Small Business Resources Watch Out for Annual Registration Scams Every year, business owners receive renewal notices for their company registration. It’s a routine part of staying compliant. But not every notice that lands in your mailbox is legitimate. What You Should Know Annual registration requests must come from the Corporations Division of your state (sometimes called the Secretary
Small Business Resources Featured FOUNDING MEMBER PRE-LAUNCH OFFICIAL LAUNCH: SEPTEMBER 1, 2025 I've been quietly building something for the last few months, something I wish existed when I started my businesses. It's our Business Resource Library, and it's for people who are looking to build and scale, whether you're
Small Business Resources Is Your NAICS Code Blocking Your Funding? A Guide for Candle Makers and Logistics Owner-Operators If you're running a candle business or operating as a logistics owner-operator, you've probably encountered the six-digit NAICS code when applying for loans, contracts, or business licenses. Many entrepreneurs choose these codes quickly without realizing they're making a decision that could dramatically
makerssystem Troubleshooting Common Candle Making Problems: Tunneling, Frosting, and More There's nothing quite as frustrating as spending hours crafting what you thought would be the perfect candle, only to discover tunneling, unsightly frosting, or poor scent throw. If you've been making candles for any length of time, you've probably encountered at least one of
Small Business Resources C Corp vs. S Corp: Which Is Right for Your Business? Choosing the right business structure is one of the most important decisions you’ll make as a business owner. Two of the most popular corporate structures in the U.S. are C Corporations (C Corps) and S Corporations (S Corps). Both offer limited liability protection, meaning your personal assets are
makerssystem How Pietra Transformed My Candle Business - The Complete Platform Guide When I first started my candle business, I was stuck in the classic maker trap: spending more time hustling for sales than actually making candles. Then I discovered Pietra, and everything changed. This platform became my bridge from small-batch creator to legitimate private label manufacturer, connecting me with brands
makerssystem Festival & Fair Profit Optimization Guide for Product Businesses Pre-Event Planning & Selection Choose the Right Events * Research event demographics and match them to your target customer profile * Prioritize events with high foot traffic and spending power over just large crowds * Consider event timing (avoid competing with major holidays or local conflicts) * Factor in booth fees, travel costs,
News From Buy-Backs to Breakdowns: Business Lessons from Slutty Vegan & Uncle Nearest In the unforgiving arena of American business, two brands have captured attention not just for their products, but for the remarkable journeys of their founders. Slutty Vegan and Uncle Nearest represent two very different paths in entrepreneurship, one marked by spectacular growth followed by near-collapse and recovery, the other
makerssystem The Complete Permits & Compliance Guide for Your Candle Business Starting a candle business involves more than just perfecting your wax blends and choosing the right wicks. Before you can legally sell your first candle, you need to navigate the world of business permits, licenses, and compliance requirements. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know
makerssystem The Complete Guide to Marketing Your Candle Business: From Scent to Sale The candle industry has experienced remarkable growth, with the global market reaching over $13 billion and continuing to expand. As a candle business owner, you're entering a market filled with opportunity, but also fierce competition. Success isn't just about creating beautiful, fragrant candles; it's
Small Business Resources What Is a NAICS Code, And Why Your Business Needs One (Especially If You Want Contracts, Certifications, or Funding) If you’re applying for grants, trying to get certified as a minority-owned business, or signing up on SAM.gov to bid on contracts, you’ve probably been asked for your NAICS code. And if you’re like most small business
makerssystem How to Create a Custom Blend: Let Your Creativity Lead the Way In a world full of mass-produced products, the magic lies in creating something uniquely yours. Whether you’re making candles, body care products, teas, or essential oil blends, learning how to create a custom blend is more than just mixing ingredients, it’s about infusing your personality, vision, and
makerssystem How to Wick Your Candle Jars: A Step-by-Step Guide for Clean, Even Burns Wicking might seem like a small step in candle making, but it’s one of the most important. Choosing the wrong wick can lead to tunneling, mushrooming, excessive soot, or even candles that won’t stay lit. If you want a candle that burns beautifully from edge to edge and
Small Business Resources What is an Operating Agreement, What Should Be Included, and Why You Need One (With Downloadable Template) When you form a Limited Liability Company (LLC), one of the most important documents you can create is an Operating Agreement. While it’s not always required by law, it’s one of the smartest moves you can make to protect your business and avoid future disputes. What is an
Small Business Resources Building Business Credit Checklist Business Credit Building Checklist Step 1 – Make Your Business Legit * Form a legal business entity (LLC, Corporation). * Get an EIN from the IRS. * Open a business checking account. * Get a dedicated business phone number (Google Voice, Grasshopper, etc.). * Set up a professional website & business email (no Gmail/Yahoo). Step
Small Business Resources The Best Advice I Got from a 7-Figure Founder And How It Changed the Way I Run My Business There’s a lot of advice out there. Some of it is good, some of it is forgettable, and some of it shakes you to your core. For me, it was a single sentence from a seven-figure founder that
Small Business Resources Self-Care and Personal Development for Entrepreneurs Running a business isn’t just about strategy, systems, and sales, it’s also about the person behind it all: you. As entrepreneurs, we often pour everything into our businesses, leaving little time or energy for ourselves. But the truth is, you are your most important asset. In this video,
makerssystem Check Raw Material pricing on all products As a product-based business owner, your pricing strategy isn't something you can “set and forget.” One of the most overlooked threats to your profit margins is the rising cost of raw materials. Whether you manufacture candles, skincare products, apparel, or any other goods, the cost of your
Small Business Resources How to Start an LLC: Step-by-Step for New Entrepreneurs Starting an LLC is one of the first steps to legitimize your business. In this video, I break down the exact steps, from choosing your business name to filing with your state, getting your EIN, and what to do after your LLC is approved. Whether you're just getting
News U.S. Tariff Changes Coming This August: Who, What & Why As of early August 2025, the U.S. is enacting major new tariffs across dozens of countries and commodity sectors. These changes stem from a broad shift toward "reciprocal" tariffs under the Trump administration and Section 232 national security actions. Key Tariffs Taking Effect August 1–7, 2025
makerssystem What to Post on Instagram When You Have No Idea What to Say A No-Fluff Guide for Product-Based Businesses We’ve all been there. You’re staring at your screen, trying to figure out what to post to keep your Instagram active, but your brain feels blank and your product photos are starting to blur together. Let me make this simple:
makerssystem Understanding Fragrance Notes — And Why You Should Break the Rules A Maker's Guide to Creative Blending (With a Little Science, Too) One of the most common questions I get from new candle makers is: "How do I know which scents go together?" The truth is: there are no hard and fast rules. Fragrance blending is just
makerssystem Why You Need a Candle Fire Safety Insert in Every Order Protect Your Business, Educate Your Customers, and Elevate Your Brand If you're a candle maker or run any type of product-based business that involves open flames, glass containers, or heating elements, there’s one simple tool that can protect you, your customer, and your brand: A Candle
Small Business Resources Why Boundaries Are a Business Strategy, Not Just a Buzzword We hear it all the time: Set boundaries. Protect your peace. Say no more often. It’s popular advice, but when you’re running a business, especially as a solopreneur or founder, the idea of setting boundaries can feel like a luxury you can’t afford. But here’s the
Small Business Resources Emergency Planning for Small Businesses: Are You Really Prepared? If a flood hit your city tomorrow, a fire swept through your building, or your inventory was stolen overnight, how would your business respond? Most small business owners are laser-focused on day-to-day operations: fulfilling orders, managing staff, hitting revenue goals. But one thing too many overlook? Emergency
