Gas Prices Climb Nationwide, Driven by Refinery Maintenance and Seasonal Factors

The national average price for a gallon of regular gasoline jumped more than 10 cents over the past week, reaching $3.26, according to AAA. This marks the first time since September that prices have hit this level, reflecting typical seasonal shifts. Despite the increase, prices remain below last year’s national average of $3.54 for the same period.

AAA attributes the rise to several contributing factors, including ongoing refinery maintenance and the transition to more expensive summer-blend gasoline. One month ago, the national average stood at $3.09.

Supply and Demand Trends

Data from the Energy Information Administration (EIA) shows a decrease in gasoline demand, falling from 8.64 million barrels per day to 8.49 million barrels per day over the past week. During the same period, total domestic gasoline supply dropped from 239.1 million barrels to 237.6 million barrels. However, gasoline production rose, averaging 9.3 million barrels per day.

On the crude oil side, West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude rose by 51 cents at the close of Wednesday’s formal trading session, settling at $71.71 per barrel. The EIA reported a 6.2 million barrel increase in crude oil inventories from the previous week, bringing the total to 439.8 million barrels. Despite the increase, inventories are still about 4% below the five-year average for this time of year.

EV Charging Costs Hold Steady

For electric vehicle owners, the national average cost per kilowatt hour of electricity at public EV charging stations remained unchanged from the previous week at 34 cents.

State-by-State Price Comparisons

California remains the most expensive market for gasoline, with an average price of $4.91 per gallon, followed by Hawaii ($4.52), Washington ($4.30), Nevada ($3.99), and Oregon ($3.93). Rounding out the top ten are Alaska ($3.53), Illinois ($3.52), Arizona ($3.42), Idaho ($3.38), and Pennsylvania ($3.37).

The least expensive markets for gasoline are Mississippi ($2.74), Tennessee ($2.80), Oklahoma ($2.81), Louisiana ($2.82), and Alabama ($2.85). Also among the lowest are Texas, Arkansas, and Kansas (each at $2.87), South Carolina ($2.87), and Kentucky ($2.89).

In terms of EV charging, Hawaii continues to lead with the highest average cost at 56 cents per kilowatt hour, followed by West Virginia (46 cents), Montana (44 cents), Tennessee (42 cents), and South Carolina (42 cents). Other high-cost states include Idaho, Alaska, Kentucky, Louisiana, and New Hampshire, all ranging between 40 and 42 cents.

The states with the lowest EV charging rates are Kansas (22 cents), Missouri (25 cents), Iowa and North Dakota (26 cents each), and Nebraska and Delaware (27 cents each). Texas, Washington, DC, Utah, and Maryland all report an average of 30 cents per kilowatt hour.

This article, "Gas Prices Climb Nationwide, Driven by Refinery Maintenance and Seasonal Factors" was first published on Small Business Trends

Nimble Launches Email Marketing and Template Editor to Support Scalable Campaigns

Nimble, a CRM platform tailored to small businesses and marketing professionals, has introduced its new Email Marketing feature, enabling users to conduct large-scale, HTML-powered, and trackable email campaigns directly from within the platform. The feature, announced on April 3, 2025, is designed to support outreach efforts such as newsletters, webinars, and promotional messages.

According to Nimble, the new capability helps users bypass the limitations of email platforms like Google and Microsoft, which typically restrict daily sends to around 500 emails per user. The Email Marketing feature allows users to send unlimited emails to segmented lists and manage campaigns reaching tens of thousands of recipients.

“Nimble has always been about helping people build stronger relationships at scale. With the addition of Email Marketing, we’re expanding our capabilities to meet the growing needs of businesses looking to engage their audiences with both small-scale outreach and enterprise-level marketing campaigns,” said Jon Ferrara, CEO of Nimble.

The release also introduces a Template Editor that enables users to choose from a library of pre-designed layouts or create customized emails using drag-and-drop tools. The editor is intended to simplify the design process for professional-grade communications.

“From lead capture to large-scale campaigns, Nimble now provides an all-in-one platform for sales and marketing teams to collaborate and grow,” added Ferrara. “With Nimble Email Marketing, our customers can now scale their outreach and strengthen relationships like never before.”

Key Features

The new Email Marketing feature includes several integrated tools and benefits:

• Unlimited Sends: No cap on the number of emails sent, ideal for ongoing promotions and announcements.
• Powerful Template Editor: Includes customizable, drag-and-drop email templates.
• Integrated Automation: Connects with Nimble Web Forms and automation workflows for streamlined engagement.
• Sequenced Outreach: Works with Nimble Sequences to nurture leads through drip campaigns.
• Real-Time Analytics: Provides open and click-rate data to optimize campaign effectiveness.
• Cost-Effective Pricing: Charges users only for emails sent, avoiding fees for inactive contacts.
• Unified Communication View: Stores all communications in a single contact record, eliminating the need for database syncing.

Nimble views the launch as a major step toward enhancing its marketing offerings. Future plans include adding communication channels such as text messaging, voice, and chat to enable end-to-end customer engagement.

The Email Marketing feature and Template Editor are now available as a paid add-on, priced at $15 per company per month. More details and trial access are available at www.nimble.com.

This article, "Nimble Launches Email Marketing and Template Editor to Support Scalable Campaigns" was first published on Small Business Trends

Remote Work Gains Ground Despite Return-to-Office Push, Study Finds

A new study by Flatworld Solutions shows that remote work in the United States continues to gain momentum in 2025, even as some major companies reinstate return-to-office (RTO) mandates. The research, which analyzed telework trends across demographics, industries, and regions between 2022 and 2025, paints a complex picture of an evolving workforce adapting to the opportunities and challenges of distributed work.

According to the report, overall telework adoption increased from 19.9% in October 2022 to 23.6% in January 2025, an 18.6% rise. As of early 2025, 12.5% of American workers were teleworking some hours, while 11.1% worked remotely full-time. Interest in remote work has also surged among the public, with Google search interest for the term rising 134% since 2020.

“The exponential jump in remote work adoption reflects more than just a temporary shift—it signals a fundamental redefinition of workplace digital transformation,” said Israel Paul, head of human resources at Flatworld Solutions. “At Flatworld Solutions, we see technology not merely as an enabler, but as a strategic asset that fuels innovative workforce models.”

Regional and Demographic Variations

The study highlights significant disparities in telework adoption across the U.S. The District of Columbia leads with a 56.5% adoption rate, while Mississippi lags behind at just 4.7%. Other states with high remote work rates include Colorado (31.7%), Massachusetts (29.4%), and Washington (28.5%).

Age and gender also play a role in remote work trends. Workers aged 35-44 lead with a 28.1% average telework rate, while those 65 and older experienced the largest growth—54.6% among men in that age group. In contrast, the 16-19 demographic showed the lowest adoption at 2.7%.

“Distinct demographic and occupational trends in telework are reshaping how organizations plan their talent strategies,” Paul noted. “For instance, significant growth among older workers underscores the critical role of adaptable work environments powered by data-driven insights.”

Occupational and Industry Trends

Remote work remains more prevalent in certain occupations. The study shows that computer and mathematical jobs lead in telework rates at 69.9%, followed by business and financial operations (59.2%) and legal roles (52.6%). Media, arts, design, and entertainment roles also saw strong adoption at 46.5%.

In terms of industries, professional and technical services top the chart with a 56.3% adoption rate, with finance and insurance not far behind at 61.7%. The financial activities and information sectors also reported high adoption levels, at 55.4% and 49.7%, respectively.

The Rise of Global Capability Centers

The emergence of Global Capability Centers (GCCs) is highlighted as a major trend shaping remote work. These virtual and offshore hubs allow multinational firms to scale distributed teams and tap into global talent pools. Google Trends data supports this shift, with search interest in capability centers climbing from near zero in 2020 to a peak of 100 in January 2025.

