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5 Marketing Technology Trends for 2020

“The aim of marketing is to make selling superfluous.” Peter F. Drucker Tweet This! While selling is an art, it solely depends on the fact how much marketing efforts you have put in to make it possible. And when it comes to marketing efforts it will be incomplete unless you leverage modern technology to attain these marketing goals as ‘modern marketing requires modern solutions.’ These technologies when utilized effectively work wonders in terms of brand awareness and sales conversion.

Spotlight

Ayla Networks

Ayla Networks provides the industry’s first Agile IoT Platform, accelerating development, support, and ongoing enhancements of connected products for the Internet of Things. Ayla’s software fabric runs across devices, cloud, and apps to create secure connectivity, data analytics, and feature-rich customer experiences.

OTHER ARTICLES
SMALL BUSINESS ADVICE, BUSINESS STRATEGY

Bridging B2B Gaps: MyTradeZone's Innovative Approach to Business Networking

Article | July 20, 2023

Become a member of MyTradeZone.com and build your permanent online booth showcasing your company profile, products, and services at the always-open networking event – it only takes minutes – the site is free to join. While social media demonstrates its prowess as a potent instrument for establishing connections with prospective clients and bolstering lead generation within the B2B sector, one vital challenge remains - the absence of a dedicated platform exclusively tailored for B2B enterprises. MyTradeZone has emerged as a guiding light within this domain, presenting a comprehensive solution customized to cater to the needs of B2B professionals and leaders. MyTradeZone's intelligent B2B search engine is your gateway to connect with other businesses to promote your products and services and to source products and services from suppliers. According to Forbes, 91% of small businesses used social media as a way of connecting with their market in 2021. A Gartner report also revealed that approximately 40% of B2B buyers use social media to help inform their purchasing decisions. Meanwhile, around 84% of C-level and VP-level buyers are influenced by social media when purchasing, according to International Data Group. However, despite the variegated benefits of social media, B2B players face significant hurdles when they lack a unified platform to conduct their operations. They lack a trade and social networking site for businesses. Without such a platform, they struggle to access the benefits that come with it, including: Difficulty in reaching niche audiences of professionals and businesses. Limited access to industry-specific products and services with insights and content. Struggles in fostering networking connections that actually count. Inability to personalize business content for improved and direct engagement. Challenges in utilizing specialized tools for effective lead generation. Concerns regarding data privacy and security. Dealing with overcrowded and chaotic digital spaces. Struggles in achieving measurable returns on investment directly aligned with business goals. Cost-effectively promoting their products & services, and generating leads. Taking advantage of emerging AI technology to do smart match-making. Furthermore, the costs and limitations of physical events exacerbate these challenges, such as: Participating in multiple physical trade shows and events at different locations is costly and often not feasible. This leads to missed opportunities for companies to reach potential prospects effectively. Networking opportunities at physical events are limited to the event's duration. The lack of a B2B creator ecosystem with monetization tools compounds these challenges. To address these challenges, B2B marketers often seek alternative approaches, such as an extensive exploration of various social media channels to reach and engage their target audience. Unfortunately, these efforts frequently fall short of achieving their desired results. In such a scenario, imagine the ease and convenience of having an innovative all-in-one solution readily available! MyTradeZone has emerged as a beacon in this space, offering a comprehensive solution tailored to B2B professionals. Here’s why it stands out: Targeted B2B Networking and Lead Generation MyTradeZone addresses the primary challenge of reaching a precise audience in the B2B sector. With its tailored approach, businesses can engage directly with other professionals, bypassing the clutter typically found on generic social media platforms. This precision in networking leads to more effective lead generation and relationship building. A Social Network Dedicated to Business One of the platform's strengths is its ability to provide users with access to social networking and collaboration tools specialized for B2B networking. Customizable and Intelligent Matchmaking The platform's AI-driven algorithms offer intelligent matchmaking and recommendations, aligning businesses with potential clients and partners who share similar interests and needs. This results in highly efficient and relevant connections. Monetization Opportunities for Creators MyTradeZone recognizes the importance of content creation in the B2B space. It empowers creators to monetize their work through peer-to-peer payments, creating a vibrant ecosystem for sharing valuable industry knowledge. Event and Trade Show Integration For trade associations and event organizers, MyTradeZone presents a unique opportunity to enhance their offerings. By integrating their events and trade shows into the platform, they can offer additional value to members and sponsors, extending networking opportunities beyond the limitations of physical event dates. Enhanced Data Privacy and Security In a world where data privacy and security are paramount, MyTradeZone places a strong emphasis on protecting its users' information. This commitment to security builds trust and credibility among its users. It enables users to exercise control over their privacy settings, allowing them to determine both the content that is displayed and the audience with whom it is shared. User-Friendly Interface and Tools The platform is designed with user-friendliness in mind. Businesses can easily establish a permanent profile, engage in discussions, manage groups, and utilize various tools for content sharing and collaboration. Provides a Unique Platform for Advertisers and Marketers MyTradeZone’s B2B search engine offers highly targeted – and – cost-effective advertisements to both buyers and sellers. Also, it provides a highly targeted audience with measurable metrics. Visionary Leadership Under the guidance of CEO and Chairman, Bachir Kassir, MyTradeZone leverages his extensive experience in the software and B2B industry to provide a platform that truly understands and meets the needs of its users. MyTradeZone.com also offers paid premium plans. You can see the details at https://mytradezone.com/pricing. For example, you can upgrade your listing from a free to Business Essential plan, and you can automatically have up to 10 keyword phrases of your choice where you company appear on the top of a search results. This alone worth trying the premium edition. MyTradeZone offers more than just a B2B social network; it provides a holistic solution for businesses looking to master the intricacies of the digital realm. With its focused approach, innovative features, and commitment to user experience, it stands as an indispensable tool for any B2B professional looking to make a mark in today's competitive environment. For additional inquiries, reach out to contact@mytradezone.com. Meanwhile, to stay updated on future platform improvements and promotions, connect with us at MyTradeZone.com. Scan the QR for more details.

