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Essential Sales Pipeline Stages Every Small Business Should Use

Sales Pipeline Stages for Small Business
The fiscal year 2021 is drawing to a close, and we are rapidly approaching the commencement of the next fiscal year, 2022. While you may already have a well-defined B2B sales pipeline in place, there is always room for growth in terms of increased sales, lead conversions, and income.

Due to an unorganized sales process, sales may be erratic for many small firms. Businesses may overcome this by re-evaluating and developing their sales funnel. This blog explores the various and essential sales pipeline stages and briefs about creating a customized sales pipeline.
Small firms can implement an automated pipeline to assist representatives in tracking prospects as they progress through the B2B sales pipeline.

"Keep your sales pipeline full by prospecting continuously. Always have more people to see than you have time to see then."

– Brian Tracy

Firstly, let us explore a sales pipeline and how to create one.

What is a Sales Pipeline?

The sales pipeline describes current and future sales opportunities that managers may use to estimate revenue, bottlenecks in the sales funnel, and anticipated cash flow.

Sales pipelines may assist you in visualizing the whole sales process; they can inform you of the stage at which your transactions are in the sales funnel and which sales activities generate the most money.

The sales pipeline process helps small businesses discover five insights:
  • Revenue and cash flow projections
  • Duration of the sales cycle
  • Deficiencies in resources and over-allocation
  • The success of sales representatives and a skills shortage
  • Bottlenecks and impediments in the process

How to Create a Sales Pipeline?

Creating a sales funnel is a significant effort that requires careful attention. You must incorporate many critical indicators into your sales pipeline process, including lead source, transaction size, industry, decision-makers, and chance of closing.

Here are a few ideas that can work while building the sales pipeline process:
  • Educating prospective buyers
  • Define the stages of sales
  • Conduct a sales cycle analysis
  • Refresh your sales procedures

Crucial Stages of a Sales Pipeline


Prospecting Stage

It is one of the first steps of the sales pipeline stages. It is also referred to as the lead generation stage because it is at this stage that fresh leads are generated and converted into loyal purchasing clients.

Sales representatives research and develop a target base that exactly matches the buyer profile, but they may or may not be aware of your product or service at this time. You should develop an interest in your leads using a variety of effective methods. However, you may do so via advertisements, promotional activities, giving discounts or gifts, advertising on social media platforms, content marketing, and meetings with networks, among other methods.

Not every lead will convert, and this stage is mostly about lead generation. It is important to note that most of the leads will be filtered out in the next sales pipeline stages.

Lead Qualification

At this point, the true sales process begins; merely obtaining leads is insufficient. This step allows you to filter and rate all of your leads and assess if they fulfill the requirements for a future purchase. It is a critical stage in the CRM sales process.

How do you accomplish this? To begin, develop a client profile and categorize them based on demographic data, shared characteristics, activity, gender, interests, and, finally, pain issues.

The leads are sorted, and a prospective buyer list is prepared for the sales representative to contact. As a result, you provide the prospective customer with an e-book, white paper, webinar, or other lead magnet to ascertain whether the prospect is interested in knowing more about your products and services.

First Meeting Stage

The sales representative has reached one of the most critical sales pipeline stages. You plan a meeting at this step to guide potential purchasers through your offers and solutions. Additionally, this stage informs you if clients are considering making a purchase from you or not.

Email is a crucial component of the B2B sales funnel stages. You may contact your leads without interfering with their daily routines. Email is critical during the CRM sales stages since it combines and syncs your email, ensuring that you don't miss important meetings.

Proposal Stage

After identifying your prospect's requirements and developing a solution to meet them, you submit a proposal and close the deal. Remember that the proposal stage varies according to salespeople, companies, and items.

The proposal should include the following information:
  • Specifics about your offering
  • Your pricing structures
  • Your competitive advantages

You must establish timeframes and reminders for regular follow-ups with clients to ensure successful completion. Indeed, this may be accomplished with automatic reminder emails and tasks for the salesperson to contact prospects who have not yet answered.

Negotiation/Offer Stage

This is one of the key sales pipeline stages. Convincing the customer about the value of investing in your product or service requires ability. This step entails changing the scope of work, cost, and expectations to agree on a mutually beneficial collaboration.

Negotiation is one of the most time-consuming aspects of the B2B sales pipeline stages. Finding common ground may require multiple phone conversations, emails, or in-person encounters.

Deal Closure Stage

When you've completed all the sales pipeline stages and reached the point of completing the deal, you've accomplished nearly everything possible. When the final price and terms are agreed upon, the transaction is complete, and the service is ready to be given. After you've finished the agreement and signed the contract, you'll begin the onboarding process for your customer.

Conclusion

As you can see, the sales pipeline process is divided into seven steps that might assist you in determining where your pipeline is deficient. Your sales representative may then focus on these weaknesses to generate sales and convert leads to customers.

Remember that sales pipeline stages drastically minimize the time required to close deals and generate more leads.

FAQ:


How can the sales pipeline be improved?

You must have complete insight into the status of deals, fresh leads, and predicted close/win rates. When you have a higher degree of visibility, you can focus more on your sales strategies rather than tactical execution. You can improve the sales pipeline by focusing on lead generation.

What are the steps in the sales process?

The sales process comprises five crucial steps.
  • Approach the customer
  • Determine client requirements
  • Provide an answer
  • Complete the transaction
  • Complete the deal and maintain contact

Spotlight

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Founded in 2017 by ShareFile creator Jesse Lipson, Levitate was built with a passion for helping small and medium-sized businesses focus on what they do best: building relationships. Our pioneering approach to marketing—what we call “keep-in-touch” marketing—leverages personal, authentic communication strategies with the power of an AI-driven platform to keep your business top of mind all the time.