“This transformation represents not just a response to immediate remote work needs but a strategic shift in how companies structure their IT and software service delivery for long-term resilience and competitive advantage,” Paul said.

Return-to-Office and Its Challenges

Despite the rise in remote work, some large corporations are pushing for full-time office returns. Amazon, AT&T, and JPMorgan have all announced five-day in-office workweeks for 2025. However, these policies are not without issues. The study found that 42% of companies enforcing RTO mandates experienced higher-than-expected employee attrition, while 29% faced recruitment challenges. About 23% of companies plan to introduce RTO policies by the end of the year, and 7% will delay implementation until 2026 or later.

Security Concerns in the Remote Era

With the expansion of remote work, job-related scams have surged. Losses due to fraudulent job postings and gamified task scams have more than tripled since 2020, reaching over $220 million in reported losses in the first half of 2024.

“With the alarming rise in job scams targeting remote workers and the pushback we’re seeing with office returns, it’s clear that protecting our workforce while maintaining productivity is a delicate balance,” Paul said. “Success in this new era isn’t just about having the right technology—it’s about understanding and supporting the people using it.”

Methodology

The study draws on datasets from BLS monthly surveys, Google Trends, and supplementary sources tracking telework patterns across regions, age groups, and occupations from 2022 to early 2025. It focuses on growth rates, regional disparities, and emerging concerns like remote work vulnerabilities and workforce resilience.

Image: Envato

This article, "Remote Work Gains Ground Despite Return-to-Office Push, Study Finds" was first published on Small Business Trends

Instacart Launches Will Call Delivery to Solve Supply Chain Disruptions for Foodservice Industry

Instacart has announced the launch of Will Call Delivery, a new solution designed to address urgent same-day supply needs for foodservice distributors and their business customers. The offering aims to mitigate common challenges such as delayed truck dispatches, warehouse fulfillment issues, and the growing expectation for rapid delivery in the hospitality and food retail sectors.

Will Call Delivery is part of Instacart Business, which launched in 2022. The new service allows distributors to provide fast, same-day “fill-in” or “hot shot” deliveries using Instacart’s network of trained shoppers. By integrating directly into distributors’ existing communication workflows, Will Call Delivery enables sales representatives to initiate orders quickly—allowing them to request a shopper to pick up items from a warehouse and deliver them directly to customers.

“For more than a decade, Instacart has built its reputation on delivering grocery orders to households nationwide in as fast as an hour,” the company stated. “With Will Call Delivery, we’re bringing that expertise to distributors and business operators in need of rapid fulfillment, offering a seamless, same-day solution for the most urgent supply needs.”

The Will Call Delivery system is a white-label application that enables reps to order via text or call, maintaining the workflow they’re accustomed to. If an item is out of stock or the customer is located far from a warehouse, distributors can also place orders from retailers on the Instacart Marketplace to fulfill the need.

Instacart emphasizes food safety as a core feature of the service. All shoppers are trained through educational modules covering food safety standards, including hygiene practices, cross-contamination prevention, and safe transportation of temperature-controlled foods.

The company has been piloting Will Call Delivery with Gordon Food Service, one of the leading foodservice distributors in the U.S. Feedback from the pilot has been positive. “Our pilot with Instacart is allowing us to test ways to advance our customer-first approach and best-in-class service. We understand that our customers are changing, and this pilot is allowing us to find ways to address their urgent and varied needs, and augment our traditional models of serving our customers. To date, we’ve gained valuable insights from this model and it’s making us think differently,” said Joe Mott, Regional General Manager of Gordon Food Service.

Chef Tucker of Blackfinn Ameripub also praised the service, saying, “It has been extremely helpful to me and my staff when needing product in a timing manner. We love the ease of having items delivered with the rush of day to day kitchen operations.”

Instacart plans to expand Will Call Delivery to additional distributor partners throughout 2025, aiming to scale the solution nationwide. According to the company, the service allows distributors to reduce operational strain and deliver better customer service, while helping end businesses—from restaurants to healthcare facilities—remain fully stocked during critical moments.

Distributors interested in integrating Will Call Delivery can reach out to Instacart at business@instacart.com for more information.

Image: Instacart

This article, "Instacart Launches Will Call Delivery to Solve Supply Chain Disruptions for Foodservice Industry" was first published on Small Business Trends

Fiverr Launches Freelancer Equity Program for Top U.S. Talent

Fiverr has introduced a new Freelancer Equity Program aimed at providing top-performing U.S.-based freelancers on its platform with a financial stake in the company. The initiative offers eligible freelancers up to $10,000 in Fiverr shares, with equity grants distributed over four years based on annual eligibility requirements.

The program arrives as the freelance economy continues its rapid growth, with projections indicating that freelancers could make up half of the U.S. workforce by 2027. Fiverr describes the program as a way to deliver additional financial value to freelancers beyond their regular earnings.

“Freelancers are the backbone of today’s economy and the heart of Fiverr’s success,” said Micha Kaufman, Founder & CEO of Fiverr. “With this initiative, they’re not just shaping the future of work—we’re actually giving them a piece of it, making Fiverr not just a platform for work, but a place where equity can also be earned.”

Freelancers who qualify for the program will be notified in the coming days. Fiverr states that the equity grants are structured to recognize and encourage continued excellence among high-performing freelancers while serving as motivation for emerging talent on the platform.

“This is something we’ve long wanted to offer, and after careful development and extensive work, we’ve created a program around how we can build success together with our talent,” added Kaufman. “This initiative demonstrates our commitment to innovation not just in technology, but in how we value and invest in our talent community.”

The Freelancer Equity Program is part of Fiverr’s broader effort to deepen engagement with its freelancer community and reward those who contribute most significantly to the platform’s growth. The company emphasized that participation is subject to eligibility requirements and applicable laws, including U.S. securities regulations.

According to Fiverr, the program can serve both as a recognition for current top contributors and an aspirational goal for other freelancers using the platform.

This article, "Fiverr Launches Freelancer Equity Program for Top U.S. Talent" was first published on Small Business Trends

CLEAR Moves Payments and Billing to Stripe to Enhance Customer Experience

Stripe announced a new partnership with CLEAR, the identity verification platform trusted by over 30 million customers, to power its billing and payment infrastructure. As of March 24, 2025, CLEAR has officially migrated its online and in-person payments to Stripe, adopting the platform’s suite of tools including Stripe Billing, Stripe Terminal, and Stripe Radar.

CLEAR, widely recognized for its CLEAR Plus membership that uses biometrics to streamline airport identity verification, has expanded its reach into industries such as healthcare and financial services. Now, with Stripe handling its payment processing, the company aims to provide the same seamless experience for customer transactions.

“Just as CLEAR makes confirming your identity seamless and secure, Stripe is helping us make billing and payments effortless—allowing us to focus on delivering frictionless experiences for our members,” said Caryn Seidman Becker, CEO of CLEAR.

With Stripe Billing, CLEAR now manages millions of customer subscriptions through a flexible and modern billing system. The integration allows for support of digital wallets and multiple payment methods, aiming to increase convenience and improve conversion rates.

CLEAR has also introduced new offerings powered by Stripe. Through the CLEAR app, non-members can purchase a QR code for one-time expedited verification at airport security checkpoints via the new CLEAR Mobile option. Stripe also processes in-app enrollments for CLEAR Plus, further simplifying the sign-up process for new customers.

To support in-person transactions, CLEAR uses Stripe Terminal at its new facial recognition pods installed at airports in November 2024. The use of Stripe Radar helps CLEAR combat fraud and reduce false declines during checkout.