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Business Strategy

5 Tax-Related Resolutions for Smarter Small Business Accounting in 2020

Article | June 2, 2023

Accountants working with small businesses often play the role of business advisors, especially when it comes to educating their clients about tax regulations and reducing their tax bill by taking all legitimate factors into account. We’ve gathered four tips that accounting professionals can use as a check-list to give to their small and mid-size business owner clients looking to make better financial decisions this year.

Read More
Technology

7 BIGGEST ENTREPRENEURIAL MISTAKES

Article | July 17, 2023

This is the first post in a seven-part-series detailing the biggest entrepreneurial mistakes business owners make. The series will run over the next few weeks so check back to learn more. These are the 7 Biggest Mistakes I have seen entrepreneurs and companies make that can devalue their Intellectual Property (“IP”) portfolio, damage their brand, or sink a deal. If you are considering turning your idea into a business, read this carefully first. There are other mistakes you can make, but these are the deal-breakers. Any one of these can cost you big bucks, credibility in the eyes of investors and potential partners, and ultimately lead to evaporation of the value of your idea.

Read More

How to Report Revenue on a Small-Business Credit Card Application

Article | February 10, 2020

When filling out the “revenue” portion of a small-business credit card application, you want to make your small business or side hustle look its very best without stretching the truth. But revenue can swing dramatically from year to year, and credit card applications often don’t spell out what you should or shouldn’t include when reporting it. So what counts as an honest, just-the-facts answer? Generally, in credit card applications, issuers want to know your verifiable gross revenue from the previous year.

