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From monthly archives: November 2024

We are pleased to present below all posts archived in 'November 2024'. If you still can't find what you are looking for, try using the search box.

Cyber Monday's Continued Growth and Transformation

Cyber Monday, celebrated annually the Monday after Thanksgiving, has become a cornerstone of global online shopping. According to Captial One in 2024, it is projected to generate a staggering $13.2 billion in sales, reflecting a 6.1% increase from the $12.4 billion spent in 2023. This growth continues a trend of steady gains over the past decade, with the day now accounting for a significant share of holiday shopping sales​.

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Beneficial Ownership Transparency Safeguards Businesses and Global Financial Integrity

Beneficial ownership refers to the individuals who ultimately own, control or benefit from a business or legal entity. This can occur either by exercising substantial control or by holding at least a 25% ownership stake according to GreenBurgTraurig. Unlike nominal ownership, which may only be reflected in official documents, beneficial ownership offers transparency regarding who truly benefits from or directs the entity’s activities. This distinction is crucial in preventing the misuse of legal structures for illicit purposes.

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How Small Business Saturday is Transforming Communities

According to the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), Americans spent an estimated $17 billion on Small Business Saturday in 2023, highlighting its significant impact. Celebrated annually after Thanksgiving, Small Business Saturday was launched in 2010 by American Express and has been supported by the SBA since 2011. This event emphasizes the vital role that small businesses play in the U.S. economy.

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Empowering Small Businesses Through Digital Innovation

Embracing technological advancements can be essential for growth, efficiency, and competitiveness in today’s business landscape. Generative AI has emerged as a game-changer, enabling businesses to automate content creation, enhance customer engagement, and streamline operational processes. According to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, 98% of small businesses leveraging AI tools are experiencing significant benefits, with generative AI now used by 40%. These tools are empowering even the smallest companies to excel beyond their limits by scaling their capabilities.

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Women and Minority Business Owners Set the Pace for Economic Growth

The National Business & Economic Outlook for the coming 12 months presents a blend of promising growth opportunities and notable challenges. According to the "2024 Women and Minority Business Owner Spotlight" report by Bank of America, over 70% of women and minority business owners expect revenue growth, indicating strong optimism. Notably, minority business owners show increased confidence, with 78% predicting an improved economic environment compared to 2023.

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Protect Yourself from Fake Deals and Phishing Scams this season

Scammers defrauded thousands of holiday shoppers through online scams, non-delivery schemes, and fake listings, resulting in substantial financial losses. The FBI reported almost 12,000 victims resulting in losses of over $73 million last holiday season due to scams, with thousands of victims falling prey to phishing emails, fake online stores, and fraudulent social media ads designed to deceive consumers into disclosing personal and financial information.

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The Power of Local Small Business Spending on Community Growth

Shopping locally is not just about finding unique gifts; it’s about strengthening the entire community. Studies from REV indicate that 67 cents of every dollar spent at a local business remains in the local economy, compared to only 43 cents for non-local businesses. This local “multiplier effect” is significant because local businesses often source products from other small businesses, creating a positive economic ripple throughout the community. As stated by Forbes, Small businesses account for 99.9% of all businesses in the U.S. and employ nearly half of the American workforce. In other words, by shopping locally, consumers help maintain and create jobs that sustain their communities year-round.

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The Economic Impact of Veteran-Owned Enterprises

According to the Office Of Advocacy, veteran-owned businesses have made a significant impact on the U.S. economy, with over 1.9 million veteran-owned businesses providing jobs for around 5.5 million people and generating substantial economic output, according to data from the SBA.

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What are Small Businesses Looking for When it Comes to a Tech Stack?

A U.S. Chamber of Commerce study found that 85% of small businesses reported that technology platforms were essential in getting their business up and running. Additionally, 94% indicated that technology helps them operate more efficiently. Small businesses should consider focusing on building a robust and cost-effective tech stack to remain agile, connect with customers, and streamline operations. With the right tools, these businesses can possibly enhance productivity and compete more effectively with larger companies.

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