Small Business

Small businesses want a piece of Barbie’s world

NEW YORK, July 23 (Reuters) – It is Barbie’s world, and US small businesses hope their social-media marketing can help them cash in on it.

From Malibu makeovers to striped dog bandanas to hot pink cocktails, many small business owners have latched on to Barbie-inspired products to get more eyes on their websites and social media accounts ahead of Friday’s US release of “Barbie,” the film set to become a cultural sensation.

Mattel’s (MAT.O) iconic doll brand partnered with big companies including Inditex’s Zara, Airbnb and Google to launch licensed merchandise and products.

But as Mattel-licensed Barbie marketing and products

Small Business

Small Businesses Quip ‘What Recession?’ Amid Rising Confidence Despite Economic Challenges By Benzinga


© Reuters. Small Businesses Quip ‘What Recession?’ Amid Rising Confidence Despite Economic Challenges

Benzinga – US small businesses are more confident in the economic landscape, underscored by a seven-month peak in June, per the latest data from the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB).

The upward trend comes despite inflation and labor quality remaining top concerns for small business owners.

The NFIB’s Small Business Optimism Index rose 1.6 points in June to 91 — the highest monthly jump since August 2022. The figure is still below the 49-year average of 98, marking 18 consecutive months of subdued confidence levels.

“Inflation

Small Business

NB premier defends provincial carbon legislation, says it protects small business

2 min read

New Brunswick’s premier is pushing back against claims that a piece of provincial legislation, rather than federal rules, is to blame for higher gas prices.

The province implemented a law last year to allow the cost of Ottawa’s clean fuel regulations to be passed on to consumers.

Premier Blaine Higgs said without the change, small retailers in the region would have to absorb the added costs, which could impact their revenues and jeopardize their ability to stay in business.

Critics say the province has allowed refineries to pass along costs at a time when they have recorded major profit gains

Small Business

Inflation Data, JPMorgan and Delta Earnings, and More to Watch This Week

text size

Second-quarter earnings season begins this week with several large US banks set to report. The latest inflation data will be closely watched by investors and economists alike.

Citigroup
,

JPMorgan Chase
,

and

Wells Fargo

will be this week’s earnings highlights, all on Friday morning.

Love s
,

Conagra Brands
,

Delta Airlines
,

Fastenal
,

and

PepsiCo

are also scheduled to report on Thursday, followed by

BlackRock
,

State Street, and

UnitedHealth Group

on Friday.

The economic-data highlight of the week will be the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ consumer price index for June on Wednesday. Economists’ consensus

Small Business

How The Galaxy Ecosystem Helps Entrepreneurs Work On The Go

4 min read

Owning a small business has never been so exciting. And things are looking up: According to the Canadian Federation of Independent Business’s Small Business Confidence Index, confidence among owners is on the rise.

But that doesn’t mean the obstacles of the last couple of years have left entrepreneurs unscathed. From inflation to workforce shortages, small business owners have been struggling to do more with less—and as data from the Business Development Bank of Canada show, that’s straining work-life balance and creating stress for many.

“2023 is not without its own challenges as well as opportunities,” said Paul Edwards, vice-president and

Small Business

CEBA loan repayments put 8,000 small Saskatchewan businesses “at risk”: CFIB

Some small businesses in Saskatchewan are at risk of closing by the end of next year.

That is a projection being made by the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) following a recent survey by member businesses in the province.

The deadline for the Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA) loan is due at the end of this year. Many small businesses just won’t be able to repay it by that time.

Having to find, in some cases, up to tens of thousands of dollars could mean small business make the choice to close.

Brianna Solberg, the director of legislative affairs

Small Business

10 Best Small Business Loans of 2023

JLco - Julia Amaral / Getty Images/iStockphoto

JLco – Julia Amaral / Getty Images/iStockphoto

Small business owners can often benefit from taking out a loan or line of credit to cover operating costs, bridge cash flow gaps or fund other things like marketing, production and growth. Since many types of small business loans exist, each with a different purpose and requirements, it’s important to consider your options carefully before choosing one. With that in mind, here are the best small business loans in 2023 and what you need to know about them.

10 Best Small Business Loans

Each of the following lenders has been chosen based on