Read More
SMALL BUSINESS ADVICE, BUSINESS STRATEGY

Building a Resilient SMB E-commerce: Best Practices for 2023

Article | July 20, 2023

Become a member of MyTradeZone.com and build your permanent online booth showcasing your company profile, products, and services at the always-open networking event – it only takes minutes – the site is free to join. While social media demonstrates its prowess as a potent instrument for establishing connections with prospective clients and bolstering lead generation within the B2B sector, one vital challenge remains - the absence of a dedicated platform exclusively tailored for B2B enterprises. MyTradeZone has emerged as a guiding light within this domain, presenting a comprehensive solution customized to cater to the needs of B2B professionals and leaders. MyTradeZone's intelligent B2B search engine is your gateway to connect with other businesses to promote your products and services and to source products and services from suppliers. According to Forbes, 91% of small businesses used social media as a way of connecting with their market in 2021. A Gartner report also revealed that approximately 40% of B2B buyers use social media to help inform their purchasing decisions. Meanwhile, around 84% of C-level and VP-level buyers are influenced by social media when purchasing, according to International Data Group. However, despite the variegated benefits of social media, B2B players face significant hurdles when they lack a unified platform to conduct their operations. They lack a trade and social networking site for businesses. Without such a platform, they struggle to access the benefits that come with it, including: Difficulty in reaching niche audiences of professionals and businesses. Limited access to industry-specific products and services with insights and content. Struggles in fostering networking connections that actually count. Inability to personalize business content for improved and direct engagement. Challenges in utilizing specialized tools for effective lead generation. Concerns regarding data privacy and security. Dealing with overcrowded and chaotic digital spaces. Struggles in achieving measurable returns on investment directly aligned with business goals. Cost-effectively promoting their products & services, and generating leads. Taking advantage of emerging AI technology to do smart match-making. Furthermore, the costs and limitations of physical events exacerbate these challenges, such as: Participating in multiple physical trade shows and events at different locations is costly and often not feasible. This leads to missed opportunities for companies to reach potential prospects effectively. Networking opportunities at physical events are limited to the event's duration. The lack of a B2B creator ecosystem with monetization tools compounds these challenges. To address these challenges, B2B marketers often seek alternative approaches, such as an extensive exploration of various social media channels to reach and engage their target audience. Unfortunately, these efforts frequently fall short of achieving their desired results. In such a scenario, imagine the ease and convenience of having an innovative all-in-one solution readily available! MyTradeZone has emerged as a beacon in this space, offering a comprehensive solution tailored to B2B professionals. Here’s why it stands out: Targeted B2B Networking and Lead Generation MyTradeZone addresses the primary challenge of reaching a precise audience in the B2B sector. With its tailored approach, businesses can engage directly with other professionals, bypassing the clutter typically found on generic social media platforms. This precision in networking leads to more effective lead generation and relationship building. A Social Network Dedicated to Business One of the platform's strengths is its ability to provide users with access to social networking and collaboration tools specialized for B2B networking. Customizable and Intelligent Matchmaking The platform's AI-driven algorithms offer intelligent matchmaking and recommendations, aligning businesses with potential clients and partners who share similar interests and needs. This results in highly efficient and relevant connections. Monetization Opportunities for Creators MyTradeZone recognizes the importance of content creation in the B2B space. It empowers creators to monetize their work through peer-to-peer payments, creating a vibrant ecosystem for sharing valuable industry knowledge. Event and Trade Show Integration For trade associations and event organizers, MyTradeZone presents a unique opportunity to enhance their offerings. By integrating their events and trade shows into the platform, they can offer additional value to members and sponsors, extending networking opportunities beyond the limitations of physical event dates. Enhanced Data Privacy and Security In a world where data privacy and security are paramount, MyTradeZone places a strong emphasis on protecting its users' information. This commitment to security builds trust and credibility among its users. It enables users to exercise control over their privacy settings, allowing them to determine both the content that is displayed and the audience with whom it is shared. User-Friendly Interface and Tools The platform is designed with user-friendliness in mind. Businesses can easily establish a permanent profile, engage in discussions, manage groups, and utilize various tools for content sharing and collaboration. Provides a Unique Platform for Advertisers and Marketers MyTradeZone’s B2B search engine offers highly targeted – and – cost-effective advertisements to both buyers and sellers. Also, it provides a highly targeted audience with measurable metrics. Visionary Leadership Under the guidance of CEO and Chairman, Bachir Kassir, MyTradeZone leverages his extensive experience in the software and B2B industry to provide a platform that truly understands and meets the needs of its users. MyTradeZone.com also offers paid premium plans. You can see the details at https://mytradezone.com/pricing. For example, you can upgrade your listing from a free to Business Essential plan, and you can automatically have up to 10 keyword phrases of your choice where you company appear on the top of a search results. This alone worth trying the premium edition. MyTradeZone offers more than just a B2B social network; it provides a holistic solution for businesses looking to master the intricacies of the digital realm. With its focused approach, innovative features, and commitment to user experience, it stands as an indispensable tool for any B2B professional looking to make a mark in today's competitive environment. For additional inquiries, reach out to contact@mytradezone.com. Meanwhile, to stay updated on future platform improvements and promotions, connect with us at MyTradeZone.com. Scan the QR for more details.

Read More
Business Strategy

Digital Transformation in SMBs: Overcoming E-commerce Challenges

Article | June 2, 2023

Accountants working with small businesses often play the role of business advisors, especially when it comes to educating their clients about tax regulations and reducing their tax bill by taking all legitimate factors into account. We’ve gathered four tips that accounting professionals can use as a check-list to give to their small and mid-size business owner clients looking to make better financial decisions this year.