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Small Business Advice

Small Business Grants: Get Free Funding

Article | August 24, 2022

Doesn't free money for small businesses sound wonderful? Thus, free money to small-medium enterprises (SMEs) is the core purpose of small business grants. As a small business owner, you are constantly looking for funding opportunities for small businesses to expand your enterprise. This requirement became even more desirable during the coronavirus pandemic. The following are the top challenges facing small businesses: Cash flow is limited or inconsistent Lack of capital raising No provision for unforeseen expenses Inadequate tax compliance Absence of a budget Combining commercial and personal finances “It’s almost always harder to raise capital than you thought it would be, and it always takes longer. So plan for that.” – Richard Harroch, Venture Capitalist and Author How About We Figure Out What a Business Grant is? A grant is a sum of money provided to a business for a particular purpose. There are several financing possibilities for small enterprises when applying for start-up business grants. You only need to know where to find it. Government (federal and state), charities, and private institutions all offer small business grants. Unlike small business loans, small business grants do not need a repayment. In addition, unlike loans, you are not required to provide security, are not charged late fees or interest, and are not required to give away any ownership of your business. As a result, grants for small businesses are an appealing source of finance for businesses. Small business grants are frequently awarded based on specific areas, industrial sectors, community groups, or types of enterprises. Grants come in various forms, including those granted by the government, those supplied by private firms, and those directed for specific groups such as women, veterans, or women. In addition, considering the current pandemic crisis, a new grant has been established to assist individuals negatively impacted by the coronavirus pandemic. The federal government does not provide start-up business grants; instead, its grant programs are often directed toward non-profit organizations or other government agencies that face financing challenges. COVID-19 Small Business Grants Several types of COVID-19 small business grants are available to mitigate the loss caused by the coronavirus to small businesses. First, government grants for small businesses provide economic relief from the loss of revenue. The United States Small Business Administration (SBA) administers federal small business funds for coronavirus recovery under the Economic Aid to Hard-Hit Small Businesses, Non-profit Organizations, and Venues Act. Paycheck Protection Program (PPP): Small Business Administration (SBA) provides financial help by introducing financial assistance programs like Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). However, Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) concluded on May 31, 2021. Even after the termination of the program, you can still qualify for loan forgiveness. This program was a significant part of COVID-19 small business grants. As of May 10, 2021, the SBA has authorized $782 billion in PPP loans. To qualify for loan grants, you must establish the following: Maintaining employee and pay levels The revenues of the loan are used to cover payroll costs and other allowable expenses At least 60% of the earnings are used to cover payroll expenditures COVID-19 Targeted Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) The Federal government recognized the coronavirus's impact and introduced many COVID-19 small business grants, and Targeted EIDL was one of the leading financial assistance programs offered. The SBA makes targeted economic injury disaster funding available to small companies in low-income regions that have suffered revenue loss due to the coronavirus pandemic. This is more of a donation than a loan, as it is not returnable. The targeted EIDL offers up to $10,000 in advance if your firm is: Located in a low-income neighborhood Has sustained a higher than 30% economic loss Employ no more than 300 people Due to COVID-19, small business owners and qualified agricultural companies in all 50 states and territories of the United States are presently eligible to apply for a low-interest loan. Shuttered Venues Grant As of August 2021, the Shutter Venues Grant program is ended. However, later that month, the Small Business Administration (SBA) planned to establish a supplemental Shuttered Venue Operators Grant (SVOG) application for 50% of the initial amount, up to a maximum of $10 million. The Economic Aid to Hard-Hit Small Businesses, Non-profits, and Venues Act established the Shuttered Venue Operators Grant (SVOG) program, modified by the American Rescue Plan Act. The initiative, managed by the SBA's Office of Disaster Assistance, would provide over $16 billion in subsidies to closed venues. Eligible candidates may receive up to 45% of their gross earned revenue in the form of a grant. The maximum grant is ten million dollars. Restaurant Revitalization Fund (RRF) The American Rescue Plan Act established the Restaurant Revitalization Fund (RRF) to provide emergency assistance for eligible restaurants, bars, and other eligible businesses impacted by the pandemic. This program compensates restaurants for income losses caused by the pandemic, up to a maximum of $10 million per firm and no more than $5 million per physical location. As of now, RRF is closed for new applications. Government Grants for Small Business Numerous government grants for small businesses have been made available for free by the federal, state, and municipal governments. However, accepting free government money entails a considerable bit of paperwork and is time-consuming and technical at the same time. Federal Government Grants for Small Business The federal government offers many other additional grants for small businesses along with COVID-19 assistance. Federal government grants for small businesses are generally available to firms engaged in research, technology, or health. The government agencies that support small company grants are the SBA, the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and the Department of Agriculture. Let us find out which are the most competitive government grants for small businesses. 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Occasionally, private corporations and charities step forward and provide small business grants. On the other hand, private business grants need separate applications and may have eligibility limits confined to specific industries. Numerous corporate-sponsored small business grants require applicants to compete in pitch competitions or something comparable. Unfortunately, few major private corporations provide substantial financial incentives to small businesses for joining (and winning) contests or pitch competitions. However, even if you do not win, you may receive a runner-up reward or exposure for your business. 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Small business grants are used for a variety of purposes: to establish a business, to stimulate minority entrepreneurship, to support research and development in a particular industry, to bring innovation, and to assist businesses in the domains of science, technology, and health, the list goes on. How can I get a grant to start a small business? There are several websites and organizations where you may obtain small company grants, including the following: SBIR.gov USDA Rural Business Development Grants Small Business Development Centres Grants.gov National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE) FedEx Small Business Grant Contest What distinguishes grants from small business loans? The primary distinction between small business grants and small business loans is that grants are not returned (with certain circumstances), but loans need to be paid back. In addition, grants are generally reserved for small firms, requiring more time to process and receive the funds.

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TECHNOLOGY, SMALL BUSINESS ADVICE

How Are Small Business Accounting Software Meeting Industry Needs Today?

Article | July 20, 2022

Introduction With numerous tasks and operations to take care of, from basic invoicing and billing to project management and tax calculations, small business owners find it a nerve-wracking challenge to keep track of all monetary transactions and manage accounts payable. In addition, the advent of digitization, the growing penetration of cloud-based solutions in the industry, and the introduction of cutting-edge accounting software, among others, are eliminating the extra use of paper, pens, files, and voluminous binders. Because of these small business financing trends, businesses and start-ups are increasingly inclined toward online financial management tools, such as small business accounting software, to handle their financial data. The small business accounting software assists them in examining their financial condition along with accurately recording businesses’ cash flow, generating reports, tracking transactions, monitoring account balances, billing customers, creating purchase orders, and much more. Owing to such compelling features, these small business financial management solutions are garnering massive popularity in the industry. Small Business Accounting Software: Emerging Financial Needs in the Industry Running a small business sometimes entails wearing several hats, such as sending emails, paying suppliers, invoicing, creating processes, and preparing financial reports. All these are essential tasks, along with the other small business operations, such as employee management and work management, among others. None of the additional responsibilities faced by small business owners are as crucial as accounting. Robust accounting processes are vital for keeping businesses in excellent financial condition and helping owners to make smarter decisions. Accounting software provides various features that can facilitate the smooth operation of the organization. From processing invoices to monitoring cash flow, here are the primary ways accounting software can assist owners to meet financial requirements for small businesses and promote growth. Automate Invoicing and Billing Due to the shortage of cash inflow, it is vital for small businesses to keep the cash flowing by billing clients and crediting customers on time. Accounting software assists small businesses in automating the billing process, enabling owners to create recurring invoices, send follow-up reminders, and accept digital payments directly from the invoices. It also assists in tracking all unpaid invoices and preventing accidental missing payments, thereby fending off potential losses. Expense Tracking A common accounting mistake that small businesses often make is failing to accurately track business costs and expenses, which causes a shortage of cash flow. The deployment of the right small business accounting software prevents this from happening and enables firms to keep track of all the spending and identify the source where the money is being spent. Efficient Inventory Management Proper inventory management is a crucial part of small businesses as they cannot stock products in large quantities due to the unavailability of a large amount of capital. Good inventory management is necessary to guarantee an adequate supply and deliver superior customer service. Accounting software aids small businesses in recording stock keeping unit (SKU) codes, monitoring goods, preparing reports, tracking products sold, and running reports on which items firms are doing well and which ones aren’t. Bank Reconciliation Small business accounting solutions simplify one of the most fundamental tasks of the company—bank reconciliation. It enables small business owners to access their bank statements directly from the accounting solutions, along with comparing bank statements, balancing debits and credits, and identifying any discrepancies at the end of each financial period. The Final Thought Maintaining correct financial records at all times is essential for the success of small businesses and start-ups. For maintaining proper accounts, these businesses need a system that overcomes the drawbacks of traditional accounting tools such as spreadsheets. With the introduction of novel accounting software integrated with artificial intelligence, big data, and other technologies, these financial management solutions are paving the way for small businesses.

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TECHNOLOGY, SMALL BUSINESS ADVICE

How Can Small Business Digital Transformation Opportunities Be Bagged?

