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
Small Business Resources Protecting Your Business: Why Commercial and Flood Insurance Are No Longer Optional Recent natural disasters like the devastating floods in Central Texas serve as a wake-up call to business owners everywhere: if you’re running a business without the proper insurance, you’re gambling with your livelihood. Commercial Insurance: Your First Line of Defense Whether you’re operating out of a
Small Business Resources Featured Introducing Our New Loan Partnership: Couvent Collective x Lendflow/Lightbox Fueling Growth for Underserved Entrepreneurs We’re excited to announce a new partnership that will make accessing capital even easier for the communities we serve! The Couvent Collective has officially partnered with Lendflow and Lightbox to provide fast, flexible loan solutions designed specifically for women, reentry citizens, minority-owned businesses,
Small Business Resources Planning Ahead: What Product-Based Business Owners Need to Know About Tariffs and Rising Costs If you own a product-based business, you’ve likely already felt the pressure of rising costs, supply chain disruptions, and uncertain shipping timelines. And now, with the looming changes to tariffs on imported goods, it’s more important than ever to have a proactive plan in place for your
Small Business Resources The Importance of Filing a Provisional Patent The Importance of Filing a Provisional Patent: Protecting Your Creativity Innovation drives industries, fuels entrepreneurship, and creates opportunities for growth. But in a world where ideas are constantly evolving, protecting your intellectual property (IP) is crucial. One of the most effective ways to safeguard your innovation is by filing a