Read More
Technology

Building Successful E-commerce Businesses for SMBs

Article | July 17, 2023

This is the first post in a seven-part-series detailing the biggest entrepreneurial mistakes business owners make. The series will run over the next few weeks so check back to learn more. These are the 7 Biggest Mistakes I have seen entrepreneurs and companies make that can devalue their Intellectual Property (“IP”) portfolio, damage their brand, or sink a deal. If you are considering turning your idea into a business, read this carefully first. There are other mistakes you can make, but these are the deal-breakers. Any one of these can cost you big bucks, credibility in the eyes of investors and potential partners, and ultimately lead to evaporation of the value of your idea.

Read More

How to Report Revenue on a Small-Business Credit Card Application

Article | February 10, 2020

When filling out the “revenue” portion of a small-business credit card application, you want to make your small business or side hustle look its very best without stretching the truth. But revenue can swing dramatically from year to year, and credit card applications often don’t spell out what you should or shouldn’t include when reporting it. So what counts as an honest, just-the-facts answer? Generally, in credit card applications, issuers want to know your verifiable gross revenue from the previous year.

Read More
MORE ARTICLES

Spotlight

Ayla Networks

Ayla Networks provides the industry’s first Agile IoT Platform, accelerating development, support, and ongoing enhancements of connected products for the Internet of Things. Ayla’s software fabric runs across devices, cloud, and apps to create secure connectivity, data analytics, and feature-rich customer experiences.

Related News

MARKETING AND NETWORKING, TECHNOLOGY

MSUFCU and Nymbus Unite to Elevate Services for SMBs: A Transformative Collaboration Focused on Meeting Needs of Small and Medium Businesses

Businesswire | August 03, 2023

Nymbus, a premier provider of cloud-based financial technology solutions, is proud to announce that Michigan State University Federal Credit Union (MSUFCU) has partnered with Nymbus to deliver Nymbus SMB, a feature-rich, compliant, “bank in a box” solution designed to enable Credit Unions to serve the rapidly growing Small and Medium Business (SMB) market. Recognizing the dominance of three megabanks that hold 47% of the market and the significantly smaller market share of community banks and credit unions at just 18%, Nymbus has identified a pressing need for its Nymbus SMB initiative to help level the playing field and amplify the competitiveness of credit unions. The collaboration between MSUFCU and Nymbus will pioneer a next-generation approach, enabling credit unions and regional banks to gain an edge in the intensifying SMB banking market. Through this partnership, Nymbus and MSUFCU are stepping up to fill the void left by traditional banking tech providers, which have struggled to evolve and adequately equip credit unions to capitalize on emerging market opportunities such as the rapidly expanding SMB sector. In the wake of its recent $70 million Series D funding round—where MSUFCU also participated as an investor—Nymbus is ramping up its support for credit unions, working diligently to bridge the digital divide. Through its Nymbus SMB solution, Nymbus equips credit unions with essential digital tools to better serve SMBs, consequently expanding their market presence and establishing them as key strategic partners for SMB growth. This solution includes cost-effective services like invoicing, cash management tools, cash flow analytics and a modern digital banking platform operating through a standalone technical infrastructure. Jeffery Kendall, CEO of Nymbus, expressed his enthusiasm about the collaboration. "This partnership represents a pivotal opportunity for credit unions as we equip them with the modern tools and services they need to effectively meet the needs of the growing SMB market," Kendall said. "Our Nymbus SMB solution is a game changer that delivers value and fills the gap left by legacy credit union technology providers." April Clobes, President and CEO of MSUFCU, also shared her insights. "Aligning with Nymbus on this vital project is a strategic move for MSUFCU, as it allows us to enhance our product offerings and deliver top-tier services to small business owners. Through this collaboration, we’re showing our dedication to the businesses that are the connectors of our communities,” remarked Clobes. The partnership with MSUFCU underscores Nymbus’ position as a frontrunner in the fintech arena, understanding that credit unions can serve small and medium businesses at a lower cost than the current market offerings and with a level of service that keeps those costs down. Nymbus continues redefining the future of financial services, fostering growth and creating unparalleled value for credit unions and the small business community. About Nymbus: Nymbus has disrupted the financial services market as an alternative to legacy business models. With Nymbus, any size financial institution can quickly launch a full-service digital bank or migrate to our award-winning core. Whichever growth strategy is right for you, Nymbus buys back decades of lost time to engage and support the entire digital customer journey. About MSUFCU: Founded in 1937, MSUFCU has a national reputation for excellence and has received several top industry and workplace awards, including being named a Best Credit Union to Work For® by American Banker for the fifth year, a Top Workplace by the Detroit Free Press for 11 consecutive years, a National Best and Brightest Companies to Work For® winner for six consecutive years, and was named one of the top five Michigan credit unions in Forbes’ Best-in-State Credit Unions 2021 list. MSUFCU was named a Best Workplace in Financial Services and Insurance by Fortune Magazine two consecutive years and has been certified as a Great Place to Work® for nine consecutive years. MSUFCU has been recognized by the Credit Union National Association, earning first place for the people-helping-people philosophy Louise Herring Award. MSUFCU is headquartered in East Lansing, Mich., has 24 branches, nearly 350,000 members, more than $7.5 billion in assets, and nearly 1,100 employees.

