Read the latest news from regional and global sources, presenting different voices and perspectives.

Small business optimism rises in South Dakota amid easing uncertainties
The NFIB Small Business Optimism Index increased by 0.5 points in August, reaching 100.8, which is almost three points higher than its long-term average of 98. The latest report from the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) shows...

Government actions being misrepresented as favouritism against local businesses
Last Updated on September 12, 2025, 4:27 AM AST by Anthony Morris Rumours regarding the privatization of the beach of St Kitts has been a cause of concern for the small businesses. The government has urged the small business owners who have been...

Survey: Ohio Small Business Optimism Rises
COLUMBUS, Ohio – The NFIB Small Business Optimism Index rose 0.5 points in August to 100.8, nearly 3 points above the 52-year average of 98. Of the 10 Optimism Index components, four increased, four decreased and two were unchanged. The increase...

Can Technology Solve the Biggest Cash Flow Challenges for Small Businesses?
Cash flow is crucial for all businesses, especially small and medium ones. Unlike big companies that have extra funds or easier access to loans, smaller businesses often need to manage their money carefully each month. A single late payment can...

'DC Is Back!' | Weekly events aim to revive Downtown DC foot traffic and small businesses
Downtown DC businesses get a boost with Thursday Night Out, a weekly event featuring music, art, and food to bring back visitors and support locals. WASHINGTON — In the heart of downtown D.C., a new event is aiming to bring more business to...

Politicians must prioritise small businesses to unlock growth - View from the Foyle
September is the start of the annual party conference season which will, once again, shape the political agenda across the UK. For the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), these gatherings are a crucial opportunity to ensure the voice of small...

The right to disconnect: What is “reasonable” contact in a small business?
In brief The new right to disconnect laws have left it up to SMEs to define ‘reasonable’ after-hours contact. SME HR expert Constance Aloe explains how small companies can figure out communication guidelines that work for them. The new Right to...

Small businesses hit by global scam of fake negative Google reviews
Scammers demand payments from business owners to remove 1-star reviews Victims report losing hundreds of dollars and severe hits to online ratings Watchdogs say Google isn’t doing enough to protect small businesses Contractors, movers and roofers...

What Happens When Microbusinesses in Our Barangays Get the Right Tools to Grow?
When a sari-sari store owner learns how to price products for profit, or a home-based baker discovers the power of digital payments, something remarkable happens: a small business begins to dream bigger. Across the Philippines, microbusinesses are...

App State alumni Preston Powell ’01 and Adam Scherer ’01 invest in students, Helene recovery through local business
BOONE, N.C. — When Appalachian State University alumni Preston Powell ’01 and Adam Scherer ’01 took ownership of Mountaineer Mania in late 2023, they had a vision to use the Boone business — an iconic hub for App State-branded gear — as a vehicle...

'The final nail' - Holmfirth shop shuts for good as owner blames 'ridiculous cones'
A much-loved Holmfirth footwear shop has ceased trading with the owner putting some of the blame on the ongoing roadworks in the town centre. Karen Trimming of Peak Footwear, which closed on September 1, hit out at the "ridiculous amounts of cones...

New owner of Meredith Marina eyes future expansion
MEREDITH — The Meredith Marina and Boating Center is under new ownership. The Lakes Region trio plans to continue the services offered, and expand, in anticipation of more boats on Lake Winnipesaukee. The marina was purchased on Aug. 15, by...

Houston Taqueria Owner Shot Dead Over Door-Slamming Incident – POLICE INVESTIGATION UNDERWAY
Gulfton area (77081) – A tragic confrontation in Houston turned deadly when a local taqueria owner was fatally shot in a parking lot following a dispute sparked by a slammed car door. According to Houston police, the altercation began when the...

Hartford microgrant program creates new opportunities for small businesses in city
Hartford is expanding its microgrant program and offering up to $5,000 to help small businesses grow. There is added support for entrepreneurs in underserved areas. HARTFORD, Conn. — Small businesses in Hartford aren't just surviving, they're...
Only 1% of Companies Are Getting AI Right. Here’s What They’re Doing
Every company is racing to adopt AI, but few are seeing a true transformation of their business. McKinsey reports 78% of enterprises now use AI, yet only 1% have truly mastered it. That’s because most treat AI as an overlay on their existing...

Small business loan denied? Here’s what to do next
Lenders deny loan applications due to reasons like poor credit, insufficient collateral, industry and more. Having a small business loan denied doesn’t mean businesses can’t secure one in the future. Before reapplying for a loan, determine why the...

BBB warns consumers about scammers impersonating local businesses
(KOAM) - The Better Business Bureau is warning consumers to watch for scammers who impersonate reputable local businesses to steal money and personal information. The BBB has received multiple reports of impostor scams targeting both consumers and...

Garner small businesses resilient as inflation ticks up in August
GARNER, N.C. (WTVD) -- As inflation shows no signs of cooling, Garner small businesses remain resilient and encourage more people to shop local. A report released Thursday from the Bureau of Labor Statistics showed that inflation went up in...

Small businesses face a new threat: Pay up or be flooded with bad reviews
Fraudsters are extorting businesses for hundreds of dollars each by threatening to post fake negative reviews on Google Maps — or posting fake negative reviews and then demanding a payment to remove them, according to reports from multiple...

Gov. Shapiro, Google customer solutions president address small business owners at AI training workshop