Retailers Increase Focus on AI, Social Media, and Discounts as Gen Z Plans to Spend More This Holiday Season

Fiverr has released new research showing that retailers are intensifying their focus on AI, social media, and discounts as they gear up for the 2024 holiday season. The study, conducted in partnership with Censuswide, surveyed over 2,500 consumers and more than 2,500 small-to-medium business (SMB) leaders globally. The findings highlight the strategies retailers are employing to attract Gen Z shoppers while navigating economic challenges such as inflation.

Gali Arnon, Chief Business Officer at Fiverr, emphasized the importance of early planning: “The holidays are often make-or-break for many small businesses, so it is critical to plan ahead, know where to place your focus, and ensure that your audience is getting the right message.” She noted that businesses are increasingly turning to social media campaigns and AI tools to meet rising consumer demands.

Key Findings

Retailers’ Digital Investment and Inflation Concerns

• AI Integration: 70% of surveyed retailers are investing in AI to optimize operations.
• Social Media Ads: 39% are enhancing their social media presence through paid advertising.
• Influencer Marketing: 35% are turning to influencer campaigns to reach younger audiences.
• Email Marketing: 33% are focusing on personalized email marketing strategies.
• SEO: 29% are improving their product pages and SEO capabilities.

Inflation has emerged as the most significant concern for retailers, with 48% citing it as their primary challenge. However, 53% of smaller businesses are not viewing competition from large e-commerce brands like Amazon as a major threat this year.

Freelancer Hiring Amid Staffing Shortages A third of retailers are reporting staffing shortages ahead of the holiday season. Simultaneously, one-third of retail and e-commerce businesses are hiring freelancers to support their operations and maintain business continuity.

Consumer Trends Shaping the Holiday Season

Increased Spending from Gen Z

• Gen Z Shoppers: 43% of Gen Z respondents plan to spend more this holiday season, outpacing millennials, 37% of whom plan to increase spending.
• Discounts: More than 80% of businesses are offering discounts to attract deal-seeking consumers, up from 55% last year.
• Shopping Preferences: 42% of consumers prioritize finding good deals, 32% value free shipping, and 30% focus on product quality.

Early shopping is becoming a significant trend, with 52% of consumers starting to buy presents in October and November. In contrast, 18% are capitalizing on summer sales to secure holiday gifts.

Social Media and Gen Z’s Holiday Shopping Habits Social media platforms, especially TikTok, are playing a crucial role in Gen Z’s holiday shopping. Among U.S. Gen Z shoppers:

• TikTok Dominance: 54% use TikTok Shop to find gifts.
• Social Media Influence: 34% of global Gen Z consumers use TikTok Shop, 25% rely on social media influencers for recommendations, and 14% turn to generative AI for gift ideas.

Retailers are responding to this by increasing their presence on social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram, where a third of U.S. Gen Z respondents plan to find gifts through ads, and 24% will look to influencers for recommendations.

Retailers’ AI Integration and Customization Efforts

As online shopping becomes more prevalent, nearly 68% of retailers surveyed are implementing AI in their operations, aiming to improve efficiency and offer personalized customer experiences. Specifically:

• AI Tools: 41% of retailers plan to invest in AI tools to expedite work, while 35% want to incorporate AI throughout the customer journey using chatbots, personalized marketing, and customer engagement tools.
• Gen Z’s AI Use: Over 54% of Gen Z consumers use AI to assist in their holiday shopping, including finding the best prices, generating new gift ideas, and even creating holiday presents.

The global survey conducted by Censuswide included 2,539 consumers and 2,508 business leaders across the USA, UK, Germany, France, and Australia. Data collection took place from July 26, 2024, to August 5, 2024. Censuswide adheres to the Market Research Society (MRS) code of conduct and ESOMAR principles.

Image: Envato

This article, "Retailers Increase Focus on AI, Social Media, and Discounts as Gen Z Plans to Spend More This Holiday Season" was first published on Small Business Trends

In the News: Is Politics Making Small Business Owners Pessimistic?