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Marketing and Networking

Rootstock Software Recognized as an ERP Leader in the Nucleus Research 2023 SMB ERP Value Matrix

Businesswire | July 06, 2023

Rootstock Software today announced that it has earned a “Leader” ranking on Nucleus Research’s Small and Midsize (SMB) ERP Value Matrix. “We’re thrilled to have been named an ERP Leader on the Nucleus Value Matrix for the second year running,” said David Stephans, CEO of Rootstock Software. “This achievement is due in large part to our amazing customers who have given our manufacturing ERP high marks in terms of supporting their unique growth objectives. For this report, several of our customers stepped forward to share their success stories, illustrating how they’ve used our cloud ERP to achieve value and a return on investment. This ranking is also a testament to our product team that has worked tirelessly to deliver ongoing innovation to the ERP space.” According to this report, ERP leaders like Rootstock have successfully catered to the needs of their small- to mid-sized customers by providing industry-specific capabilities, self-service analytics, and easy-to-configure functionality. In this regard, Rootstock’s ERP is purpose-built for manufacturers, offering industry-specific workflows, reports, and dashboards pre-configured for manufacturing use cases. Since the last Nucleus ERP Value Matrix, Rootstock has made significant product enhancements, including the launch of Enterprise Insights, a set of end-to-end business intelligence apps for manufacturers, and Digital Supplier Collaboration, which helps customers streamline sourcing, supply chain monitoring, and real-time supplier coordination. Isaac Gould, research manager at Nucleus and lead author of the report, said, “Businesses prioritize quick time-to-value and a manageable total cost of ownership (TCO) from their ERP systems, especially in the midmarket. We recognize Rootstock as a leader this year for delivering core functionality for manufacturers to run their businesses with the added value of the Salesforce Platform. Rootstock customers demonstrate strong proficiencies in getting the most out of their ERP for production, quality management, project management, analytics, and workflow automations on their own without a deep IT bench.” About Rootstock Software Rootstock Software provides the leading Manufacturing Cloud ERP, which empowers hundreds of manufacturers to turbocharge their operations in today's dynamic, post-pandemic world. Natively built on the Salesforce Platform, Rootstock delivers a futureproof solution. With it, manufacturers gain the agility to continually transform their businesses to meet evolving customer needs, navigate emerging challenges, and accelerate success. In addition, the "connectability" of Rootstock Cloud ERP gives manufacturers 360° visibility to collaborate with suppliers, trading partners, and the broader value chain.

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Marketing and Networking

Interise and the Urban League Bring NextStage Minority Business Entrepreneur Academy & NextStage Accelerator to Massachusetts Gateway Cities

