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Spring Into Success! Get Tips for Business Growth this Season

May 23, 2024

Thank you to CO–U.S. Chamber of Commerce – Midnight Oil for providing the content on Business growth.

CO by U.S. Chamber of Commerce

 
MIDNIGHT OIL
EDITION 246
RESOURCES & TIPS

Get tips for decluttering your mind and your business to uncover new growth opportunites this season!
Reset and refresh your business this season
Spring has sprung, providing the perfect opportunity to clean up your business operations. Here’s how to refresh your mindset and declutter your workspace for business growth.

Top money-saving tax deductions
There’s no way around it: tax season can feel daunting. On the bright side, small business owners are often eligible for several business tax deductions. Here are 12 tax deductions that could help your business save some money this tax season (or next).

16 ways to finance women-owned businesses
More and more women have become entrepreneurs in recent years, yet many experience difficulty getting the funding they need to start, run, or grow their businesses. Explore these organizations and resources bridging the gap by providing financial support to women-owned companies.

A MESSAGE FROM EBAY

Score big savings for your small business with eBay using a special CO— reader code.
Big savings for your small business
Score big savings on tech and more at eBay! Enjoy 15% off select purchases when you use code TOPSELLER15 at checkout. Save big on top sellers, plus get a one-or two-year warranty on qualified items. Don’t miss out — offer ends March 25.

QUOTABLE MOMENT
“We’re early days with our AI cart and will continue to innovate on that going forward. One possibility is using AI to build subsequent orders. It’s another step that could further remove barriers to healthy, sustainable eating and helps attract more customers.”
— Sasha Siddhartha, Chief Technology Officer of Thrive Market, highlights how employing new technologies (like artificial intelligence) has helped the online grocer drive sales and enhance customer service.
A MESSAGE FROM FEDEX

Explore how the FedEx Small Business Grants Program can win your small business $50K.
What could your small business do with $50K?
FedEx’s annual Small Business Grants Program is back, offering over $230K in grants and services to 10 U.S.-based small businesses. Discover how FedEx’s Small Business Grants Program helped a Nashville-based cupcake shop go national and how you can apply before the April 1 deadline.

BY THE NUMBERS

4
Boost your business performance with these four simple financial planning strategies.

1969
That’s the year Paul Hersey released the situational leadership framework, which allows leaders to adapt their behaviors to suit the needs of each situation. Implement the situational leadership approach to navigate business tasks and growth stages effectively.

83%
The percentage of point-of-sale (POS) payments that consisted of credit, debit, and digital wallet transactions in 2022. Understand the workings of credit card processing companies and choose a reliable merchant services provider using these tips.
CO—EVENTS

Register now for our upcoming virtual event to discover how you can use AI to your advantage.
Learn practical ways AI can help you grow your business
Thursday, March 28 | 12pm ET
Overwhelmed by all the buzz around AI? Tune in as we demystify this multifaceted tech tool and show you how to harness the power of artificial intelligence to further your business’s goals — from supercharging digital marketing to streamlining day-to-day operations.
GRANTS & AWARDS
FedEx is holding its 12th annual Small Business Grants Program, set to award over $230K in grants and services to 10 U.S.-based small businesses. One grand prize winner will receive $50K, and nine additional recipients will be granted $20K — along with various perks, including print credit, consultation services, and more. Applications close on April 1.

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The Walmart Spark Good Local Grants offers grants ranging from $250 to $5K to address the unique needs of local communities. Grant applications are accepted quarterly, with Q1 submissions accepted through April 15.

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The 2024 Black Ambition Prize competition aims to level the playing field for Black and Hispanic innovators by providing access to capital, coaching, and a supportive community. Awards range from $15K to $1M, with up to 250 semifinalists and one grand prize winner receiving $1M. Eligible organizations can apply through May 6.

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ZenBusiness has created the #MomsMeanBusiness campaign to recognize moms’ resilience and help them take the first step toward entrepreneurship by covering business formation costs, forming an LLC, tracking expenses, securing a business name, and more. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

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Rewriting The Code (RTC) Women in Tech Fund works to support college and early-career women in tech by providing them with opportunities to help disrupt gender and racial inequality in the industry. The RTC Women in Tech Fund provides financial resources to women enrolled in undergraduate tech programs to help cover costs that may be an obstacle to education. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

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More grant & program information can be found here.

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