Resource Center

Your business playbook: taxes, funding, and future trends

CO by U.S. Chamber of Commerce
MIDNIGHT OIL
EDITION 291

            RESOURCES & TIPS

Get tips from trend forecasting experts on leveraging the latest business shifts to grow your business.

6 key trends shaping the future of business
Want a sneak peek into the future? Trend experts reveal the consumer shifts you need to know to stay ahead in 2025. From ‘kidulting’ to AI companions, get ahead of the curve with these six must-watch shifts and opportunities.

Filing business taxes: a step-by-step guide
Tax time doesn’t have to be stressful! Check out our step-by-step guide that breaks down everything you need to know about filing your business taxes — from deadlines to forms — so you can stay compliant and stress free.

Say goodbye to funding confusion
Need cash for your business? Whether you’re starting or scaling, use this guide to explore funding options beyond the bank and find the perfect fit for your needs.

CO— EVENTS
Register Now for This Month’s Free Small Business Event!
Our newest event series, C-Suite to Main Street, connects you with tangible tips for starting, running, and growing a business from founders and executives at today’s most influential companies. Join us for our first episode on February 27 at noon ET, where we’ll speak with Saeju Jeong, Co-Founder and Executive Chairman of digital healthcare company Noom.

Tune in to hear how this popular app – best known for helping thousands of users lose weight – adapted to massive shifts in the health and wellness industry since its founding in 2008 and get actionable tips for keeping your business nimble and prepped for any challenges and sea changes that lie ahead.

QUOTABLE MOMENT
“Most e-commerce brands see the bulk of their traffic from their paid ad efforts. It’s critical to pay attention to users’ behaviors once they arrive at the site, and not just pay attention to the revenues generated.”
— Alfred Chehebar, Founder of breakthrough e-commerce platform ObjectsHQ, shares key strategies for e-commerce businesses to grow using AI-centered marketing.
SMALL BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

Meet Aquantuo, CO— 2024 Global Star.

Bridging the Gap: Aquantuo Simplifies Global Shopping for Africa
Delaware-based international logistics company Aquantuo is making waves, and for good reason. They’re providing an essential service by connecting African consumers and businesses with goods from U.S.-based companies and other international markets that wouldn’t normally be within reach.

The CO—100 2024 Global Star is more than just a logistics company; it’s a facilitator of opportunity that empowers Africa to participate more fully in the global economy and access the resources they need to thrive. Read on to discover how Aquantuo’s commitment to seamless service and robust logistics promises to continue bridging the gap, connecting Africa to the world.

BY THE NUMBERS

10
Check out our list of 10 standout small businesses offering handcrafted goods, personalized touches, and thoughtful services to celebrate love in all its forms this Valentine’s Day.

24/7
Once your freelance gig starts to take off, it may be time to take your side hustle from part-time project to full-time success. From building a solid foundation to embracing a strong work ethic, learn what it takes to transform your side hustle into a thriving round-the-clock job.

99%
Studies show that multifactor authentication (MFA) users are almost always less likely to be hacked. Protect your small business from cyberattacks with easy-to-use passkey solutions for multifactor authentication — here’s how.

GRANTS & AWARDS
The 2025 UPS Store® Small Biz Challenge offers entrepreneurs the chance to win a grand prize, including a cash award from the $35,000 prize pool, a trip to Austin, Texas, and a spotlight in Inc. magazine. Applications are due on February 19.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s Hiring Our Heroes initiative connects the military community with meaningful employment opportunities. To further this goal, Hiring Our Heroes’ Small Business Grant Program is awarding a one-time grant of $10,000 to five small for-profit businesses owned by veterans and/or military spouses. Apply by February 28.

The U.S. Department of Education (DOE) has various grants available to small businesses in the education sector. Each grant has unique eligibility criteria, with some opportunities set aside for public schools, state agencies, or nonprofit organizations; however, others allow applications from for-profit private sector companies. Deadlines for currently available DOE grants run through March 17.

Honeycomb Credit is offering a $10,000 Breakthrough Grant to support small businesses in achieving their next big milestone, such as opening a new location, launching a food truck, or franchising. No purchase or payment is required to apply. Applications are due by April 2.

The Halstead Grant is an annual award for emerging silver jewelry artists, offering $7,500 in cash, a $1,000 Halstead gift card, and industry recognition. Winners will also receive personalized feedback from industry judges to refine their business approach. Applications are due May 1.

More grant & program information can be found here.

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