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Tips for Successful Small Business Money Management

Sneha Hull | January 7, 2022 | 434 views

Small Business Money Management
Managing a small business is a bit tricky and over the top sound financial management is at the heart of every business, no matter how big or small. Without it, even viable and potentially profitable businesses will fail. The key to the success of your business heavily relies on the way you manage your money. Money management is the process of overseeing your business's financial operations through budgeting, goal planning, spending and revenue tracking, and investment.

According to patriot software, almost 42% of small business owners have reported that handling steady and consistent cash flow can be challenging.

While several problems are associated with the beginning and sustaining of a small business, most small business owners prioritize financial issues. With a good money management strategy in place, you can prevent periods of negative cash flow and keep your firm profitable.

Small businesses that often analyze their budget have a higher success rate. So let us quickly jump into the importance of managing small business expenses.

Importance of Managing Money for Small Business Owners:

If you fail to handle your money correctly as a business owner, you risk running out of cash, not having adequate savings, and making late payments. Profitable businesses create money, do not splurge on unnecessary items or personnel, and pay all bills and expenses on time. Therefore, it is vital to regularly assess your cash flow situation and forecast any changes in your business plan or market conditions. When you lose track of your finances, you risk the failure of your business.

Sound financial management helps small businesses:
  • To consider and comprehend its benefit.
  • Helps in making inventory planning and pricing decisions
  • Ascertain if the company has sufficient cash flow to continue operations and make purchasing decisions
  • Conduct thorough financial analysis to enable more accurate forecasts and projections for your organization

To manage your finances, you ought to follow a few successful strategies. Further, we will look into some of the helpful money management tips.

Small Business Money Management Tips:


Estimate Your Budget

Estimating your budget for the smooth operation of a small business is essential. Yet, Businesses often fail because they skip managing a small business budget due to its difficulty estimating it precisely.

Creating a budget is the first step towards managing small business finances successfully. Estimating and creating a budget helps you set expenses and revenue goals. In addition, budgeting and monitoring eliminate some of the uncertainty and assist you in preparing for unanticipated occurrences and making strategic decisions, such as when to grow or recruit additional personnel.

Set SMART Goals

Business money management is critical for business management, setting SMART financial objectives. Often, small businesses fail to thrive due to a lack of focus on developing appropriate short- and long-term goals that are reasonable and attainable. Managing small business expenses is challenging. As a result, if you're serious about achieving your financial objectives and increasing your chances of success, concentrate on creating S.M.A.R.T. financial goals.

SMART refers to specified, measurable, actionable, realistic, and timely objectives. With SMART financial objectives in place, you'll be able to picture and prepare for the result, the specific actions required to get there, and how to begin working toward your new objective. Additionally, you will be able to  detect wasted expenditure and prepare clearly for cost-cutting measures that will boost your profit margins.

Organized and Monitored Cash Flow

Cash flow is critical to a business's survival. As a result, it is essential to keep a close eye on and routinely review your spending and revenue if you want to manage your small business finances successfully.

Understandably that with, you're prone to get behind on costs and income track so many facets of the business to manage. However, it is quite advantageous for controlling and comprehending your cash in the long run.

Maintaining control of your accounting is critical, and this can be accomplished easily by investing in cloud-based accounting software. Online accounting software saves you time by automating bills and facilitating tax returns.

Keep Business and Personal Funds Separate

Separating personal and business funds is crucial for long-term business money management. It can assist you in treating your firm as the autonomous entity it is while still securing your money. Additionally, bank statements for businesses are beneficial for analyzing profitability, reconciling your books, and monitoring spending.

Combining personal and corporate assets may result in many issues, including unorganized records, lost development opportunities, overspending, and the difficulties associated with an IRS audit.

The best course of action is to have separate personal and company budgets to prevent all of this. So that corporate credit cards and loans are not utilized for personal expenses and vice versa.
This tip is handy for maintaining small business finances with limited resources.

Keep Good Business Credit

Keeping a solid business credit score is critical for small business money management. However, it is frequently overlooked. For example, when your business expands, you may wish to expand it, acquire extra equipment, increase your insurance coverage, and take out loans to help these operations.

You can maintain a good credit score by:
  • Pay your business's bills on time
  • Aim for lower credit balances
  • Maintain a low level of business debt
  • Do not cancel existing business credit cards
  • Take out a short-term business loan and repay EMIs on time

It is strongly recommended that you choose to fund to return fast and effortlessly. This will help you maintain good business credit and, in the long run, also be beneficial in managing small business expenses.

Create and Review Financial Reports

Financial reporting is a process for capturing, preserving, and finally presenting the business's standard financial records.

Financial reports will include
  • profit and loss statements
  • balance sheets
  • cash flow statements
  • capital expenditure statements
  • Accounts receivable and payable statements

These reports reflect the company's genuine financial status. It aids in the decision-making process for purchasing, selling, and collecting strategies. Additionally, financial reporting is critical for the government and tax authorities, and investors, banks, and other external parties.

Conclusion

While your firm may offer excellent products and services, you risk going out of business if you do not handle your funds well. Therefore, it is critical to manage your money prudently and cultivate a healthy business that benefits your customers, staff, and, of course, 'your business.' So, today, take efforts towards improved money management. While the action may take time, you will establish a positive precedent, and your firm will profit in the long term.

FAQ:


How do small businesses organize their finances?

Here are a few tips that small businesses can utilize in organizing their finances.
  • Estimate your budget
  • Set SMART financial goals
  • Keep Business and Personal Funds Separate
  • Keep Good Business Credit
  • Set aside money for taxes

How much money should a small business have in the bank?

The generally quoted rule of thumb is maintaining a cash buffer equal to three to six months' worth of operational expenditures. The idea is that these reserves should be sufficient to cover your commitments even during months with no cash intake.

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Embrace Business Process Management Essentials with Best BPM Books