Article | July 16, 2022

Small businesses are the backbone of the US economy, generating local jobs and innovation while encouraging entrepreneurship among minorities, women, veterans, and other community segments. As stated by Florida tax monitor data, small companies employ 48% of all Americans and generate 43.5 percent of the country's gross domestic product (GDP). At the speed of light, the corporate environment is continuously moving to new digital technologies. However, many small company owners are unable to keep up with this small business digital transformation. In the opinion of recent Google-commissioned small company research, 80% of small businesses in the United States are not fully utilizing digital technologies. A few more reasons at play prevent small firms from adopting digital technology and falling behind on digital transformation trends. Ignoring digital benefits or refusing to adjust is a surefire way to fail in a constantly evolving digital world. "At least 40% of all businesses will die in the next ten years… if they don't figure out how to change their entire company to accommodate new technologies." — John Chambers, Cisco Factors Contributing to the Lag in Digital Transformation Race Keeping up with New Technologies Is Tough Numerous small business owners are unable to keep up with emerging digital transformation trends. Various digital opportunities for small businesses exist to employ in their operations. However, companies lack the will to leverage digital capabilities and so fall short of their full potential. In addition, limited resources create an impediment to digital adoption inside. Employee experience and digital skills are other significant impediments to SMBs adopting digital technologies. Small businesses need to overcome their fear of change to capitalize on the digital dividend, accelerate growth, and scale effectively. Change in Customers Behavior and Persona Changes in customer behavior and knowledge of SMB consumer personas are critical components of small business digital transformation and are the primary issue confronting small business owners. The most significant change that small companies anticipate in the next five years is a shift in consumer expectations and personas. Owners believe they understand their businesses since they are small or medium-sized business owners. Still, customers have a different perspective more than 70% of the time due to social and digital transformation trends. For the next five years, the top three consumer trends are expected to increase product or service customization, increased emphasis on customer experience, and higher expectations of quality or value for money. "Clients are going to expect a lot of personalization in their businesses; consumers are going to expect the same. To avoid data silos, having an emphasis on driving real-time information from customer data and sources is core for any company to become digitally native." – Bibhakar Pandey, Vice President & Leader of Customer Experience, Marketing Services, Capgemini. Need Assistance for Right Decisions Making technological decisions is challenging for small firms. Additionally, many business decisions are made by small business owners. Therefore, they must have the appropriate knowledge and help when making digital decisions involving various conflicting obligations. Because the costs of digital technologies are so high, it is critical for small businesses to have sufficient information about the value of sales, service, and marketing technologies to select the appropriate digital systems, upgrade digital skills, and provide adequate protection and security. In addition, the small owners need timely assistance to cope up with small business digital transformation. Digital Gap Small firms have several digital gaps in various areas, including internal skills gaps, financial gaps, and digital infrastructure shortages. Due to the utilization of high-speed internet connections and cloud-based technologies, these disparities are more significant for small businesses than large enterprises. The owners need to cope up with different stages of digital transformation in small businesses. However, there is no denying the link between digital and productivity, which is critical for productivity. Digital Transformation Approaches: Adoption and Upgradation to CRMs To evaluate client behavior, it is critical to implement and improve your customer relationship management system (CRM). In addition, businesses should leverage cloud-based solutions to strengthen their relationships with their consumers. According to Deloitte, SMBS that use CRM generate 44 percent more income than those who do not have a system or only have a rudimentary system. However, numerous CRM features, such as omnichannel customer care, marketing automation, social tools, and predictive analytics with automation are not part of the classic CRM model. "Right from the start, based on our ICP, we focus on what level of personalization and automation needs to be built out and what touchpoints like overlays, retargeting, and remarketing are to be done to convert the customer in the end and take them to the SQL stage." – Amitabh Ramani, Global Marketing Director, Jade Global. Adoption and up-gradation of CRMs will open new digital opportunities for small businesses. Improvement in Digital Infrastructure To fill the digital gap and be a part of digital transformation trends, small businesses must embrace high-speed broadband for small business digital transformation. In addition, adopt digital technologies in the workplace to enhance SMB productivity and connectedness. By incorporating innovation and technology, small firms may increase their competitiveness. Below are few actions that can be taken for more digitally engaged small businesses: Raising awareness of digital opportunities SME training and upskilling programs Promoting business innovation and the provision of new digital solutions Implementation of Sales and Marketing Tools In today's competitive corporate climate, the focus is firmly placed on the sales and marketing aspects of the enterprise. As a result, small businesses strive to capitalize on possibilities for personalized marketing based on prior interactions or sales and engage clients through customized marketing. Amaysim is an example of a company that focuses on customized marketing using a cloud-based marketing platform; they ensure timely marketing communication and connect with clients in real-time via SMS. Only one in every five small businesses uses digital tools or social media platforms to acquire new consumers or connect with existing clients. Incorporate artificial intelligence into different business processes, such as predictive analytics, automated product recommendations, and upgrade suggestions based on consumer behavior. Shift to Online Interactions Face-to-face transactions have decreased as a percentage of total sales, and the line between physical and digital is becoming increasingly blurred, resulting in behavioral adjustments. The purchase is moving due to internet channels, or you might say that more consumers favor online purchases over in-person transactions. With the increase in online sales, small companies also need to enhance their delivery services to keep up with the demand. In addition, the shift in communication channels to emails, social media platforms, and websites have altered consumer behavior about enquires and complaints. As a result, implementing CRM software for service interactions has become a necessity of the hour to ensure a fast response. Shift to online interactions of sales or any business operation is an escalating demand for small business digital transformation. Final Thoughts With the evolution of digital trends in small businesses, owners can leverage small business digital transformation benefits by using the techniques as mentioned above. Regular use of digital tools may help small businesses enhance their performance and adapt to dynamic business conditions and changing consumer expectations and the surrounding environment. Engage small companies in new digital prospects for success and business growth, resulting in a greater return on investment (ROI). FAQs Why is digital transformation important for small businesses? Digital transformation enables small businesses to ease out their operations, increases efficiency, automates workflow, helps to improve customer relationships. Adopting digital transformation enables to fulfill changing behaviors and needs of customers. What are the most significant trends of digital transformation? Here are few significant trends of digital transformation in the coming year 2022 that will impact the work culture of businesses. Improved connectivity (5G) AI technology Cybersecurity IoT Multi-cloud and APIs What are key areas of digital transformation? The key areas of digital transformation are as follows: Business process transformation Domain transformation Business model transformation Cultural/Organizational Transformation { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "FAQPage", "mainEntity": [{ "@type": "Question", "name": "Why is digital transformation important for small businesses?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Digital transformation enables small businesses to ease out their operations, increases efficiency, automates workflow, helps to improve customer relationships. Adopting digital transformation enables to fulfill changing behaviors and needs of customers." } },{ "@type": "Question", "name": "What are the most significant trends of digital transformation?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Here are few significant trends of digital transformation in the coming year 2022 that will impact the work culture of businesses. Improved connectivity (5G) AI technology Cybersecurity IoT Multi-cloud and APIs" } },{ "@type": "Question", "name": "What are key areas of digital transformation?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "The key areas of digital transformation are as follows: Business process transformation Domain transformation Business model transformation Cultural/Organizational Transformation" } }] }

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Small Business Advice

Small Business Financial Management: One-Stop Solution for Financial Hurdles

Article | September 23, 2022

Introduction Managing finances is crucial for organizations, especially small businesses, to create a stable financial future in which the business is less likely to fail. Small businesses and start-up companies have to face numerous challenges and even bear losses at their introductory stage due to the difficulties in maintaining proper cash flow. According to a study, around 61% of small business owners say that they face challenges in handling consistent and steady cash flow. Many start-ups undertake operational business activities after obtaining loans from different financial institutions due to insufficient cash flow and capital. Hence, to keep small business operations running smoothly, they need to optimize the inflow and outflow of cash and financial management. Small business financial management assists these start-up companies in reducing financial costs, facilitating the availability of investment, and planning, organizing, directing, and controlling financial activities. With competition intensifying in the sector, the need for financial management is becoming even more critical for small businesses. Why Are Financial Management Solutions Becoming Imperative for Small Businesses? Running a small business is not an easy task. Even if you have a great idea and a large number of people longing for your product or service, the financial difficulties of operating a small business can quickly escalate and hamper the business. A plethora of expected and unexpected issues, such as overhead costs, rising interest or inflation rates, impending tax deadlines, remediating damage from a natural disaster, and many more, can create insurmountable obstacles for small business owners. Whether it is insufficient cash flow or a lack of accurate monthly reconciliation reports, many small business finance-related issues can be avoided with the proper management of finance and reporting. What are the other small business money management challenges that financial management solutions can assist to overcome? Let's see: Poor cash flow management Managing a budget Planning future expenses Controlling debt Inconsistent cash flow Tips for Effective Small Business Financial Management Small businesses today are highly fragile due to excessive competition in the industry. Hence, start-ups and new companies have to invest a significant amount of money in order to keep their business fully functional and running. Right from accumulating funds to allocating and spending them, it is crucial for small business owners to have a transparent view of their financial position and business undertakings to engage in planning for efficient utilization of available resources. Effective financial management not only assists in managing small businesses' finance and rotating the cash invested in the business, but it also assists in analyzing revenue generation, formulating suitable financial strategies, and calculating adequate returns, among others. It is undoubtedly one of the most important aspects of businesses, irrespective of their size. With an increasing need for managing huge funds, continuous transactions, daily cash flow, payrolls, and others, it is becoming even more critical for small businesses and start-ups to manage their finances effectively. Here are some of the vital tips that can help small businesses analyze and manage their finance effectively: Prioritize business financial planning Create a budget and stick to it Analyze cash flow Keep business and personal finances separate Focus on expenditures but also ROI Monitor spending Opt for a financial solution or service Final Thoughts With the fast-changing financial requirements of small businesses and the emergence of novel small business financing trends, entrepreneurs are emphasizing streamlining and managing their financial chores. To overcome a growing number of financial obstacles, leading financial solution developers are aiming at integrating advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, and data analytics in novel small business financial management solutions. This is anticipated to create a strong demand for innovative financial management tools, such as small business accounting software, across the industry in the forthcoming years.

