Weekly Blog

By Sherri May, SBTDC Business Launch Specialist December is National Write a Business Plan Month, and you may wonder why it is necessary for a small business to have a business plan, what exactly a business plan is, and how you can receive help in writing a business plan. A business plan is more than just…

By Eileen Proctor of SBTDC Raleigh IT’S TIME! You’re ready to flex your entrepreneurial muscles, become your own boss, start your own business. But coming up with that winning idea, putting together the systems and processes, hiring employees, marketing and growing the enterprise are just not your sweet spot. Are you destined to be an…

Business Tips for the New Year As 2024 comes to a close, we asked seasoned business counselors to share their top tips for small business owners to carry into the new year. From budgeting strategies to staying ahead of industry trends, these insights offer practical, thought-provoking guidance to help businesses thrive in 2025. Remember, every…

Define Your “Win” What it looks like: Take a moment each week to clearly define what success looks like for you, your team, or a specific project. Write down one or two measurable outcomes that, if achieved, would make the week feel successful. For instance, a “win” could be delivering a presentation effectively(make sure you…

For small businesses, competing in today’s fast-paced market can feel like an uphill battle-especially with limited marketing budgets. However, with the right mix of creativity, strategy, and resourcefulness, even the smallest teams can make a big impact. Here’s a roadmap to stretch your marketing dollars while driving growth: 1. Leverage Free or Affordable Tools Technology…

Recently, U.S. District Judge Ada Brown in Dallas blocked a Federal Trade Commission (FTC) rule aimed at banning non-compete agreements that employees typically sign. Judge Brown ruled that the FTC does not have the authority to eliminate practices it considers unfair competition through broad regulations. This decision follows a temporary ban imposed in July while she…

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has made an important move to ensure transparency and honesty in online reviews by banning deceptive practices that manipulate consumer opinions. This ban focuses on fake reviews and the use of bots to create false endorsements, requiring businesses to disclose any material connections with the reviewers. As small businesses increasingly…

In the business world, change is constant-whether it’s operating hours, pricing, or staffing. For some businesses, changes might feel significant, especially if they occur infrequently. For instance, if your restaurant decides to close on Mondays to capitalize on busier weekends, it likely reflects that Mondays are quieter than Sundays. This shift doesn’t require an apology…

Password breaches and personal data leaks are becoming an all-too-common occurrence. Whether it’s a retailer, healthcare provider, or large enterprise, the threat of stolen information looms over us daily. Cybercriminals, or “bad actors,” only need to succeed once, while those defending data must be vigilant at all times. With this constant barrage of breaches, it’s…

Access to quality child care is a significant yet often overlooked factor that influences economic growth and the sustainability of small businesses. For small business owners and employers, understanding the vital role that reliable childcare services play in the workforce is essential for fostering a productive environment and supporting the local economy.   Reliable Child…

When it comes to building a strong, successful company, many business owners and organizations focus on cultivating the leadership skills of their top executives and managers. While this is certainly important, it’s also crucial to recognize that every employee in your organization can be a leader in their own right. By treating all employees as…