Article | November 25, 2022

Dive into the world of Business Process Management (BPM) with handpicked must-read BPM books. Gain insights from industry experts and discover proven techniques that will propel your business forward. The discipline of business process management (BPM) has emerged as a crucial strategic approach to adapting to the ever-changing market conditions in the current dynamic business landscape. However, to navigate the vast landscape of BPM and gain a deep understanding of its principles and practices, professionals, researchers, and students need comprehensive resources that provide insights into various facets of BPM. This article aims to present a curated list of best books on business process management, showcasing their relevance, value, and potential impact on enhancing BPM expertise. The selected BPM books featured in this article bring forth a unique perspective, offering practical guidance, case studies, and real-world examples that illustrate the application of BPM principles in diverse industries and contexts. By studying these resources, professionals can develop a solid foundation in BPM, acquire the necessary skills to optimize and automate processes and contribute to organizational success. 1.Business Process Management: Concepts, Languages, Architectures Author: Mathias Weske 'Business Process Management: Concepts, Languages, Architectures' by Mathias Weske serves as a comprehensive and indispensable guide, delving deep into the world of business process management (BPM). Unlike other resources that often focus on either business administration or computer science, Weske advocates for a unified understanding across all involved communities. By presenting a holistic view, this BPM book equips readers with the knowledge to navigate various aspects of the discipline. Weske lays a strong foundation by exploring the fundamental principles of BPM, enabling readers to effectively manage complex business processes. Through lucid explanations and practical examples, the book also demystifies prominent process modeling languages such as BPMN (Business Process Model and Notation) and BPEL (Business Process Execution Language). Furthermore, it delves into the architectural facets of BPM systems, discussing crucial concepts like process engines, process choreographies, and service-oriented architectures. By offering a comprehensive approach, the book not only enlightens on theoretical aspects but also provide valuable strategies for successfully applying BPM in real-world scenarios. 2.Modern Business Process Automation: YAWL and its Support Environment Editors: Arthur H. M. ter Hofstede, Wil M. P. van der Aalst, Michael Adams, Nick Russell The 'Modern Business Process Automation: YAWL and its Support Environment' offers readers a comprehensive and authoritative exploration of YAWL (Yet Another Workflow Language) and its support environment. This edition brings together a team of distinguished editors and contributors who delve into modern business process automation concepts, techniques, and tools. The book covers a wide range of topics and provides readers with a timeless and vendor-independent understanding of the essential components of business process automation. While the field of BPM is subject to constant change with the proposal of new standards and the introduction of new tools and technologies, this book equips readers with a solid foundation in the fundamentals that remain relatively stable. It empowers readers to better understand, assess, and leverage new developments in the evolving BPM landscape. 'Modern Business Process Automation: YAWL and its Support Environment' is a valuable resource for professionals, researchers, and students interested in business process automation. 3.Handbook on Business Process Management 1: Introduction, Methods, and Information Systems (International Handbooks on Information Systems) Editors: Jan vom Brocke, Michael Rosemann The 'Handbook on Business Process Management 1: Introduction, Methods, and Information Systems' is an invaluable reference guide that explores all aspects of business process management (BPM). With its two volumes and contributions from leading experts in the field, this handbook presents the contemporary body of knowledge on BPM. It starts by offering readers a comprehensive introduction to BPM, ensuring a solid understanding of its fundamental concepts. The book then delves into BPM methods and process-aware information systems, providing valuable guidance on integrating BPM into corporate methodologies and information systems. To enrich the reader's understanding, selected case studies are included, showcasing real-world applications of BPM, ensuring a comprehensive summary of BPM expertise, and covering critical success factors in the field. With its extensive coverage and expert insights, the 'Handbook on Business Process Management 1' serves as an indispensable resource and presents a holistic view of BPM methodologies, information systems, and their practical application across various industries. 4.Process Mining: Discovery, Conformance and Enhancement of Business Processes Author: Wil M. P. van der Aalst 'Process Mining: Discovery, Conformance and Enhancement of Business Processes' focuses on the emerging field of process mining and its applications in business process management. It provides readers with a thorough overview of process mining and guides readers through its practical use techniques, including process discovery, conformance checking, and process enhancement. The book explores various process discovery algorithms and their applications across different domains, offering readers a broad understanding of the topic. The next focus is on conformance checking, where the book demonstrates how discovered process models can be compared with predefined models or business rules. It then dives into process enhancement, showcasing how process mining insights can be leveraged to optimize and improve existing business processes. 'Process Mining: Discovery, Conformance and Enhancement of Business Processes' equips readers with the knowledge and skills to effectively apply process mining techniques, leading to better process understanding, compliance, and optimization. 5.Enabling Flexibility in Process-Aware Information Systems: Challenges, Methods, Technologies Authors: Manfred Reichert, Barbara Weber 'Enabling Flexibility in Process-Aware Information Systems: Challenges, Methods, Technologies' by Manfred Reichert and Barbara Weber explores the concept of flexibility in process-aware information systems (PAIS). This BPM book offers valuable insights into the challenges, methodologies, and technologies that empower organizations to achieve adaptable and flexible process management. The book primarily focuses on flexibility support for pre-specified processes, the prevailing paradigm in business process management (BPM). It delves into the methodologies and approaches that facilitate flexibility within this framework. Additionally, the authors emphasize the technologies and tools that enable flexibility in PAIS, including workflow management systems, rule engines, and service-oriented architectures. In addition, the book provides practical examples, case studies, and exercises to clarify concepts and demonstrate the application of flexible process management in real-world scenarios. This helps readers grasp the practical implications and benefits of embracing flexibility in PAIS. 6.Fundamentals of Business Process Management Authors: Marlon Dumas, Marcello La Rosa, Jan Mendling, Hajo A. Reijers 'Fundamentals of Business Process Management' is a comprehensive textbook that thoroughly explains the core concepts and principles of business process management (BPM). The book begins by introducing readers to the basics of business processes, emphasizing their characteristics and the significance of effective management. It covers the entire BPM lifecycle, starting from process identification and extending to process monitoring. Key topics addressed include process modeling, analysis, redesign, and automation. To ensure a holistic approach, concepts, methods, and tools from business management, computer science, and industrial engineering are integrated into a cohesive and interdisciplinary framework. The book enhances the learning experience by including numerous real-world examples, case studies, and exercises. These practical elements reinforce the concepts and enable hands-on learning, promoting a deeper understanding of BPM principles in action. It balances theoretical foundations and practical applications, making it suitable for academic study and professional reference. 7.Conformance Checking: Relating Processes and Models Authors: Boudewijn van Dongen, Josep Carmona, Andreas Solti and Matthias Weidlich 'Conformance Checking: Relating Processes and Models' is a book that focuses on the crucial field of conformance checking in business process management. It offers valuable insights into the techniques and methodologies used to compare real-world process executions with their corresponding process models. The book starts by introducing the concept of conformance checking and highlighting its significance in assessing the compliance and alignment of actual process executions with intended models. The book explores different perspectives of conformance, including control flow, data, and resource perspectives, providing a comprehensive understanding of the topic. The authors discuss various approaches for evaluating conformance, enabling organizations to assess the adherence of executed processes to the expected behavior as defined by process models. Real-world examples, case studies, and illustrations are provided throughout the book to understand the application of conformance-checking techniques in different industries and domains. Additionally, the authors discuss the limitations and challenges associated with conformance checking, providing readers with a comprehensive overview of the field. 8.Business Process Change: A Business Process Management Guide for Managers and Process Professionals Author: Paul Harmon 'Business Process Change: A Business Process Management Guide for Managers and Process Professionals' offers practical insights and guidance on managing and implementing business process change. This book on business process management serves as a valuable resource for managers and process professionals seeking to improve organizational performance through effective business process management (BPM). Harmon provides a step-by-step approach to understanding, analyzing, and redesigning business processes to drive operational excellence and strategic agility. The book covers a wide range of topics related to business process change, including process identification, analysis, redesign, implementation, and monitoring. The author introduces various methodologies and tools used in BPM, such as process modeling, Six Sigma, Lean, and workflow automation. Harmon's practical approach ensures that the book is accessible to both business professionals and process specialists. Furthermore, the book addresses the human side of process change by discussing change management strategies, stakeholder engagement, and fostering a process-centric culture. 9.High Performance Through Business Process Management: Strategy Execution in a Digital World Author: Mathias Kirchmer 'High Performance Through Business Process Management: Strategy Execution in a Digital World' by Mathias Kirchmer explores the effective utilization of business process management (BPM) to achieve high-performance results. With a focus on aligning BPM with digital transformation initiatives, Kirchmer offers valuable insights into driving strategy execution in today's rapidly evolving business landscape. The book underscores the critical role of BPM in enabling organizations to navigate the challenges posed by the digital age. Readers are provided with practical guidance on developing a BPM strategy that aligns with the overall business strategy. Furthermore, the book delves into BPM's cultural and organizational aspects, recognizing the significance of change management, leadership, and employee engagement. By addressing these crucial factors, organizations can foster a supportive environment for BPM implementation and drive successful strategy execution. Real-world case studies and examples are drawn throughout the book, illustrating how organizations have leveraged BPM to achieve high performance. These practical insights showcase the tangible benefits of implementing BPM in various industries and highlight best practices for success. 10.BPM CBOK Version 4.0: Guide to the Business Process Management Common Body Of Knowledge Authors: Tony Benedict, Mathias Kirchmer, Marc Scarsig, Pater Frantz, Raju Saxena, Dan Morris, Jack Hilty The 'BPM CBOK Version 4.0: Guide to the Business Process Management Common Body Of Knowledge' provides a holistic overview of the common body of knowledge in the field of business process management (BPM). The book aims to establish a shared understanding and framework for BPM by consolidating the collective knowledge and expertise of the authors. The book covers various aspects of BPM and provides insights into the essential concepts, methodologies, techniques, and best practices. Starting with the foundational principles of BPM, including process modeling, analysis, design, and optimization, the authors lay a solid groundwork for readers to grasp the core elements of effective process management. The book also highlights the critical role of technology in BPM and delves into emerging trends in BPM, including the influence of digital transformation, customer experience management, and the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and robotic process automation (RPA) in process management practices. By addressing these trends, the authors ensure that readers are equipped with insights into the evolving landscape of BPM. Conclusion These featured business process management books in the article serve as invaluable resources for individuals seeking to enhance their knowledge of BPM and leverage its power to drive organizational success. By studying these BPM books, professionals can gain a competitive edge, contribute to process improvement initiatives, and make informed decisions that propel their organizations forward. The practical examples, case studies, and real-world applications shared in these books equip readers with the tools and insights to optimize processes, improve productivity, and achieve operational excellence. As BPM continues to shape the business landscape, these books will remain indispensable references, providing guidance and inspiration for future advancements in the field.

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Finance

Building Successful E-commerce Businesses for SMBs

Article | December 15, 2021

Small businesses can greatly boost sales and revenue by adopting an analytical approach and successfully implementing relevant e-commerce strategies to establish a strong presence in the digital realm. Contents 1 Importance of E-commerce for SMBs 2 E-commerce Business Development 2.1 Grow a Core Niche 2.2 Choose the Right Platform 2.3 Optimize Product Listings and Pricing 2.4 Target Mobile Audiences 2.5 Integrated Systems 2.6 Develop Effective Marketing Strategy 2.7 Provide Excellent Customer Service 3 Final Thoughts 1. Importance of E-commerce for SMBs The e-commerce market is expected to reach a market valuation of $58.74 trillion by 2028 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of over 26.55%. (Source: SkyQuest). The transformative potential of e-commerce business models has allowed Small and Medium-sized Businesses (SMBs) to expand their sales in both standardized and niche products by leveraging improved website design to connect with consumers remotely, establish brand identity, and tailor products to specific demands. As the e-commerce industry continues to flourish globally, SMBs have unprecedented opportunities to enter the online marketspace. However, it is imperative that aspiring enterprises recognize that a thriving e-commerce small business entails more than just a digital storefront and requires a thoughtful and strategic approach. As noted by the World Development Report 2020 Trading for Development, MSME participation in e-commerce and other digital platforms - such as service delivery in food services, accommodation, and other sectors – can make it easier to sell goods and services, lower costs of entry to markets and costs of doing business, and boost MSME productivity and profits. (Source: World Bank) 2. E-commerce Business Development E-commerce is now essential to modern business operations, particularly for SMBs, who can significantly increase their customer base and revenue with the right tools and strategies. By implementing the discussed steps and insights, SMBs can unlock the full potential of e-commerce and establish themselves as successful players in the digital realm. Thus, SMBS must recognize the vast benefits of e-commerce and equip themselves with the knowledge and resources required to succeed in this competitive landscape. 2.1 Grow a Core Niche A comprehensive understanding of the target customers is fundamental to starting a lucrative small e-commerce business. This necessitates meticulous market research and customer base analysis to discern gaps and potential acquisition opportunities. It is also indispensable to establish a genuine and committed core audience that values exclusive or personalized products. Given the intense competition, it is vital to pinpoint a distinctive product offering and a robust core audience that is enthusiastic about procuring and steadfast in their loyalty. As per a report, there were 2.14 billion online shoppers in 2021, which went up from 1.52 billion in 2016, a 28% increase in just over five years. (Source: SkyQuest) 2.2 Choosethe Right Platform To build a successful online business, choosing the right e-commerce platform and tools is critical. Starting e-commerce businesses must carefully evaluate each option, comparing features, pricing, and usability to make an informed decision that suits their needs and budget. In addition, it's recommended to refrain from reinventing the wheel by creating products that already exist as services, especially if there is a lack of technical expertise. For instance, when targeting consumers, it's better to use available platforms rather than build an e-commerce website from scratch unless there are compelling reasons to do so. 2.3 Optimize Product Listings and Pricing The optimization of product listings and pricing is undeniably critical to the success of small e-commerce businesses. A robust approach that includes clear and informative product descriptions, high-quality images, and videos is essential to attract potential customers. To ensure the seamless discovery of products on the website, it is crucial to utilize clear titles, relevant keywords, and detailed categories & filters. Pricing, on the other hand, requires a meticulous balance between profitability and competitiveness. Therefore, conducting thorough research on competitors' prices is imperative while also considering production, shipping, and overhead costs. Furthermore, dynamic pricing strategies, including seasonal discounts, flash sales, and personalized pricing, can stimulate sales and foster customer loyalty. 2.4 Target Mobile Audiences In order to thrive in the current landscape, small e-commerce businesses must prioritize mobile accessibility, personalization, and engagement. Although several tools are available to assist in achieving these goals, mastering them is crucial to success.Moreover, businesses should ensure their mobile shopping experience is intuitive and user-friendly. This involves having a mobile-responsive e-commerce website, streamlined navigation, and a seamless checkout process. By implementing these measures, businesses can reduce cart abandonment rates and increase revenue. 30% of mobile shoppers abandon a transaction if the shopping experience is not optimized for mobile. (Source: MoPowered) 2.5 Integrated Systems Integrated systems play a crucial role in the success of SMB e-commerce ventures, enabling inventory management, order fulfillment, and customer relationship management through a unified platform. However, conventional tools such as CMS, ERP systems, and e-commerce platforms must be improved for managing product data as businesses grow. Hence, investing in a product information management solution is imperative to ensure seamless product information management across various internal and external channels such as online stores, product catalogs, and ERP systems. 2.6 Develop Effective Marketing Strategy Crafting a comprehensive marketing strategy is paramount to effectively promoting an e-commerce business and reaching its target audience. A robust marketing strategy can be achieved by adopting a multi-faceted approach that entails developing a content marketing plan, launching email marketing campaigns, and leveraging social media marketing to expand the reach and drive traffic to the website. Only 12% of businesses feel that they are using social media effectively. (Source: Harvard Business Review) 2.7 Provide Excellent Customer Service SMB e-commerce businesses' success heavily depends on their ability to provide excellent customer service. To achieve this, organizations must offer multiple communication channels, prioritize customer needs and concerns, and personalize the customer experience. By doing so, they can establish customer loyalty and generate positive word-of-mouth. In addition, regularly evaluating and improving customer service processes is essential to meet customer expectations and needs. 89% of shoppers have stopped buying from online stores after they experienced poor customer service. (Source: RightNow) 3. Final Thoughts The emergence of e-commerce has presented a unique opportunity for SMBs to grow their sales and engage with customers remotely. However, achieving success in the online marketplace requires a strategic approach that enables businesses to compete effectively. To that end, SMBs must formulate and execute a comprehensive plan that encompasses essential aspects of e-commerce, such as creating a user-friendly website, developing a targeted marketing strategy, and streamlining the order fulfillment process. By following these steps and leveraging industry insights, SMBs can leverage the full potential of e-commerce and establish themselves as key players in the digital realm. As e-commerce grows globally, SMBs have an unprecedented opportunity to enter the online marketplace and boost their productivity and profits.