Stripe’s payment tools—such as card account updater and network tokenization—enable CLEAR to maintain consistent revenue flow, reduce churn due to credit card changes, and increase authorization rates.

With this migration, Stripe now powers all payments for CLEAR, offering a comprehensive infrastructure for one-time and recurring transactions. The partnership aims to elevate both the operational efficiency and user experience for CLEAR’s growing customer base.

Image: Stripe

This article, "CLEAR Moves Payments and Billing to Stripe to Enhance Customer Experience" was first published on Small Business Trends

How to Move Past Shame When Your Small Business Fails

A lot of small business owners feel shame when their company fails because they link who they are so much with their business. This is compounded when they lose money from people they know. What do we do with this shame?

On The Small Business Radio show this week, I interviewed Dr. Abbie Maroño who has a new book called “Work in Progress: The Road to Empowerment, The Journey Through Shame” which offers a fresh perspective on the often-overlooked role of shame in personal growth. She explains that shame is a powerful emotion tied to our sense of self. For entrepreneurs, the line between personal identity and business success is often blurred, making failures feel deeply personal. Dr. Marono distinguishes between two types of shame:

• Healthy Shame: Acts as a motivator for self-improvement and growth.
• Toxic Shame: Leads to feelings of inadequacy and a diminished sense of self-worth.

Recognizing and Addressing Shame

To navigate feelings of shame, Dr. Marono suggests the following steps:

• Acknowledge the Shame: Recognize that feeling shame is a natural response to setbacks.
• Reflect on the Source: Understand why you feel shame and whether it stems from unrealistic expectations or external pressures.
• Avoid Distractions: Resist the urge to escape these feelings through overworking or unhealthy habits.
• Reframe Negative Thoughts: Shift your perspective to see failures as learning opportunities rather than personal shortcomings.

The Impact of Social Media

Social media can exacerbate feelings of shame by presenting an unrealistic picture of success. Entrepreneurs often compare themselves to others, leading to feelings of inadequacy. Dr. Marono advises:

• Limit Social Media Use: Be mindful of the time spent on social platforms.
• Focus on Your Journey: Remember that social media highlights successes, not the struggles behind them.

Separating Identity from Business Outcomes

Entrepreneurs need to cultivate a sense of self that is independent of their business achievements. Dr. Marono recommends:

• Explore Personal Values and Interests: Engage in activities outside of work that bring joy and fulfillment.
• Build a Support Network: Seek support from mentors, friends, and professionals who can provide perspective and encouragement.

Practical Steps to Move Forward

For those feeling overwhelmed by shame, Dr. Marono suggests:

• Set a Time Limit for Grieving: Allow yourself to feel the emotions but set a time limit, such as 48 hours, to process them.
• Take Actionable Steps: Focus on practical steps to move forward, such as developing a new business plan or seeking professional advice.

Listen to the entire episode on The Small Business Radio Show.

This article, "How to Move Past Shame When Your Small Business Fails" was first published on Small Business Trends

Long Beach Launches Visual Improvement Program Grant for Businesses Affected by Vandalism

The City of Long Beach is now accepting applications for its Visual Improvement Program (VIP) Grant, a financial assistance initiative offering up to $1,500 to small businesses and nonprofits impacted by crime or vandalism occurring on or after October 1, 2022. The grant aims to help cover the cost of storefront repairs, boarding, insurance deductibles, and operating expenses.

Applications are open on a rolling basis and will remain available until all funding is exhausted. Awards will be issued as funds become accessible, and applicants will be notified if additional information is required during the review process.

The City states that a minimum of 50% of grant awards will be reserved for businesses owned by a person of color or located in low- to moderate-income areas. Outreach efforts are focused in these areas to ensure equitable distribution of funding in alignment with the Long Beach Recovery Act.

Eligible businesses may submit one application per unique incident of vandalism and may receive up to $1,500 for each occurrence. However, only one award may be issued per business in a six-month period.

To qualify, businesses must be operating within the Long Beach city limits and have a valid City of Long Beach business license. The business must be a private for-profit or a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, currently open or temporarily closed due to property damage. Applicants must provide proof of vandalism and other required documentation, including a photo ID, W-9, and business license.

Additional eligibility requirements include:

• Independently owned and not publicly traded
• Fewer than 200 employees
• Less than $2 million in annual gross revenue
• Active status with the California Secretary of State (except for sole proprietors)
• A physical storefront in Long Beach
• Valid EIN, FEIN, or SSN

Home-based businesses, permanently closed businesses, and those that have already received similar grant funding for the same incident are not eligible. Other ineligible applicants include government entities, landlords, financial institutions, and businesses engaged in illegal or predatory activities.

The grant is part of Long Beach’s broader effort to support recovery and revitalization efforts for small businesses negatively affected by property crime.

For assistance with the application, business owners can contact the BizCare Hotline at 562-570-4249 or email 4Biz@longbeach.gov. Technical help is available by calling 1-855-582-3973 or emailing support@forwardplatform.zendesk.com. The application is also accessible via the FORWARD platform.

Applicants will receive an email confirmation upon successful submission of their application. While submissions cannot be edited after they are submitted, applicants needing to make corrections can contact visualimprovementprogram-support@livestories.zendesk.com.

Additional support is available in multiple languages, although the application itself must be completed in English. Tutorial videos and further information about required documents and eligibility are available through the application portal.

This article, "Long Beach Launches Visual Improvement Program Grant for Businesses Affected by Vandalism" was first published on Small Business Trends

Cash App Begins Rollout of Afterpay’s Pay Over Time Services to Millions of Users

Cash App has announced it is beginning the rollout of Afterpay’s pay over time offerings to eligible customers across the U.S., bringing the popular Pay-in-4 product to hundreds of thousands of merchant partners starting this week. The integration marks a major step in unifying the two leading fintech brands under a new identity: Cash App Afterpay.

According to the announcement, customers shopping online at participating merchants can now select $Afterpay at checkout to split purchases into installments. Eligible Cash App customers new to Afterpay will be able to begin using the pay over time service immediately through merchant websites, while existing Afterpay users will continue to access their accounts with the same seamless experience and updated branding.

“The scale of Cash App’s 57 million monthly actives means our merchant partners benefit from a larger network of customers, and eligible customers gain greater access to simple, fair, and accessible payment options outside of traditional systems,” said Nick Molnar, Global Head of Sales at Block and Co-founder of Afterpay. “We believe that Cash App Afterpay will not only be an accelerant to Cash App growth, but also an accelerant in the growing preference towards BNPL options in the United States.”

Cash App customers will also be able to manage their Pay Over Time purchases through the Cash App applet, integrating transactions made with Afterpay directly into the app’s interface. The company expects to introduce the Pay Monthly offering in the coming months.

The new Cash App Afterpay brand includes an updated checkout logo and reflects the growing synergy between the two platforms. According to the release, Cash App was recently ranked among the top five most authentic brands to Gen Z, a key demographic, while Afterpay was rated the most trusted buy now, pay later (BNPL) provider in comparison to competitors.

As Afterpay’s Pay Over Time products become increasingly accessible within the Cash App ecosystem, merchants offering these services can now connect with Cash App’s 57 million monthly active users.

This strategic move aims to expand BNPL access to a broader audience by leveraging the combined reach and reputation of the two brands, now united under the Cash App Afterpay name.

This article, "Cash App Begins Rollout of Afterpay’s Pay Over Time Services to Millions of Users" was first published on Small Business Trends

OpenAI Unveils Image Generation Capabilities in GPT-4o

OpenAI has launched its most advanced image generation technology to date, integrating the capability directly into GPT-4o, its natively multimodal model. The new feature is now rolling out to Plus, Pro, Team, and Free users in ChatGPT, with Enterprise and Edu access coming soon. Developers will also gain access via the API in the coming weeks.

