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Although we think all small businesses are “cool,” especially these New York City businesses, Chicago has become one of the best locations in the country for small business growth. Whether you live in the Windy City or are planning on visiting, consider swinging by these six cool small businesses in the city: 1. The Boring…
7 Awesome Facts about Veteran Small Business Owners
In honor of Veteran’s Day, OnDeck is celebrating veterans small business owners all month long. Here are seven awesome facts about veteran small business owners: 1. Extremely Motivated According to the SBA, veterans are roughly 45% more likely to form their own business compared to people who haven’t served any time in the military. 2.…
Election Day 2014: How Your Vote Will Impact Small Business Owners
Monday, November 3, 2014 by Andrea Gellert For the 2014 midterm elections on Tuesday, November 4, there are a number of key issues that are on the minds of business owners everywhere. Government Shutdown: It’s rumored that we could have another one before the end of the year. A united Republican party that controls both…
Halloween Candy Tax Deductions? Yes Please!
You might have heard of any number of common business tax deductions, but have you thought about candy? Believe it or not, you can deduct your Halloween candy in three ways: 1. Promote Your Business with Candy According to the Mazuma blog, one way you can do this is by using candy to promote your…
Paid Sick Time? Question 4 Has People Talking
In Massachusetts, Question 4 on this November’s upcoming ballot is asking whether or not paid sick time should be a guarantee for every worker in the state. That includes part-timers as well as full-timers, from public to private employees – and this issue has businesses and workers split, asking more questions along the way. The…
4 Small Business Certifications You Might Not Know About
Certifications are important for many types of organizations, especially small businesses that want to work with the U.S. government or receive special accommodations. Although there are a number of certifications depending on your gender, location and business type – here are four that are worth learning about. 1. Small Disadvantaged Businesses The Small Disadvantaged Businesses…
Want Higher Revenue in 2015? You Might Just Be in Luck
According to a new report, economic conditions and increased confidence are helping to spur small business growth. The Sage Business Index polls roughly 14,000 small- to medium-sized businesses each year, and this year’s results are positive. 2014 marked the first time since 2010 that more SMBs are optimistic than pessimistic. U.S. companies are confident in…
3 Bits of Advice from Successful Small Business Owners
Are you ready to take your small business to the next level? Here are three pieces of advice from small business owners that could help you find success today: 1. Don’t Be Afraid The first step is learning how to control your fear. As a small business owner, you will encounter new experiences, challenges and…
How to Not Feel Overwhelmed Anymore
Does the average workday for you sound like hundreds of tasks piled on top of each other? Sure, the life of a small business owner can get hectic at times. Transforming an idea into a successful small business takes guts, dedication and determination, and the result of that may be the opinion within your team…
The Greatest Small Business Names of All Time
There are a lot of factors that make a business great: A visionary leader, dedicated employees, and loyal customers. But what about the company’s name? Sure, classic mega-brands like Apple and Amazon will always make the official top-10 lists. But we’re partial to the creativity and humor that we see in the names of small…
The 3 Coolest Small Businesses in Tampa
With interesting retail stores, dedicated non-profits and creative eateries, Tampa is home to a number of incredible local businesses that play an integral role in the community. Although we think all small businesses are cool, below are three that are really caught our eye. 1. Bill Jackson’s Inc. Located in Pinellas Park, Florida, Bill Jackson’s…
4 Things Nobody Told You about Being a Small Business Owner
When you think about your daily life as a small business owner, what part of your job makes you the happiest? Odds are; your answer doesn’t involve your finances or taxes. Managing your books isn’t often what made you become a business owner in the first place – and is rarely discussed when you set…
Independent Contractors vs. Full-Time Employees
Independent contractors or full-time employees – which one is the right choice for your business as you grow? Naturally, each option has its pros and cons, and the answer may be more nuanced than you think. Pros of Choosing Full-Time – Full-timers are typically more productive, motivated members of your team. They are locked into…
Angry at Yelp? Here’s How to Come out on Top
For one small business owner, negative Yelp reviews might not be such a bad thing. Botto Bistro, the California-based Italian eatery co-owned and operated by Davide Cerretini and Michele Massimo, are actively encouraging patrons to provide one-star reviews of their restaurant to protest the popular online review website Yelp. Why encourage negative reviews? The owners…
“Shop Local” Campaign Ideas You Can Actually Use This Holiday Season
The holiday season – which essentially extends from pre-Halloween all the way through the New Year, is a great time for business owners to tap into their local communities. To make the most of the season, here are three tips on how you can drive customers to shop local, rather than buy from the big…