Category: Small Business

4+ businesses honored at Abilene Chamber of Commerce Small Business Awards Luncheon | KTAB

ABILENE, Texas (KTAB/KRBC) – At least 4 businesses are being honored at the Abilene Chamber of Commerce Small Business Awards Luncheon.

The 2024 Abilene Chamber Salute to Small Business Awards, held Tuesday afternoon, is an annual celebration of the impact of small business in the Key City.

“Our small business community is truly the backbone of our economy, and we recognize the dedication and fortitude it takes to be an entrepreneur and small business owner,” said Doug Peters, President & CEO of the Abilene Chamber of Commerce. “This year’s Small Business Week will be a great celebration as we take

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“Access to Capital” Lunch and Learn gives small business owners insight into available loans | News

by Isna

LIMA, OH (WLIO) – For small business owners, getting the needed finances to start or expand their dreams could be a big hurdle to cross. That’s why the State Bank hosts its annual “Access to Capital” Lunch and Learn.

Speakers from state and federal agencies, local small business development centers, and financial institutions talked about the various programs and loans that could be available to entrepreneurs to take that next step. The programs that were presented are unique because they serve specific sectors or the needs of small businesses.

“There are folks who are going to learn about special programs

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Feds. Interest Rates could hurt small business growth

by Isna

SALISBURY, Md- Despite a long-anticipated rate cut, the Federal Reserve decided to maintain the current interest rates at 7.9%, citing a failure to reach a goal of less than 2 percent inflation across the US.

In Wicomico County, Salisbury Area Chamber of Commerce President Bill Chambers tells WMDT the news comes at a difficult time when many businesses look to get bridge loans and lines of credit to scale up the workforce for the many seasonal businesses across the area.

He tells us the hospitality, restaurant, and entertainment venue sector could be hard hit, adding to a few tough years

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Abilene Chamber recognizes Small Business Award recipients

by Isna

ABILENE, Texas — Recipients of the 2024 Abilene Chamber Salute to Small Business Awards were announced Tuesday at The Salute to Small Business Awards Luncheon, an annual celebration to honor the impact small businesses have on the local economy.

“Our small business community is truly the backbone of our economy, and we recognize the dedication and fortitude it takes to be an entrepreneur and small business owner,” Abilene Chamber of Commerce president and CEO, Doug Peters, said. “This year’s Small Business Week will be a great celebration as we take time to honor those who exemplify the entrepreneurial spirit, and

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OKC Thunder makes big impact to small businesses in OKC

by Isna

OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) — Tonight the OKC Thunder are gearing up to play the Dallas Mavericks in game one of the western conference semi-finals. It’s bringing thousands of fans into downtown Oklahoma City this week.

“Very excited. I mean, it’s awesome. I’m a big fan of just basketball in general… But the playoffs are a whole different thing, so it’s going to be fun,” said Jeff Kirbas, Thunder fan.

Kirbas says it’s been an exciting season and he’s confident the OKC Thunder will win tonight.

“The vibe of the city is just at an all-time high right now,” said Matt

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Emerging Small Business Tech Tools | CO

by Isna

A young woman in a high-tech automotive parts factory watches a robotic arm drill holes in a car part. The woman has dark blonde hair pulled back into a ponytail, and she wears a black T-shirt, black pants, and blue rubber gloves. The factory room is cavernous with white walls, bright overhead lights, and red metal beams partitioning the floor into different areas. — **Robotic process software works much like robotic hardware. These systems automate certain repetitive tasks, freeing up time for employees to tackle more complex workflows.** — Getty Images/Monty Rakusen

Technology plays a vital role in supporting small businesses, helping them save valuable time and resources to focus on big-picture priorities.

As technology continues its rapid advancement, several promising business tech tools have made their way to the market. Here are five emerging tech tools your small business should keep an eye on.

[Read more: Best Practices for Getting the Most Out of Your Virtual Assistant]

Robotic process automation software

Robotic

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May 2024 – ND Small Business Development Centers

by Isna

Greetings,

When the ND SBDC revised our mission, vision, and values, each team member felt strongly about a specific value: Culture. While most might read that and think, well, “culture” isn’t a value. As our conversations began to shape the idea behind it, we felt that was the most all-encompassing word to describe our intent:

We embrace a learning culture that recognizes the importance of others’ expertise, talents, experiences, and needs; encouraging personal and professional growth while appreciating diversity in all matters, extending courtesy, dignity, and respect.

Not only did we want

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Free Grants and Programs for Small Business | CO

by Isna

Female business owner in restaurant — **There are many grant programs available to small businesses, depending on a variety of qualifying factors.** — Getty Images/ljubaphoto

Whether you’re starting a new small business or looking to grow the one you already own, finding funding can be a challenge for businesses of all sizes. If you’re looking for a small business loan or grant, CO— is here to help.

Each week, we update this list of loans, small business grants, or other opportunities to connect with programs and organizations that can help you with your business. Come back often to see the latest. And, if your organization has

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