Small Business
Premium Card Fee Hikes Squeeze Traveling Business Owners
Amex and Chase have raised premium card fees to $895 and $795, adding employee card costs and tighter lounge rules that can push totals past $2,500 a year. For business owners, the real question is whether travel credits and perks match actual spending, or whether a $0 annual fee card better serves the business.
See Full Article Here ->Des Plaines Growth Opens Doors for New Business Owners
Des Plaines is climbing U.S. News rankings and construction value nearly doubled in 2025, opening doors for new business owners. From filling vacant storefronts to partnering on city-owned buildings and serving Costco-driven growth, every path requires upfront cash before grants or sales arrive, making early funding planning essential for entrepreneurs eyeing the city.
See Full Article Here ->How a $1,500 Credit Limit Helped Build a $4.5 Million Coffee Business
The Nitro Bar began with a $1,500 credit limit, scrap wood, and a homemade cold brew cart in 2016. After slow early sales, a breakthrough at Brown University kept founders Audrey Finocchiaro and Sam Lancaster going. Outside funding, wholesale equipment, and permanent shops followed, growing the business to roughly $4.5 million in annual revenue by 2025.
See Full Article Here ->Thinking About Starting a Business? Here’s What It Costs
Five entrepreneurs reveal the real financial journeys behind their businesses, from waiting months for a first client to living in a converted shed to save money. Their stories highlight practical lessons on funding startups, managing rising costs, and leveraging family, community, and relationships when cash alone isn’t enough.
See Full Article Here ->How Small Businesses Can Protect Margins as Operating Costs Rise
Higher operating costs are here to stay for small businesses. Learn how owners are adjusting prices, building cash reserves, and collecting payments faster to protect their margins through 2026.
See Full Article Here ->Refinery Shortage Keeps Diesel at Record Highs
Crude oil fell more than 3% on Monday, and diesel still set a record at $6.51 a gallon, because the shortage is in refining capacity rather than in oil itself.
See Full Article Here ->What Is Really Keeping Gas Prices High?
Business owner reacting to high gas prices in 2026 at a gas station
See Full Article Here ->What Could The $53B Stripe-PayPal Acquisition Mean For Small Businesses And Consumers
Hand holding smartphone displaying Stripe and Advent International acquisition offer pointing to PayPal logo with city skyline background
See Full Article Here ->Why the SBA Is Pursuing $22.2 Billion in Suspected Pandemic Loan Fraud
SBA fraud alert graphic featuring the U.S. Capitol and SBA Administrator Kelly Loeffler highlighting the agency’s $22.2 billion pandemic loan fraud enforcement effort
See Full Article Here ->California’s Exodus Triggered a $3.2 Billion Florida Boom
Aerial view of a Florida Gulf Coast causeway at dusk representing the $3.2 billion boom triggered by California’s exodus to Tampa, Sarasota, and Naples
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