PRnewswire | May 31, 2023

Interise, a national non-profit headquartered in Boston, has partnered with The Urban League of Springfield and Urban League of Eastern Massachusetts to offer NextStage Minority Business Entrepreneur Academy and NextStage Accelerator powered by Interise."We are excited to bring these programs to our small business community as they are the heart of each town and city in the region", said Urban League of Eastern Massachusetts Interim CEO & President Dr. Keith Motley. "NextStage Minority Business Entrepreneur Academy and NextStage Accelerator will provide a welcomed boost to Springfield area minority-owned small business, and we are grateful for this partnership with Interise and Urban League of Eastern Massachusetts," added Urban League of Springfield Consultant/CEO & President Yvette M. Frisby. The programs will use Interise's StreetWise MBA curriculum with an emphasis on procurement readiness and provide minority-owned small businesses with the knowledge, know-how and networks needed for business growth and expansion."These programs are yet another way to provide much-needed assistance to minority-owned small business owners located in key cities throughout the state of Massachusetts," said Interise CEO Darrell Byers. "We are honored to partner with Urban League of Springfield and Urban League of Eastern Massachusetts on this important initiative." Nationwide approximately 10 to 18% of small businesses are BIPOC-owned, while less than 1.5% of BIPOC-owned small businesses are successful in securing contracts. Securing long-term contracts provides predictable revenue, a critical success factor for any small business.Historically, Interise companies become-contract ready through StreetWise'MBA' program. Companies that have completed these programs have achieved greater success procuring contracts with an average increase in revenue of 36% and a job creation rate 4x that of the private sector. Byers added, "We have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to develop a more inclusive economy in Massachusetts by helping BIPOC-owned small businesses secure government and corporate contracts. The Federal Infrastructure Bill alone comprises a total spending of more than $3 trillion over the next five to ten years." The program will be offered throughout the Commonwealth with a focus on Gateway Cities and is funded through a $3 million earmark from the Federal American Rescue Plan Act in a spending bill signed by former Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker.The first cohorts began in April in Holyoke, Worcester County and Merrimack Valley and subsequent cohorts will launch in Pittsfield, Fall River, New Bedford, Lynn, and Springfield in the next few weeks. The programs will also launch in Boston and Brockton later this year. NextStage Accelerator will be offered in both English and Spanish while NextStage Minority Business Entrepreneur Academy will be in English only. About Interise Interise builds diverse and inclusive local economies through small business development, supporting the growth of minority-owned small businesses and small businesses located in low- and moderate-income communities. Interise contributes to inclusive economic development through its national research on the growth of established small businesses and its award-winning business development programs. As Interise companies grow, they contribute to local job creation and build community wealth. Interise companies historically create new jobs at five times the rate of the private sector and are responsible for the creation of over 30,000 new jobs. Interise partners with government agencies, anchor institutions, and business associations to offer the StreetWise 'MBA'™ program in more than 80 cities nationwide. Strategic Growth Partners include the Kauffman Foundation, the TD Bank Foundation, the Wells Fargo Foundation and the Prudential Foundation. About The Urban League of Springfield, Inc. The Urban League of Springfield, Inc., serves the African American Community in Greater Springfield by advocating for and providing model services that enhance the academic and social development of young people and families, promoting economic self-sufficiency, and fostering racial inclusion and social justice. About The Urban League of Eastern Massachusetts The Urban League of Eastern Massachusetts (ULEM) is a 501c3 nonprofit organization and one of the oldest affiliates within the National Urban League movement. Since 1919, the doors opened to the at-large Boston community and surrounding metropolitan area residents, ULEM has been employing a multi-point strategy to deliver services and programs which aim to increase self-reliance, specifically in the area of workforce and economic development.

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MARKETING AND NETWORKING, TECHNOLOGY

MSUFCU and Nymbus Unite to Elevate Services for SMBs: A Transformative Collaboration Focused on Meeting Needs of Small and Medium Businesses

