Small Business Resources

A collection of 164 posts

AUTHORGROWTHLAB

Understanding ISBNs: Amazon vs. Bowker and Why Each Book Needs Its Own

If you’re publishing your own book, you’ll come across three letters that determine how your work is tracked and sold: ISBN. Many authors skip over it, but understanding how ISBNs work protects your ownership and gives you full control over your publishing future. What Is an ISBN ISBN

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How To Make Money With a Cargo Van

A cargo van can be a steady source of income if you know where to look. From gig apps to final mile delivery contracts, there are many ways to build consistent revenue. At Frigatebird Logistics, we help independent drivers and small fleet owners find real opportunities every week. 1. Sign

logistics

FreightGuard Reports: What They Are and What To Do If You Get One

If you’re running freight under your own authority, you need to know what a FreightGuard report is and how it affects your business. Many carriers first learn about it the hard way - after a broker files one against them. What Is a FreightGuard Report A FreightGuard report is a

makerssystem

How to Ship Candles Safely and Keep Your Costs Down

Shipping candles looks simple until one arrives melted or broken. Candles are heavy, heat-sensitive, and fragile, so how you package and ship them matters. Here’s a clear step-by-step guide based on what works best for candle makers. 1. Choose the Right Carrier UPS is the most

AUTHORGROWTHLAB

GRANT OPPORTUNITIES - UPDATED OCTOBER 2025

Amazon App Store Small Business Accelerator - The Small Business Accelerator Program allows developers that earn less than 1 million USD in total annual revenue in the previous calendar year to access additional benefits up to or equivalent to 20% of Appstore revenue. If eligible, you'll receive a 10%

Small Business Resources

Major Changes to DBE/ACDBE Certification: What You Need to Know

If your business holds Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) or Airport Concessions DBE (ACDBE) certification, you need to be aware of significant changes that took effect on October 3, 2025. The U.S. Department of Transportation has issued an interim final rule that fundamentally changes how these certifications are evaluated. What&

makerssystem

SEO Optimization for Candle Businesses: A Practical Guide

Search engines drive high-intent buyers to candle businesses. Strong SEO helps your products rank on Google, increases traffic, and builds long-term sales. This guide breaks down what matters most. 1. Start with Keyword Research Your SEO strategy starts with knowing what people search for. Focus on commercial and

Small Business Resources

What Does It Mean to Be EDI Compliant?

When you start placing products into retail stores, one of the first requirements you’ll hear is “you must be EDI compliant.” This is not optional. It’s the standard retailers use to manage inventory, orders, and payments efficiently. What is EDI? EDI stands for Electronic Data Interchange. It’s

AUTHORGROWTHLAB

How Government Shutdowns Affect Small Businesses: A Complete Guide

A government shutdown creates more than political headlines. It slows or halts federal operations, and the effects quickly reach small businesses. Owners often face delays in funding, stalled contracts, reduced demand, and operational disruptions. Understanding these impacts helps you prepare and protect your business during uncertain periods. The Cash Flow

AUTHORGROWTHLAB

The Publix-Black Book Bash Controversy: When Corporate Sponsorship Meets Political Climate

A Literary Celebration Caught in a Sponsorship Dispute The Black Book Bash, a three-day literary festival celebrating Black authors and culture, was set to open this weekend in Jacksonville, Florida, with much anticipation. Instead, the event found itself at the center of a heated controversy after organizers alleged that

AUTHORGROWTHLAB

My VIP Experience at HKTDC Trade Fairs: A Game-Changer for Global Sourcing

After attending numerous Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) trade fairs over the years, I can confidently say these events have transformed how I do business internationally. The combination of world-class exhibitions, generous sponsorship programs, and white-glove VIP treatment has consistently delivered exceptional results for my sourcing needs.

