Blogs

We are proud of our work this year serving small businesses and independent entrepreneurs. As we prepare to expand this work in 2019, we’re taking time to reflect on our successes over the last year. 

This was certainly a year of expansion for Small Business Majority. We worked hard to bring new resources to underserved communities and supported new policies that will benefit small business owners. Here are six of our biggest accomplishments in 2018: 

As a twenty-something woman in business with her parents, Molly Leadbetter often finds herself trying to convince customers that she is an equal partner in the family-owned Meriwether Cider Company in Boise, Idaho.

On Small Business Saturday we’re all encouraged to “shop small,” which is great for the millions of small companies in California and elsewhere. But how many people think about helping small businesses beyond that one day? We should, because we can do more to assist small firms than just buying holiday gifts from them—we can also help them invest in energy efficiency. 

Open enrollment to purchase health insurance plans for 2019 through the Affordable Care Act (ACA) individual marketplaces has started. This open enrollment season, we are partnering with Fiverr and Postmates to highlight the importance of enrolling and share important resources to help you get covered. Fiverr, Postmates and Small Business Majority are coordinating marketing and educational efforts to engage independent workers, remind them of important deadlines and promote resources that can help you navigate your options.

This Saturday, November 24, is Small Business Saturday! It’s a great occasion to kick off your holiday marketing and get customers in the door. While small businesses may not have access to expensive marketing gimmicks, you can make up for it in creativity and excellent customer service, and utilize the many resources available to small business owners.

Small Business Majority is proud to partner with the Veterans Business Resource Center (VBRC), an organization based in Missouri that provides mentorship and trainings for veteran small business owners, while also assisting their transition back to civilian life.

This Veteran’s Day, we want you to meet veteran and small business owner Michael Taylor of Michael Taylor Culinary Solutions in San Diego. In honor of his fellow veterans, Michael shares his story with us about how he addressed his struggles with mental health and how his service helped foster his entrepreneurial nature.  

When Maritza Gomez couldn't get a job, she took matters into her own hands and started a business.

Maritza, who owns MG Custom Printing in Riverside, Calif., moved to the United States from Mexico when she was nine. After starting her business, she decided to study business at California State University San Bernardino. While she was in school she became involved with the business programs on campus that further developed her entrepreneurial spirit.

Technology has transformed the way small companies do business, and while this has helped small businesses and entrepreneurs access more customers and new markets in new ways, it’s essential that we talk about the risks associated with moving business online. The rise of new technology can lead to severe security issues, and unfortunately many small businesses are unaware of measures they can take to help ensure the security of their and their customers’ information. That’s why we’re sharing tips and resources for small businesses during October’s National Cybersecurity Awareness Month.

Women entrepreneurs contribute significantly to America’s economy and women are opening businesses at higher rates than their male counterparts. While women entrepreneurs face unique challenges around issues like accessing capital and finding mentors, they are increasingly optimistic.