Businesswire | August 03, 2023

Nymbus, a premier provider of cloud-based financial technology solutions, is proud to announce that Michigan State University Federal Credit Union (MSUFCU) has partnered with Nymbus to deliver Nymbus SMB, a feature-rich, compliant, “bank in a box” solution designed to enable Credit Unions to serve the rapidly growing Small and Medium Business (SMB) market. Recognizing the dominance of three megabanks that hold 47% of the market and the significantly smaller market share of community banks and credit unions at just 18%, Nymbus has identified a pressing need for its Nymbus SMB initiative to help level the playing field and amplify the competitiveness of credit unions. The collaboration between MSUFCU and Nymbus will pioneer a next-generation approach, enabling credit unions and regional banks to gain an edge in the intensifying SMB banking market. Through this partnership, Nymbus and MSUFCU are stepping up to fill the void left by traditional banking tech providers, which have struggled to evolve and adequately equip credit unions to capitalize on emerging market opportunities such as the rapidly expanding SMB sector. In the wake of its recent $70 million Series D funding round—where MSUFCU also participated as an investor—Nymbus is ramping up its support for credit unions, working diligently to bridge the digital divide. Through its Nymbus SMB solution, Nymbus equips credit unions with essential digital tools to better serve SMBs, consequently expanding their market presence and establishing them as key strategic partners for SMB growth. This solution includes cost-effective services like invoicing, cash management tools, cash flow analytics and a modern digital banking platform operating through a standalone technical infrastructure. Jeffery Kendall, CEO of Nymbus, expressed his enthusiasm about the collaboration. "This partnership represents a pivotal opportunity for credit unions as we equip them with the modern tools and services they need to effectively meet the needs of the growing SMB market," Kendall said. "Our Nymbus SMB solution is a game changer that delivers value and fills the gap left by legacy credit union technology providers." April Clobes, President and CEO of MSUFCU, also shared her insights. "Aligning with Nymbus on this vital project is a strategic move for MSUFCU, as it allows us to enhance our product offerings and deliver top-tier services to small business owners. Through this collaboration, we’re showing our dedication to the businesses that are the connectors of our communities,” remarked Clobes. The partnership with MSUFCU underscores Nymbus’ position as a frontrunner in the fintech arena, understanding that credit unions can serve small and medium businesses at a lower cost than the current market offerings and with a level of service that keeps those costs down. Nymbus continues redefining the future of financial services, fostering growth and creating unparalleled value for credit unions and the small business community. About Nymbus: Nymbus has disrupted the financial services market as an alternative to legacy business models. With Nymbus, any size financial institution can quickly launch a full-service digital bank or migrate to our award-winning core. Whichever growth strategy is right for you, Nymbus buys back decades of lost time to engage and support the entire digital customer journey. About MSUFCU: Founded in 1937, MSUFCU has a national reputation for excellence and has received several top industry and workplace awards, including being named a Best Credit Union to Work For® by American Banker for the fifth year, a Top Workplace by the Detroit Free Press for 11 consecutive years, a National Best and Brightest Companies to Work For® winner for six consecutive years, and was named one of the top five Michigan credit unions in Forbes’ Best-in-State Credit Unions 2021 list. MSUFCU was named a Best Workplace in Financial Services and Insurance by Fortune Magazine two consecutive years and has been certified as a Great Place to Work® for nine consecutive years. MSUFCU has been recognized by the Credit Union National Association, earning first place for the people-helping-people philosophy Louise Herring Award. MSUFCU is headquartered in East Lansing, Mich., has 24 branches, nearly 350,000 members, more than $7.5 billion in assets, and nearly 1,100 employees.

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Marketing and Networking

Rootstock Software Recognized as an ERP Leader in the Nucleus Research 2023 SMB ERP Value Matrix

Businesswire | July 06, 2023

Rootstock Software today announced that it has earned a “Leader” ranking on Nucleus Research’s Small and Midsize (SMB) ERP Value Matrix. “We’re thrilled to have been named an ERP Leader on the Nucleus Value Matrix for the second year running,” said David Stephans, CEO of Rootstock Software. “This achievement is due in large part to our amazing customers who have given our manufacturing ERP high marks in terms of supporting their unique growth objectives. For this report, several of our customers stepped forward to share their success stories, illustrating how they’ve used our cloud ERP to achieve value and a return on investment. This ranking is also a testament to our product team that has worked tirelessly to deliver ongoing innovation to the ERP space.” According to this report, ERP leaders like Rootstock have successfully catered to the needs of their small- to mid-sized customers by providing industry-specific capabilities, self-service analytics, and easy-to-configure functionality. In this regard, Rootstock’s ERP is purpose-built for manufacturers, offering industry-specific workflows, reports, and dashboards pre-configured for manufacturing use cases. Since the last Nucleus ERP Value Matrix, Rootstock has made significant product enhancements, including the launch of Enterprise Insights, a set of end-to-end business intelligence apps for manufacturers, and Digital Supplier Collaboration, which helps customers streamline sourcing, supply chain monitoring, and real-time supplier coordination. Isaac Gould, research manager at Nucleus and lead author of the report, said, “Businesses prioritize quick time-to-value and a manageable total cost of ownership (TCO) from their ERP systems, especially in the midmarket. We recognize Rootstock as a leader this year for delivering core functionality for manufacturers to run their businesses with the added value of the Salesforce Platform. Rootstock customers demonstrate strong proficiencies in getting the most out of their ERP for production, quality management, project management, analytics, and workflow automations on their own without a deep IT bench.” About Rootstock Software Rootstock Software provides the leading Manufacturing Cloud ERP, which empowers hundreds of manufacturers to turbocharge their operations in today's dynamic, post-pandemic world. Natively built on the Salesforce Platform, Rootstock delivers a futureproof solution. With it, manufacturers gain the agility to continually transform their businesses to meet evolving customer needs, navigate emerging challenges, and accelerate success. In addition, the "connectability" of Rootstock Cloud ERP gives manufacturers 360° visibility to collaborate with suppliers, trading partners, and the broader value chain.

