Late payments are a familiar challenge for any business that issues invoices, but they can hit small businesses far harder. When cash flow is already tight, an overdue invoice can affect investment, opportunities for growth, and even a business’s ability to keep operating. To understand the scale of the problem, we first explored official data […]
Applying for a business credit card feels like an obvious next step for a new or growing business, so it can be jarring when your application is rejected. The good news is that a denied business credit card is usually tied to factors that you can identify and address. Learn the most common reasons that […]
For startups and small businesses, getting a company off the ground can feel like a catch-22. You need funding to grow, but lenders often want to see that you have invested your own money before they approve financing. That is why many entrepreneurs look for ways to inject equity into their businesses. In some cases, […]
A semi-truck loan is one of the largest financial commitments an owner-operator or fleet owner will make. Between the truck price, interest rate, and loan term, small changes can have a big impact on your monthly payment and total cost over time. You can manually calculate your truck loan payments, but using a calculator makes […]
A semi-truck stopping distance calculator helps you understand how much distance you actually need to bring your truck to a complete stop. While drivers know that larger vehicles take longer to stop, it’s not always clear just how much distance is required at different speeds or in different road conditions. Instead of guessing, our calculator […]
The Supreme Court’s decision to strike down sweeping tariffs imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) has created a mix of relief and uncertainty for U.S. small businesses. On Feb. 20, 2026, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that President Trump does not have authority under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act to impose […]
Standing out as a small business can be challenging, and finding new clients can be even tougher. Writing a small business capability statement is one of the best moves you can make to highlight who you are, what you do, and why clients should choose to work with your company. This statement should highlight the […]
As a small business owner, it’s no small task to establish an enduring brand, especially in the face of stiff competition in niche markets. From separating yourself from key competitors to demonstrating core values that drive your business operations, your brand must be strong enough to claim space within your chosen industry and continue to […]
Recent data from the U.S. Census Bureau revealed that 5.2 million new businesses were registered in 2024. If you’re considering adding your own business to this growing list of businesses in the U.S., you first need to abide by several legal requirements. The question is, how do you legally start a business? The many applications […]
With Small Business Saturday approaching, there is no better time to look at small business statistics from the past year to gauge current economic conditions and overall performance for SMBs. These statistics show just how vital small businesses are to the national economy. They also provide insight into the challenges SMBs face today and highlight […]
Every strategic decision matters when it comes to your business’s future success. For many small businesses, the option to integrate artificial intelligence (AI) into their infrastructure and daily practices puts them at a critical crossroads. Although still in its infancy by technological standards, AI can empower small businesses to leverage advanced data analytics and inform […]
Every business experiences late payments at some point. Learning the basics of how to send an invoice that encourages prompt payment is important, but even then, some customers may not pay on time. Late payments happen, and how you manage this tricky situation can affect everything from customer relationships to cash flow management. In this […]
Delayed customer payments regularly hurt businesses. In fact, small businesses hold an average of more than $17,000 in unpaid invoices. That can have a tremendous impact on your cash flow. When customers fall behind on payments, you need a clear, professional way to remind them to pay an invoice. Businesses use dunning letters to notify […]
Owning a business involves setting and reaching numerous milestones, from establishing and cultivating brand recognition to scaling competitive products or services. With each new challenge, business owners must draw on strategic planning and execution, and the sale of a business is no exception. This comprehensive guide explores how to sell your business step by step, […]
The U.S. government’s newly enforced $100,000 fee for H-1B petitions could reshape hiring across the country. Tech firms and staffing agencies in particular may face increased financial strain if they want to continue bringing on H-1B workers. Global effects are likely as well, as foreign job seekers aiming for U.S. employment may see their opportunities […]
Consumers hoping for relief from elevated interest rates can breathe a slight sigh of relief, as the Federal Reserve announced on Wednesday it will be decreasing the lending rate to a range of 4-4.25%. While this marks the first rate reduction since December 2024, it was the second consecutive meeting without unanimous approval over the […]
The trucking industry continue to fight an uphill battle in 2026, evidenced by a growing number of major bankruptcies and players leaving the industry over the past year-plus. Concerning trends like continued bankruptcies are nothing new for industry professionals. This is a market that has dealt with its fair share of challenges in the post-COVID […]
Building credit takes time, especially if you’re starting a business with poor or no credit. This can create some anxiety for business owners who don’t have sufficient credit to obtain a traditional loan. How long it takes to build business credit can vary, but with the right approach, you might be able to do so […]
An employer identification number (EIN) is required for many businesses, including all corporations and any business that wants to hire employees. Also called a tax ID number, this identifier is used for tax reporting, hiring, opening business bank accounts, and much more. Thankfully, getting an EIN is pretty simple. You can easily obtain one by […]
Before starting a business, you need to cover certain tax considerations, like requesting an employer identification number (EIN). An EIN is like a Social Security number for your business: the IRS uses it to track your company’s finances and tax payments. However, an EIN isn’t quite the same as your personal Social Security number, and […]