OpenAI stated, “At OpenAI, we have long believed image generation should be a primary capability of our language models. That’s why we’ve built our most advanced image generator yet into GPT-4o. The result—image generation that is not only beautiful, but useful.”

Multimodal, Context-Aware Image Creation

The image generation tool in GPT-4o is designed to produce photorealistic and highly detailed outputs with strong adherence to user prompts. Built on a training dataset comprising both images and text, the model can generate visuals that communicate information clearly, such as diagrams, infographics, or posters, while also supporting more creative and artistic outputs.

GPT-4o is capable of generating complex imagery with up to 10–20 distinct objects, accurately binding objects to their traits and relationships. It supports in-context learning, allowing it to refine images across multiple turns in a conversation. For example, a user designing a video game character can iterate on their design while maintaining visual coherence throughout the process.

Precision and Practicality in Visual Communication

GPT-4o image generation excels at rendering text in images, enabling users to generate visual outputs that combine language and design with high precision. According to OpenAI, “From the first cave paintings to modern infographics, humans have used visual imagery to communicate, persuade, and analyze—not just to decorate.”

In addition to its ability to render symbols and structured data, GPT-4o can incorporate uploaded images into its generation process, using them for visual inspiration or transformation. This allows users to build upon existing content or maintain stylistic consistency across projects.

Limitations and Safety Protocols

OpenAI acknowledges that GPT-4o image generation is not without limitations. These include occasional cropping issues, hallucinated content in low-context prompts, challenges with precise edits, and difficulty rendering dense information or multilingual text. The company is actively working to improve these areas.

Safety remains a critical focus. OpenAI embeds C2PA metadata into generated images for provenance and uses internal tools to verify content origin. Requests that violate content policies, including those involving real people, nudity, or violence, are blocked by default. A reasoning LLM trained on safety specifications assists in moderating both input and output against policies.

“As with any launch, safety is never finished and is rather an ongoing area of investment,” the company noted.

User Access and Developer Integration

GPT-4o’s image generation will be the default for ChatGPT users starting today, replacing previous options. For those who prefer DALL·E, it remains accessible via a dedicated GPT.

Users can describe image specifications using natural language, including aspect ratios, hex color codes, and background transparency. Because the model produces more detailed outputs, images may take up to one minute to render.

Image: OpenAI

This article, "OpenAI Unveils Image Generation Capabilities in GPT-4o" was first published on Small Business Trends

How Small Businesses Can Manage Projects Intelligently for Sustained Growth

As small businesses grow their size, project management becomes an increasingly important part of the process. It’s easy to deviate from a standard process when there’s only one employee, or a small handful, but trying to herd a team of dozens or hundreds is impossible without tools to guide them along the same path.

Good news: While product management software may seem like the domain of enterprise organizations, small businesses stand to benefit substantially from this offering.

Use cases abound, starting with setting up a small business itself. New owners can leverage the software to track and comply with legal requirements, maintain visibility into tax preparation, and monitor marketing efforts. Freelancers and independent contractors benefit from the ability to manage personal deliverables and follow up on payments while simultaneously establishing a process for new work. And, as new employees become onboarded, a centralized knowledge-sharing database points them in the right direction.

Here are a few ways small businesses can level up how they implement project management solutions, including the technology that can support these efforts:

Centralized Ideation

Without communication, businesses simply cannot grow. It’s essential that all employees remain on the same page to reduce the chances of doubling up on work or misquoting a price to a potential customer.

Still, those early days are special because your employees are unfiltered and perhaps bolder and more willing to take risks. you’ll want to keep everything for posterity.

Even if a company employs only a few employees, it must establish a space, accessible to everyone, where team members can brainstorm and share ideas. A shared document works, for a time, but even better results come from a more formalized online project forum. This format helps keep ideas from becoming muddled with one another and enables commenting on each part of an idea. Using a forum also ensures employees can’t accidentally delete text that someone else had written, and an archived forum can serve as a place to peruse old ideas for the purposes of inspiring new ones.

Small businesses need to also consider how knowledge is going to be shared within their organization, particularly around onboarding. As the number of employees grows, so, too, will the level of difficulty in disseminating information from the top down, facilitating communication bottlenecks.

Project management software often includes the ability to create a Wiki where this essential information can live. By centralizing this information, companies can send articles to clients, as well, to help with onboarding or troubleshooting, reducing the number of resources required for customer service. The presence of a Wiki can also send a strong message to new employees that a company is listening—that everyone’s input is important and can lead to lasting change.

Robust R&D Tracking

In a time when much data has become democratized, a robust focus on R&D is essential for any growing business that wants to maintain a competitive edge over its competitors. However, this process can feel especially nebulous for newer businesses who don’t employ a full-time R&D department and rely on its staff to innovate when operations are slow—which they rarely are.

Robust R&D begins with an accurate understanding of how a business operates. For that, project management software may help accumulate the necessary data. Employees can start utilizing timesheets to determine where they spend the majority of their time and how some of that can be cordoned off for R&D efforts or reorganized to remove road blocks. In fact, some project management software packages come equipped with AI assistants that can assist with tracking and consolidating data, easing the burden on employees.

Then, once enough information has been gathered, small businesses can begin setting milestones to break down R&D activities into manageable, bite-sized chunks to be assigned to the appropriate employees. It’s important these tasks include deadlines and deliverables, as well as ensuring they fit within a larger framework of how the company is hoping to evolve. By establishing limitations and accountability, employees will feel like they’re part of the process and will feel empowered to speak up when they encounter issues. For the sake of producing a high-quality product, it’s important for small businesses to maintain a spot where employees can log these issues, saving time tracking them down when teams are ready to perform triage.

Production Processes

It’s understandable if small businesses accumulate numerous ideas for growth without follow-through. Time is of the essence, and putting out fires will always take precedence over operating in the theoretical.

Gantt Charts, available within project management software, can help. These tools help visualize production timelines so managers can track progress and adjust schedules as new information crops up so as not to derail or delay delivery.

Once these charts are in place, managers can also receive visibility into resource use to make better use of available team members. For small businesses, this piece of the puzzle is essential; every minute counts when trying to maximize employees’ time.

The above processes are meaningless if no one can monitor their success, which is where analytics play a huge part. Production metrics can be fed into an analytics program and measured against past performance and previously stated goals, keeping everyone on target and allowing stakeholders to operate knowing a project’s entire context. This guides improvements and establishes a precedent for data-driven decision-making that hopefully carries on throughout a company’s lifetime. Once again, software in modern product management suites folds many of these functions into a single package, unified within a company’s existing infrastructure, to keep the train running on time.

Technology Toolkit

Small businesses need to realize they’re not on their own. Owners aren’t the first to launch a company, and they certainly won’t be the last. It’s important to learn from those that came before and establish a foundation for what’s to come, and technology can aid with this effort. The last year has seen an explosion in software capabilities and a general increase in affordability and access across the board. The most successful small businesses are the ones taking full advantage of what’s on offer by managing the most important project: growing their company.

This article, "How Small Businesses Can Manage Projects Intelligently for Sustained Growth" was first published on Small Business Trends

Meta Rolls Out New Threads Features for Personalized User Experience

Meta has announced a suite of new features for its Threads app aimed at enhancing personalization and user control. The updates, launched March 20, 2025, include expanded topic tagging, follower-only interaction settings, a customizable feed experience, and improvements to video playback.

According to Meta, these features are designed to help users express themselves, manage their online interactions, and better connect with communities of shared interest.