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Small Business Advice

5 Financial Trends for Small Businesses to Watch in 2022

Article | August 24, 2022

Doesn't free money for small businesses sound wonderful? Thus, free money to small-medium enterprises (SMEs) is the core purpose of small business grants. As a small business owner, you are constantly looking for funding opportunities for small businesses to expand your enterprise. This requirement became even more desirable during the coronavirus pandemic. The following are the top challenges facing small businesses: Cash flow is limited or inconsistent Lack of capital raising No provision for unforeseen expenses Inadequate tax compliance Absence of a budget Combining commercial and personal finances “It’s almost always harder to raise capital than you thought it would be, and it always takes longer. So plan for that.” – Richard Harroch, Venture Capitalist and Author How About We Figure Out What a Business Grant is? A grant is a sum of money provided to a business for a particular purpose. There are several financing possibilities for small enterprises when applying for start-up business grants. You only need to know where to find it. Government (federal and state), charities, and private institutions all offer small business grants. Unlike small business loans, small business grants do not need a repayment. In addition, unlike loans, you are not required to provide security, are not charged late fees or interest, and are not required to give away any ownership of your business. As a result, grants for small businesses are an appealing source of finance for businesses. Small business grants are frequently awarded based on specific areas, industrial sectors, community groups, or types of enterprises. Grants come in various forms, including those granted by the government, those supplied by private firms, and those directed for specific groups such as women, veterans, or women. In addition, considering the current pandemic crisis, a new grant has been established to assist individuals negatively impacted by the coronavirus pandemic. The federal government does not provide start-up business grants; instead, its grant programs are often directed toward non-profit organizations or other government agencies that face financing challenges. COVID-19 Small Business Grants Several types of COVID-19 small business grants are available to mitigate the loss caused by the coronavirus to small businesses. First, government grants for small businesses provide economic relief from the loss of revenue. The United States Small Business Administration (SBA) administers federal small business funds for coronavirus recovery under the Economic Aid to Hard-Hit Small Businesses, Non-profit Organizations, and Venues Act. Paycheck Protection Program (PPP): Small Business Administration (SBA) provides financial help by introducing financial assistance programs like Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). However, Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) concluded on May 31, 2021. Even after the termination of the program, you can still qualify for loan forgiveness. This program was a significant part of COVID-19 small business grants. As of May 10, 2021, the SBA has authorized $782 billion in PPP loans. To qualify for loan grants, you must establish the following: Maintaining employee and pay levels The revenues of the loan are used to cover payroll costs and other allowable expenses At least 60% of the earnings are used to cover payroll expenditures COVID-19 Targeted Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) The Federal government recognized the coronavirus's impact and introduced many COVID-19 small business grants, and Targeted EIDL was one of the leading financial assistance programs offered. The SBA makes targeted economic injury disaster funding available to small companies in low-income regions that have suffered revenue loss due to the coronavirus pandemic. This is more of a donation than a loan, as it is not returnable. The targeted EIDL offers up to $10,000 in advance if your firm is: Located in a low-income neighborhood Has sustained a higher than 30% economic loss Employ no more than 300 people Due to COVID-19, small business owners and qualified agricultural companies in all 50 states and territories of the United States are presently eligible to apply for a low-interest loan. Shuttered Venues Grant As of August 2021, the Shutter Venues Grant program is ended. However, later that month, the Small Business Administration (SBA) planned to establish a supplemental Shuttered Venue Operators Grant (SVOG) application for 50% of the initial amount, up to a maximum of $10 million. The Economic Aid to Hard-Hit Small Businesses, Non-profits, and Venues Act established the Shuttered Venue Operators Grant (SVOG) program, modified by the American Rescue Plan Act. The initiative, managed by the SBA's Office of Disaster Assistance, would provide over $16 billion in subsidies to closed venues. Eligible candidates may receive up to 45% of their gross earned revenue in the form of a grant. The maximum grant is ten million dollars. Restaurant Revitalization Fund (RRF) The American Rescue Plan Act established the Restaurant Revitalization Fund (RRF) to provide emergency assistance for eligible restaurants, bars, and other eligible businesses impacted by the pandemic. This program compensates restaurants for income losses caused by the pandemic, up to a maximum of $10 million per firm and no more than $5 million per physical location. As of now, RRF is closed for new applications. Government Grants for Small Business Numerous government grants for small businesses have been made available for free by the federal, state, and municipal governments. However, accepting free government money entails a considerable bit of paperwork and is time-consuming and technical at the same time. Federal Government Grants for Small Business The federal government offers many other additional grants for small businesses along with COVID-19 assistance. Federal government grants for small businesses are generally available to firms engaged in research, technology, or health. The government agencies that support small company grants are the SBA, the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and the Department of Agriculture. Let us find out which are the most competitive government grants for small businesses. Small Business Innovation Research Program (SBIR) Small Business Technology Transfer Program (STTR) U.S. Small Business Administration State Trade Expansion Program (STEP) NIH Grants U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) State Government Grants for Small Business State offers government incentives to a small business that address the state's social or economic issues. However, due to the minor application set for state funds, competition may be less severe and easily accessible. Federal agencies occasionally award grants to state governments, which then distribute the monies. Below is few resources body that offers funding opportunities for small businesses: U.S. Economic Development Administration State Business Incentives Database Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs) Private Small Business Grants While government grants are beneficial to small companies, the financing levels are insufficient. Occasionally, private corporations and charities step forward and provide small business grants. On the other hand, private business grants need separate applications and may have eligibility limits confined to specific industries. Numerous corporate-sponsored small business grants require applicants to compete in pitch competitions or something comparable. Unfortunately, few major private corporations provide substantial financial incentives to small businesses for joining (and winning) contests or pitch competitions. However, even if you do not win, you may receive a runner-up reward or exposure for your business. Below are few private small business grants available FedEx Small Business Grant Contest National Association of the Self-Employed (NASE) Visa Everywhere Initiative Wells Fargo Community Investment Nav's Quarterly $10,000 Business Grant Patagonia Corporate Grant Program Start-Up Business Grants A start-up business grant is money provided by the government or another entity to assist small businesses and organizations in establishing and developing their businesses. Initially, small business grants are often not accessible to launch a firm; nevertheless, they are available for specific businesses and owners. The following is a list of different sorts of businesses eligible for start-up small business grants: Innovators Rural Businesses Green businesses Women, veteran, or minority-owned businesses Non-profit organizations Here is an example of small business start-up grants 4.0 Schools fellowships Jack Daniel's pitch distilled Final Thought As the information above indicates, there are several small business grants available. However, applying for grants is time intensive and may result in your firm not receiving the money needed. Finally, explore the small business grant, whichyour business is eligible for. If small business grants are not a possibility for you, several alternative funding choices are available that fit your budget. FAQs: What can a small business grant be used for? Small business grants are used for a variety of purposes: to establish a business, to stimulate minority entrepreneurship, to support research and development in a particular industry, to bring innovation, and to assist businesses in the domains of science, technology, and health, the list goes on. How can I get a grant to start a small business? There are several websites and organizations where you may obtain small company grants, including the following: SBIR.gov USDA Rural Business Development Grants Small Business Development Centres Grants.gov National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE) FedEx Small Business Grant Contest What distinguishes grants from small business loans? The primary distinction between small business grants and small business loans is that grants are not returned (with certain circumstances), but loans need to be paid back. In addition, grants are generally reserved for small firms, requiring more time to process and receive the funds.