Check out this week’s Small Business Breakdown, a live show covering the latest hot topic important to small business owners nationwide. This week, our experts discuss whether politics is leading to a “fairly pessimistic” outlook among small business owners right now.

After you’re done watching this week’s show, check out all the other headlines small business owners shouldn’t miss in this week’s small business news roundup …

Zoho Introduces AI-Rich Version of Zoho Analytics, Democratizing Self-Service BI

Zoho Corporation has launched an upgraded version of Zoho Analytics, its self-service business intelligence (BI) and analytics platform. This release includes over 100 enhancements, among them new AI and machine learning (ML) features designed to enable diagnostic insights, predictive analysis, and automated report and dashboard generation.

North Carolina Auto Parts Seller and Owner to Pay $10M for Emissions Defeat Devices

Rudy’s Performance Parts Inc., an automotive parts manufacturer and seller based in North Carolina, along with its owner, Aaron Rudolf, have agreed to pay $10 million in fines and penalties for manufacturing, selling, and installing emissions defeat devices. These devices were used to disable or remove emissions controls in motor vehicles, violating the Clean Air Act.

Apple Introduces Thinner, More Advanced Apple Watch Series 10

Apple has unveiled the Apple Watch Series 10, boasting its thinnest design yet, with the biggest and most advanced display ever on an Apple Watch.

IRS Provides Tax Relief to Victims of Severe Storms and Flooding in Connecticut and New York

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) announced tax relief for individuals and businesses in Connecticut and New York affected by severe storms and flooding that began on August 18, 2024.

Apple to Launch Apple Intelligence on iPhone, iPad, and Mac Starting Next Month

Apple today announced the rollout of Apple Intelligence, a new personal intelligence system that combines generative models with personal context to deliver useful and relevant insights. Starting in October, Apple Intelligence will become available on iOS 18.1, iPadOS 18.1, and macOS Sequoia 15.1, bringing powerful new features to the iPhone, iPad, and Mac.

Apple Unveils iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max, Powered by A18 Pro Chip

Apple has introduced the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max, featuring larger display sizes, innovative camera features, and a new A18 Pro chip designed to power Apple Intelligence. These new models are built with enhanced capabilities for photography, immersive gaming, and extended battery life, marking a significant leap forward for the Pro lineup.

NFIB Jobs Report: Small Business Job Growth Stalls in August

According to the latest NFIB Jobs Report, small business job openings remained high in August, with 40% of business owners reporting positions they could not fill, up two points from July. Labor quality concerns also grew, with 21% of owners citing it as their top issue, the highest level reported since January 2024.

AI Will Change Everything in Your Small Business

AI will fundamentally change the landscape of various industries. Still, many small business owners are slow to adapt and are ignoring this new technology. My guest on The Small Business Radio Show, KP Reddy who is the author of “Creating the Intangible Enterprise”, an AI expert, founder and CEO of Shadow Ventures.

Salesforce Introduces New AI Models to Power Agentforce

Salesforce has unveiled two new AI models—xGen-Sales and xLAM—designed to enhance its Agentforce platform, which integrates human and autonomous AI agents for improved business efficiency. xGen-Sales is a proprietary AI model fine-tuned for sales-related tasks, such as generating customer insights, summarizing calls, and managing pipelines.

Third Estimated Tax Payment Deadline Nears

The IRS reminds taxpayers that the deadline for submitting the third quarter estimated tax payment is approaching on September 16, 2024. This applies to individuals such as gig workers, retirees, sole proprietors, and S corporation shareholders who expect to owe $1,000 or more in taxes for the year.

Zoho Analytics Blends Data For Epic Insights

Zoho just launched its newest update to Zoho Analytics. The platform continues to increase its user base with an estimated 17,000+ customers currently. “Today we offer a very comprehensive business analytics platform,” explains Clarence Rozario, director of product management for Zoho Analytics.