Enhanced Topic Tagging and Discovery

Users can now add up to ten topics to their bio, enabling others to discover shared interests directly from profile pages. Tapping one of these tagged topics leads to ongoing discussions related to that subject, creating an easy pathway to connect with like-minded individuals.

The post creation process now includes prompts for trending or previously used topics, making it easier for users to attach relevant tags. Meta noted that internal data shows posts with tagged topics tend to receive more views than those without.

Additionally, the redesigned timely topic tags are more visible in the For You feed, streamlining access to trending discussions and encouraging broader engagement.

New Controls for Replies and Feeds

Users now have the option to restrict replies and quote-posts to followers only. This builds on the Quote Controls feature introduced in November 2024 and gives users more control over who can interact with their content.

Meta also introduced the ability to customize feed order. Users can now set a custom feed as their default view when opening the app, tailoring their Threads experience to their preferences.

In a continuation of changes announced earlier this year, Meta confirmed it has started phasing civic content back into Threads with a more personalized approach, following updates to its policy on political posts.

Improved Video Playback Features

Threads’ media player now includes updated pause, play, and skip controls for easier navigation. A pinned progress bar has been added to allow users to move backward and forward through video content more efficiently.

Meta stated it will continue to evolve Threads based on user feedback, with the goal of making the app the preferred space for sharing thoughts, ideas, and personal perspectives.

Image: Meta

This article, "Meta Rolls Out New Threads Features for Personalized User Experience" was first published on Small Business Trends

Small Biz Breakdown: Are Small Businesses Suffering from AI Burnout?

On this week’s Small Biz Breakdown, our expert panels debates artificial intelligence and its place in business.

They talk about whether AI is the answer for any number of business processes or whether people are getting burned out by all the AI talk they hear day after day, especially lately.

Also, check out the discussion the panel has over Trump’s tariffs and so much more on this week’s episode of Small Biz Breakdown …

Small Business News Roundup

Here are the latest headlines for small business owners from the past week …

Cloud Engineers Lead in AI Adoption, New ZapCap Study Finds

Cloud Engineers are using artificial intelligence (AI) more than any other profession in 2025, according to a new study by ZapCap. The report evaluated AI engagement across industries by analyzing Google search volume, professional AI usage rates, and the number of AI-focused courses available on one educational platform.

ASUS Launches Compact and Powerful NUC 15 Pro+ Mini PC

ASUS has officially introduced the NUC 15 Pro+, a high-performance mini PC designed to deliver advanced computing capabilities in a sleek, compact form factor.

PostcardMania Adds Snap-Apart Mailers to Automated Direct Mail Lineup

PostcardMania, the marketing technology firm based in Florida, announced Wednesday the addition of snap-apart mailers to its automated direct mail offerings. The move comes through its technology-focused division, PCM Integrations, and expands the company’s range of affordable, high-response marketing tools for small and mid-sized businesses.

PayPal Surpasses $30 Billion in Global Small Business Lending

PayPal Holdings, Inc. announced Wednesday that it has surpassed $30 billion in global loan originations, providing more than 1.4 million loans and cash advances to over 420,000 business accounts worldwide since 2013. The milestone underscores the company’s ongoing role in addressing the persistent challenge of capital access for small businesses.

YouTube Announces Mid-Roll Ad System Updates to Boost Creator Revenue and Viewer Experience

YouTube has unveiled a series of changes to its mid-roll ad system aimed at optimizing ad delivery, enhancing transparency, and providing creators with more control over ad placements. The updates, which begin rolling out in May, reflect evolving viewer behavior and are intended to balance creator earnings with viewer satisfaction and advertiser expectations.

TikTok Launches Security Checkup Tool to Enhance User Safety

TikTok has introduced Security Checkup, a new feature designed to give users a streamlined and centralized way to manage their account security settings. Announced by Kim Albarella, Head of TikTok Global Security, the tool provides a comprehensive dashboard that helps users take control of their account security with ease and confidence.

St. Paul Announces Opening Date for 2025 Neighborhood STAR Grant Applications

The City of St. Paul has announced that applications for its 2025 Neighborhood STAR grant program will open on Monday, March 31. The program offers grants to support capital improvement projects that enhance the vitality, cultural diversity, and economic prosperity of neighborhoods across the city. Eligible businesses and organizations must be located in or conducting business within St.

PayPal Expands Crypto Capabilities to Simplify Everyday Transactions

PayPal has announced new features that make cryptocurrency more accessible and usable in everyday commerce, aiming to eliminate common barriers and drive broader adoption among consumers and merchants alike. With these enhancements, users can now buy, sell, hold, send, and spend cryptocurrencies through the PayPal platform, integrating digital currencies into routine purchases.

Salesforce Report: 75% of Retailers Say AI Agents Will Be Essential by 2026

Retailers are increasingly turning to AI agents to stay competitive in a fast-evolving marketplace, according to Salesforce’s sixth Connected Shoppers Report. The report reveals that 75% of retail decision-makers believe AI agents will be essential to beat the competition within the next year.

SBA Announces Major Reorganization, Plans to Cut Workforce by 43%

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) on Friday announced an agency-wide reorganization that includes a 43% reduction in its workforce as part of a broader effort to return to its original mission of supporting small businesses and increasing agency accountability to taxpayers.

Small Biz Breakdown: What’s With All the Hype Over Agentic AI?

This week, our Small Biz Breakdown crew is flying without a net, per se. There’s no agenda – not as if they’re always following the one they sometimes have – and the conversation could go anywhere. Like most weeks, however, the discussion always seems to focus on the latest in AI. And this week is no different.

Meta Begins Testing Community Notes on Facebook, Instagram, and Threads

Meta announced it will begin testing its new Community Notes feature across Facebook, Instagram, and Threads in the United States starting March 18. This marks the beginning of Meta’s transition away from its third-party fact-checking program, which the company revealed in January it would discontinue in favor of a crowd-sourced model.

Zoom Unveils Major Expansion of AI Companion with Agentic Skills and Custom Agents

Zoom has announced a significant expansion of its AI Companion platform, introducing new agentic AI skills and custom agent capabilities that span across Zoom Meetings, Zoom Phone, Zoom Team Chat, Zoom Docs, and Zoom Contact Center.

Walmart Introduces GenAI-Powered Assistant to Support Merchants

Walmart has unveiled Wally, a generative AI-powered assistant developed to enhance the productivity of its merchants by automating key merchandising tasks. The company announced the tool on March 18, describing it as a “productivity multiplier” designed to streamline data analysis, operational support, and reporting processes for Walmart’s sourcing teams.

This article, "Small Biz Breakdown: Are Small Businesses Suffering from AI Burnout?" was first published on Small Business Trends

Gas Prices Rise as Spring Travel Begins

As Spring Break kicks off across the U.S., drivers are seeing a modest but expected rise in gas prices, according to AAA. The national average for a gallon of gas has climbed three cents since last Thursday, now sitting at $3.15.

Gas prices typically begin their seasonal climb in spring and tend to peak during the summer months. However, despite the recent uptick, the national average remains about 40 cents lower than the same time last year. AAA attributes the lower year-over-year average to weak crude oil prices and subdued gasoline demand.

Data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) indicates that gasoline demand fell slightly, from 8.81 million barrels per day to 8.64 million barrels per day. Domestic gasoline supply also dipped, decreasing from 240.6 million barrels to 239.1 million barrels. Gasoline production averaged 9.2 million barrels per day last week, showing a decrease in output.

Compared to a month ago, today’s national average is three cents higher. On a year-over-year basis, it is 38 cents lower.

Oil Market Trends

Crude oil prices also saw movement. At the close of trading on Wednesday, West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude rose 65 cents to settle at $69.65 per barrel. EIA data showed a 3.3 million barrel decline in U.S. crude oil inventories from the previous week. Total inventories now stand at 433.6 million barrels, which is about 5% below the five-year average for this time of year.

