Sarah Lewis

Small business owners looking for innovative ways to enhance efficiency and reduce costs may want to pay attention to the recent unveiling of the U.S. Postal Service’s (USPS) new Next Generation Delivery Vehicle (NGDV). These zero-emission electric vehicles are not just a step forward in the Postal Service’s capabilities; they also have potential implications for small businesses relying on timely and reliable delivery services.

In a significant move to alleviate the burden on small businesses grappling with the aftermath of devastating floods in Juneau, Alaska, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has announced an extension of various tax filing and payment deadlines. This relief, effective immediately, offers business owners critical flexibility during a challenging recovery period.

The landscape of gas prices is shifting, yet again influenced by external factors such as natural disasters. As Hurricane Rafael churns in the Gulf of Mexico, the national average for gasoline has only dipped slightly to $3.10 a gallon, a decrease of just three cents from last week. This small drop occurs amid a complex backdrop of fluctuating demand, inventory changes, and the realities of a vulnerable oil production chain.

Electricity generation from hydropower in the United States is set to plummet in 2024, presenting both challenges and opportunities for small business owners across various sectors. The latest Short-Term Energy Outlook (STEO) from the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) predicts a staggering 13% drop in hydropower generation, marking the lowest levels since 2001. With the Pacific Northwest, a vital hub for hydropower production, experiencing severe drought conditions, the implications are significant for businesses relying on stable energy sources.

Confidence is filtering through Main Street as small business owners gear up for the holiday season, according to the recently released NFIB Small Business Optimism Index. The index marked a notable increase of 2.2 points in October, rising to 93.7. Despite this positive shift, it remains significantly below the 50-year average of 98, highlighting a complex economic landscape for small business owners.

Small business owners, take note: the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is rolling out a significant opportunity to bolster your innovation efforts and reinforce your entrepreneurial ecosystem. Scheduled for November 14 and 15, the 2024 Innovation Ecosystem Summit is set to convene leaders from across various sectors, creating a platform designed to share insights and drive collaboration among entrepreneur support organizations (ESOs).

Small business owners find themselves grappling with an increasingly competitive labor market, as revealed in the latest NFIB October jobs report. According to the report, a significant 35% of small business owners cited unfilled job openings in October, indicating a persistent challenge in attracting qualified talent. This figure marks an uptick from September and highlights an ongoing struggle within the small business sector.

The recent release of a staff report by Congressman Roger Williams sheds new light on the pandemic-era lending programs of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), revealing a startling $200 billion in fraudulent loans. This revelation underscores critical concerns for small business owners as they navigate a post-pandemic landscape and calls into question the efficacy of SBA’s response to the crisis.

As the holiday season approaches, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is rallying support for local entrepreneurs with Small Business Saturday on November 30, 2024. In a recent statement, SBA Administrator Isabel Casillas Guzman highlighted the importance of this annual shopping event, now celebrating its 15th anniversary, as a way for consumers to uplift their communities by shopping local.

In an era of increasing scrutiny on corporate tax compliance, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is stepping up to assist large businesses with its upcoming Compliance Assurance Process (CAP) webinar. Set to take place on November 18, 2024, from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. ET, this free session aims to help corporate taxpayers navigate the complexities of tax regulations and optimize their compliance strategies.