Small Business Resources

A collection of 164 posts

Small Business Resources

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

Small Business Survival Guide: How to Keep Your Doors Open When 1 in 5 Businesses Fear They Won't Make It to 2026

If you're a small business owner feeling like you're barely keeping your head above water, you're not alone. The statistics are sobering: nearly 1 in 5 small businesses are pessimistic about surviving the next five years, and 13% of businesses without access to financing

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,

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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

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

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,

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

Small Business Resources

Marketing Tips That Actually Work for Makers on a Budget

Real Strategies That Don’t Require a Huge Ad Spend You don’t need a big marketing budget to make real money with your products. Whether you’re a candle maker or handmade goods creator, these cost-effective (and proven) strategies can help you build awareness, drive sales, and grow

Small Business Resources

How to Get Freight Without a Dispatcher (Load Boards + Strategy)

Skip the middleman. Whether you're a new cargo van or box truck owner-operator, getting freight on your own can save you money and give you more control. Here’s how to book loads without a dispatcher, and actually stay busy. Know What Type of Freight You Want

Small Business Resources

What Is a Capability Statement — And What Should Be On It?

Your One-Page Power Tool for Government and Private Contracts If you’ve ever tried to get into government contracting, apply for a vendor list, or pitch your services to a hospital, university, or corporate buyer, someone probably asked for your capability statement. And if you’re sitting there thinking,

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:

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

How the BIG BEAUTIFUL BILL could wipe out 1099 logistics work and what you can do about it

There’s a bill making its way through Congress with a pretty name but some ugly consequences for the logistics world. It’s called the PRO Act, nicknamed the Big Beautiful Bill, and if you’re a cargo van owner, box truck driver, or final-mile courier, you need to

Small Business Resources

How to License Your Book to Schools and Educational Groups

Licensing your book to a school district or educational group is not only a powerful way to expand your impact, it’s also a smart business move. Whether your book focuses on historical narratives, social-emotional learning, financial literacy, or culturally responsive content, educational institutions are constantly seeking resources that

Small Business Resources

How To Start a Courier Business

The courier industry is booming, thanks to the rise of e-commerce, medical deliveries, and businesses needing same-day and final-mile service. Whether you're operating a single cargo van or planning to scale a fleet, starting a courier business can be a profitable and flexible venture. Here’

Small Business Resources

“TSA Certified” Courier? Here’s What That Really Means (and What It Doesn’t)

If you’ve been on Facebook trucking groups or courier forums, you’ve probably seen someone ask, “How do I get TSA certified to run airport loads?” Spoiler: Most couriers don’t get TSA certified, and technically, you can’t. Let’s break down the truth, the myths, and what

Small Business Resources

Why Your Business Needs a Capability Statement - Even If You’re Just Starting Out

If you’re serious about landing government contracts, corporate partnerships, or B2B deals, there’s one document you must have in your toolkit: The Capability Statement. Think of it as your business résumé. It’s a concise, professionally formatted document that tells decision-makers exactly who you are, what you

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

Introducing The Maker's System - A Marketing Platform Built for Candle Makers

For years, I’ve watched candle makers do it all, hand-pour perfection, design stunning labels, show up at markets, and hustle on Instagram,  all while trying to figure out marketing on their own. And if you’re a chandler, you know exactly what I’m talking about. Creating a

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