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TECHNOLOGY, SMALL BUSINESS ADVICE

How Are Android Payment Solutions Changing the Game for Small Businesses?

Article | July 20, 2022

Introduction With numerous tasks and operations to take care of, from basic invoicing and billing to project management and tax calculations, small business owners find it a nerve-wracking challenge to keep track of all monetary transactions and manage accounts payable. In addition, the advent of digitization, the growing penetration of cloud-based solutions in the industry, and the introduction of cutting-edge accounting software, among others, are eliminating the extra use of paper, pens, files, and voluminous binders. Because of these small business financing trends, businesses and start-ups are increasingly inclined toward online financial management tools, such as small business accounting software, to handle their financial data. The small business accounting software assists them in examining their financial condition along with accurately recording businesses’ cash flow, generating reports, tracking transactions, monitoring account balances, billing customers, creating purchase orders, and much more. Owing to such compelling features, these small business financial management solutions are garnering massive popularity in the industry. Small Business Accounting Software: Emerging Financial Needs in the Industry Running a small business sometimes entails wearing several hats, such as sending emails, paying suppliers, invoicing, creating processes, and preparing financial reports. All these are essential tasks, along with the other small business operations, such as employee management and work management, among others. None of the additional responsibilities faced by small business owners are as crucial as accounting. Robust accounting processes are vital for keeping businesses in excellent financial condition and helping owners to make smarter decisions. Accounting software provides various features that can facilitate the smooth operation of the organization. From processing invoices to monitoring cash flow, here are the primary ways accounting software can assist owners to meet financial requirements for small businesses and promote growth. Automate Invoicing and Billing Due to the shortage of cash inflow, it is vital for small businesses to keep the cash flowing by billing clients and crediting customers on time. Accounting software assists small businesses in automating the billing process, enabling owners to create recurring invoices, send follow-up reminders, and accept digital payments directly from the invoices. It also assists in tracking all unpaid invoices and preventing accidental missing payments, thereby fending off potential losses. Expense Tracking A common accounting mistake that small businesses often make is failing to accurately track business costs and expenses, which causes a shortage of cash flow. The deployment of the right small business accounting software prevents this from happening and enables firms to keep track of all the spending and identify the source where the money is being spent. Efficient Inventory Management Proper inventory management is a crucial part of small businesses as they cannot stock products in large quantities due to the unavailability of a large amount of capital. Good inventory management is necessary to guarantee an adequate supply and deliver superior customer service. Accounting software aids small businesses in recording stock keeping unit (SKU) codes, monitoring goods, preparing reports, tracking products sold, and running reports on which items firms are doing well and which ones aren’t. Bank Reconciliation Small business accounting solutions simplify one of the most fundamental tasks of the company—bank reconciliation. It enables small business owners to access their bank statements directly from the accounting solutions, along with comparing bank statements, balancing debits and credits, and identifying any discrepancies at the end of each financial period. The Final Thought Maintaining correct financial records at all times is essential for the success of small businesses and start-ups. For maintaining proper accounts, these businesses need a system that overcomes the drawbacks of traditional accounting tools such as spreadsheets. With the introduction of novel accounting software integrated with artificial intelligence, big data, and other technologies, these financial management solutions are paving the way for small businesses.

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TECHNOLOGY, SMALL BUSINESS ADVICE

Small Businesses Migration from Cash to Digital Payment

Article | July 16, 2022

Small businesses are the backbone of the US economy, generating local jobs and innovation while encouraging entrepreneurship among minorities, women, veterans, and other community segments. As stated by Florida tax monitor data, small companies employ 48% of all Americans and generate 43.5 percent of the country's gross domestic product (GDP). At the speed of light, the corporate environment is continuously moving to new digital technologies. However, many small company owners are unable to keep up with this small business digital transformation. In the opinion of recent Google-commissioned small company research, 80% of small businesses in the United States are not fully utilizing digital technologies. A few more reasons at play prevent small firms from adopting digital technology and falling behind on digital transformation trends. Ignoring digital benefits or refusing to adjust is a surefire way to fail in a constantly evolving digital world. "At least 40% of all businesses will die in the next ten years… if they don't figure out how to change their entire company to accommodate new technologies." — John Chambers, Cisco Factors Contributing to the Lag in Digital Transformation Race Keeping up with New Technologies Is Tough Numerous small business owners are unable to keep up with emerging digital transformation trends. Various digital opportunities for small businesses exist to employ in their operations. However, companies lack the will to leverage digital capabilities and so fall short of their full potential. In addition, limited resources create an impediment to digital adoption inside. Employee experience and digital skills are other significant impediments to SMBs adopting digital technologies. Small businesses need to overcome their fear of change to capitalize on the digital dividend, accelerate growth, and scale effectively. Change in Customers Behavior and Persona Changes in customer behavior and knowledge of SMB consumer personas are critical components of small business digital transformation and are the primary issue confronting small business owners. The most significant change that small companies anticipate in the next five years is a shift in consumer expectations and personas. Owners believe they understand their businesses since they are small or medium-sized business owners. Still, customers have a different perspective more than 70% of the time due to social and digital transformation trends. For the next five years, the top three consumer trends are expected to increase product or service customization, increased emphasis on customer experience, and higher expectations of quality or value for money. "Clients are going to expect a lot of personalization in their businesses; consumers are going to expect the same. To avoid data silos, having an emphasis on driving real-time information from customer data and sources is core for any company to become digitally native." – Bibhakar Pandey, Vice President & Leader of Customer Experience, Marketing Services, Capgemini. Need Assistance for Right Decisions Making technological decisions is challenging for small firms. Additionally, many business decisions are made by small business owners. Therefore, they must have the appropriate knowledge and help when making digital decisions involving various conflicting obligations. Because the costs of digital technologies are so high, it is critical for small businesses to have sufficient information about the value of sales, service, and marketing technologies to select the appropriate digital systems, upgrade digital skills, and provide adequate protection and security. In addition, the small owners need timely assistance to cope up with small business digital transformation. Digital Gap Small firms have several digital gaps in various areas, including internal skills gaps, financial gaps, and digital infrastructure shortages. Due to the utilization of high-speed internet connections and cloud-based technologies, these disparities are more significant for small businesses than large enterprises. The owners need to cope up with different stages of digital transformation in small businesses. However, there is no denying the link between digital and productivity, which is critical for productivity. Digital Transformation Approaches: Adoption and Upgradation to CRMs To evaluate client behavior, it is critical to implement and improve your customer relationship management system (CRM). In addition, businesses should leverage cloud-based solutions to strengthen their relationships with their consumers. According to Deloitte, SMBS that use CRM generate 44 percent more income than those who do not have a system or only have a rudimentary system. However, numerous CRM features, such as omnichannel customer care, marketing automation, social tools, and predictive analytics with automation are not part of the classic CRM model. "Right from the start, based on our ICP, we focus on what level of personalization and automation needs to be built out and what touchpoints like overlays, retargeting, and remarketing are to be done to convert the customer in the end and take them to the SQL stage." – Amitabh Ramani, Global Marketing Director, Jade Global. Adoption and up-gradation of CRMs will open new digital opportunities for small businesses. Improvement in Digital Infrastructure To fill the digital gap and be a part of digital transformation trends, small businesses must embrace high-speed broadband for small business digital transformation. In addition, adopt digital technologies in the workplace to enhance SMB productivity and connectedness. By incorporating innovation and technology, small firms may increase their competitiveness. Below are few actions that can be taken for more digitally engaged small businesses: Raising awareness of digital opportunities SME training and upskilling programs Promoting business innovation and the provision of new digital solutions Implementation of Sales and Marketing Tools In today's competitive corporate climate, the focus is firmly placed on the sales and marketing aspects of the enterprise. As a result, small businesses strive to capitalize on possibilities for personalized marketing based on prior interactions or sales and engage clients through customized marketing. Amaysim is an example of a company that focuses on customized marketing using a cloud-based marketing platform; they ensure timely marketing communication and connect with clients in real-time via SMS. Only one in every five small businesses uses digital tools or social media platforms to acquire new consumers or connect with existing clients. Incorporate artificial intelligence into different business processes, such as predictive analytics, automated product recommendations, and upgrade suggestions based on consumer behavior. Shift to Online Interactions Face-to-face transactions have decreased as a percentage of total sales, and the line between physical and digital is becoming increasingly blurred, resulting in behavioral adjustments. The purchase is moving due to internet channels, or you might say that more consumers favor online purchases over in-person transactions. With the increase in online sales, small companies also need to enhance their delivery services to keep up with the demand. In addition, the shift in communication channels to emails, social media platforms, and websites have altered consumer behavior about enquires and complaints. As a result, implementing CRM software for service interactions has become a necessity of the hour to ensure a fast response. Shift to online interactions of sales or any business operation is an escalating demand for small business digital transformation. Final Thoughts With the evolution of digital trends in small businesses, owners can leverage small business digital transformation benefits by using the techniques as mentioned above. Regular use of digital tools may help small businesses enhance their performance and adapt to dynamic business conditions and changing consumer expectations and the surrounding environment. Engage small companies in new digital prospects for success and business growth, resulting in a greater return on investment (ROI). FAQs Why is digital transformation important for small businesses? Digital transformation enables small businesses to ease out their operations, increases efficiency, automates workflow, helps to improve customer relationships. Adopting digital transformation enables to fulfill changing behaviors and needs of customers. What are the most significant trends of digital transformation? Here are few significant trends of digital transformation in the coming year 2022 that will impact the work culture of businesses. Improved connectivity (5G) AI technology Cybersecurity IoT Multi-cloud and APIs What are key areas of digital transformation? The key areas of digital transformation are as follows: Business process transformation Domain transformation Business model transformation Cultural/Organizational Transformation { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "FAQPage", "mainEntity": [{ "@type": "Question", "name": "Why is digital transformation important for small businesses?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Digital transformation enables small businesses to ease out their operations, increases efficiency, automates workflow, helps to improve customer relationships. Adopting digital transformation enables to fulfill changing behaviors and needs of customers." } },{ "@type": "Question", "name": "What are the most significant trends of digital transformation?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Here are few significant trends of digital transformation in the coming year 2022 that will impact the work culture of businesses. Improved connectivity (5G) AI technology Cybersecurity IoT Multi-cloud and APIs" } },{ "@type": "Question", "name": "What are key areas of digital transformation?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "The key areas of digital transformation are as follows: Business process transformation Domain transformation Business model transformation Cultural/Organizational Transformation" } }] }