Read More

Marketing and Networking

Interise and the Urban League Bring NextStage Minority Business Entrepreneur Academy & NextStage Accelerator to Massachusetts Gateway Cities

PRnewswire | May 31, 2023

Interise, a national non-profit headquartered in Boston, has partnered with The Urban League of Springfield and Urban League of Eastern Massachusetts to offer NextStage Minority Business Entrepreneur Academy and NextStage Accelerator powered by Interise."We are excited to bring these programs to our small business community as they are the heart of each town and city in the region", said Urban League of Eastern Massachusetts Interim CEO & President Dr. Keith Motley. "NextStage Minority Business Entrepreneur Academy and NextStage Accelerator will provide a welcomed boost to Springfield area minority-owned small business, and we are grateful for this partnership with Interise and Urban League of Eastern Massachusetts," added Urban League of Springfield Consultant/CEO & President Yvette M. Frisby. The programs will use Interise's StreetWise MBA curriculum with an emphasis on procurement readiness and provide minority-owned small businesses with the knowledge, know-how and networks needed for business growth and expansion."These programs are yet another way to provide much-needed assistance to minority-owned small business owners located in key cities throughout the state of Massachusetts," said Interise CEO Darrell Byers. "We are honored to partner with Urban League of Springfield and Urban League of Eastern Massachusetts on this important initiative." Nationwide approximately 10 to 18% of small businesses are BIPOC-owned, while less than 1.5% of BIPOC-owned small businesses are successful in securing contracts. Securing long-term contracts provides predictable revenue, a critical success factor for any small business.Historically, Interise companies become-contract ready through StreetWise'MBA' program. Companies that have completed these programs have achieved greater success procuring contracts with an average increase in revenue of 36% and a job creation rate 4x that of the private sector. Byers added, "We have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to develop a more inclusive economy in Massachusetts by helping BIPOC-owned small businesses secure government and corporate contracts. The Federal Infrastructure Bill alone comprises a total spending of more than $3 trillion over the next five to ten years." The program will be offered throughout the Commonwealth with a focus on Gateway Cities and is funded through a $3 million earmark from the Federal American Rescue Plan Act in a spending bill signed by former Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker.The first cohorts began in April in Holyoke, Worcester County and Merrimack Valley and subsequent cohorts will launch in Pittsfield, Fall River, New Bedford, Lynn, and Springfield in the next few weeks. The programs will also launch in Boston and Brockton later this year. NextStage Accelerator will be offered in both English and Spanish while NextStage Minority Business Entrepreneur Academy will be in English only. About Interise Interise builds diverse and inclusive local economies through small business development, supporting the growth of minority-owned small businesses and small businesses located in low- and moderate-income communities. Interise contributes to inclusive economic development through its national research on the growth of established small businesses and its award-winning business development programs. As Interise companies grow, they contribute to local job creation and build community wealth. Interise companies historically create new jobs at five times the rate of the private sector and are responsible for the creation of over 30,000 new jobs. Interise partners with government agencies, anchor institutions, and business associations to offer the StreetWise 'MBA'™ program in more than 80 cities nationwide. Strategic Growth Partners include the Kauffman Foundation, the TD Bank Foundation, the Wells Fargo Foundation and the Prudential Foundation. About The Urban League of Springfield, Inc. The Urban League of Springfield, Inc., serves the African American Community in Greater Springfield by advocating for and providing model services that enhance the academic and social development of young people and families, promoting economic self-sufficiency, and fostering racial inclusion and social justice. About The Urban League of Eastern Massachusetts The Urban League of Eastern Massachusetts (ULEM) is a 501c3 nonprofit organization and one of the oldest affiliates within the National Urban League movement. Since 1919, the doors opened to the at-large Boston community and surrounding metropolitan area residents, ULEM has been employing a multi-point strategy to deliver services and programs which aim to increase self-reliance, specifically in the area of workforce and economic development.

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