Editor’s note: The following is a verbatim excerpt from ASBA’s “Forge Ahead: Building an Accounting System for Your Business.” Hiring Help Versus Doing It Yourself: The Small Business Dilemma When it comes to your small business, it’s personal—and for good reason. You brought your small business to where it is today, from concept to execution. So, when it comes to things … [More]
Tax Impacts of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act
On July 4, 2025, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) was signed into law, marking one of the most comprehensive tax reforms in recent history. While the legislation encompasses a broad array of fiscal policies, its implications for small and mid-sized businesses are particularly significant. For entrepreneurs and business owners navigating today’s economic landscape, the … [More]
Affordable Healthcare Option for Small Businesses
Health insurance is one of the biggest financial challenges facing small businesses today. Premiums continue to rise, options are limited, and many plans simply aren’t designed with entrepreneurs, independent contractors or sole proprietors in mind. Recognizing this growing concern, the Arizona Small Business Association has partnered with CapCare to introduce a new ASBA member … [More]
2025 Holiday Freight Shipping
Challenges Every Shipper Faces This Peak Season
The 2025 peak season will be particularly complex due to rising holiday shipping volumes, mounting expenses and evolving tariff pressures. These factors create a fragile shipping environment where minor disruptions can cause significant delays and costs. With compressed timelines and heightened delivery expectations, effective management is crucial to maintaining margins and … [More]
The Insider’s Edge
Why the Smartest Business Plan Is the One You Keep
So, you’ve got the big idea. It’s the thing that keeps you up at night and gets you out of bed in the morning. Your first instinct is probably to crack open your laptop and start drafting that official, polished business plan for the bank, potential partners and investors. With 25-plus years of business experience, I’m here to ask you to slow down, just for a minute. The … [More]
The Future of Grant Consulting: Expansion and Growth
Over the next 5–10 years, the grant consulting industry is expected to experience significant growth, fueled by funders’ increasing focus on equity, measurable impact and strategic capacity-building. Since 2020, more than $16.8 billion has been committed to racial equity initiatives, reflecting a sector-wide shift toward more outcomes-driven and inclusive funding strategies … [More]
Customer Loyalty Management Is a Must
On the critical importance of service marketing to be competitive
In today’s hyper-competitive marketplace, customer loyalty management is no longer a luxury — it is a necessity for every firm. As markets become increasingly saturated and products become harder to differentiate, businesses must shift their focus from customer acquisition to the deliberate cultivation of long-term customer relationships. Service marketing plays a central role … [More]
The Importance of Business and Community Resources for Small Businesses
Small businesses face numerous challenges, from financial struggles to competition and market fluctuations. During tough times, having access to business and community resources can be the difference between failure and survival and even growth. These resources provide essential support, helping entrepreneurs navigate obstacles and scale their businesses toward … [More]
Boosting Business Value: What Buyers Really Look For
For many business owners, exiting their company is a once-in-a-lifetime event — yet far too few prepare for it early enough to maximize value. Whether you’re planning to sell soon or simply want to build a stronger company, understanding what buyers look for is essential to achieving a successful transition. Key Value Drivers Buyers are most focused on profitability, … [More]
Automation and Efficiency, The Perfect Match
Small Business Advertising & SIMPLI.FI (simpli.fi): Whether you’re a local boutique owner, a neighborhood coffee shop guru or a hopeful entrepreneur turning ideas into reality, we understand the journey small business owners go through. Running a small business means wearing multiple hats, from CEO to marketer to customer service rep. It’s exhilarating, but let’s face it — … [More]
Year-End Insurance Considerations for Small Business Owners
As the year winds down, the fourth quarter brings not only the busy holiday season but, for business owners, busy year-end tasks. If you offer health insurance coverage to your employees, you’re likely going through your annual open enrollment process and preparing for 2025 changes. Below, find a few things to be aware of as you work through these year-end tasks and prepare … [More]
The Corporate Transparency Act
When people hear about the “Corporate Transparency Act,” the first two questions tend to be “What is that?” and “What do I have to do?” What is it? The Corporate Transparency Act became effective on January 1, 2024. Under this law, all required companies are subject to new reporting requirements. Specifically, private companies that meet the CTA criteria of a “Reporting … [More]
ElevateEdAZ: Bridging Education and Workforce through Work-Based Learning
ElevateEdAZ, the education initiative of the Greater Phoenix Chamber Foundation, has prepared Arizona students for college and career success since its launch in 2020. By fostering stronger alignment between education, business and the community, ElevateEdAZ partners with companies in high-demand, high-wage industries to provide students with work-based learning opportunities … [More]
Trucking One Stop: Arizona’s Ultimate Trucking Resource
The trucking industry faces a growing challenge that could ripple across the U.S. economy. With an 80,000-driver shortage — expected to double to 160,000 by 2030 — the demand for goods is climbing while the workforce responsible for delivering them is shrinking. Strict medical regulations, including vision and blood pressure checks, make it difficult for older drivers to stay … [More]
The Power of Mediation for Resolving Business Disputes
As a business owner or entrepreneur, you may find conflicts and disputes an inevitable part of doing business. Whether it is a disagreement with a vendor, customer or even a business partner, these conflicts can quickly escalate and damage valuable relationships if not resolved properly. This is where mediation can be an invaluable tool in your arsenal. What Is … [More]
Raise Your Level of Excellence
Achieving success in life, business, sports, et cetera is about mastering excellence. Success is about commitment, persistence, skill, confidence and execution. Vince Lombardi was quoted as saying, “The quality of a person’s life is in direct proportion to their commitment to excellence, regardless of their chosen field or endeavor.” So, no matter what your chosen field or … [More]
New Marketing Insights: Leveraging In-Person Events and Emerging Trends for Small Business Growth
In an ever-evolving marketplace, small businesses must stay abreast of new marketing strategies to remain competitive and relevant. One effective approach that has stood the test of time, despite the rise of digital marketing, is the power of in-person events. Coupled with emerging marketing trends, these strategies can create a robust platform for business growth and community … [More]
Unleashing Small Business Potential: The Transformative Power of AI
In the dynamic landscape of small businesses, efficiency is paramount. In this pursuit, Artificial Intelligence emerges as a beacon of innovation, offering small businesses the means to streamline operations and drive growth. While off-the-shelf AI solutions provide a solid foundation, bespoke AI tools tailored to specific business needs can truly propel businesses … [More]