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Finance

Leverage the Benefits for SMBs with Top BPM Events to Attend

Article | May 13, 2022

Connect with industry leaders, learn about latest trends, and gain valuable insights. Stay ahead of the competition, enhance efficiency, and maximize the organization's potential with leading BPM events Organizations across industries constantly seek ways to streamline their operations, optimize efficiency, and deliver exceptional results in the current fast-paced and ever-changing business landscape. This pursuit has led to the rapid growth and increasing significance of Business Process Management (BPM). As more organizations recognize the transformative potential of effective BPM, they are actively engaging in a range of BPM conferences and events dedicated to this field. This article explores some of the top events in the field of BPM that professionals can attend to enhance their understanding of this field and accelerate their business process transformation journeys. These business process management events provide a platform for attendees to gain insights into topics such as process analysis, automation, change management, and integrating BPM into their overall business strategy. By participating in these events, professionals can uncover new possibilities, ignite their transformation journey, and gain a competitive edge in the market. 1.BPM 2023 conference (21st International Conference on Business Process Management) September 11 - 15, 2023 | Utrecht (The Netherlands) The 21st edition of BPM 2023, presented by Utrecht University and University of Applied Sciences Utrecht, stands as a premier conference in the field of Business Process Management. Over the last decade, this esteemed event has solidified its status by curating cutting-edge research and facilitating captivating talks, insightful tutorials, and thought-provoking discussions among leading thought leaders and innovators. This conference will act as a vibrant platform, fostering collaboration among experts from diverse fields such as Computer Science, Information Systems Engineering, and Management, creating a dynamic melting pot of knowledge and expertise. 2. Business Process Transformation Forum September 11 - 13, 2023 | Scottsdale (AZ) Organizations must be agile, innovative, and customer-centric to succeed in today's rapidly evolving business landscape. Continuous adaptation and improvement of business processes are essential to drive growth and thrive in this environment. The Business Process Transformation Forum is the ideal platform for organizations seeking to accelerate their business process transformation journey and connect with peers, thought leaders, and market experts from across the Americas. At this forum, attendees can delve into a wide range of topics critical to driving business process transformation. These will include transforming business processes, leveraging process mining and analysis techniques, and exploring the steps and best practices necessary for continuous process improvement. By embracing these insights, organizations can outperform their competitors in the market and maintain a competitive edge. 3. All Access BPM 2023 September 19 - 20, 2023 | Online The importance of Business Process Management (BPM) cannot be overstated in today's fast-paced business landscape. However, despite the widespread adoption of BPM techniques, only a small fraction of organizations effectively leverage BPM to enhance their business performance. In light of this, the All Access BPM 2023 conference aims to address this gap by offering a comprehensive program focused on key areas such as business architecture, autonomous enterprise, process mining, process intelligence, change management, and workflow automation. By attending this event, participants will gain invaluable insights and innovative strategies directly from industry leaders. One of the primary objectives of All Access BPM 2023 is to guide attendees on integrating BPM into their overall business strategy. This conference will serve as a platform for professionals to stay updated with the latest insights, learn best practices, and discover innovative approaches to maximize the benefits of BPM within their respective organizations. 4.ICBPMPA 2023: 17. International Conference on Business Process Management and Processes Analysis October 09 - 10, 2023 | New York (United States) The International Research Conference is an esteemed federated organization that strives to unite diverse scholarly events for presentation within its comprehensive conference program. With its commitment to delivering high-quality content, the conference provides exceptional value for students, academics, and industry researchers alike. One notable event within the International Research Conference is the International Conference on Business Process Management and Processes Analysis. This conference aims to gather leading academic scientists, researchers, and scholars to foster the exchange and sharing of experiences and research findings related to all aspects of Business Process Management and processes Analysis. Furthermore, this conference will serve as a premier interdisciplinary platform for researchers, practitioners, and educators to showcase and discuss the latest innovations, emerging trends, and concerns in the fields of Business Process Management and Processes Analysis. 5. Enterprise Architecture & Business Process Management Conference Europe October 09 – 12, 2023 | London (UK) The Enterprise Architecture & Business Process Management Conference presents a comprehensive program of four conference tracks, encompassing over 45 sessions and insightful case studies from esteemed organizations. Prominent entities like APG, Bank of England, British Army Recruiting Group in partnership with Capita, Cambridge University Press and Assessment, Department of National Defence, Canada, IBM, IKEA Group, KPMG, and many more contribute their expertise, offering attendees a wealth of knowledge and valuable insights. This BPM event will offer attendees the opportunity to broaden their knowledge through a diverse range of half-day workshops led by world-class instructors. By joining the conference, attendees can learn how to effectively address the challenges organizations face today and in the future, equipping them with the necessary tools to thrive in a dynamic business environment. 6.ICBPMS 2024: 18. International Conference on Business Process Management Systems January 28 - 29, 2024 | New York (United States) The International Research Conference is dedicated to bringing together a diverse array of scholarly events within its comprehensive conference program. These events are scheduled over a span of time, which may vary based on the number and duration of presentations. One of the noteworthy events within the International Research Conference is the International Conference on Business Process Management and Processes Analysis. This conference aims to foster collaboration among leading academic scientists, researchers, and research scholars, providing them with a platform to exchange and share their experiences and research findings encompassing all aspects of Business Process Management and Processes Analysis. The conference will allow attendees to engage in fruitful discussions, gain valuable insights, and establish meaningful connections with experts in their respective fields. 7.BPM 2024 (22nd Business Process Management Conference 2024) September 1 - 6, 2024 | Krakow (Poland) The BPM 2024 is the leading conference for researchers and practitioners in Business Process Management. Over the years, it has earned the reputation of being the go-to gathering for international BPM enthusiasts, attracting a substantial number of attendees annually. Structured across three tracks, namely foundation, engineering, and management, this conference encompasses a comprehensive program. Additionally, it will feature various co-located events, including the doctoral consortium, workshops, forums, demos, and tutorials. As the foremost forum in Business Process Management, this conference will offer a prestigious platform for researchers and practitioners to convene. It will serves as a melting pot, bringing together experts from a range of disciplines, including computer science, information systems engineering, and management. Conclusion The world of Business Process Management (BPM) offers a plethora of opportunities for organizations. As highlighted by the diverse range of BPM events and conferences discussed in this article, professionals in the field have numerous platforms to connect, learn, and share their expertise. These gatherings serve as melting pots for thought leaders, researchers, practitioners, and industry experts. Attendees have the chance to explore cutting-edge research, exchange experiences, and gain valuable insights into the latest trends, challenges, and best practices in BPM. By participating in these BPM events, professionals can broaden their knowledge, strengthen their skill set, and build a strong network of peers. These connections and learnings can contribute to the continuous improvement of business processes within their organizations, leading to increased efficiency, cost reduction, and enhanced overall performance.

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TECHNOLOGY, BUSINESS STRATEGY

Top Tools SMBs Can Leverage to Maximize Their E-commerce Potential

Article | July 11, 2023

Leverage the top e-commerce tools that small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) can utilize to boost profitability. Maximize your potential with these powerful e-commerce solutions. In today's dynamic business environment, e-commerce presents significant opportunities for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) to expand their reach and drive profitability. With global e-commerce sales projected to reach $8.1 trillion by 2026 (Statista), SMBs have a tremendous growth potential. However, resource limitations compared to larger businesses can pose challenges in competing effectively. To overcome these challenges and maximize their potential, SMBs need to leverage cutting-edge e-commerce tools. These tools can enhance their operations and drive accelerated growth. This article will explore the top e-commerce tools that SMBs can strategically utilize to boost profitability and propel their business forward. By harnessing their power, SMBs can optimize their online presence, streamline operations, and achieve sustainable success in the ever-evolving e-commerce industry. 1.WooCommerce WooCommerce is a powerful e-commerce solution built on WordPress, a popular content management system. It enables small and medium businesses to create and manage their online stores effectively. As an open-source platform, it offers extensive customization options and flexibility, allowing businesses to tailor their online stores to their specific requirements and branding. It is important to note that the platform is not a standalone website builder but a plugin that integrates seamlessly with WordPress. The platform also provides a wide range of extensions and add-ons to enhance store functionality and meet specific business needs. With WooCommerce, businesses can manage products, set up payment gateways, handle shipping options, and customize the design and layout of their stores. 2.Semrush Semrush is a leading online visibility management SaaS platform that helps businesses improve their search engine ranking, website traffic, and online visibility. It offers a wide range of features, including keyword research, competitor analysis, and website auditing. Semrush simplifies the process of running online marketing campaigns with its user-friendly interface and intuitive tools. It enables users to easily build, manage, and measure campaigns across various channels, freeing up time for marketing professionals to focus on creativity and content creation while Semrush handles the data and analytics. The platform also includes link building and auditing tools that can improve website visibility and generate organic traffic, helping businesses identify opportunities for improvement and implement effective SEO strategies. 3.Ahrefs Ahrefs is an all-in-one SEO toolset that provides businesses with a comprehensive set of features to optimize their websites and increase search traffic. Its keyword research capabilities allow users to discover relevant keywords, assess their search volume and difficulty, and identify new opportunities. The backlink analysis features provide insights into a website's backlink profile, helping businesses understand the quality and quantity of their backlinks. Ahrefs also offers tools for rank tracking, site audits, content analysis, and competitor analysis, enabling businesses to monitor their search engine rankings, identify technical issues, analyze content performance, and gain insights into competitors' strategies. 4.NAKIVO NAKIVO Backup & Replication is a powerful data protection solution designed for SMBs and enterprises. It offers seamless backup and replication for virtual, physical, and cloud environments, supporting platforms like VMware, Hyper-V, Nutanix AHV, and AWS. With advanced features such as incremental backups, global deduplication, and network acceleration, NAKIVO optimizes storage space and reduces backup windows. Its instant granular recovery ensures quick retrieval of files, application objects, and VMs, minimizing downtime. The solution also provides flexible recovery options and seamless integration with cloud storage for offsite protection. NAKIVO Backup & Replication is a user-friendly and comprehensive solution that enables organizations to securely protect their data and ensure business continuity. 5.Omnisend Omnisend is an all-in-one platform that combines email marketing and SMS capabilities, to help businesses effectively engage and communicate with their customers. It enables businesses to create personalized and targeted campaigns, generate client engagement and reach their audience at the right time and through their preferred channel. The platform offers a wide range of features, including customizable templates, automation workflows, segmentation, and A/B testing, allowing businesses to create compelling and engaging marketing messages. In addition, it provides robust analytics and reporting tools to track campaign performance and measure the impact of marketing efforts. With its user-friendly interface and productive tools, Omnisend empowers businesses to increase conversions and revenue. 6.Veeqo Veeqo is a free shipping and inventory management platform designed to streamline e-commerce operations for businesses of all sizes. Its comprehensive features simplify the process of managing stock levels, automating order fulfillment, and integrating with various sales channels. Veeqo provides real-time visibility into inventory, allowing businesses to efficiently track and manage their products across multiple platforms. The platform also offers reporting and analytics tools to help businesses gain insights into their performance and make data-driven decisions. With its user-friendly interface and powerful functionality, Veeqo empowers e-commerce businesses to optimize their operations, enhance customer experiences, and drive profitability. Final Thoughts The world of e-commerce offers a plethora of powerful tools that small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) can leverage to significantly increase their profitability. By adopting the right tools and technologies, SMBs can streamline their operations, enhance customer experiences, and ultimately drive revenue growth. The tools discussed in this article, such as Veeqo, Omnisend, and NAKIVO Backup & Replication, offer robust features and functionalities tailored to the unique needs of SMBs. Whether it's efficient inventory management, effective email marketing, or reliable data backup and recovery, these tools provide the necessary capabilities to optimize e-commerce operations and achieve sustainable profitability. It is essential for SMBs to carefully evaluate their specific requirements, explore the available options, and invest in the tools that align with their business goals. By harnessing the power of these top e-commerce tools, SMBs can gain a competitive edge, attract more customers, and ultimately thrive in the digital marketplace.

