans, and financial advisors, yet underutilize expert guidance. Small business owners are encouraged to seek out trusted financial support to better navigate uncertainty and position their businesses for long-term success.

Closing the Digital Divide for Women Entrepreneurs: A $5 Trillion Opportunity

Women entrepreneurs in low- and middle-income countries are vital to economic growth but according to this report from World Economic Forum, they face major barriers due to digital exclusion and discriminatory legal frameworks.

While most own smartphones, many lack affordable, reliable internet and face online harassment, limiting their ability to grow businesses through digital tools. Regulatory obstacles and gender bias also prevent women from accessing credit and formalizing businesses.

Closing these gaps through policy reform, infrastructure investment, digital literacy training, and online safety measures could unlock up to $5 trillion in global GDP. Bridging the digital divide is not only a moral imperative—it’s an economic necessity.

Rethinking Financial Health for Women Entrepreneurs in Low-Income Countries

A new report from CARE’s Strive Women program reveals that women entrepreneurs in emerging markets face far more than just funding challenges. Based on insights from nearly 2,500 women in Pakistan, Peru, and Vietnam, the report shows that digital access, crisis savings, support networks, and caregiving responsibilities all significantly impact business success. While most women are confident in their ability to grow a business, many are held back by limited financial tools, lack of digital training, and the weight of unpaid household labor. True financial health, the report argues, means designing systems that reflect women’s real lives—offering flexible funding, digital upskilling, peer support, and solutions that ease the burden of care. To read more, see this link.

Women Business Owners More Concerned About Economic Uncertainty

A new CNBC|SurveyMonkey survey shows that women small business owners are feeling more anxious than men about the economy. They’re more likely to worry about inflation, rising costs, and the possibility of a recession—and nearly 70% say they’re stressed about their business finances. While women are starting businesses at record rates, these concerns reflect the real challenges they’re facing and highlight how differently economic conditions can impact people depending on their experiences. Click this link to read more.

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.

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.