Winning at business

Report: 82% of new small businesses have insurance, but many SMBs remain at risk

ERGO NEXT reports that 82% of new small businesses have insurance, yet 73% remain underinsured, often due to cost, confusion, and compliance issues.

How does surface preparation impact coating adhesion?

10X Engineered Materials reports that effective surface preparation is crucial for coating adhesion, impacting durability and performance. 
5 Insurance Company Tactics That Could Shrink Your Injury Claim
(NewsUSA) - After a car crash, dealing with injuries, medical appointments and vehicle repairs can be overwhelming enough. Then comes another challenge: dealing with insurance companies.While …
(NewsUSA) - If you own a small business, you're likely focused on growing revenue, serving customers, supporting employees, and staying competitive. But when you think about the business you've …
EU Medical Device Regulation requirements for all device types, explained
Kiwa | NQA reports that the EU MDR classifies medical devices into four risk categories, outlining compliance requirements and the role of notified bodies for certification.
Quiq reports that conversational commerce blends messaging and shopping, allowing real-time interactions for browsing, purchasing, and personalized support via AI and messaging apps.
Xero reports five steps for small retailers to manage accounts payable during the holiday stock-up, emphasizing supplier terms, cash flow, and fraud prevention.
The companies spending millions to reach you through podcasts
Floodlight reports that top podcast advertisers spent $41.1 million in September 2026, driven by betting apps and ChatGPT, marking a 20.9% increase from August.
ERGO NEXT reports on 9 holiday retail planning tips for small businesses, emphasizing careful inventory management, customer engagement, and efficient fulfillment to boost sales.
Custom Ink reports that 94% of employees prefer personalized corporate gifts.
15 domain name tips from business owners who got it right
Wix reports that choosing the right domain name is crucial for branding. Key tips include keeping names short, memorable, and aligned with your business.
ShipStation reports that a return can reinforce customer loyalty if handled well. 
Zapier reports that 76% of SMB owners are automating work, but many lack proper governance, adding that effective planning and policies are crucial for safe AI use.
Small Business Features

How to reduce finance tool sprawl in an early-stage company

Mercury reports that early-stage companies struggle with finance tool sprawl, which adds complexity and costs, and recommends consolidating financial workflows to streamline operations.

How to manage the accounts receivable process step by step

Ramp reports that the accounts receivable (AR) process is crucial for tracking customer payments and ensuring steady cash flow, enabling timely operations and growth.
China-US ocean freight rates hold steady as post-holiday space tightens
Freight Right reports China-U.S. ocean freight rates remain steady amid tighter post-holiday space, while air freight prices have surged due to increased demand and reduced capacity.
7 year-end strategies small businesses are using to prep for tax season
1-800Accountant reports seven year-end strategies small businesses should use for tax prep, including reconciling books, managing mileage logs, and timing equipment purchases.
Hiring for the holidays? Don’t do it without reading these 7 tips first
ERGO NEXT reports on hiring seasonal employees for the holidays, offering 7 key tips to ensure effective staffing, training, and business protection measures.
Study crowns the best cities for small businesses in 2026
Bluevine reports the best U.S. cities for small businesses in 2026, with Colorado Springs topping the list, followed by Denver and Raleigh.
States where car wash businesses are growing the fastest
Way reports that the car wash industry is booming, expected to grow from $16.3 billion in 2025 to $20.7 billion by 2033, driven by demand and private equity interest.
Entrepreneurship

Small businesses are set to capture a record $118 billion this holiday season

Intuit QuickBooks reports small businesses are set to capture $118 billion this holiday season, with consumers planning to spend $278 billion, highlighting a rise in support for small businesses amid varying shopper concerns.

BILL reports that automating expense reporting streamlines financial processes, captures spending at purchase, and enforces policies in real-time, boosting efficiency.

Companies spend six figures on AI. A third of employees don't know what it costs

Zapier reports that companies are significantly investing in AI, with 52% spending over $100K monthly, yet a third of employees are unaware of these costs.
Get Ahead in Business
How much does payroll cost? A $50,000 hire can run up to $70,000
Xero reports that hiring a $50,000 employee can actually cost up to $70,000 when factoring in taxes, benefits, and payroll software—owners should budget accordingly.
SVGMaker reports on the importance of centralized vector systems for brand consistency, highlighting how AI tools can streamline design processes and reduce fragmentation.
Clym reports that website accessibility lawsuits are on the rise, with 5,006 federal cases filed in early 2026, often targeting small businesses.
With AI driving up energy costs, commercial and industrial companies have a narrow window to act
Emergent Solar Energy reports that Midwest and Rust Belt manufacturers face rising electricity costs due to AI-driven data center loads, prompting urgent energy strategy shifts. 
Wix reports six common mistakes startups make when choosing a domain name, emphasizing the importance of long-term strategy, domain history, and appropriate extensions.
Intuit QuickBooks reports Americans think starting a business costs $28,000, while actual owners spend about $12,000, highlighting perception barriers to entrepreneurship.
As Americans start businesses at record rates, Shopify data helps quantify the growing economic impact of the retail sector
Shopify reports that Americans are starting businesses at record rates, generating $688 billion in economic activity and supporting 2.3 million jobs.
WebFX reports highlight how Google Ads conversion adjustments allow advertisers to correct recorded conversions, improving Smart Bidding's accuracy.
OnTheClock reports that 68% of small business owners are open to AI in payroll, but only 11% trust it fully, concerned about errors and responsibility.