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Finance

How to Choose the Right Small Business Accounting Software?

Article | November 25, 2022

Dive into the world of Business Process Management (BPM) with handpicked must-read BPM books. Gain insights from industry experts and discover proven techniques that will propel your business forward. The discipline of business process management (BPM) has emerged as a crucial strategic approach to adapting to the ever-changing market conditions in the current dynamic business landscape. However, to navigate the vast landscape of BPM and gain a deep understanding of its principles and practices, professionals, researchers, and students need comprehensive resources that provide insights into various facets of BPM. This article aims to present a curated list of best books on business process management, showcasing their relevance, value, and potential impact on enhancing BPM expertise. The selected BPM books featured in this article bring forth a unique perspective, offering practical guidance, case studies, and real-world examples that illustrate the application of BPM principles in diverse industries and contexts. By studying these resources, professionals can develop a solid foundation in BPM, acquire the necessary skills to optimize and automate processes and contribute to organizational success. 1.Business Process Management: Concepts, Languages, Architectures Author: Mathias Weske 'Business Process Management: Concepts, Languages, Architectures' by Mathias Weske serves as a comprehensive and indispensable guide, delving deep into the world of business process management (BPM). Unlike other resources that often focus on either business administration or computer science, Weske advocates for a unified understanding across all involved communities. By presenting a holistic view, this BPM book equips readers with the knowledge to navigate various aspects of the discipline. Weske lays a strong foundation by exploring the fundamental principles of BPM, enabling readers to effectively manage complex business processes. Through lucid explanations and practical examples, the book also demystifies prominent process modeling languages such as BPMN (Business Process Model and Notation) and BPEL (Business Process Execution Language). Furthermore, it delves into the architectural facets of BPM systems, discussing crucial concepts like process engines, process choreographies, and service-oriented architectures. By offering a comprehensive approach, the book not only enlightens on theoretical aspects but also provide valuable strategies for successfully applying BPM in real-world scenarios. 2.Modern Business Process Automation: YAWL and its Support Environment Editors: Arthur H. M. ter Hofstede, Wil M. P. van der Aalst, Michael Adams, Nick Russell The 'Modern Business Process Automation: YAWL and its Support Environment' offers readers a comprehensive and authoritative exploration of YAWL (Yet Another Workflow Language) and its support environment. This edition brings together a team of distinguished editors and contributors who delve into modern business process automation concepts, techniques, and tools. The book covers a wide range of topics and provides readers with a timeless and vendor-independent understanding of the essential components of business process automation. While the field of BPM is subject to constant change with the proposal of new standards and the introduction of new tools and technologies, this book equips readers with a solid foundation in the fundamentals that remain relatively stable. It empowers readers to better understand, assess, and leverage new developments in the evolving BPM landscape. 'Modern Business Process Automation: YAWL and its Support Environment' is a valuable resource for professionals, researchers, and students interested in business process automation. 3.Handbook on Business Process Management 1: Introduction, Methods, and Information Systems (International Handbooks on Information Systems) Editors: Jan vom Brocke, Michael Rosemann The 'Handbook on Business Process Management 1: Introduction, Methods, and Information Systems' is an invaluable reference guide that explores all aspects of business process management (BPM). With its two volumes and contributions from leading experts in the field, this handbook presents the contemporary body of knowledge on BPM. It starts by offering readers a comprehensive introduction to BPM, ensuring a solid understanding of its fundamental concepts. The book then delves into BPM methods and process-aware information systems, providing valuable guidance on integrating BPM into corporate methodologies and information systems. To enrich the reader's understanding, selected case studies are included, showcasing real-world applications of BPM, ensuring a comprehensive summary of BPM expertise, and covering critical success factors in the field. With its extensive coverage and expert insights, the 'Handbook on Business Process Management 1' serves as an indispensable resource and presents a holistic view of BPM methodologies, information systems, and their practical application across various industries. 4.Process Mining: Discovery, Conformance and Enhancement of Business Processes Author: Wil M. P. van der Aalst 'Process Mining: Discovery, Conformance and Enhancement of Business Processes' focuses on the emerging field of process mining and its applications in business process management. It provides readers with a thorough overview of process mining and guides readers through its practical use techniques, including process discovery, conformance checking, and process enhancement. The book explores various process discovery algorithms and their applications across different domains, offering readers a broad understanding of the topic. The next focus is on conformance checking, where the book demonstrates how discovered process models can be compared with predefined models or business rules. It then dives into process enhancement, showcasing how process mining insights can be leveraged to optimize and improve existing business processes. 'Process Mining: Discovery, Conformance and Enhancement of Business Processes' equips readers with the knowledge and skills to effectively apply process mining techniques, leading to better process understanding, compliance, and optimization. 5.Enabling Flexibility in Process-Aware Information Systems: Challenges, Methods, Technologies Authors: Manfred Reichert, Barbara Weber 'Enabling Flexibility in Process-Aware Information Systems: Challenges, Methods, Technologies' by Manfred Reichert and Barbara Weber explores the concept of flexibility in process-aware information systems (PAIS). This BPM book offers valuable insights into the challenges, methodologies, and technologies that empower organizations to achieve adaptable and flexible process management. The book primarily focuses on flexibility support for pre-specified processes, the prevailing paradigm in business process management (BPM). It delves into the methodologies and approaches that facilitate flexibility within this framework. Additionally, the authors emphasize the technologies and tools that enable flexibility in PAIS, including workflow management systems, rule engines, and service-oriented architectures. In addition, the book provides practical examples, case studies, and exercises to clarify concepts and demonstrate the application of flexible process management in real-world scenarios. This helps readers grasp the practical implications and benefits of embracing flexibility in PAIS. 6.Fundamentals of Business Process Management Authors: Marlon Dumas, Marcello La Rosa, Jan Mendling, Hajo A. Reijers 'Fundamentals of Business Process Management' is a comprehensive textbook that thoroughly explains the core concepts and principles of business process management (BPM). The book begins by introducing readers to the basics of business processes, emphasizing their characteristics and the significance of effective management. It covers the entire BPM lifecycle, starting from process identification and extending to process monitoring. Key topics addressed include process modeling, analysis, redesign, and automation. To ensure a holistic approach, concepts, methods, and tools from business management, computer science, and industrial engineering are integrated into a cohesive and interdisciplinary framework. The book enhances the learning experience by including numerous real-world examples, case studies, and exercises. These practical elements reinforce the concepts and enable hands-on learning, promoting a deeper understanding of BPM principles in action. It balances theoretical foundations and practical applications, making it suitable for academic study and professional reference. 7.Conformance Checking: Relating Processes and Models Authors: Boudewijn van Dongen, Josep Carmona, Andreas Solti and Matthias Weidlich 'Conformance Checking: Relating Processes and Models' is a book that focuses on the crucial field of conformance checking in business process management. It offers valuable insights into the techniques and methodologies used to compare real-world process executions with their corresponding process models. The book starts by introducing the concept of conformance checking and highlighting its significance in assessing the compliance and alignment of actual process executions with intended models. The book explores different perspectives of conformance, including control flow, data, and resource perspectives, providing a comprehensive understanding of the topic. The authors discuss various approaches for evaluating conformance, enabling organizations to assess the adherence of executed processes to the expected behavior as defined by process models. Real-world examples, case studies, and illustrations are provided throughout the book to understand the application of conformance-checking techniques in different industries and domains. Additionally, the authors discuss the limitations and challenges associated with conformance checking, providing readers with a comprehensive overview of the field. 8.Business Process Change: A Business Process Management Guide for Managers and Process Professionals Author: Paul Harmon 'Business Process Change: A Business Process Management Guide for Managers and Process Professionals' offers practical insights and guidance on managing and implementing business process change. This book on business process management serves as a valuable resource for managers and process professionals seeking to improve organizational performance through effective business process management (BPM). Harmon provides a step-by-step approach to understanding, analyzing, and redesigning business processes to drive operational excellence and strategic agility. The book covers a wide range of topics related to business process change, including process identification, analysis, redesign, implementation, and monitoring. The author introduces various methodologies and tools used in BPM, such as process modeling, Six Sigma, Lean, and workflow automation. Harmon's practical approach ensures that the book is accessible to both business professionals and process specialists. Furthermore, the book addresses the human side of process change by discussing change management strategies, stakeholder engagement, and fostering a process-centric culture. 9.High Performance Through Business Process Management: Strategy Execution in a Digital World Author: Mathias Kirchmer 'High Performance Through Business Process Management: Strategy Execution in a Digital World' by Mathias Kirchmer explores the effective utilization of business process management (BPM) to achieve high-performance results. With a focus on aligning BPM with digital transformation initiatives, Kirchmer offers valuable insights into driving strategy execution in today's rapidly evolving business landscape. The book underscores the critical role of BPM in enabling organizations to navigate the challenges posed by the digital age. Readers are provided with practical guidance on developing a BPM strategy that aligns with the overall business strategy. Furthermore, the book delves into BPM's cultural and organizational aspects, recognizing the significance of change management, leadership, and employee engagement. By addressing these crucial factors, organizations can foster a supportive environment for BPM implementation and drive successful strategy execution. Real-world case studies and examples are drawn throughout the book, illustrating how organizations have leveraged BPM to achieve high performance. These practical insights showcase the tangible benefits of implementing BPM in various industries and highlight best practices for success. 10.BPM CBOK Version 4.0: Guide to the Business Process Management Common Body Of Knowledge Authors: Tony Benedict, Mathias Kirchmer, Marc Scarsig, Pater Frantz, Raju Saxena, Dan Morris, Jack Hilty The 'BPM CBOK Version 4.0: Guide to the Business Process Management Common Body Of Knowledge' provides a holistic overview of the common body of knowledge in the field of business process management (BPM). The book aims to establish a shared understanding and framework for BPM by consolidating the collective knowledge and expertise of the authors. The book covers various aspects of BPM and provides insights into the essential concepts, methodologies, techniques, and best practices. Starting with the foundational principles of BPM, including process modeling, analysis, design, and optimization, the authors lay a solid groundwork for readers to grasp the core elements of effective process management. The book also highlights the critical role of technology in BPM and delves into emerging trends in BPM, including the influence of digital transformation, customer experience management, and the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and robotic process automation (RPA) in process management practices. By addressing these trends, the authors ensure that readers are equipped with insights into the evolving landscape of BPM. Conclusion These featured business process management books in the article serve as invaluable resources for individuals seeking to enhance their knowledge of BPM and leverage its power to drive organizational success. By studying these BPM books, professionals can gain a competitive edge, contribute to process improvement initiatives, and make informed decisions that propel their organizations forward. The practical examples, case studies, and real-world applications shared in these books equip readers with the tools and insights to optimize processes, improve productivity, and achieve operational excellence. As BPM continues to shape the business landscape, these books will remain indispensable references, providing guidance and inspiration for future advancements in the field.

