SMALL BUSINESS TRENDS
Swiftly | January 13, 2023
On January 12, 2023, Swiftly Systems, Inc., a best-in-class retail technology firm that provides omnichannel tools for business retailers, announced the launch of its highly-requested new SMB platform. This launch democratizes direct exposure to the Swiftly platform for more than 15,000 SMBs, empowering them with an inventive portfolio of retail tools and solutions to own their digital customer relationship on an enterprise-grade platform that has been adapted to meet the requirements of the small and mid-market retailer. In addition, this would increase Swiftly's network of retailers to over 25,000 stores throughout the United States, representing over 12% of grocery and convenience store locations.
Swiftly is making this announcement in collaboration with two launch partners, Skupos, one of the leaders in driving business outcomes in the convenience retail industry, and Alliance Retail Group, the largest self-negotiating grocery advertising group in the United States, to expedite the success of SMB shops. As a result, their clients have access to an easy-to-integrate, low-cost digital platform that offers advertising access to the nation's most extensive network of retailers.
Although today's merchants recognize the need for digital solutions to compete with big-box retailers, they have traditionally needed more technical and financial resources. This new platform solves these difficulties and develops solutions for SMBs in the aftermath of impending mergers such as Kroger and Albertsons, which are anticipated to result in higher customer sizes and stronger digital strengths, rivaling Walmart and other major retailers.
With this announcement, Swiftly significantly closes this gap, guaranteeing that small merchants do not lose business to internet giants. Moreover, by providing SMBs with the technology and resources they need to generate new income streams quicker to market, and with less upfront costs, the scales are tipped more fairly in favor of SMB merchants.
About Swiftly Systems, Inc.
Swiftly Systems, Inc. is a leading technology and retail media solutions provider for retailers. The company was founded in 2018 and has delivered revolutionary retail engagement solutions that empower retailers to control the digital consumer connection. Its retail tools, analytics tools, mobile platforms, and media network help retailers accelerate sales and develop customer loyalty while empowering brands to reach more customers and amplify campaigns using 1st-party data. As a result, the firm makes retail technology more accessible to merchants and provides them with the tools they need to succeed in a highly competitive sector.
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FINANCE
Oak Valley Community Bank | January 10, 2023
On 09 January 2023, Oak Valley Community Bank, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Oak Valley Bancorp, was recognized as the "Most Active SBA 504 Lending Partner" by Success Capital - Certified Development Corporation and the "Most Loan Guarantees Funded & Largest Total Dollar Aggregate Funded" by Valley Small Business Development Corporation during the most recent Success Capital and Valley Small Business fiscal years.
Oak Valley’s team offered $13 million in SBA 504 loans through Success Capital, and it aided the funding of $27 million in total projects, resulting in the creation or retention of approximately 100 small business jobs. Oak Valley Community Bank winning the "Most Active SBA 504 Lending Partner" award marks its 7th consecutive win. In addition, senior vice president and commercial banking officer Jeff Hushaw received the accolade of "Most Active 504 Lender" in 2022, both of which cover lending activity in San Joaquin, Merced, Stanislaus, Tuolumne, Mariposa, and Calaveras Counties.
It is the first time the bank has received the Valley Small Business accolade. The Oak Valley team funded over $3.5 million in Valley Small Business guaranteed loans for the year.
The SBA 504 and Valley Small Business lending programs offer loans to develop small businesses. Success Capital offers low down payment and fixed-rate financing via the SBA 504 Loan Program for business owners to purchase or construct facilities for their businesses. Similarly, Valley Small Business facilitates direct lending and guarantees loans to small businesses or family farms to ensure increased access to capital.
About Oak Valley Community Bank
Headquartered in Oakdale, Oak Valley Community Bank specializes in commercial lending, commercial banking, SBA lending, business banking, small business lending, agricultural lending, treasury management, commercial real estate financing, CRE lending, and Ag Lending, offering its plethora of products to individuals and small businesses. With 30 years of history, it has transformed from a single-branch operation in Oakdale to 18 locations and nearly $2.0 billion in assets.
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MANAGEMENT
AutoStore | January 11, 2023
On January 10, 2023, AutoStore, one of the leading warehouse automation companies in the world, announced the debut of Pio in North America. Pio is a plug-and-play version of AutoStore's popular cube storage technology, designed specifically for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs).
Based on a pay-per-pick service model, Pio enables SMBs, such as retailers of sporting goods, apparel, crafts, and cosmetics, to adopt robotic automation for a relatively cheap investment, thereby helping more businesses obtain access to the world's most advanced automation technology.
Mats Hovland Vikse, CEO of AutoStore, said, "We established Pio to make our technology available to smaller businesses," He also added, "Only 15 percent of the world's warehouses are automated, and fulfillment operations at smaller retailers are still largely manual. Pio levels the playing field so that enterprises of all sizes can take advantage of the space and cost efficiencies of automated storage and distribution systems."
(Source – Globe Newswire)
Retailers pay a fee for each item picked. Software, robots, and ports used in the automation are owned and maintained by Pio. Users simply need to acquire product bins and the robots' running frames. A Pio facility is modular and expandable and works on standard plug-and-play software that integrates with the most prevalent online retail and shipping platforms. In effect, Pio enables small and medium-sized businesses to compete with much larger businesses with minimal capital expenditures, increased staff, and floor space requirements.
About AutoStore
Founded in 1996, AutoStore is a robot technology company that developed and continues to innovate Cube Storage Automation - the most compact product/inventory storage solution. The company intends to combine software, hardware, and human capabilities to build the future of warehouse management. AutoStore is a multinational corporation with over a thousand systems installed in 46 countries and a variety of sectors. All sales are developed, installed, and supported by a network of authorized system integrators. The company is headquartered in Nedre Vats, Norway, with offices in offices in the United States, Oslo (Norway), the United Kingdom, Germany, South Korea, Japan, France, Spain, Italy, Austria, and Singapore
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