Managing inventory effectively can be one of the biggest challenges for small business owners. Optimizing inventory has a direct impact on your ability to operate efficiently, satisfy your customers, and maintain a good profit margin. On the other hand, failure manage inventory wisely results in overstocking, stockouts, and other issues that negatively impact the customer […]
If you want to build a stronger financial foundation for your company, working with vendors that report business credit can make a meaningful difference. Net 30 vendors give you time to pay invoices while also helping you establish a track record with major business credit bureaus. The key is choosing net 30 accounts to build […]
Business growth is obviously the goal for any founder. But what happens when your business grows too fast? Growth can be a good sign you’re on the right track, but rapid expansion can come with hidden challenges that throw even the most prepared teams off balance. In this guide, we’ll explore the risks of rapid […]
Starting a business is a challenge in itself—but figuring out how to scale a small business effectively can be just as stressful. Scaling a business can be an exciting time for business owners, offering the potential for reaching new markets and growing your revenue. However, scaling also comes with several distinct challenges, especially when it […]
There’s a lot to consider before starting a business. One aspect of launching a company that tends to get overlooked is figuring out how to obtain financing with bad (or nonexistent) business credit. Bad credit can pose a challenge, limiting your ability to qualify for a loan or resulting in high interest rates that can […]
Running a small business isn’t easy—in fact, only 50% of businesses make it past their fifth year. Even experienced business owners can go through struggles like negative cash flow or losing business because of market changes or new competitors. A failing business is likely to eventually go out of business entirely. Fortunately, there are strategies […]
Hiring an employee is a significant milestone for your business. Adding extra help is key to small business growth, allowing you to scale your offerings and attract more clients. However, hiring your first employee involves many steps, from legal requirements to payroll to finding the perfect candidate. If this is your first hire, it can […]
Being your own boss and running your own company is an exciting endeavor. However, there are several things to know before starting a business. Before opening your doors, you must be prepared to complete whole-scale research, planning, and financial decision-making to give yourself the best chance of success. By understanding some basic things to know […]
One of the most important aspects of setting up a small business is deciding which legal formation you’re going to use. For small businesses, two main options to consider are a sole proprietorship and an S Corporation (S Corp). While both business models can work well for smaller companies, they have several key differences in […]
Running a successful staffing agency is far from easy—especially when you consider the challenges facing staffing agencies in today’s hiring environment. A wide variety of staffing agency challenges affect every firm in practically every niche or geographic location. However, this doesn’t mean you can’t overcome them and find success. By understanding the most common challenges […]
In the ever-changing tariff landscape, small businesses across the country are facing a wave of uncertainty. Tariffs have long been a tool used in trade policies to protect domestic industries, generate revenue, and create leverage in trade discussions. However, with the trade policy volatility so far in 2025, small businesses—particularly those that rely on imported […]
Starting a small business is an exciting venture, but success isn’t guaranteed. Many entrepreneurs set out with big dreams of small business growth only to face unexpected challenges that put their businesses at risk. But why do small businesses fail, and more importantly, how can you prevent your business from becoming another statistic? The small […]
According to new Census Bureau data, Utah saw a higher-than-usual number of EIN applications in December 2024 with a 44% increase in business applications from November to December. Comparatively, the average change from November to December that Utah saw over the last 10 years was a 3% drop in applications. The 6,491 applications that the […]
Accounting in small business is one of the most important elements of making your company a success. After all, your ability to effectively track and manage your financial activities is what will enable you to keep your business running for years to come, regardless of what types of products or services you sell. According to […]
SBA loans can be a valuable way for businesses to get a much-needed cash infusion. SBA loans can be used for a wide range of purposes, such as purchasing real estate, inventory, and equipment, or to improve working capital. While there are several benefits of SBA loans for small business owners looking for a working […]
Small business owners should always be thinking about how they can save money. And while saving money in business isn’t always easy, it is certainly possible by doing some critical thinking. Figuring out how to do this is one of the biggest challenges for small business owners, who often have to deal with tight finances […]
For small businesses, getting a loan to secure funding isn’t always easy. In fact, 77% of small business owners are worried about limited access to credit affecting their ability to expand or achieve other goals. In light of common lending challenges, many lenders are willing to offer a loan when the business owner provides a […]
Loans from the Small Business Administration (SBA) can feel like your golden ticket to profitability. SBA loan terms are favorable and also offer competitive interest rates. However, SBA loans are notoriously difficult to qualify for, especially if you have bad credit. Your business might be too small to qualify, or you might not have enough […]
Small business growth is an important consideration for any business owner—especially since it can look very different for each company. For some, expanding a business simply entails increasing their customer base and potentially hiring a few additional employees to manage the extra workload. For others, the growth plan involves expanding to new cities or states. […]
Your business credit score can have a huge impact on your ability to effectively manage your company. A high score makes it easier to secure credit cards, lines of credit, loans, and other funding to keep your business afloat. But what if it’s your first time opening a business, and you have zero credit history? […]