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Finance

How to Get a Small Business Loan in 7 Easy Steps

Article | December 15, 2021

Small businesses can greatly boost sales and revenue by adopting an analytical approach and successfully implementing relevant e-commerce strategies to establish a strong presence in the digital realm. Contents 1 Importance of E-commerce for SMBs 2 E-commerce Business Development 2.1 Grow a Core Niche 2.2 Choose the Right Platform 2.3 Optimize Product Listings and Pricing 2.4 Target Mobile Audiences 2.5 Integrated Systems 2.6 Develop Effective Marketing Strategy 2.7 Provide Excellent Customer Service 3 Final Thoughts 1. Importance of E-commerce for SMBs The e-commerce market is expected to reach a market valuation of $58.74 trillion by 2028 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of over 26.55%. (Source: SkyQuest). The transformative potential of e-commerce business models has allowed Small and Medium-sized Businesses (SMBs) to expand their sales in both standardized and niche products by leveraging improved website design to connect with consumers remotely, establish brand identity, and tailor products to specific demands. As the e-commerce industry continues to flourish globally, SMBs have unprecedented opportunities to enter the online marketspace. However, it is imperative that aspiring enterprises recognize that a thriving e-commerce small business entails more than just a digital storefront and requires a thoughtful and strategic approach. As noted by the World Development Report 2020 Trading for Development, MSME participation in e-commerce and other digital platforms - such as service delivery in food services, accommodation, and other sectors – can make it easier to sell goods and services, lower costs of entry to markets and costs of doing business, and boost MSME productivity and profits. (Source: World Bank) 2. E-commerce Business Development E-commerce is now essential to modern business operations, particularly for SMBs, who can significantly increase their customer base and revenue with the right tools and strategies. By implementing the discussed steps and insights, SMBs can unlock the full potential of e-commerce and establish themselves as successful players in the digital realm. Thus, SMBS must recognize the vast benefits of e-commerce and equip themselves with the knowledge and resources required to succeed in this competitive landscape. 2.1 Grow a Core Niche A comprehensive understanding of the target customers is fundamental to starting a lucrative small e-commerce business. This necessitates meticulous market research and customer base analysis to discern gaps and potential acquisition opportunities. It is also indispensable to establish a genuine and committed core audience that values exclusive or personalized products. Given the intense competition, it is vital to pinpoint a distinctive product offering and a robust core audience that is enthusiastic about procuring and steadfast in their loyalty. As per a report, there were 2.14 billion online shoppers in 2021, which went up from 1.52 billion in 2016, a 28% increase in just over five years. (Source: SkyQuest) 2.2 Choosethe Right Platform To build a successful online business, choosing the right e-commerce platform and tools is critical. Starting e-commerce businesses must carefully evaluate each option, comparing features, pricing, and usability to make an informed decision that suits their needs and budget. In addition, it's recommended to refrain from reinventing the wheel by creating products that already exist as services, especially if there is a lack of technical expertise. For instance, when targeting consumers, it's better to use available platforms rather than build an e-commerce website from scratch unless there are compelling reasons to do so. 2.3 Optimize Product Listings and Pricing The optimization of product listings and pricing is undeniably critical to the success of small e-commerce businesses. A robust approach that includes clear and informative product descriptions, high-quality images, and videos is essential to attract potential customers. To ensure the seamless discovery of products on the website, it is crucial to utilize clear titles, relevant keywords, and detailed categories & filters. Pricing, on the other hand, requires a meticulous balance between profitability and competitiveness. Therefore, conducting thorough research on competitors' prices is imperative while also considering production, shipping, and overhead costs. Furthermore, dynamic pricing strategies, including seasonal discounts, flash sales, and personalized pricing, can stimulate sales and foster customer loyalty. 2.4 Target Mobile Audiences In order to thrive in the current landscape, small e-commerce businesses must prioritize mobile accessibility, personalization, and engagement. Although several tools are available to assist in achieving these goals, mastering them is crucial to success.Moreover, businesses should ensure their mobile shopping experience is intuitive and user-friendly. This involves having a mobile-responsive e-commerce website, streamlined navigation, and a seamless checkout process. By implementing these measures, businesses can reduce cart abandonment rates and increase revenue. 30% of mobile shoppers abandon a transaction if the shopping experience is not optimized for mobile. (Source: MoPowered) 2.5 Integrated Systems Integrated systems play a crucial role in the success of SMB e-commerce ventures, enabling inventory management, order fulfillment, and customer relationship management through a unified platform. However, conventional tools such as CMS, ERP systems, and e-commerce platforms must be improved for managing product data as businesses grow. Hence, investing in a product information management solution is imperative to ensure seamless product information management across various internal and external channels such as online stores, product catalogs, and ERP systems. 2.6 Develop Effective Marketing Strategy Crafting a comprehensive marketing strategy is paramount to effectively promoting an e-commerce business and reaching its target audience. A robust marketing strategy can be achieved by adopting a multi-faceted approach that entails developing a content marketing plan, launching email marketing campaigns, and leveraging social media marketing to expand the reach and drive traffic to the website. Only 12% of businesses feel that they are using social media effectively. (Source: Harvard Business Review) 2.7 Provide Excellent Customer Service SMB e-commerce businesses' success heavily depends on their ability to provide excellent customer service. To achieve this, organizations must offer multiple communication channels, prioritize customer needs and concerns, and personalize the customer experience. By doing so, they can establish customer loyalty and generate positive word-of-mouth. In addition, regularly evaluating and improving customer service processes is essential to meet customer expectations and needs. 89% of shoppers have stopped buying from online stores after they experienced poor customer service. (Source: RightNow) 3. Final Thoughts The emergence of e-commerce has presented a unique opportunity for SMBs to grow their sales and engage with customers remotely. However, achieving success in the online marketplace requires a strategic approach that enables businesses to compete effectively. To that end, SMBs must formulate and execute a comprehensive plan that encompasses essential aspects of e-commerce, such as creating a user-friendly website, developing a targeted marketing strategy, and streamlining the order fulfillment process. By following these steps and leveraging industry insights, SMBs can leverage the full potential of e-commerce and establish themselves as key players in the digital realm. As e-commerce grows globally, SMBs have an unprecedented opportunity to enter the online marketplace and boost their productivity and profits.

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Finance

Fintech Lending Trends Transforming the Small Businesses

Article | May 13, 2022

Connect with industry leaders, learn about latest trends, and gain valuable insights. Stay ahead of the competition, enhance efficiency, and maximize the organization's potential with leading BPM events Organizations across industries constantly seek ways to streamline their operations, optimize efficiency, and deliver exceptional results in the current fast-paced and ever-changing business landscape. This pursuit has led to the rapid growth and increasing significance of Business Process Management (BPM). As more organizations recognize the transformative potential of effective BPM, they are actively engaging in a range of BPM conferences and events dedicated to this field. This article explores some of the top events in the field of BPM that professionals can attend to enhance their understanding of this field and accelerate their business process transformation journeys. These business process management events provide a platform for attendees to gain insights into topics such as process analysis, automation, change management, and integrating BPM into their overall business strategy. By participating in these events, professionals can uncover new possibilities, ignite their transformation journey, and gain a competitive edge in the market. 1.BPM 2023 conference (21st International Conference on Business Process Management) September 11 - 15, 2023 | Utrecht (The Netherlands) The 21st edition of BPM 2023, presented by Utrecht University and University of Applied Sciences Utrecht, stands as a premier conference in the field of Business Process Management. Over the last decade, this esteemed event has solidified its status by curating cutting-edge research and facilitating captivating talks, insightful tutorials, and thought-provoking discussions among leading thought leaders and innovators. This conference will act as a vibrant platform, fostering collaboration among experts from diverse fields such as Computer Science, Information Systems Engineering, and Management, creating a dynamic melting pot of knowledge and expertise. 2. Business Process Transformation Forum September 11 - 13, 2023 | Scottsdale (AZ) Organizations must be agile, innovative, and customer-centric to succeed in today's rapidly evolving business landscape. Continuous adaptation and improvement of business processes are essential to drive growth and thrive in this environment. The Business Process Transformation Forum is the ideal platform for organizations seeking to accelerate their business process transformation journey and connect with peers, thought leaders, and market experts from across the Americas. At this forum, attendees can delve into a wide range of topics critical to driving business process transformation. These will include transforming business processes, leveraging process mining and analysis techniques, and exploring the steps and best practices necessary for continuous process improvement. By embracing these insights, organizations can outperform their competitors in the market and maintain a competitive edge. 3. All Access BPM 2023 September 19 - 20, 2023 | Online The importance of Business Process Management (BPM) cannot be overstated in today's fast-paced business landscape. However, despite the widespread adoption of BPM techniques, only a small fraction of organizations effectively leverage BPM to enhance their business performance. In light of this, the All Access BPM 2023 conference aims to address this gap by offering a comprehensive program focused on key areas such as business architecture, autonomous enterprise, process mining, process intelligence, change management, and workflow automation. By attending this event, participants will gain invaluable insights and innovative strategies directly from industry leaders. One of the primary objectives of All Access BPM 2023 is to guide attendees on integrating BPM into their overall business strategy. This conference will serve as a platform for professionals to stay updated with the latest insights, learn best practices, and discover innovative approaches to maximize the benefits of BPM within their respective organizations. 4.ICBPMPA 2023: 17. International Conference on Business Process Management and Processes Analysis October 09 - 10, 2023 | New York (United States) The International Research Conference is an esteemed federated organization that strives to unite diverse scholarly events for presentation within its comprehensive conference program. With its commitment to delivering high-quality content, the conference provides exceptional value for students, academics, and industry researchers alike. One notable event within the International Research Conference is the International Conference on Business Process Management and Processes Analysis. This conference aims to gather leading academic scientists, researchers, and scholars to foster the exchange and sharing of experiences and research findings related to all aspects of Business Process Management and processes Analysis. Furthermore, this conference will serve as a premier interdisciplinary platform for researchers, practitioners, and educators to showcase and discuss the latest innovations, emerging trends, and concerns in the fields of Business Process Management and Processes Analysis. 5. Enterprise Architecture & Business Process Management Conference Europe October 09 – 12, 2023 | London (UK) The Enterprise Architecture & Business Process Management Conference presents a comprehensive program of four conference tracks, encompassing over 45 sessions and insightful case studies from esteemed organizations. Prominent entities like APG, Bank of England, British Army Recruiting Group in partnership with Capita, Cambridge University Press and Assessment, Department of National Defence, Canada, IBM, IKEA Group, KPMG, and many more contribute their expertise, offering attendees a wealth of knowledge and valuable insights. This BPM event will offer attendees the opportunity to broaden their knowledge through a diverse range of half-day workshops led by world-class instructors. By joining the conference, attendees can learn how to effectively address the challenges organizations face today and in the future, equipping them with the necessary tools to thrive in a dynamic business environment. 6.ICBPMS 2024: 18. International Conference on Business Process Management Systems January 28 - 29, 2024 | New York (United States) The International Research Conference is dedicated to bringing together a diverse array of scholarly events within its comprehensive conference program. These events are scheduled over a span of time, which may vary based on the number and duration of presentations. One of the noteworthy events within the International Research Conference is the International Conference on Business Process Management and Processes Analysis. This conference aims to foster collaboration among leading academic scientists, researchers, and research scholars, providing them with a platform to exchange and share their experiences and research findings encompassing all aspects of Business Process Management and Processes Analysis. The conference will allow attendees to engage in fruitful discussions, gain valuable insights, and establish meaningful connections with experts in their respective fields. 7.BPM 2024 (22nd Business Process Management Conference 2024) September 1 - 6, 2024 | Krakow (Poland) The BPM 2024 is the leading conference for researchers and practitioners in Business Process Management. Over the years, it has earned the reputation of being the go-to gathering for international BPM enthusiasts, attracting a substantial number of attendees annually. Structured across three tracks, namely foundation, engineering, and management, this conference encompasses a comprehensive program. Additionally, it will feature various co-located events, including the doctoral consortium, workshops, forums, demos, and tutorials. As the foremost forum in Business Process Management, this conference will offer a prestigious platform for researchers and practitioners to convene. It will serves as a melting pot, bringing together experts from a range of disciplines, including computer science, information systems engineering, and management. Conclusion The world of Business Process Management (BPM) offers a plethora of opportunities for organizations. As highlighted by the diverse range of BPM events and conferences discussed in this article, professionals in the field have numerous platforms to connect, learn, and share their expertise. These gatherings serve as melting pots for thought leaders, researchers, practitioners, and industry experts. Attendees have the chance to explore cutting-edge research, exchange experiences, and gain valuable insights into the latest trends, challenges, and best practices in BPM. By participating in these BPM events, professionals can broaden their knowledge, strengthen their skill set, and build a strong network of peers. These connections and learnings can contribute to the continuous improvement of business processes within their organizations, leading to increased efficiency, cost reduction, and enhanced overall performance.