EV Charging Rates Remain Stable

AAA also reported that the average national rate for public electric vehicle (EV) charging remained steady over the past week, holding at 34 cents per kilowatt hour.

Gas Price Extremes by State

California continues to lead the nation with the highest average gas price at $4.66 per gallon. It is followed by Hawaii ($4.52), Washington ($4.13), Nevada ($3.77), Oregon ($3.76), Illinois ($3.44), Alaska ($3.40), Arizona ($3.33), Idaho ($3.32), and Pennsylvania ($3.25).

Meanwhile, the least expensive gasoline markets are found in Mississippi ($2.68), Oklahoma ($2.72), Louisiana ($2.75), Texas ($2.76), Alabama ($2.77), Tennessee ($2.81), South Carolina ($2.81), Kentucky ($2.82), Kansas ($2.83), and Arkansas ($2.83).

Public EV Charging Costs by State

Among states, Hawaii tops the list with the highest per kilowatt hour rate for public EV charging at 56 cents. Other expensive states include West Virginia (46 cents), Montana (44 cents), South Carolina (42 cents), Tennessee (42 cents), Idaho (42 cents), Alaska (41 cents), Kentucky (41 cents), New Hampshire (40 cents), and Louisiana (39 cents).

The least expensive states for EV charging include Kansas (22 cents), Missouri (25 cents), Nebraska (26 cents), Iowa (26 cents), North Dakota (26 cents), Delaware (27 cents), Michigan (29 cents), Texas (29 cents), Utah (29 cents), and Washington, DC (30 cents).

Image: AAA

This article, "Gas Prices Rise as Spring Travel Begins" was first published on Small Business Trends

SBA Reinstates Lender Fees to Restore Financial Integrity of 7(a) Loan Program

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has reinstated lender fees for its 7(a) loan program, reversing a Biden-era policy that the agency said contributed to financial instability and undermined the program’s zero-subsidy requirement. The action was announced Thursday as part of a broader effort to address what the SBA described as “gross financial mismanagement” under the previous administration.

“Since its inception, the SBA’s 7(a) loan program has launched millions of small businesses, driving economic growth and job creation. But the Biden Administration’s actions to undermine the financial integrity of the program now threaten to leave taxpayers on the hook,” said SBA Administrator Kelly Loeffler. “To safeguard taxpayer-backed capital and small business formation, the SBA is taking immediate action to reverse these policies, starting with the restoration of lender fees to protect the future of the program.”

The SBA’s 7(a) loan program, which offers federally guaranteed loans through private lending institutions to qualified small businesses, is required by law to operate at zero cost to taxpayers. This zero-subsidy mandate is maintained through the collection of lender fees. According to the SBA, the elimination of these fees under the Biden Administration, combined with looser underwriting standards, resulted in significant losses.

From 2022 to 2024, the SBA estimates that more than $460 million in lender fees went uncollected due to the fee waiver. At the same time, the agency experienced rising loan defaults and delinquencies, a trend the SBA attributed to new underwriting guidelines such as “Do What You Do” and the inclusion of non-regulated, non-bank lenders in the program. These factors contributed to a projected $397 million negative cash flow in Fiscal Year 2024, marking the first deficit for the 7(a) loan program in over thirteen years.

The SBA cited this financial shortfall as a key reason for the immediate reinstatement of lender fees, which take effect this week for Fiscal Year 2025. The agency emphasized that this move is essential to protect both taxpayers and the long-term viability of the program.

“Waiving lender fees was one of the Biden-era practices that reduced the financial integrity of SBA lending programs at the expense of small businesses and taxpayers,” the SBA stated in its announcement.

The 7(a) loan program serves as the SBA’s primary mechanism for supporting small businesses that cannot access capital through conventional means. The agency said it will unveil additional changes in the coming weeks to reinforce the program’s financial foundation and restore its zero-subsidy status.

By reintroducing lender fees, the SBA aims to curb mounting losses and reaffirm its commitment to sustainable small business support. According to the agency, these steps are critical for ensuring that the program remains a dependable resource for entrepreneurs nationwide.

This article, "SBA Reinstates Lender Fees to Restore Financial Integrity of 7(a) Loan Program" was first published on Small Business Trends

Colorado Launches New Rural Jump-Start Operating Grants to Boost Business Development

The Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT) announced the launch of a new three-year Rural Jump-Start (RJS) Operating Grant program aimed at stimulating economic development and job creation in economically distressed rural counties. The initiative, approved by the Colorado Economic Development Commission (EDC), will distribute up to $630,000 in grants to support approximately 36 businesses and at least 120 new jobs across the state.

“Colorado is committed to supporting the small businesses that drive our economy and these grants will support businesses in our rural communities around the state. Colorado is one of the best places to start and grow a business, and we look forward to building on this important work to strengthen our economy,” said Governor Jared Polis.

Under the new grant structure, eligible businesses located in RJS-designated zones can receive either $15,000 or $25,000 in operating support, with higher awards available to companies in coal transition communities. These funds are intended to help cover business operating expenses, encouraging startups and business relocations to rural Colorado.

“Companies in rural Colorado are creating incredible new technologies, enhancing our supply chain and creating valuable, good-paying jobs in their communities. Last year, the Rural Jump-start Program facilitated 212 new hires in our rural communities, and we are thrilled to continue the impact with these new operating grants,” said OEDIT Executive Director Eve Lieberman.

The new grants replace the original RJS grant program, which is scheduled to sunset at the end of the current fiscal year. Alongside direct financial support, participating businesses remain eligible for a suite of tax relief benefits, including exemptions from state income tax, state sales and use tax, county personal property tax, and municipal personal property tax in participating areas. In addition, Qualified New Hires may also receive state income tax relief.

“The Rural Jump-start program was initiated in partnership with rural communities and has a proven track record of supporting new businesses and new jobs across Colorado’s rural counties. Implementing these new grants will enable more rural businesses to benefit from the program and contribute to their local communities and economies,” said OEDIT Deputy Director Jeff Kraft.

Originally established in 2016 as a tax incentive program, the RJS initiative expanded in 2021 to include both operating and new hire grants. To date, 35 counties have been designated as RJS Zones by the EDC, and 33 companies are participating in the program.

The new operating grants aim to continue this momentum, providing essential support to businesses that contribute to the economic vitality of Colorado’s rural regions.

This article, "Colorado Launches New Rural Jump-Start Operating Grants to Boost Business Development" was first published on Small Business Trends

Final IRS Deadline Nears for ERTC Program, Millions in Refunds Remain Unclaimed

The final opportunity for small and medium-sized businesses to claim the Employee Retention Tax Credit (ERTC) is fast approaching, with the deadline set for April 15, 2025. According to the Economic Recovery Center, more than half of eligible businesses have yet to file for the COVID-era tax refund, leaving potentially billions of dollars unclaimed.

The ERTC was introduced at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic by the Trump administration to provide financial relief to businesses impacted by the crisis. Over the following years, the program underwent numerous modifications under the Biden administration, leading to confusion among the nation’s estimated 33 million small and medium-sized businesses.

According to the Economic Recovery Center, the ERTC differs significantly from other pandemic relief efforts such as the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and COVID-EIDL loans. While the PPP and EIDL initiatives were loan-based programs that required minimal vetting, the ERTC is a refund based on previously filed payroll taxes.

The organization emphasized that the ERTC is not a loan but a temporary tax law adjustment that entitles eligible businesses to a refund of overpaid taxes. Businesses that meet the qualifications may be eligible for substantial refunds, in some cases up to $20,000 per employee.

