small business information

Small business owners share how City of Madison resources helped them succeed | Economic Development

by Isna

Alders from the City of Madison Common Council and members of the City’s Economic Development Committee capped off National Small Business Week on Saturday with a citywide tour of some of the many local businesses that have benefited from funding through the City’s Office of Business Resources.

The day started with comments from Deputy Mayor Dr. Linda Vakunta, who welcomed the alders and other City staff while recognizing all of Madison’s small business owners for what they do.

“We are very proud of the work we do to support our small businesses, as they are critical to our community,” Dr.

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Does Generative AI Level the Playing Field for Small Business?

by Isna

More US microbusinesses are using generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) to grow and compete, with 50% of owners and operators recently surveyed indicating they have tried Gen AI tools in the past few months. The findings come from GoDaddy’s international research initiative, Venture Forward, which quantifies the economic impact of small businesses and explores their owners’ experiences, challenges and ambitions.

The Venture Forward 2024 US National Survey found that 44% of microbusinesses, which have 10 or fewer employees, a domain and an active website, agree that GenAI helps them compete with big businesses.

However, attitudes, long-term goals and use cases that

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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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