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TECHNOLOGY, BUSINESS STRATEGY

Top Tools SMBs Can Leverage to Maximize Their E-commerce Potential

Article | July 11, 2023

Leverage the top e-commerce tools that small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) can utilize to boost profitability. Maximize your potential with these powerful e-commerce solutions. In today's dynamic business environment, e-commerce presents significant opportunities for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) to expand their reach and drive profitability. With global e-commerce sales projected to reach $8.1 trillion by 2026 (Statista), SMBs have a tremendous growth potential. However, resource limitations compared to larger businesses can pose challenges in competing effectively. To overcome these challenges and maximize their potential, SMBs need to leverage cutting-edge e-commerce tools. These tools can enhance their operations and drive accelerated growth. This article will explore the top e-commerce tools that SMBs can strategically utilize to boost profitability and propel their business forward. By harnessing their power, SMBs can optimize their online presence, streamline operations, and achieve sustainable success in the ever-evolving e-commerce industry. 1.WooCommerce WooCommerce is a powerful e-commerce solution built on WordPress, a popular content management system. It enables small and medium businesses to create and manage their online stores effectively. As an open-source platform, it offers extensive customization options and flexibility, allowing businesses to tailor their online stores to their specific requirements and branding. It is important to note that the platform is not a standalone website builder but a plugin that integrates seamlessly with WordPress. The platform also provides a wide range of extensions and add-ons to enhance store functionality and meet specific business needs. With WooCommerce, businesses can manage products, set up payment gateways, handle shipping options, and customize the design and layout of their stores. 2.Semrush Semrush is a leading online visibility management SaaS platform that helps businesses improve their search engine ranking, website traffic, and online visibility. It offers a wide range of features, including keyword research, competitor analysis, and website auditing. Semrush simplifies the process of running online marketing campaigns with its user-friendly interface and intuitive tools. It enables users to easily build, manage, and measure campaigns across various channels, freeing up time for marketing professionals to focus on creativity and content creation while Semrush handles the data and analytics. The platform also includes link building and auditing tools that can improve website visibility and generate organic traffic, helping businesses identify opportunities for improvement and implement effective SEO strategies. 3.Ahrefs Ahrefs is an all-in-one SEO toolset that provides businesses with a comprehensive set of features to optimize their websites and increase search traffic. Its keyword research capabilities allow users to discover relevant keywords, assess their search volume and difficulty, and identify new opportunities. The backlink analysis features provide insights into a website's backlink profile, helping businesses understand the quality and quantity of their backlinks. Ahrefs also offers tools for rank tracking, site audits, content analysis, and competitor analysis, enabling businesses to monitor their search engine rankings, identify technical issues, analyze content performance, and gain insights into competitors' strategies. 4.NAKIVO NAKIVO Backup & Replication is a powerful data protection solution designed for SMBs and enterprises. It offers seamless backup and replication for virtual, physical, and cloud environments, supporting platforms like VMware, Hyper-V, Nutanix AHV, and AWS. With advanced features such as incremental backups, global deduplication, and network acceleration, NAKIVO optimizes storage space and reduces backup windows. Its instant granular recovery ensures quick retrieval of files, application objects, and VMs, minimizing downtime. The solution also provides flexible recovery options and seamless integration with cloud storage for offsite protection. NAKIVO Backup & Replication is a user-friendly and comprehensive solution that enables organizations to securely protect their data and ensure business continuity. 5.Omnisend Omnisend is an all-in-one platform that combines email marketing and SMS capabilities, to help businesses effectively engage and communicate with their customers. It enables businesses to create personalized and targeted campaigns, generate client engagement and reach their audience at the right time and through their preferred channel. The platform offers a wide range of features, including customizable templates, automation workflows, segmentation, and A/B testing, allowing businesses to create compelling and engaging marketing messages. In addition, it provides robust analytics and reporting tools to track campaign performance and measure the impact of marketing efforts. With its user-friendly interface and productive tools, Omnisend empowers businesses to increase conversions and revenue. 6.Veeqo Veeqo is a free shipping and inventory management platform designed to streamline e-commerce operations for businesses of all sizes. Its comprehensive features simplify the process of managing stock levels, automating order fulfillment, and integrating with various sales channels. Veeqo provides real-time visibility into inventory, allowing businesses to efficiently track and manage their products across multiple platforms. The platform also offers reporting and analytics tools to help businesses gain insights into their performance and make data-driven decisions. With its user-friendly interface and powerful functionality, Veeqo empowers e-commerce businesses to optimize their operations, enhance customer experiences, and drive profitability. Final Thoughts The world of e-commerce offers a plethora of powerful tools that small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) can leverage to significantly increase their profitability. By adopting the right tools and technologies, SMBs can streamline their operations, enhance customer experiences, and ultimately drive revenue growth. The tools discussed in this article, such as Veeqo, Omnisend, and NAKIVO Backup & Replication, offer robust features and functionalities tailored to the unique needs of SMBs. Whether it's efficient inventory management, effective email marketing, or reliable data backup and recovery, these tools provide the necessary capabilities to optimize e-commerce operations and achieve sustainable profitability. It is essential for SMBs to carefully evaluate their specific requirements, explore the available options, and invest in the tools that align with their business goals. By harnessing the power of these top e-commerce tools, SMBs can gain a competitive edge, attract more customers, and ultimately thrive in the digital marketplace.

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Pigu.lt

Pigu.lt was launched in June 2007 by serial entrepreneurs focused on developing leading pure online retailer in the region. In 2009 company was already announced to be the Best e-shop in Lithuania. 2011 company entered Latvian market and acquired oldest e-shop in Latvia 220.lv. In the year 2012 received the prestigious “Business Gazelle” award by the largest regional business daily and business community acknowledging the Company’s growth and transparency. Year after company bought „Dlb Trading OÜ“ in Estonia and with Kaup24.ee became biggest online retailer on the Baltic state.

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TECHNOLOGY

Norton Introduces New Small Business Solution with 24/7 Triple-Lock Cybersecurity for Small Teams

PR Newswire | September 29, 2023

Norton, a leading consumer Cyber Safety brand of Gen™ (NASDAQ: GEN), today announced Norton Small Business, the all-in-one cybersecurity solution to help entrepreneurs and small business owners protect their financial futures. While nearly 90%1 of businesses globally are small businesses - 99.9% in the US2 - many lack the means to protect their digital environments. Norton Small Business makes triple-lock protection accessible for small businesses to safeguard their team's online activities, devices and customer data in an easy, all-in-one cybersecurity solution. "Owning a very small business often means each member of the team wears different hats, and usually cybersecurity expert isn't one of them," said Massimo Rapparini, General Manager & Head of Small Business Safety at Gen. "Unfortunately, cybercriminals are aware of this and often target such businesses – more than half (57%) of small businesses experienced a security, data breach or both in 20223. For entrepreneurs and small businesses, falling for just one phishing email can have a devastating impact." Scams Taking Down Small Businesses Small businesses face a barrage of scams and phishing threats, just like consumers. In fact, they are targeted more than large companies. Companies with fewer than 100 employees face an average of 350% more social engineering attacks than larger enterprises4, and according to data from Gen, cyber threats that rely on manipulating people account for 85% of attacks on small businesses in the US. Of these threats, phishing – for example, emails trying to trick you into clicking a link or transferring money – is the most common way cybercriminals try to access small business systems, private data, financials and intellectual property. Businesses with under 10 employees often lack IT support, putting companies at great risk if cybercriminal attacks are successful – and many are. In 2020 alone, there were more than 700,000 attacks against small businesses totaling $2.8 billion in damages5. Norton Small Business helps small businesses disaster-proof their critical data to minimize the risk of financial loss. Entrepreneurs Pursue Financial Freedom Entrepreneurs often start their own businesses in pursuit of financial freedom and invest significant time, energy and personal savings to build their business. In fact, 61% of Gen Z small business owners believe entrepreneurship will lead them to retirement earlier than if they had gone straight to the corporate world6. Yet, small businesses are being heavily targeted by cybercriminals, leaving them at much higher risk of collapsing compared to larger firms when hit by a cyberattack. With heightened risk and so much at stake, it's surprising that about half of businesses with under 50 employees have no cybersecurity budget at all7. The effects of a cyberattack extend beyond financial consequences, and it's time cybersecurity is pushed to the forefront of small business priorities. Setting Up Your One-Person IT Department Norton is your go-to partner to make small business cybersecurity simple with an all-in-one solution that provides 24/7 cybersecurity protection and a variety of features, including: Secure Browser, Password Manager and VPN (virtual private network) to help secure day-to-day online activities Automated PC cleaning and optimization to keep healthier PCs for longer Secure Cloud Backup for PCs to help reduce the risk of loss of business data Software and driver updaters to help keep software up to date, so there are fewer vulnerabilities for cybercriminals to exploit IT coverage and maintenance for up to 20 devices A 100% Virus Protection Promise8 "We've built our small business products and services with the same approach in mind as we do with our consumer portfolio, so entrepreneurs don't need to worry about becoming cybersecurity experts," said Rapparini. "Norton is here to make cybersecurity accessible and easy so they can focus on building thriving businesses." Norton recommends these top 10 tips to protect your small business: Learn tospot signs of phishing andteach your employees Only click links or download attachments from known sources Avoid sharing personal information or private company data over email Alwayskeep your operating system, applications and drivers up-to-date Make sure yourWiFi network is protected with a strong password Regularlyback up your data Require employees to use aVPN when doing company work on a public WiFi network (think airports and coffee shops) Alwaysuse multi-factor-authenticationfor an extra layer of protection Don't neglect mobile devices – make sure they are password protected and use security software Invest in a cybersecurity solution such as Norton Small Business About Norton Norton is a leading Cyber Safety brand of Gen™ (NASDAQ: GEN), a global company dedicated to powering Digital Freedom through its family of trusted consumer brands including Norton, Avast, LifeLock, Avira, AVG, ReputationDefender and CCleaner. Gen empowers people to live their digital lives safely, privately, and confidently today and for generations to come. Gen brings award-winning products and services in cybersecurity, online privacy and identity protection to more than 500 million users in more than 150 countries.