When starting your own company, one question you might be wondering is whether your new endeavor will be considered a startup or a small business. While startups and small businesses have several similarities, there are also key differences that distinguish them from each other. By understanding what constitutes a startup or small business, you can […]
If you’re a small business owner, you’re likely going to run into working capital problems. According to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, a lack of adequate working capital is one of the biggest challenges for small businesses with 77% of owners citing a concerning lack of access to capital. To combat this issue, the SBA […]
It’s a problem no business owner wants to face, but likely an inevitable one—a debtor invoice going unpaid. When one of your customers is delinquent on their invoice payment, it can create serious cash flow problems that disrupt your operations. This begs the important question of what to do next, and often, the answer involves […]
It is estimated that there are 33.2 million small businesses in the U.S. On the surface, this can make it seem like running a successful small business must be an easily achievable undertaking. In reality, the vast majority of these companies are deal with significant obstacles, whether they’re tied to aspects such as sales, cash […]
Imagine being the owner of a small staffing agency. Over the last few months, you’ve noticed fluctuating profits. Some weeks boom. Others are worryingly low. Still, your goal is to expand into a second location. You feel like you can do it, but you don’t know the details. It’s vital you understand your overall performance […]
Of the many things that will affect the bottom line of your business, few are more important than building relationships with customers. Your ability to build and maintain relationships with customers will make all the difference in your ability to achieve sustainable long-term growth. With strong customer relationships, you’ll enjoy higher levels of client satisfaction […]
Every business owner needs to know the three major financial statements to gain a comprehensive and holistic overview of your company’s financial condition. Together, these documents provide valuable information for business accounting and strategic decision-making regarding investments, expansions, and cost-cutting. If you’re looking for investors, they’re going to want to see and review these statements […]
Say you’re a business owner looking to expand. You’re preparing for a loan application or seeking investment from outside sources. In this scenario, you must demonstrate your company’s financial health and stability to lenders or investors. Understanding the link between the three major financial statements—the balance sheet, cash flow statement, and profit and loss statement—means […]
How to measure success in business is perhaps the biggest question on the minds of small business owners. Regardless of industry, finding what qualifies as true “success” can be a challenge. Understanding which business performance metrics indicate that your company is in good shape will help you take steps that will keep your business in […]
Consumers hoping for relief from the elevated Fed interest rate will have to wait further, as The Federal Reserve announced on Wednesday it is holding steady on its 5.25-5.50% lending rate in a continued effort to combat inflation. The 23-year-high, which peaked in July 2023, has remained unchanged following five consecutive policy meetings. Policymakers insist […]
Interest rates have been a hot topic of conversation for small businesses over the past year after the federal funds rate hit a 23-year high in July 2023. The Fed rate had then remained steady (5.25% – 5.50%) until a September 2024 decision to cut rates by a half point, a significant reduction. However, questions […]
Every day, more than four billion people open their email. How do you stand out as a staffing agency owner making an introduction via email to potential clients? The answer isn’t obvious, but with a little bit of research, you’ll learn that it often involves crafting standout staffing agency introduction emails. These emails serve as […]
There are a lot of perks as a business owner: you can set your own schedule, be your own boss, and make every decision. But one of the few downsides of running your own business is relying on clients to pay on-time in order to keep your day-to-day operations on track. Even if just one […]
Inventory, accounts receivable (AR), and accounts payable (AP) should be familiar terms for business owners. Where it gets tricky is figuring out how to tie these three components together. Fortunately, there’s a concept that encompasses all three: the working capital cycle. Evaluating your working capital cycle is a must if you’re aiming to manage your […]
Ground Picture // Shutterstock The economy has small business owners in a conundrum. Objectively, small businesses are doing well. Consumers are still spending. Retail sales rose to more than two times what economists predicted as of September 2023, according to the Commerce Department. But, confidence among these business owners is waning, and many are pessimistic […]
Creating a budget is essential when running or starting a small business. When doing so, setting attainable goals, knowing your limitations, and understanding the best business budgeting tools will give your small business the best shot at profitability and sustained success. Continue reading to learn more about the benefits of budgeting for your small business, […]
Andrey_Popov // Shutterstock Americans are being rejected for loans at rates unseen in at least five years. The difficulty getting approval is hitting applicants across the board—including those in the market for homes, mortgage refinancing, vehicles, credit cards, and credit card limit increases. altLINE analyzed data from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York’s Credit […]
If you’re new to running a business, you’ll also be a new possessor of a business credit score. Your initial score as a first-time business owner won’t allow you to obtain all the funding you might want, but the saving grace is that you’re not alone. A common struggle of starting a new business is […]
mavo // Shutterstock Inflation has nothing on the American entrepreneurial spirit, which, judging by the volume of new businesses formed, continues to see potential in the post-pandemic economy. To better understand the post-COVID-19 outlook for entrepreneurship in the U.S., altLINE analyzed data and reports from the National Bureau of Economic Research and the Census Bureau. […]
The ever-evolving modern business landscape is filled with apps focused on boosting efficiency for businesses. As an entrepreneur, it’s important to remember that leveraging mobile apps for running a small business is one of the most efficient ways to grow your company. When utilized correctly, the right apps can significantly improve your team’s workflows, collaboration, […]
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