Zoho Sites Offers Easy Route to Business Website

How to Build a Website Using Zoho Sites An estimated 81% of consumers check out businesses online before choosing to buy from them. And 99% use the web to learn about local businesses. So obviously, if you operate a small business, you need an online presence. Fortunately, products like Zoho Sites make building a website for your business easy and affordable.

This article, "In the News: Is Politics Making Small Business Owners Pessimistic?" was first published on Small Business Trends

Adobe Introduces New Features to Adobe Express, Aimed at Solopreneurs and SMBs

Adobe announced a series of updates to Adobe Express, the company’s quick and easy content creation app. The new features are designed to help solopreneurs and small to medium-sized businesses (SMBs) create high-quality, on-brand content for marketing, HR, and sales, all while working seamlessly across teams and business-critical applications. Adobe also introduced a special offer for teams, making Adobe Express available for $49.99 per user per year, with no additional charge for AI-powered features.

With millions of users from large enterprises, SMBs, non-profits, and educational institutions, Adobe Express has become a go-to platform for organizations looking to meet their content creation needs quickly and efficiently. The latest updates provide additional tools for smaller businesses, enabling them to drive business outcomes without needing extensive resources or expertise.

AI Built for Business – At No Extra Cost

One of the key innovations in the latest update is the integration of Adobe Firefly generative AI-powered features, which are included in Adobe Express for teams at no extra cost. These AI features, designed to be commercially safe, allow users to create content more quickly and confidently, knowing that their brand assets are protected.

Innovations for Teams and Enterprises

The latest Adobe Express release also includes enterprise-grade innovations that are easy for teams of any skill level to use. Teams can now create on-brand social posts, flyers, videos, and presentations, leveraging thousands of templates curated by Adobe and hundreds of thousands of assets like stock photos, videos, and audio files.

The platform also integrates with other Adobe apps, such as Photoshop and Illustrator, ensuring that changes made in one app are automatically reflected in Adobe Express designs. This seamless integration allows businesses to save time and effort when working with freelancers or creative professionals.

New Features to Enhance Business Content Creation

Adobe Express now includes several new features aimed at making it easier for businesses to create professional content:

• Brand Control and Template Locking: Businesses can now lock essential brand elements, such as fonts and colors, into templates. This ensures that content remains consistent across all teams and collaborators while still allowing for some customization.
• Enhanced PDF Support: Powered by Adobe Acrobat, Adobe Express now allows users to import, edit, and convert PDFs, making document workflows smoother.
• Presentation Creation: With the ability to create professional presentations using brand kits and unique layout tools, Adobe Express helps businesses produce high-quality content quickly.

Anthony Ezidro, CEO of healthcare marketing agency Patient10x, praised the platform’s time-saving capabilities. “With Adobe Express, we’ve cut our content creation time from two to three days down to just four hours or less. This improvement allows us to be much more responsive and productive,” said Ezidro.

Accelerating Marketing Campaigns with AI

The updated Adobe Express platform uses AI to help businesses accelerate their marketing efforts. With features like bulk creation, text rephrasing, and design resizing, businesses can easily create content for multiple channels. Additionally, users can collaborate in real-time, making it easier to work across teams and receive approvals faster.

Seamless Collaboration and Integration

Adobe Express also introduced new tools for collaboration and asset management. Teams can now organize and share access to relevant files, brands, and libraries across projects. Additionally, the platform’s integration with over 150 partner apps, such as TikTok Symphony Assistant and WeTransfer, allows users to streamline their content creation processes further.

Special Offer for Teams and Pricing Information

For a limited time, Adobe Express for teams is available at a special rate of $49.99 per user per year, with AI features included at no extra cost. This offer is guaranteed for up to three years and requires a minimum of two seats. The offer includes a 90-day free trial and runs through September 30, 2024. Nonprofits interested in accessing Adobe Express for free can find more information on Adobe’s website.

This article, "Adobe Introduces New Features to Adobe Express, Aimed at Solopreneurs and SMBs" was first published on Small Business Trends

SBA Offers Disaster Loans to Businesses and Residents Affected by Tropical Storm Debby in Pennsylvania

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced that low-interest disaster loans are now available to businesses and residents in Pennsylvania following a Presidential disaster declaration for damages caused by Tropical Storm Debby on August 9-10.