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FINANCE

BMO Expands Minority Small Business Lending to 22 States with Zero Barriers to Business Program

PR Newswire | September 27, 2023

BMO today announced the expansion of its Zero Barriers to Business program for Black, Latino, Native, and Women-owned businesses across the bank's expanded footprint. The program aims to break down barriers for historically underserved and marginalized groups through inclusive banking products, services, and resources as part of BMO EMpower 2.0 – the bank's more than $40 billion community benefits plan. As part of the expansion, BMO has committed $200 million in lending to support the progress of minority-owned businesses. BMO's Zero Barriers to Business now helps business owners in 22 states – including Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Idaho, Illinois, Iowa, Indiana, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. "Helping our clients, colleagues and communities make real financial progress is at the core of our Purpose, to Boldly Grow the Good in business and life," said Niamh Kristufek, Head of U.S. Business Banking at BMO. "The launch of BMO's Zero Barriers to Business to our expanded footprint brings us one step closer to a more inclusive society – especially for groups facing systemic barriers – by ensuring our clients have access to capital and financial tools and education." According to BMO's Real Financial Progress Index, more minority business owners report they have started a business this year or plan to compared to non-minorities, with 16 percent of Black respondents starting a business, 9 percent of Latino, and 7 percent of Asian-Americans. Nearly 20 percent of U.S. small business owners are minority-owned, according to Forbes' Small Business Statistics of 2023 – but according to Fed Small Business' 2022 Report on Firms Owned by People of Color, borrowers of color were about half as likely as white-owned applicant firms to receive all of the financing they sought. Specifically, BMO's Zero Barriers to Business includes: Better access to capital:Business owners receive access to working capital with expanded credit criteria and competitive interest rates. Small businesses can get a revolving line of credit and/or business credit card that will allow them to pay interest on what they borrow. They can also qualify for rate discounts when setting up automatic payments from a BMO Business Checking account and get improved access to funding with specialized credit criteria. Access to education:Free access to practical tools such as business plan templates, profit improvement calculators, podcasts, webinars, and coaching to help business owners make real financial progress. Access to partnerships:BMO is continually forming new partnerships with organizations that give business owners access to meaningful networks, additional coaching, educational resources, and alternative funding sources. Since launching the program in late 2020, the bank has helped minority small businesses make real financial progress by: Approving$80 millionsmall business loans. Funding more than 3,400 small businesses. Providing more than 800 hours of educational webinars and business literacy workshops supporting 5,000 business owners in collaboration with organizations such as Illinois Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Chicago Urban League, Sunshine Enterprises, and Wisconsin Women's Business Initiative Corporation. Graduating 45 clients fromZero Barriers to Businessto qualify for traditional lending programs under standard lending criteria. Securing 40 non-profit Community Development Financial Institutions Funds (CDFI) partnerships to support access to capital, education, and networking opportunities for diverse small business owners. The expansion also comes during Hispanic Heritage Month along with a $500,000 commitment by BMO to support the creation of a Latino Business Loan Program with Colorado Enterprise Fund. The fund aims to eliminate barriers and support inclusive economic opportunity for small businesses across Colorado. Ceyl Prinster, CEO, Colorado Enterprise Fund said, Colorado Enterprise Fund's mission has always been to provide access to capital to underserved communities including minority-owned small businesses. With the funding from BMO, CEF will focus even more economic and educational resources toward Latino small business entrepreneurs throughout Colorado. [Source – Cision PR Newswire] About BMO Financial Group BMO Financial Group is the eighth largest bank in North America by assets, with total assets of $1.25 trillion as of July 31, 2023. Serving customers for 200 years and counting, BMO is a diverse team of highly engaged employees providing a broad range of personal and commercial banking, wealth management, global markets and investment banking products and services to over 13 million customers across Canada, the United States, and in select markets globally. Driven by a single purpose, to Boldly Grow the Good in business and life, BMO is committed to driving positive change in the world, and making progress for a thriving economy, sustainable future, and inclusive society.

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FINANCE

Credibly Partners with Green Dot to Power Small Businesses with Simple, Seamless and Accessible Banking Solutions

Business Wire | September 29, 2023

Credibly, the data science-driven fintech lending platform that champions small- and medium-sized businesses (SMBs), is partnering with Green Dot to expand its suite of small business financial products to include accessible, intuitive and useful business banking solutions. Powered by Green Dot’s banking-as-a-service (BaaS) platform, Credibly Business Banking® will give small business owners a more seamless banking experience while addressing some of their greatest challenges with quick and easy account set up, improved cash flow management, and faster access to capital. “The demand for seamless, accessible and intuitive financial tools for businesses remains on the rise, and we are thrilled to partner with Green Dot to add small business banking to complement our lending solutions,” said Ryan Rosett, Founder and co-CEO, Credibly. “With a business checking account, customers will have faster and easier access to the cash, credit and capital they need to run and grow their business.” The U.S. continues to see a surge in new business ventures, with five million applications to start new businesses in 2022, up 42 percent from pre-pandemic levels in 2019, according to the Census Bureau. Yet more than three-quarters of small business owners say they are concerned about their ability to access capital, according to Goldman Sachs’ 10,000 Small Businesses Voices initiative, which is no surprise given 70 percent of small business owners without a business bank account are rejected for loans. Green Dot and Credibly are partnering to design business bank accounts with these challenges in mind, empowering them to more easily access the capital they need. The new accounts will feature online mobile banking with full customer service support, quick account set up, no fees for eligible deposits, overdraft protection, and a nationwide ATM network to access their money from anywhere. “Small businesses are a critical engine for economic growth, and we want to give them the power to bank seamlessly, affordably and with confidence,” said Simran Singh, Head of Enterprise Business Development, Embedded Finance, Green Dot. “We are thrilled to partner with Credibly to power entrepreneurs with solutions that save them time and provide easier access to the tools and capital they need to grow their businesses.” Green Dot is well positioned to enable Credibly to offer small business customers a quality business banking experience through its scalable and configurable BaaS platform, dedicated customer support team, and decades of experience building embedded finance offerings for some of the world’s largest brands. The Credibly Business Checking® offering is just one of multiple new product launches the company has on its roadmap. As Credibly continues to grow its product suite, the company remains focused on further refining its data science capabilities to serve an even broader range of SMB customers throughout the credit spectrum, while maintaining its emphasis on risk management and a strong culture of compliance. Providing the tools and resources SMBs need has been Credibly’s mission since 2010 and the new business banking offering in particular will enable them to support small business owners who have been unable to receive lending without having an existing business bank account. About Green Dot Green Dot Corporation is a financial technology and bank holding company committed to giving all people the power to bank seamlessly, affordably and with confidence. Green Dot's technology platform enables it to build products and features that address the most pressing financial challenges of consumers and businesses, transforming the way they manage and move money, and making financial empowerment more accessible for all. Green Dot offers a broad set of financial services to consumers and businesses, ranging from debit, prepaid and payroll cards, to embedded financial and money movement services, to tax products and more. The company’s banking-as-a-service (BaaS) platform enables a growing list of the world’s largest and most trusted consumer and technology brands to deploy seamless, configurable, value-driven money management solutions for their customers. Its digital bank GO2bank offers consumers simple and accessible mobile banking designed to help improve financial health over time. And its expansive Green Dot Network of more than 90,000 retail distribution locations nationwide – more than all remaining bank branches in the U.S. combined – enables it to operate primarily as a "branchless bank." About Credibly Credibly, a data science-driven fintech lending platform, is revolutionizing the delivery of capital to SMBs, enhancing speed, cost and customer choice. Offering an array of funding options, Credibly also provides partners access to its state-of-the-art data science capabilities. Since its inception in 2010, Credibly has channeled over $2.0 billion in capital to more than 30,000 SMBs, always with an unwavering commitment to risk management and a culture of compliance. Credibly also made history in 2017 as the first company in its field to acquire servicing rights to another alternative lender’s portfolio (250M). The company has achieved steady growth, operated continuously throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, and recorded exceptional origination numbers.

