MAE ANDERSON

AP Business Writer

For TikTok users, mourning, frustration and clinging to hope as TikTok ban looms

The U.S. is inching closer and closer to a potential TikTok ban — with the nation’s highest court upholding a law that’s set to officially cut the cord and halt new downloads off the app starting Sunday.

The tax deadline for some small businesses affected by disasters in 2024 is drawing near

The tax deadline for some small businesses affected by severe weather in 2024 is drawing near, the IRS is reminding owners.

Small businesses brace themselves for potentially disruptive TikTok ban

A looming TikTok ban could affect the millions of small businesses that use the short-video social media app to grow their business.

Survey: Small businesses are feeling more optimistic about the economy after the election

A survey shows small business owners are feeling more optimistic about the economy following the election.

What changes should small businesses be aware of for 2025?

For small businesses, the biggest change for the new year will be the arrival of a presumably more business-friendly administration in Washington. But there are other shifts owners should keep on their radar.

Business owners should not forget anti-money laundering rule currently in legal limbo

Small business owners should not forget about a rule that requires them to register with an agency called the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network, or FinCEN, by Jan. 1. The registration is part of the Corporate Transparency Act passed in 2021.

Small businesses say cautious shoppers are seeking ‘cozy’ and ‘festive’ this holiday season

With a late Thanksgiving, the holiday shopping season is five days shorter than last year, and owners of small retail shops say that people have been quick to snap up holiday décor early, along with gifts for others and themselves.

Small businesses plan events, start marketing earlier to deal with shorter holiday shopping season

The holiday shopping season is underway, and this year small businesses have less time to capitalize on the busy shopping period. Only 27 days separate Thanksgiving and Christmas — five fewer than last year.

Small business owners brace for Trump’s proposed tariffs

Small businesses are bracing for stiff tariffs that President-elect Donald Trump has proposed as one of his first actions when he takes office.

Number of Americans filing for jobless benefits falls again and hovers near 7-month lows

The number of Americans applying for unemployment benefits fell last week, remaining near seven-month lows. Jobless claim applications fell by 2,000 to 213,000 for the week of Nov. 23.

Small business owners breathe easier over labor costs after decision to strike down overtime rule

Small business owners have had a mostly positive reaction to a judge’s decision to strike down an overtime rule that would have qualified more workers for overtime pay.

Starting a small business is hard. Exiting can be even harder, but planning early is the key

Figuring out what to do with a small business when an owner is ready to retire can be difficult, but it’s best to have a plan well in advance of making a big change.

Small businesses can capitalize on Small Business Saturday with some planning

Small Business Saturday — the Saturday after Thanksgiving — is coming up. But it doesn’t always translate to big sales for small businesses.

Veterans face challenges starting small businesses but there are plenty of resources to help

Many veterans who’ve started small businesses tell a similar story: Their military service prepared them mentally for the task, but they were at a disadvantage when it came to the financial part.

Small Business Administration-backed financing rose 7% to $56B in fiscal 2024

The Small Business Administration said it backed $56 billion in financing to small businesses and disaster-affected areas during the fiscal year ending Sept. 30, up 7% from a year prior.

Google ad change could affect millions of small businesses

Google is changing the way its Google Local Services ads work, which could affect millions of small businesses. Google Local Services ads run locally and are a big way that small businesses market their goods and services.

Business owners in disaster areas should be wary of possible scams

The devastation of Hurricanes Milton and Helene have opened the floodgates for people seeking disaster relief. Along with that comes the danger of fraud.

Small business disaster loan program is out of money until Congress approves new funds

The Small Business Administration has run out of money for its disaster assistance loans, delaying much needed relief for people applying for aid in the wake of the destruction caused by Hurricanes Helene and Milton.

After hurricanes, the business of rebuilding lives means navigating the insurance claims process

Now that the threat of Hurricanes Helene and Milton has receded, millions of homeowners and business-owners across Florida and the Southeastern U.S. are faced with traversing the often long and laborious process of using insurance to rebuild their lives.

Ahead of the presidential election, small biz owners are growing more uncertain about the economy

Small business owners are growing more uncertain about the economy ahead of the presidential election and are reining in spending, according to a new survey.

Small business disaster loan program said to be in danger of running out of funds by end of month

The Small Business Administration could run out of money to fund disaster loans in the wake of Hurricane Helene’s devastation. As is typical after a disaster, the government is offering aid to small businesses that were in Helene’s path.

The US could have seen shortages and higher retail prices if a dockworkers strike had dragged on

The union representing striking U.S. dockworkers has reached a deal to suspend the strike until Jan. 15 to provide time to negotiate a new contract.

Marketing plans are key for small businesses ahead of a tough holiday shopping season

The holidays are the busiest time of year for many small retailers and other businesses. But the holidays this year could be particularly challenging.

The US could see shortages and higher retail prices if a dockworkers strike drags on

U.S. ports from Maine to Texas are closed due to a strike by the union representing about 45,000 dockworkers.

Department of Justice sues Visa, alleges the card issuer monopolizes debit card markets

The U.S. Justice Department has filed an antitrust lawsuit against Visa, alleging that the financial services behemoth uses its size and dominance to stifle competition in the debit card market.

Almost all small businesses are using a software tool that is enabled by AI

More small firms say they’re harnessing AI to help their businesses. In a survey by The U.S. Chamber of Commerce and Teneo, nearly every small business — 98% — said they are utilizing a tool that is enabled by AI.

How small businesses can recover from break-ins and theft

Break-ins and thefts can happen at any small business, no matter how tight the security. In the retail sector alone, more than half of small businesses said they had been victims of shoplifting in in the prior year, according to a 2022 survey by the U.S.

Labor costs remain high for small businesses, but a report shows wage growth is slowing for some

Employee wages are one of the biggest costs for small businesses. A new survey found some owners may be seeing a bit of relief when it comes to wages.

COVID-19 government disaster loans saved businesses, but saddled survivors with debt

In 2020 and 2021, COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster Loans were a lifeline for small businesses. But now some small businesses are having trouble paying them off.

Fake online reviews and testimonials are a headache for small businesses. They hope the FTC can help

Online reviews and testimonials are a key way that small businesses can attract new customers and boost sales of products. But fake reviews and testimonials can make it harder for people to trust what they read online and ultimately hurt businesses.