This disaster declaration allows eligible individuals and businesses in specific counties to apply for financial assistance to recover and rebuild.

Affected Areas

The disaster declaration covers the counties of Lycoming, Potter, Tioga, and Union, which are eligible for both Physical and Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDLs). Adjacent counties, including Bradford, Cameron, Centre, Clinton, Columbia, McKean, Mifflin, Montour, Northumberland, Snyder, and Sullivan in Pennsylvania, as well as Allegany, Chemung, and Steuben in New York, are eligible to apply only for SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans.

Types of Loans Available

The SBA is offering several types of disaster loans, including:

• Businesses and Nonprofits: Businesses and private nonprofit organizations of any size may borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace disaster-damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery, equipment, inventory, and other assets.
• Small Businesses: Small businesses, agricultural cooperatives, aquaculture businesses, and most private nonprofit organizations may also be eligible for EIDLs to help meet working capital needs caused by the disaster. Importantly, these loans are available regardless of whether physical property damage occurred.
• Homeowners and Renters: Disaster loans of up to $500,000 are available to homeowners to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate. Homeowners and renters can also borrow up to $100,000 to repair or replace personal property damaged in the storm.

Loan Terms and Conditions

Interest rates for the loans are as low as 4% for businesses, 3.25% for nonprofit organizations, and 2.813% for homeowners and renters. Loan terms can extend up to 30 years, depending on the borrower’s financial situation. Furthermore, interest does not begin to accrue, and no monthly payments are required, until 12 months after the initial loan disbursement.

The SBA sets loan amounts and terms based on each applicant’s financial condition. These loans are designed to assist in long-term recovery by helping individuals and businesses restore their property to pre-disaster conditions.

Additional Loan Benefits for Mitigation

In addition to covering the costs of repairs, the SBA disaster loan program offers an opportunity to build back with mitigation improvements that can help prevent future damage. Applicants may be eligible for a loan amount increase of up to 20% of the physical damages verified by the SBA. This increase can be used for mitigation projects such as safe rooms, storm shelters, sump pumps, French drains, or retaining walls.

Application Process and Deadlines

Disaster survivors are encouraged to apply for an SBA disaster loan even if they have not yet settled with their insurance company. The SBA can provide loans for the total loss, up to its loan limits, with the condition that insurance proceeds are used to reduce or repay the loan. Survivors should also apply for FEMA grants alongside SBA loans to maximize their recovery resources. FEMA grants cover necessary expenses and needs not covered by insurance or other sources, while SBA loans focus on long-term recovery.

Applications for physical property damage must be submitted by November 12, 2024, and the deadline for economic injury applications is June 11, 2025.

For more information on the SBA disaster loan program or to apply online, visit www.sba.gov/disaster. Applicants can also call the SBA Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov. For individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have speech disabilities, 7-1-1 relay services are available.

This article, "SBA Offers Disaster Loans to Businesses and Residents Affected by Tropical Storm Debby in Pennsylvania" was first published on Small Business Trends

Food Truck Name Ideas

The right name can attract customers to your food truck and make the experience memorable. Many factors go into determining the perfect food truck business name. Here are some important considerations to make when starting your mobile food business.

How to Name Your Food Truck Business

The naming process may look different for each business. But these tips can help you when learning how to come up with a restaurant name:

The name of your food truck is more than just a label; it’s the first impression you make on potential customers. It conveys your culinary theme, sets the tone for your brand, and can significantly influence the success of your mobile eatery. So, how do you choose the perfect name? Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you brainstorm and select the right name for your food truck:

1. Define Your Culinary Theme:

• Cuisine Type: Are you serving Mexican, Italian, vegan, or fusion dishes? Your menu can serve as an inspiration for your truck’s name.
• Signature Dish: If you have a standout dish, consider naming your truck after it, e.g., “The Burrito Buggy” or “Pasta Parade.”