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TECHNOLOGY

Norton Introduces New Small Business Solution with 24/7 Triple-Lock Cybersecurity for Small Teams

PR Newswire | September 29, 2023

Norton, a leading consumer Cyber Safety brand of Gen™ (NASDAQ: GEN), today announced Norton Small Business, the all-in-one cybersecurity solution to help entrepreneurs and small business owners protect their financial futures. While nearly 90%1 of businesses globally are small businesses - 99.9% in the US2 - many lack the means to protect their digital environments. Norton Small Business makes triple-lock protection accessible for small businesses to safeguard their team's online activities, devices and customer data in an easy, all-in-one cybersecurity solution. "Owning a very small business often means each member of the team wears different hats, and usually cybersecurity expert isn't one of them," said Massimo Rapparini, General Manager & Head of Small Business Safety at Gen. "Unfortunately, cybercriminals are aware of this and often target such businesses – more than half (57%) of small businesses experienced a security, data breach or both in 20223. For entrepreneurs and small businesses, falling for just one phishing email can have a devastating impact." Scams Taking Down Small Businesses Small businesses face a barrage of scams and phishing threats, just like consumers. In fact, they are targeted more than large companies. Companies with fewer than 100 employees face an average of 350% more social engineering attacks than larger enterprises4, and according to data from Gen, cyber threats that rely on manipulating people account for 85% of attacks on small businesses in the US. Of these threats, phishing – for example, emails trying to trick you into clicking a link or transferring money – is the most common way cybercriminals try to access small business systems, private data, financials and intellectual property. Businesses with under 10 employees often lack IT support, putting companies at great risk if cybercriminal attacks are successful – and many are. In 2020 alone, there were more than 700,000 attacks against small businesses totaling $2.8 billion in damages5. Norton Small Business helps small businesses disaster-proof their critical data to minimize the risk of financial loss. Entrepreneurs Pursue Financial Freedom Entrepreneurs often start their own businesses in pursuit of financial freedom and invest significant time, energy and personal savings to build their business. In fact, 61% of Gen Z small business owners believe entrepreneurship will lead them to retirement earlier than if they had gone straight to the corporate world6. Yet, small businesses are being heavily targeted by cybercriminals, leaving them at much higher risk of collapsing compared to larger firms when hit by a cyberattack. With heightened risk and so much at stake, it's surprising that about half of businesses with under 50 employees have no cybersecurity budget at all7. The effects of a cyberattack extend beyond financial consequences, and it's time cybersecurity is pushed to the forefront of small business priorities. Setting Up Your One-Person IT Department Norton is your go-to partner to make small business cybersecurity simple with an all-in-one solution that provides 24/7 cybersecurity protection and a variety of features, including: Secure Browser, Password Manager and VPN (virtual private network) to help secure day-to-day online activities Automated PC cleaning and optimization to keep healthier PCs for longer Secure Cloud Backup for PCs to help reduce the risk of loss of business data Software and driver updaters to help keep software up to date, so there are fewer vulnerabilities for cybercriminals to exploit IT coverage and maintenance for up to 20 devices A 100% Virus Protection Promise8 "We've built our small business products and services with the same approach in mind as we do with our consumer portfolio, so entrepreneurs don't need to worry about becoming cybersecurity experts," said Rapparini. "Norton is here to make cybersecurity accessible and easy so they can focus on building thriving businesses." Norton recommends these top 10 tips to protect your small business: Learn tospot signs of phishing andteach your employees Only click links or download attachments from known sources Avoid sharing personal information or private company data over email Alwayskeep your operating system, applications and drivers up-to-date Make sure yourWiFi network is protected with a strong password Regularlyback up your data Require employees to use aVPN when doing company work on a public WiFi network (think airports and coffee shops) Alwaysuse multi-factor-authenticationfor an extra layer of protection Don't neglect mobile devices – make sure they are password protected and use security software Invest in a cybersecurity solution such as Norton Small Business About Norton Norton is a leading Cyber Safety brand of Gen™ (NASDAQ: GEN), a global company dedicated to powering Digital Freedom through its family of trusted consumer brands including Norton, Avast, LifeLock, Avira, AVG, ReputationDefender and CCleaner. Gen empowers people to live their digital lives safely, privately, and confidently today and for generations to come. Gen brings award-winning products and services in cybersecurity, online privacy and identity protection to more than 500 million users in more than 150 countries.

Read More

FINANCE

BMO Expands Minority Small Business Lending to 22 States with Zero Barriers to Business Program

PR Newswire | September 27, 2023

BMO today announced the expansion of its Zero Barriers to Business program for Black, Latino, Native, and Women-owned businesses across the bank's expanded footprint. The program aims to break down barriers for historically underserved and marginalized groups through inclusive banking products, services, and resources as part of BMO EMpower 2.0 – the bank's more than $40 billion community benefits plan. As part of the expansion, BMO has committed $200 million in lending to support the progress of minority-owned businesses. BMO's Zero Barriers to Business now helps business owners in 22 states – including Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Idaho, Illinois, Iowa, Indiana, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. "Helping our clients, colleagues and communities make real financial progress is at the core of our Purpose, to Boldly Grow the Good in business and life," said Niamh Kristufek, Head of U.S. Business Banking at BMO. "The launch of BMO's Zero Barriers to Business to our expanded footprint brings us one step closer to a more inclusive society – especially for groups facing systemic barriers – by ensuring our clients have access to capital and financial tools and education." According to BMO's Real Financial Progress Index, more minority business owners report they have started a business this year or plan to compared to non-minorities, with 16 percent of Black respondents starting a business, 9 percent of Latino, and 7 percent of Asian-Americans. Nearly 20 percent of U.S. small business owners are minority-owned, according to Forbes' Small Business Statistics of 2023 – but according to Fed Small Business' 2022 Report on Firms Owned by People of Color, borrowers of color were about half as likely as white-owned applicant firms to receive all of the financing they sought. Specifically, BMO's Zero Barriers to Business includes: Better access to capital:Business owners receive access to working capital with expanded credit criteria and competitive interest rates. Small businesses can get a revolving line of credit and/or business credit card that will allow them to pay interest on what they borrow. They can also qualify for rate discounts when setting up automatic payments from a BMO Business Checking account and get improved access to funding with specialized credit criteria. Access to education:Free access to practical tools such as business plan templates, profit improvement calculators, podcasts, webinars, and coaching to help business owners make real financial progress. Access to partnerships:BMO is continually forming new partnerships with organizations that give business owners access to meaningful networks, additional coaching, educational resources, and alternative funding sources. Since launching the program in late 2020, the bank has helped minority small businesses make real financial progress by: Approving$80 millionsmall business loans. Funding more than 3,400 small businesses. Providing more than 800 hours of educational webinars and business literacy workshops supporting 5,000 business owners in collaboration with organizations such as Illinois Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Chicago Urban League, Sunshine Enterprises, and Wisconsin Women's Business Initiative Corporation. Graduating 45 clients fromZero Barriers to Businessto qualify for traditional lending programs under standard lending criteria. Securing 40 non-profit Community Development Financial Institutions Funds (CDFI) partnerships to support access to capital, education, and networking opportunities for diverse small business owners. The expansion also comes during Hispanic Heritage Month along with a $500,000 commitment by BMO to support the creation of a Latino Business Loan Program with Colorado Enterprise Fund. The fund aims to eliminate barriers and support inclusive economic opportunity for small businesses across Colorado. Ceyl Prinster, CEO, Colorado Enterprise Fund said, Colorado Enterprise Fund's mission has always been to provide access to capital to underserved communities including minority-owned small businesses. With the funding from BMO, CEF will focus even more economic and educational resources toward Latino small business entrepreneurs throughout Colorado. [Source – Cision PR Newswire] About BMO Financial Group BMO Financial Group is the eighth largest bank in North America by assets, with total assets of $1.25 trillion as of July 31, 2023. Serving customers for 200 years and counting, BMO is a diverse team of highly engaged employees providing a broad range of personal and commercial banking, wealth management, global markets and investment banking products and services to over 13 million customers across Canada, the United States, and in select markets globally. Driven by a single purpose, to Boldly Grow the Good in business and life, BMO is committed to driving positive change in the world, and making progress for a thriving economy, sustainable future, and inclusive society.

Read More

FINANCE

Credibly Partners with Green Dot to Power Small Businesses with Simple, Seamless and Accessible Banking Solutions

Business Wire | September 29, 2023

Credibly, the data science-driven fintech lending platform that champions small- and medium-sized businesses (SMBs), is partnering with Green Dot to expand its suite of small business financial products to include accessible, intuitive and useful business banking solutions. Powered by Green Dot’s banking-as-a-service (BaaS) platform, Credibly Business Banking® will give small business owners a more seamless banking experience while addressing some of their greatest challenges with quick and easy account set up, improved cash flow management, and faster access to capital. “The demand for seamless, accessible and intuitive financial tools for businesses remains on the rise, and we are thrilled to partner with Green Dot to add small business banking to complement our lending solutions,” said Ryan Rosett, Founder and co-CEO, Credibly. “With a business checking account, customers will have faster and easier access to the cash, credit and capital they need to run and grow their business.” The U.S. continues to see a surge in new business ventures, with five million applications to start new businesses in 2022, up 42 percent from pre-pandemic levels in 2019, according to the Census Bureau. Yet more than three-quarters of small business owners say they are concerned about their ability to access capital, according to Goldman Sachs’ 10,000 Small Businesses Voices initiative, which is no surprise given 70 percent of small business owners without a business bank account are rejected for loans. Green Dot and Credibly are partnering to design business bank accounts with these challenges in mind, empowering them to more easily access the capital they need. The new accounts will feature online mobile banking with full customer service support, quick account set up, no fees for eligible deposits, overdraft protection, and a nationwide ATM network to access their money from anywhere. “Small businesses are a critical engine for economic growth, and we want to give them the power to bank seamlessly, affordably and with confidence,” said Simran Singh, Head of Enterprise Business Development, Embedded Finance, Green Dot. “We are thrilled to partner with Credibly to power entrepreneurs with solutions that save them time and provide easier access to the tools and capital they need to grow their businesses.” Green Dot is well positioned to enable Credibly to offer small business customers a quality business banking experience through its scalable and configurable BaaS platform, dedicated customer support team, and decades of experience building embedded finance offerings for some of the world’s largest brands. The Credibly Business Checking® offering is just one of multiple new product launches the company has on its roadmap. As Credibly continues to grow its product suite, the company remains focused on further refining its data science capabilities to serve an even broader range of SMB customers throughout the credit spectrum, while maintaining its emphasis on risk management and a strong culture of compliance. Providing the tools and resources SMBs need has been Credibly’s mission since 2010 and the new business banking offering in particular will enable them to support small business owners who have been unable to receive lending without having an existing business bank account. About Green Dot Green Dot Corporation is a financial technology and bank holding company committed to giving all people the power to bank seamlessly, affordably and with confidence. Green Dot's technology platform enables it to build products and features that address the most pressing financial challenges of consumers and businesses, transforming the way they manage and move money, and making financial empowerment more accessible for all. Green Dot offers a broad set of financial services to consumers and businesses, ranging from debit, prepaid and payroll cards, to embedded financial and money movement services, to tax products and more. The company’s banking-as-a-service (BaaS) platform enables a growing list of the world’s largest and most trusted consumer and technology brands to deploy seamless, configurable, value-driven money management solutions for their customers. Its digital bank GO2bank offers consumers simple and accessible mobile banking designed to help improve financial health over time. And its expansive Green Dot Network of more than 90,000 retail distribution locations nationwide – more than all remaining bank branches in the U.S. combined – enables it to operate primarily as a "branchless bank." About Credibly Credibly, a data science-driven fintech lending platform, is revolutionizing the delivery of capital to SMBs, enhancing speed, cost and customer choice. Offering an array of funding options, Credibly also provides partners access to its state-of-the-art data science capabilities. Since its inception in 2010, Credibly has channeled over $2.0 billion in capital to more than 30,000 SMBs, always with an unwavering commitment to risk management and a culture of compliance. Credibly also made history in 2017 as the first company in its field to acquire servicing rights to another alternative lender’s portfolio (250M). The company has achieved steady growth, operated continuously throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, and recorded exceptional origination numbers.

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