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Small Business Advice

Small Business Financial Management: One-Stop Solution for Financial Hurdles

Article | September 23, 2022

Introduction Managing finances is crucial for organizations, especially small businesses, to create a stable financial future in which the business is less likely to fail. Small businesses and start-up companies have to face numerous challenges and even bear losses at their introductory stage due to the difficulties in maintaining proper cash flow. According to a study, around 61% of small business owners say that they face challenges in handling consistent and steady cash flow. Many start-ups undertake operational business activities after obtaining loans from different financial institutions due to insufficient cash flow and capital. Hence, to keep small business operations running smoothly, they need to optimize the inflow and outflow of cash and financial management. Small business financial management assists these start-up companies in reducing financial costs, facilitating the availability of investment, and planning, organizing, directing, and controlling financial activities. With competition intensifying in the sector, the need for financial management is becoming even more critical for small businesses. Why Are Financial Management Solutions Becoming Imperative for Small Businesses? Running a small business is not an easy task. Even if you have a great idea and a large number of people longing for your product or service, the financial difficulties of operating a small business can quickly escalate and hamper the business. A plethora of expected and unexpected issues, such as overhead costs, rising interest or inflation rates, impending tax deadlines, remediating damage from a natural disaster, and many more, can create insurmountable obstacles for small business owners. Whether it is insufficient cash flow or a lack of accurate monthly reconciliation reports, many small business finance-related issues can be avoided with the proper management of finance and reporting. What are the other small business money management challenges that financial management solutions can assist to overcome? Let's see: Poor cash flow management Managing a budget Planning future expenses Controlling debt Inconsistent cash flow Tips for Effective Small Business Financial Management Small businesses today are highly fragile due to excessive competition in the industry. Hence, start-ups and new companies have to invest a significant amount of money in order to keep their business fully functional and running. Right from accumulating funds to allocating and spending them, it is crucial for small business owners to have a transparent view of their financial position and business undertakings to engage in planning for efficient utilization of available resources. Effective financial management not only assists in managing small businesses' finance and rotating the cash invested in the business, but it also assists in analyzing revenue generation, formulating suitable financial strategies, and calculating adequate returns, among others. It is undoubtedly one of the most important aspects of businesses, irrespective of their size. With an increasing need for managing huge funds, continuous transactions, daily cash flow, payrolls, and others, it is becoming even more critical for small businesses and start-ups to manage their finances effectively. Here are some of the vital tips that can help small businesses analyze and manage their finance effectively: Prioritize business financial planning Create a budget and stick to it Analyze cash flow Keep business and personal finances separate Focus on expenditures but also ROI Monitor spending Opt for a financial solution or service Final Thoughts With the fast-changing financial requirements of small businesses and the emergence of novel small business financing trends, entrepreneurs are emphasizing streamlining and managing their financial chores. To overcome a growing number of financial obstacles, leading financial solution developers are aiming at integrating advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, and data analytics in novel small business financial management solutions. This is anticipated to create a strong demand for innovative financial management tools, such as small business accounting software, across the industry in the forthcoming years.