2. Consider Your Target Audience:

• Demographics: Think about the age, cultural background, and preferences of your potential customers. A younger crowd might appreciate a trendy or playful name, while an older demographic might prefer something classic or straightforward.
• Location: If you’re setting up in a beach town, a name like “Seaside Snacks” might be fitting. Similarly, “Mountain Munchies” could work in a hilly region.

3. Play with Words:

• Alliteration: Names like “Burger Bliss” or “Taco Temple” are catchy and memorable.
• Puns and Wordplay: Think of fun puns related to food, like “Rolling in the Dough” for a pizza truck or “Fry-Day” for a truck specializing in fried foods.

4. Keep It Simple and Memorable:

• Short and Sweet: A concise name is easier for customers to remember and recommend.
• Avoid Complex Words: You want people to recall your food truck’s name easily, so avoid using words that are difficult to pronounce or spell.

5. Research and Check Availability:

• Online Search: Before settling on a name, search online to see if other food trucks or restaurants already use it. You want a unique identity.
• Domain Availability: If you plan to have a website or online ordering system, check if the domain name is available.
• Trademark Search: Ensure that the name isn’t trademarked to avoid potential legal issues down the line.

6. Get Feedback:

• Friends and Family: Share your top choices with friends and family and gauge their reactions. They might offer valuable insights you haven’t considered.
• Potential Customers: If possible, conduct a mini-survey among potential customers. After all, they’re the ones you’re trying to attract.

7. Visualize Your Branding:

• Logo Design: Consider how the name will appear on your food truck, menu, and promotional materials. Some names might lend themselves better to creative logo designs.
• Colors and Aesthetics: Consider the overall aesthetic of your truck. If you have a vintage-themed truck, a retro name might be more fitting.

8. Think About Growth:

• Expansion Possibilities: If you plan to have multiple trucks or even a brick-and-mortar restaurant in the future, choose a name that can grow with your business.
• Versatility: Make sure the name isn’t too limiting. For instance, “Downtown Donuts” might not be suitable if you decide to expand to other locations or add more items to your menu.

Naming your food truck is a creative process that requires careful consideration of various factors. While it’s essential to choose a name that reflects your brand and resonates with your target audience, it’s equally important to ensure it’s unique and has the potential for growth. Take your time, gather feedback, and most importantly, choose a name that you’re proud to stand behind. After all, it’s the first step in your delicious journey on wheels.

Benefits of Starting a Food Truck

Benefit	Description	Business Impact	Duration & Sustainability
Low Overhead	Generally less expensive than a brick-and-mortar restaurant	Increases profit margins	Long-term; as long as the business operates
Mobility	Ability to move to different locations based on demand	Wider customer reach	Ongoing; as long as the business operates
Quick Start-up	Faster setup time compared to traditional restaurants	Quicker revenue generation	Short-term; initial phase of business
Niche Focus	Easier to specialize in specific cuisines or food items	Builds brand identity	Ongoing; as long as the business operates
Scalability	Easier to scale and even franchise the business	Future growth potential	Long-term; as the business matures
Customer Interaction	Direct contact with customers for immediate feedback	Improved customer satisfaction	Ongoing; as long as the business operates
Marketing Benefits	The truck itself can be a mobile advertisement	Low-cost marketing	Ongoing; as long as the truck is operational
Event Opportunities	Ability to attend events, festivals, and private functions	Multiple revenue streams	Ongoing; as opportunities arise
Lower Staff Requirements	Requires fewer staff members than a traditional restaurant	Reduces labor costs	Long-term; as long as the business operates
Flexibility	Easier to adapt the menu and business model	Rapid response to market changes	Ongoing; as long as the business operates

180 Good Food Truck Names to Kickstart Your New Business

Coming up with a name is one of the first steps in starting your own food truck business. The following good small business names can provide inspiration as you create your own unique brand. You still need to check domain availability, trademarks, and state databases. But they may help you come up with ideas as you navigate your early days in the food truck industry.