“There are no costs to determine if you qualify,” says Chase Henderson, President of Economic Recovery Center. Henderson added, “The qualifications are complex and have consistently changed since its launch. Regardless, we believe all U.S.-based businesses should, at a minimum, obtain a no-cost qualification analysis. After all, we are talking about a refund of their taxes, not pulling in tax dollars from others; it is literally their money that was overpaid.”

Eligibility for the program is not limited to currently operating businesses. Even companies that have since shut down may qualify if they were operational in 2020 or 2021. Two primary criteria determine eligibility:

1. A decline in revenue in 2020 or 2021 compared to 2019.
2. Operational disruptions due to COVID-19, such as implementing social distancing measures or capacity restrictions.

The Economic Recovery Center warns that once the April 15 deadline passes, any unclaimed ERTC funds will be redirected to other federal programs. They are urging all business owners to seek a qualification review before the program closes permanently.

The ERTC remains one of the final avenues for pandemic-era tax relief available to American businesses. With only weeks left to apply, the Economic Recovery Center is encouraging immediate action to avoid missing out on what it describes as rightful tax refunds owed to businesses across the country.

This article, "Final IRS Deadline Nears for ERTC Program, Millions in Refunds Remain Unclaimed" was first published on Small Business Trends

GoDaddy Survey Reveals Misspelled Domain Names Turn Consumers Away

A new survey released by GoDaddy reveals that domain names play a critical role in shaping consumer trust and online shopping behavior. The GoDaddy Consumer Pulse survey, conducted in March with 1,500 U.S. consumers, found that 80% of respondents have avoided visiting or purchasing from a website because it had an oddly spelled domain name.

This reaction was most prevalent among younger consumers. According to the findings, 85% of Gen Z and 82% of Millennials reported skipping a business due to its domain’s spelling, while 76% of Gen X and Boomers said the same.

The survey was released in March in recognition of the domain name’s 40th anniversary and explored what consumers consider red and green flags when it comes to online business names. One key insight: spelling and length matter.

“Businesses that don’t take time to choose the right domain name inadvertently put themselves three steps behind,” said Trip Briscoe, a domain name expert at GoDaddy. “It’s worth investing in a quality domain that is spelled correctly and exactly matches your business’s name. It’s the difference between a potential customer finding you effortlessly or getting lost in the vastness of the internet.”

What Makes a Domain Memorable

Consumers cited specific traits that made domain names more appealing. Topping the list were full words spelled correctly (43%), short domains with two words or less (40%), and domains that are easy to pronounce (38%). Additionally, 23% of consumers said they found unique domain extensions like .AI or .shop memorable, while 19% were drawn to humorous domains that rhyme or use puns.

In contrast, several features were identified as red flags. These included misspelled words (56%), domain names that don’t match a business’s name (55%), and domains that contain hyphens or numbers (20%). Another 20% of respondents said they distrusted free domains associated with platforms like Google Sites or Wix.

Typing Still Matters

Despite the prevalence of clicks and swipes in modern browsing, many consumers still manually type domain names into their browsers. Half of those surveyed said they regularly type in a business’s domain name when shopping online, while 27% do so only if they remember the name. The remaining 23% said they rely on search engines, bookmarks, emails, or social media links to navigate to a business website.

Generational trends were also highlighted. Gen Z and Millennials were more likely to type in domain names directly and less likely to depend on alternative browsing methods. Only 16% of Gen Z and 18% of Millennials said they don’t type in domain names, compared to 28% of Gen X and Boomers.

Why Domain Names Matter for Business

GoDaddy’s findings suggest that businesses, particularly new or growing ones, need to give careful consideration to their domain names. According to the survey, 74% of consumers are more comfortable when a domain name matches the brand name exactly.

Additionally, younger consumers were more likely to report halting their online shopping due to a poorly chosen domain. Thirty-nine percent of Gen Z and 35% of Millennials admitted they have stopped shopping at a company online because of the website’s domain name, compared to just 15% of Gen X and Boomers.

Unique and funny domains also appealed more to younger shoppers. Thirty-four percent of Gen Z and 30% of Millennials said they found unique extensions memorable, while 25% of Gen Z and 24% of Millennials found rhyming or punny domains especially noteworthy. Among Gen X and Boomers, only 17% and 15%, respectively, reported the same.

GoDaddy advises that businesses prioritize domain availability when naming a company, whether launching a new venture or expanding online. As the survey shows, a well-chosen domain name can make or break a customer’s decision to engage.

Image: Envato

This article, "GoDaddy Survey Reveals Misspelled Domain Names Turn Consumers Away" was first published on Small Business Trends

ASUS Launches Compact and Powerful NUC 15 Pro+ Mini PC

ASUS has officially introduced the NUC 15 Pro+, a high-performance mini PC designed to deliver advanced computing capabilities in a sleek, compact form factor. Announced on March 19, 2025, the NUC 15 Pro+ integrates the latest Intel Core Ultra processors and offers up to 99 TOPS for AI-enhanced power, alongside support for quad 4K displays, cutting-edge connectivity, and a durable, upgrade-friendly chassis.

Performance Boost with AI-Enhanced Power

The NUC 15 Pro+ features up to an Intel Core Ultra 9 processor (Series 2) paired with Intel Arc Graphics, delivering an 18% performance increase over previous-generation NUC models. With up to 99 TOPS of AI performance, the device is engineered to handle intensive workloads, making it suitable for professionals, creators, and multitaskers seeking both speed and energy efficiency.

Quiet Operation with Advanced Cooling

Designed for whisper-quiet computing, the NUC 15 Pro+ incorporates a new thermal design optimized for improved airflow. ASUS reports that the advanced silent-cooling system reduces noise by 1.2 times compared to earlier models, maintaining peak performance even under heavy processing loads.

Next-Generation Connectivity

Equipped with Intel WiFi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4, the NUC 15 Pro+ offers high-speed wireless connections. WiFi 7 supports data rates up to 46Gbps and can simultaneously handle up to 16 streaming devices. The device also includes proximity sensing to detect user presence, intelligently locking or waking the system to conserve energy. Bluetooth 5.4 offers data speeds up to 2Mbps and connectivity over distances up to 240 meters.

Immersive Visual Experience

The mini PC supports up to four 4K displays via two HDMI 2.1 ports and two Thunderbolt 4 ports, delivering sharp, vivid visuals ideal for both multitasking and entertainment. A new sync-off feature helps reduce energy consumption by powering down connected monitors when the system is idle.

Tool-Free Upgradability

ASUS designed the NUC 15 Pro+ with a sleek 0.7-liter aluminum chassis that combines aesthetics with practicality. A spring-loaded hinge lever allows users and IT personnel to access the internals for tool-free upgrades, making it simple to replace or expand RAM and storage.

Durable and Sustainable Design

Built to meet US MIL-STD-810H certification, the NUC 15 Pro+ is tested for reliability in harsh environments and around-the-clock operation. This rugged design minimizes downtime and supports long-term use with reduced maintenance needs.

Detailed Specifications

The NUC 15 Pro+ is available in both pre-configured Mini-PC and customizable Kit versions. Supported operating systems include Windows 11 64-bit, Ubuntu 24.04 LTS, and RedHat Enterprise Linux. CPU options range from Intel Core Ultra 5 to Ultra 9, with memory configurations supporting up to 96GB DDR5-6400.

For storage, users can choose between M.2 2280 and 2242 PCIe Gen4x4 SSDs, with support ranging from 128GB to 2TB. Connectivity features include Intel WiFi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, 2.5G Ethernet, USB 3.2 and Thunderbolt 4 ports, as well as HDMI CEC support. The device operates at temperatures between 0–35°C and stores safely between -40–60°C.

The ASUS NUC 15 Pro+ is available now, offering a powerful, compact solution for users who demand performance, efficiency, and flexibility in a mini PC format.