Small Business Resources

Understanding UPC Codes: What They Are, Why You Need Them, and Where to Get Them

If you plan to sell your product in retail stores or online marketplaces like Amazon, Target, or Walmart, you will need a UPC code. UPC codes are more than a barcode, they are the universal system that helps your product get recognized, tracked, and sold. What is a UPC Code?

logistics

The Complete Guide to Placing Your Products in Hotel Gift Shops: A Strategic Approach to Hospitality Retail

Hotel gift shops represent one of the most overlooked yet profitable retail channels for product placement. With millions of travelers passing through hotels daily, these retail spaces offer unique opportunities for brands to reach captive audiences with disposable income and a desire for convenience, local experiences, and memorable souvenirs. Unlike

Small Business Resources

Grasshopper for Business Phones: Why I’ve Used It for Years

Running a business means staying connected. Your phone system sets the tone for how customers see you. For me, Grasshopper has been the most reliable choice for years, and I recommend it to any small business owner who wants professional features without the headaches. What Grasshopper Offers * Business phone numbers:

Small Business Resources

Set Sail for Success: Published Author Opportunities on Cruises

Combining your passion for writing with the adventure of the open seas The gentle sway of the ocean, breathtaking sunsets over endless horizons, and diverse audiences from around the world - cruise ships offer published authors a unique platform to share their work, connect with readers, and earn income while traveling

Small Business Resources

Partnering with the American Red Cross: Medical Transportation and Courier Services for Businesses

By someone who knows the Red Cross from the inside out The American Red Cross operates one of the nation's largest humanitarian networks, responding to disasters and emergencies across the United States every single day. Behind this massive operation is a carefully coordinated network of supplier partnerships that

Small Business Resources

Where to Submit "Black Fat Femme" for Book Awards

Many publishers do not nominate books for awards, which leaves authors responsible for getting their work into consideration. If you are an author of Black Fat Femme or a similar title that uplifts Black and queer voices, here are awards worth submitting to with current deadlines and prize amounts. Awards

Small Business Resources

September Grant Alert: 50+ Active Funding Opportunities (Spreadsheet Attached!)

Hey Grant Seekers! Great news! While many grant deadlines have passed this summer, there are still over 50 active opportunities waiting for your application – and they're all organized in the attached Excel spreadsheet for easy filtering and searching. Your Grant Goldmine is Attached This month's spreadsheet

Small Business Resources

Fresh Courier Opportunities Delivered Weekly

Every Monday, we deliver curated courier job leads straight to your inbox. We do the research, you focus on applying and earning. Why Choose Our Courier Lead Service? We Do The Research Our team scours job boards, company websites, and industry networks to find the best courier opportunities before they

Small Business Resources

Amazon FBM vs FBA vs Arbitrage: Understanding Your Selling Options

Watch my latest YouTube video below, then dive into this complete breakdown of Amazon's selling methods If you're considering selling on Amazon, you've probably come across the terms FBM, FBA, and arbitrage. While these concepts are related to the Amazon marketplace, they serve different

Small Business Resources

Live Workshop: How to Create Labels That Sell!

Your candle might smell amazing, but does your label make customers stop, look, and buy? Labels are often the very first impression shoppers get of your brand, and the right design can mean the difference between a candle that sits on the shelf and one that flies into their cart.

Small Business Resources

Success Stories: How Minority Certification Transformed These Businesses

Part 3 of our Complete Guide to Minority Business Certification Series The statistics and opportunities we covered in Parts 1 and 2 are compelling, but nothing beats real-world success stories. Today, we're sharing how actual minority-certified businesses have leveraged their certification to unlock new revenue streams,

Small Business Resources

The Business Case for Minority Certification: Opportunities & Advantages

Part 2 of our Complete Guide to Minority Business Certification Series Now that you understand the certification landscape from Part 1, let's dive into what really matters: how minority business certification can transform your bottom line. The numbers don't lie, certified businesses consistently outperform their non-

Small Business Resources

Understanding Minority Certification: Types, Requirements & Getting Started

Part 1 of our Complete Guide to Minority Business Certification Series If you're a minority business owner looking to unlock new opportunities and level the playing field in government and corporate contracting, certification could be your gateway to significant growth. But navigating the world of minority business certifications

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