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SMALL BUSINESS ADVICE

PG&E's Energy Advisors Help Save Millions for Small Businesses

Pacific Gas and Electric Company | September 11, 2023

PG&E's Energy Advisors helped over 4,500 small businesses save an average of $1,000 each, totaling over $4.5 million, by optimizing rate plans. SMB business owners are encouraged to review electric rate plan options to manage expenses to reduce PG&E bills the following month. PG&E's energy-saving programs and tools have collectively saved SMB customers $33 million in the past five years. The Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E), a prominent combined natural gas and electric utility services provider, stands out as the sole utility in California to provide specialized energy advisory services tailored to small businesses. Recently, PG&E's Energy Advisors engaged with over 4,500 customers to explore suitable rate plan options aligned with their business requirements. They also delved into the self-service tools accessible through the customers' PG&E online accounts and highlighted additional resources designed to benefit small businesses, such as automatic payments and budget billing. During this period, these dedicated advisors successfully assisted each business in realizing an average savings of $1,000, accumulating an impressive total of over $4.5 million solely by adjusting their rate plans. PG&E recognizes the importance of small and medium-sized businesses effectively managing their expenses. Alterations in business operations, such as changes in staffing levels, operating hours, or equipment upgrades, can significantly influence energy consumption and related bills. Business proprietors are strongly encouraged to periodically review their electric rate plan options, especially in response to significant operational shifts. A customer's decision to switch rate plans can lead to immediate reductions in their PG&E bills, often as soon as the subsequent month. PG&E extends its Rate Comparison Tool to all its customers as part of its online account services. This tool generates personalized recommendations and facilitates online rate plan changes. Additionally, business customers are encouraged to take a proactive approach by exploring PG&E's array of energy-saving programs and tools and contacting an energy advisor if they want to discuss their PG&E account. With its various programs and tools, PG&E is committed to assisting customers in reducing costs and enhancing energy efficiency and resilience. These initiatives have made a substantial impact over the past five years and have played a pivotal role in enabling small and medium-sized business customers to collectively conserve 166 kWh of electricity, yielding savings of $33 million. Energy Savings Programs: PG&E's Energy Efficiency Financing Program offers zero-interest loans to support the replacement of outdated, worn-out equipment with more energy-efficient models. The Simplified Savings Program targets PG&E's smallest business clients, offering cost-free energy solutions that can immediately reduce utility bills. This newly launched program is executed by Resource Innovations. The NetOne Program provides businesses with tailored energy efficiency solutions, cost savings, and post-installation support through PG&E's energy efficiency implementation partner, Ecology Action. The Agriculture Energy Savings Action Plan Program delivers energy efficiency measures accompanied by comprehensive support, including flexible incentives, technical assistance, multiple financing alternatives, and analytical insights. TRC Companies implement this program. Energy Management Support and Incentives: The Small Business Opportunities Program extends complimentary on-site audits and coaching to assist the most vulnerable businesses in recovering swiftly from the long-lasting impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. This program is overseen and implemented by PG&E's contracted partner, Willdan. PG&E's Demand Response Programs offer businesses opportunities to earn financial rewards, reduce peak energy consumption, and contribute to grid reliability within their communities. PG&E's Business Energy Action Guide provides convenient access to industry-specific energy efficiency programs customized to meet the unique needs of businesses across various sectors.

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FINANCE, BUSINESS STRATEGY

Small Retailers Boost Profits with Sustainable Return Strategies

Software Advice | November 07, 2023

Small and midsize retail businesses (SMBs) are grappling with a challenging confluence of factors: a rise in product returns and escalating consumer demands for eco-friendly practices. Establishing a sustainable returns process has become paramount for recouping expenses and retaining customers. According to Software Advice's 2023 Retail Returns and Sustainability Strategies Survey, a remarkable 93% of SMB retailers place sustainability at the forefront of their approach to managing customer returns, with 58% identifying inventory cost optimization as a tangible advantage of their existing returns procedures. To enhance their returns strategies, SMBs have adopted a diverse set of tactics, including logistics and packaging: A noteworthy 59% of SMB retailers are now utilizing environmentally friendly logistics, up from 43% in the previous year. The percentage of SMB retailers collaborating with third-party specialists to handle product returns has surged to 49%, a substantial increase from the 31% reported in 2022. Right-sized packaging is embraced by 63% of these businesses, and 55% opt for recyclable or reusable shipping containers. Smaller retailers are increasingly acknowledging the potential of returned products, if properly assessed, can be resold or recycled, thus reducing waste and recuperating some of the lost sales. In fact, recycling is deemed a top action in managing returned items by 51% of retail SMBs, followed closely by repackaging and refurbishing. Thanks to these measures, 35% state that they can recover over half of the cost of a returned product. In addition to cost recovery, an efficient and eco-conscious returns process can boost a retailer's market standing. This year, 41% of retail SMBs report that their current returns process has heightened their competitiveness in the marketplace. An impressive 64% note a substantial increase in customer satisfaction stemming from their current returns process, a significant uptick from the 35% reported in 2022. However, while sustainability endeavors are closely linked to customer satisfaction, 63% of SMB retailers concede that their company's actions do not align with their public messaging—a notable increase from the 46% recorded in 2022. To avert the disparity between actual efforts and messaging, it is crucial to effectively monitor the reverse logistics process. Leveraging technology such as point-of-sale systems, inventory management software, and business intelligence tools can furnish the transparency necessary to ensure alignment. About Software Advice Software Advice, established in 2005, simplifies the software procurement process by providing personalized guidance and industry-specific insights to help buyers identify the most suitable software solutions in as little as 15 minutes, all at no cost. The company has assisted over 950,000 businesses in finding the right software to meet their unique needs. With a repository of over 2 million verified user reviews, Software Advice empowers individuals to make confident technology decisions.

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BUSINESS STRATEGY

Synchrony Launches New Learning Center to Support Small Businesses

Synchrony | November 08, 2023

Synchrony introduces the Small Business Learning Center, aiding small businesses with credit and financing knowledge. The Learning Center offers flexible courses, expert content, and user-friendly features for effective learning. Synchrony is committed to helping small businesses and has already benefited hundreds of thousands of businesses. Synchrony, a prominent consumer financing company, has recently introduced the Synchrony Small Business Learning Center—a new digital learning platform designed to empower Synchrony's small business partners in optimizing their operations and fostering more efficient and effective growth. This platform will assist Synchrony's small merchants, dealers, and wellness providers in comprehending the intricacies of credit and financing, integrating these concepts into their business models, harnessing their potential to elevate customer experiences, and ultimately driving increased sales. The Small Business Learning Center features an array of offerings: A diverse range of industry-specific courses encompassing videos, games, interactive experiences, and various contemporary learning modalities, facilitating small business owners and their teams to acquire knowledge at their preferred pace and in their preferred style. Topics encompassing sales techniques, compliance, employee motivation, cash flow management, vendor management, and customer service. The content is thoughtfully crafted by Synchrony's learning experts, drawing upon the insights of Synchrony's professionals and leaders. The platform consistently introduces fresh content, courses, and tools to keep the learning experience engaging and captivating. Synchrony regularly collaborates with leading learning technology companies to ensure that Synchrony's small businesses have access to the latest learning resources. The user-friendly dashboard highlights essential content and provides curated content recommendations. A new countdown clock feature has been integrated, designed specifically for merchants and dealers, to serve as a visual reminder of impending deadlines for priority or mandatory courses. Simple links to a comprehensive content library, enabling learners to explore all available courses and select their preferred topics and pace for completion. Furthermore, small merchants and dealers can conveniently access the Learning Center through Business Center, Synchrony's robust online business platform. By consolidating all Synchrony partner financing activities, from application processing to sales transactions, into a single location, this enhancement streamlines operations and saves merchants valuable time. Synchrony's health and wellness partners will continue to access the Learning Center via the Provider Center. Synchrony's Learning Center represents an expansion of the company's extensive portfolio of innovative, turnkey business tools, which have already empowered hundreds of thousands of small businesses in managing, marketing, and expanding their operations, including: Synchrony Business Solutions Synchrony's Pillars Project Synchrony Connect Business Schooled Roadmap to Diversity Toolkit Financing programs Digital tools Advertising Center Across the United States, small businesses are already experiencing the benefits of Synchrony's offerings. For instance, Day's Jewelers, an employee-owned company with locations in Maine and New Hampshire, has successfully leveraged the Learning Center. Synchrony has been a trusted provider of financing options to retailers for over 90 years. With a network of more than 460,000 merchant and provider locations and 70 million active accounts, Synchrony's innovative shopping and payment solutions enable businesses to boost sales, foster customer loyalty and offer secure, convenient, and personalized shopping experiences.