Image: Asus

This article, "ASUS Launches Compact and Powerful NUC 15 Pro+ Mini PC" was first published on Small Business Trends

What Your Small Business Needs to Know About SEO in 2025

Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is one of the most critical aspects of digital marketing, and it continues to evolve each year. For small businesses, keeping up with these changes is essential to maintaining online visibility, attracting new customers, and staying ahead of the competition. In 2025, SEO is more dynamic than ever, with AI-driven search results, voice search optimization, user experience (UX) enhancements, and evolving Google algorithms shaping the digital landscape.

If you run a small business, understanding and implementing the latest SEO strategies can significantly impact your online growth. This article will explore what your small business needs to know about SEO in 2025, covering key trends, best practices, and actionable steps to stay ahead.

1. SEO Tools and Automation: The Future of Optimization

Leveraging SEO tools can significantly improve efficiency and accuracy. The best SEO tools in 2025 include:

• Google Search Console & Google Analytics for performance monitoring.
• SEMrush, Ahrefs, and Moz for competitive analysis and insights.
• SEO HERO for comprehensive SEO optimization, including on-page analysis, keyword research, and backlink tracking.
• SurferSEO & Clearscope for content optimization.

SEO automation is becoming essential for businesses looking to scale their online presence. AI-powered tools can now handle keyword research, technical audits, and even content suggestions, allowing businesses to focus on strategy and execution rather than manual SEO tasks. By leveraging these tools, small businesses can optimize their search presence more efficiently, track performance in real-time, and stay ahead of competitors with data-driven insights.

2. AI and Machine Learning are Shaping Search Results

Google’s search algorithm has been using AI and machine learning for years, but in 2025, it’s more advanced than ever. AI-driven updates like Google’s Multitask Unified Model (MUM) and Bard AI have made search results more intuitive, prioritizing content that provides accurate, contextual, and human-like responses.

What This Means for Small Businesses:

• Content Must Be Intent-Driven: AI understands user intent better than ever, so creating content that directly answers customer queries is essential.
• Semantic SEO Matters: Google no longer relies solely on keywords; it analyzes the entire context of a page to understand its meaning.
• Structured Data is Key: AI prioritizes well-structured content, so using schema markup can help search engines better understand your content.

Actionable Tip: Optimize for topic clusters rather than just individual keywords. Create comprehensive, authoritative content that covers a subject in-depth.

3. Voice Search is More Relevant Than Ever

With the rise of smart devices like Google Assistant, Siri, and Alexa, more users are searching hands-free. In fact, experts predict that by 2025, nearly 50% of all searches will be voice-based. Unlike traditional searches, voice queries are often longer and conversational.

What This Means for Small Businesses:

• Conversational Keywords Work Best: Optimize for natural-sounding, long-tail keywords that match how people speak.
• Local SEO is Crucial: Many voice searches are location-based (e.g., “best coffee shop near me”). Ensuring your business is optimized for local search is essential.
• FAQ Pages Improve Visibility: Since voice searches are often question-based, having an FAQ section that answers common questions can boost rankings.

Actionable Tip: Use Google My Business (GMB) to ensure your small business appears in local searches, and optimize for phrases like “Where can I find [your service] near me?”

4. Mobile-First Indexing is No Longer Optional

Google now ranks websites based on their mobile version rather than the desktop version. If your website isn’t optimized for mobile devices, you risk lower rankings. With over 60% of searches now conducted on mobile, Google prioritizes fast-loading, mobile-friendly websites in search results.

What This Means for Small Businesses:

• Mobile-Friendly Design is a Must: Your website should have a responsive design that adapts to different screen sizes.
• Fast Page Speed Matters: A slow website can drive visitors away and hurt your rankings.
• User Experience (UX) is a Ranking Factor: Websites with poor navigation, difficult-to-read text, or intrusive pop-ups will be penalized.

Actionable Tip: Use Google’s Mobile-Friendly Test to check if your website meets mobile SEO standards.

5. Zero-Click Searches are Growing

A zero-click search happens when users find answers directly on Google without clicking on a website. Featured Snippets, People Also Ask (PAA) sections, and Local Packs often provide immediate answers. While this reduces organic traffic, it presents an opportunity for small businesses to appear at the top of search results.

What This Means for Small Businesses:

• Optimize for Featured Snippets: These are highlighted answers at the top of search results. To increase your chances of ranking here:
  • Use concise, clear answers in your content.
  • Format content in bullet points, numbered lists, or tables.
• Answer People Also Ask (PAA) Questions: If you appear in Google’s “People Also Ask” section, you gain higher visibility.
• Optimize Google My Business Listings: Local Packs show up before traditional search results, making GMB optimization essential.

Actionable Tip: Use tools like AnswerThePublic to find common questions in your industry and answer them in blog posts.

6. Quality Content and E-A-T Are Still King

Google prioritizes Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness (E-A-T) when ranking content. Small businesses must establish credibility to compete with larger brands.

What This Means for Small Businesses:

• High-Quality Content Wins: Google rewards in-depth, well-researched, and informative content over keyword-stuffed, low-value pages.
• Author Credentials Matter: If you write content, showcase your expertise with author bios, certifications, or references.
• Backlinks Build Authority: Getting links from reputable websites boosts trustworthiness and improves rankings.

Actionable Tip: Regularly update old blog posts with new statistics and fresh insights to maintain relevance.

7. Local SEO is More Important Than Ever

For small businesses, local SEO is critical in attracting nearby customers. Google continues to refine local search algorithms, making it essential to optimize for “near me” searches and local business queries.

What This Means for Small Businesses:

• Google My Business Optimization is a Priority: Ensure your GMB listing is updated with:
  • Accurate business hours, address, and phone number.
  • High-quality photos of your business.
  • Regular customer reviews and responses.
• NAP Consistency is Key: Your Name, Address, and Phone Number (NAP) should be consistent across all directories and social media platforms.
• Local Keywords Drive Traffic: Use keywords like “best bakery in [city]” or “top-rated plumber near me” in your content.

Actionable Tip: Encourage satisfied customers to leave Google reviews, as businesses with high ratings appear more prominently in local search results.

8. Video SEO is Gaining Momentum

With YouTube being the second-largest search engine, video content is becoming an essential part of SEO strategy. More small businesses are leveraging video marketing to drive engagement.

What This Means for Small Businesses:

• YouTube Videos Can Rank on Google: Creating educational or promotional videos can help your business appear in search results.
• Video Captions Improve Accessibility and SEO: Including transcripts and captions makes content more searchable.
• Embed Videos on Your Website: This reduces bounce rates and improves on-site engagement.

Actionable Tip: Create short, how-to videos related to your business and optimize them with relevant keywords in titles and descriptions.

Final Thoughts: Staying Ahead in SEO for 2025

SEO is constantly evolving, and small businesses must adapt to remain competitive. In 2025, AI-driven search, voice search, mobile-first indexing, zero-click searches, and local SEO are shaping how businesses appear online.

Key Takeaways:

• AI and machine learning are transforming how Google ranks content.
• Voice search optimization is crucial for local businesses.
• Mobile-friendly websites and fast loading speeds are essential.
• Zero-click searches mean businesses need to optimize for Featured Snippets.
•  E-A-T principles ensure credibility and trust.
•  Local SEO strategies drive nearby customers to small businesses.
• Video SEO is an emerging opportunity for engagement.

By staying informed and implementing these SEO trends, your small business can achieve higher rankings, better visibility, and increased website traffic in 2025. Start optimizing today, and watch your business grow in the digital landscape.

Image: Envato

This article, "What Your Small Business Needs to Know About SEO in 2025" was first published on Small Business Trends