The latest Paychex Small Business Employment Watch brings mixed news for employers across the country. According to the August report, hourly wage growth for workers in businesses with fewer than 50 employees has slowed to 2.58%, marking a new low. At the same time, job growth remains flat, signaling a cooling labor market that small […]
Gayle Smith Gay
Small Business Optimism Rises, But Uncertainty Looms
The latest report from the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) shows small business confidence improving this summer—but not without concern for the months ahead. According to the NFIB’s July Small Business Economic Trends Report, the Small Business Optimism Index rose to 100.3, its highest level of the year. Yet the accompanying Uncertainty Index also […]
Duty-Free Shipping Exemption Ends, Small Importers Face Higher Costs
A major policy change is reshaping how small businesses import goods into the US. The Trump administration has officially ended the long-standing de minimis tariff exemption, which previously allowed international packages under $800 to enter the country duty-free. According to AP News, this move eliminates a loophole that supported cross-border e-commerce. For many small retailers […]
Nest Empowers Female Artisans Across the Country
Nest Inc., a nonprofit founded in 2005 by Rebecca van Bergen, is helping women artisans turn traditional crafts into sustainable livelihoods. What started with $24,000 in seed funding has grown into a movement reaching 345,000 entrepreneurs in 47 states and 125 countries worldwide. Nest offers more than just funding. Through business training, coaching, and access […]
Small Business Administration Opens Recovery Center
The U.S. Small Business Administration has officially opened its Recovery Center in San Angelo, Texas. Gayle Smith Gay, small business owner in the restaurant & hospitality industry, features the Recovery Center’s efforts in responding to the July 4th floods. Communities continue to rebuild nearly one month after the devastating impact of the July 4th floods […]