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SMALL BUSINESS ADVICE

PG&E's Energy Advisors Help Save Millions for Small Businesses

Pacific Gas and Electric Company | September 11, 2023

PG&E's Energy Advisors helped over 4,500 small businesses save an average of $1,000 each, totaling over $4.5 million, by optimizing rate plans. SMB business owners are encouraged to review electric rate plan options to manage expenses to reduce PG&E bills the following month. PG&E's energy-saving programs and tools have collectively saved SMB customers $33 million in the past five years. The Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E), a prominent combined natural gas and electric utility services provider, stands out as the sole utility in California to provide specialized energy advisory services tailored to small businesses. Recently, PG&E's Energy Advisors engaged with over 4,500 customers to explore suitable rate plan options aligned with their business requirements. They also delved into the self-service tools accessible through the customers' PG&E online accounts and highlighted additional resources designed to benefit small businesses, such as automatic payments and budget billing. During this period, these dedicated advisors successfully assisted each business in realizing an average savings of $1,000, accumulating an impressive total of over $4.5 million solely by adjusting their rate plans. PG&E recognizes the importance of small and medium-sized businesses effectively managing their expenses. Alterations in business operations, such as changes in staffing levels, operating hours, or equipment upgrades, can significantly influence energy consumption and related bills. Business proprietors are strongly encouraged to periodically review their electric rate plan options, especially in response to significant operational shifts. A customer's decision to switch rate plans can lead to immediate reductions in their PG&E bills, often as soon as the subsequent month. PG&E extends its Rate Comparison Tool to all its customers as part of its online account services. This tool generates personalized recommendations and facilitates online rate plan changes. Additionally, business customers are encouraged to take a proactive approach by exploring PG&E's array of energy-saving programs and tools and contacting an energy advisor if they want to discuss their PG&E account. With its various programs and tools, PG&E is committed to assisting customers in reducing costs and enhancing energy efficiency and resilience. These initiatives have made a substantial impact over the past five years and have played a pivotal role in enabling small and medium-sized business customers to collectively conserve 166 kWh of electricity, yielding savings of $33 million. Energy Savings Programs: PG&E's Energy Efficiency Financing Program offers zero-interest loans to support the replacement of outdated, worn-out equipment with more energy-efficient models. The Simplified Savings Program targets PG&E's smallest business clients, offering cost-free energy solutions that can immediately reduce utility bills. This newly launched program is executed by Resource Innovations. The NetOne Program provides businesses with tailored energy efficiency solutions, cost savings, and post-installation support through PG&E's energy efficiency implementation partner, Ecology Action. The Agriculture Energy Savings Action Plan Program delivers energy efficiency measures accompanied by comprehensive support, including flexible incentives, technical assistance, multiple financing alternatives, and analytical insights. TRC Companies implement this program. Energy Management Support and Incentives: The Small Business Opportunities Program extends complimentary on-site audits and coaching to assist the most vulnerable businesses in recovering swiftly from the long-lasting impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. This program is overseen and implemented by PG&E's contracted partner, Willdan. PG&E's Demand Response Programs offer businesses opportunities to earn financial rewards, reduce peak energy consumption, and contribute to grid reliability within their communities. PG&E's Business Energy Action Guide provides convenient access to industry-specific energy efficiency programs customized to meet the unique needs of businesses across various sectors.

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FINANCE, BUSINESS STRATEGY

Small Retailers Boost Profits with Sustainable Return Strategies

Software Advice | November 07, 2023

Small and midsize retail businesses (SMBs) are grappling with a challenging confluence of factors: a rise in product returns and escalating consumer demands for eco-friendly practices. Establishing a sustainable returns process has become paramount for recouping expenses and retaining customers. According to Software Advice's 2023 Retail Returns and Sustainability Strategies Survey, a remarkable 93% of SMB retailers place sustainability at the forefront of their approach to managing customer returns, with 58% identifying inventory cost optimization as a tangible advantage of their existing returns procedures. To enhance their returns strategies, SMBs have adopted a diverse set of tactics, including logistics and packaging: A noteworthy 59% of SMB retailers are now utilizing environmentally friendly logistics, up from 43% in the previous year. The percentage of SMB retailers collaborating with third-party specialists to handle product returns has surged to 49%, a substantial increase from the 31% reported in 2022. Right-sized packaging is embraced by 63% of these businesses, and 55% opt for recyclable or reusable shipping containers. Smaller retailers are increasingly acknowledging the potential of returned products, if properly assessed, can be resold or recycled, thus reducing waste and recuperating some of the lost sales. In fact, recycling is deemed a top action in managing returned items by 51% of retail SMBs, followed closely by repackaging and refurbishing. Thanks to these measures, 35% state that they can recover over half of the cost of a returned product. In addition to cost recovery, an efficient and eco-conscious returns process can boost a retailer's market standing. This year, 41% of retail SMBs report that their current returns process has heightened their competitiveness in the marketplace. An impressive 64% note a substantial increase in customer satisfaction stemming from their current returns process, a significant uptick from the 35% reported in 2022. However, while sustainability endeavors are closely linked to customer satisfaction, 63% of SMB retailers concede that their company's actions do not align with their public messaging—a notable increase from the 46% recorded in 2022. To avert the disparity between actual efforts and messaging, it is crucial to effectively monitor the reverse logistics process. Leveraging technology such as point-of-sale systems, inventory management software, and business intelligence tools can furnish the transparency necessary to ensure alignment. About Software Advice Software Advice, established in 2005, simplifies the software procurement process by providing personalized guidance and industry-specific insights to help buyers identify the most suitable software solutions in as little as 15 minutes, all at no cost. The company has assisted over 950,000 businesses in finding the right software to meet their unique needs. With a repository of over 2 million verified user reviews, Software Advice empowers individuals to make confident technology decisions.

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BUSINESS STRATEGY

Synchrony Launches New Learning Center to Support Small Businesses

Synchrony | November 08, 2023

Synchrony introduces the Small Business Learning Center, aiding small businesses with credit and financing knowledge. The Learning Center offers flexible courses, expert content, and user-friendly features for effective learning. Synchrony is committed to helping small businesses and has already benefited hundreds of thousands of businesses. Synchrony, a prominent consumer financing company, has recently introduced the Synchrony Small Business Learning Center—a new digital learning platform designed to empower Synchrony's small business partners in optimizing their operations and fostering more efficient and effective growth. This platform will assist Synchrony's small merchants, dealers, and wellness providers in comprehending the intricacies of credit and financing, integrating these concepts into their business models, harnessing their potential to elevate customer experiences, and ultimately driving increased sales. The Small Business Learning Center features an array of offerings: A diverse range of industry-specific courses encompassing videos, games, interactive experiences, and various contemporary learning modalities, facilitating small business owners and their teams to acquire knowledge at their preferred pace and in their preferred style. Topics encompassing sales techniques, compliance, employee motivation, cash flow management, vendor management, and customer service. The content is thoughtfully crafted by Synchrony's learning experts, drawing upon the insights of Synchrony's professionals and leaders. The platform consistently introduces fresh content, courses, and tools to keep the learning experience engaging and captivating. Synchrony regularly collaborates with leading learning technology companies to ensure that Synchrony's small businesses have access to the latest learning resources. The user-friendly dashboard highlights essential content and provides curated content recommendations. A new countdown clock feature has been integrated, designed specifically for merchants and dealers, to serve as a visual reminder of impending deadlines for priority or mandatory courses. Simple links to a comprehensive content library, enabling learners to explore all available courses and select their preferred topics and pace for completion. Furthermore, small merchants and dealers can conveniently access the Learning Center through Business Center, Synchrony's robust online business platform. By consolidating all Synchrony partner financing activities, from application processing to sales transactions, into a single location, this enhancement streamlines operations and saves merchants valuable time. Synchrony's health and wellness partners will continue to access the Learning Center via the Provider Center. Synchrony's Learning Center represents an expansion of the company's extensive portfolio of innovative, turnkey business tools, which have already empowered hundreds of thousands of small businesses in managing, marketing, and expanding their operations, including: Synchrony Business Solutions Synchrony's Pillars Project Synchrony Connect Business Schooled Roadmap to Diversity Toolkit Financing programs Digital tools Advertising Center Across the United States, small businesses are already experiencing the benefits of Synchrony's offerings. For instance, Day's Jewelers, an employee-owned company with locations in Maine and New Hampshire, has successfully leveraged the Learning Center. Synchrony has been a trusted provider of financing options to retailers for over 90 years. With a network of more than 460,000 merchant and provider locations and 70 million active accounts, Synchrony's innovative shopping and payment solutions enable businesses to boost sales, foster customer loyalty and offer secure, convenient, and personalized shopping experiences.

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