Category: Personal Skills

Small Businesses Face Labor and Inflation Pressures — Here’s What You Need to Know

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.

Weathering the Storm: How Small Businesses Can Survive a Changing Climate

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.

When Cupid Strikes at Work: How Employers Can Stay Protected

Workplace romances can lead to serious risks for employers, including sexual harassment claims, retaliation, favoritism, and even workplace violence. While banning all office dating may be unrealistic, employers can reduce liability by implementing targeted policies—such as prohibiting supervisor-subordinate relationships, using “love contracts” to document consensual relationships, offering harassment training, and maintaining clear reporting channels. Monitoring communications and having clear guidelines also help prevent misconduct. Ultimately, strong policies and proactive enforcement put employers in a better position to prevent and defend against legal claims. See this post on Thomson Reuters to learn more.

Female Founders Deliver More With Less—But Still Get Less Funding

According to a recent Inc. article citing data from the Female Founders Fund, startups led by women generate more revenue per dollar raised (78 cents vs. 31 cents for male-led startups) and burn 15% less capital, showcasing their efficiency and impact despite receiving only 2.1% of venture capital funding in 2023. While female founders still face major funding disparities, the past decade has seen progress—including a near doubling of funding to female-founded startups and a rise in women holding decision-making roles in VC firms.

The No. 1 Trait of Successful Young Founders

In a recent CNBC post – Josh Browder, CEO of DoNotPay and investor in over 100 startup founders under age 25 – says the strongest predictor of a young entrepreneur’s success is having a deep, personal connection to the problem their startup aims to solve. He emphasizes that true passion and commitment—not just résumé-building or financial motivation—are what help founders endure the inevitable challenges of building a company.

5 Hidden Hurdles for Women Entrepreneurs—and How to Clear Them

A recent Fast Company article outlines five unexpected challenges that many women entrepreneurs face, including lack of representation in decision-making rooms, juggling invisible labor, and limited access to funding and networks. By proactively preparing—through research, shared household responsibilities, vocal advocacy, intentional networking, and rejecting artificial timelines—women can navigate these obstacles and move forward with confidence.

Where Women-Owned Businesses Thrive in the US — and Where They Don’t

A new LegalZoom study reveals wide geographic disparities in the success of women-owned small businesses across the U.S., with states like Florida, Georgia, and Colorado leading in business ownership per capita, and cities like Miami and Memphis showing especially strong female entrepreneurial activity.

Meanwhile, regions such as rural Appalachia and California’s Central Valley lag due to limited access to capital, mentorship, and supportive infrastructure. The study also highlights how local policies, cultural factors, and economic conditions shape gender parity, employment impact, and payroll among women-led enterprises nationwide.

Click the link above to see the complete report.

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.

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.