Catchy Food Truck Names

Food trucks often have catchy names that rhyme or contain puns or alliteration. Here are some ideas if this is your style.

• Grill & Go
• Taco Trek
• Rolling Feast
• Nomad Noodles
• Bite Mobile
• Flavors on Wheels
• Burger Buzz
• Street Eats Express
• Gyro Hero
• Waffle Wagon
• Taco Town
• The Frying Dutchman
• Saucy Skillet
• Sizzle Stop
• Wrap & Roll

Read More: how to start a food truck business

Funny Food Truck Names

If you want to make customers laugh as they approach your food truck, consider the following name ideas.

• Grill Me Softly
• Taco ‘Bout Delicious
• Wok This Way
• Pimp My Snack
• Chillin’ & Grillin’
• Nacho Average Truck
• Holy Crepe!
• Lettuce Turnip the Beet
• Fries to Meet You
• Game of Scones
• Rolling with My Homies
• License to Grill
• I Got 99 Problems but a Dish Ain’t One
• The Frying Squad
• Don’t Go Bacon My Heart

Unique Food Truck Name Ideas

All business names should be unique, but these can help your food truck really stand out.

• Euphoria Eats
• The Wandering Fork
• Crave Caravan
• Fork & Flame
• Sizzle Safari
• Bites of Bliss
• Street Spice
• The Velvet Taco
• Urban Crave
• The Munch Machine
• Wanderlust Bites
• Basil & Ember
• Chimney & Smoke
• Epicurean Express
• Gastro Nomads

Breakfast Food Truck Name Ideas

If your food truck serves breakfast items, the following names may be relevant to your niche.

• Rise & Dine
• The Breakfast Buggy
• Morning Munchies
• Eggspress
• Bacon & Beyond
• Flapjack Frenzy
• Sunrise Scrambles
• Waffle Wagon
• The Toasty Truck
• Biscuit Boss
• Omelette Avenue
• Dawn Patrol Eats
• Pancake Party
• Eggs Benedict Express
• The Brunch Bus

Dessert Truck Names

If you serve sweet treats, these names may help you attract local sweet tooths.

• Sugar Rush
• Sweet Wheels
• Cupcake Cruiser
• Rolling Cones
• The Dessert Dash
• Frost & Roll
• Doughnut Dreams
• The Candy Cart
• Churro Chariot
• Sweet Treats on Wheels
• Sundae Funday
• Whisk & Whip
• The Ice Cream Stop
• Brownie Bliss
• Cookie Cab

Pizza Food Truck Names

Pizza can be sold by the slice or in small, personal boxes. These business name can bring pizza lovers to your food truck.

• Slice of Heaven
• Pizza Wheels
• Rolling Dough
• The Pizza Wagon
• Crust Crusaders
• Pizza Patrol
• Cheesy Rider
• Slice Me Nice
• Dough Bros
• Pie in the Sky
• The Pizza Stop
• Wheelin’ Pies
• Crust & Flame
• The Cheesy Chariot
• Toss & Turn

Read More: food truck business plan

Burger Food Truck Names

Burgers are some of the most popular menu items for food trucks. These name ideas fit perfectly for burger trucks.

• Burger Buzz
• Grill Thrill
• Patty Wagon
• Buns on Wheels
• Rolling Burgers
• Grill & Chill
• Burger Bonanza
• Beefy Bliss
• The Burger Bus
• Smash & Dash
• Big Bite Burgers
• Stacked & Packed
• Bun Intended
• The Burger Shack
• Juicy Joints

Taco Truck Names

Tacos are also among the most popular food item options. If you’re looking for the perfect taco truck name, consider these.

• Taco ‘Bout It
• Rolling Tacos
• Taco Trek
• The Taco Stop
• Taco Truckin’
• Holy Guacamole!
• Tacos To Go
• Taco ‘N Roll
• Salsa on Wheels
• Guac & Roll
• The Taco Cartel
• Nacho Average Taco
• Taco Fiesta
• Chronic Tacos
• Taco Express

Coffee Truck Names

If you’d rather serve beverages out of your mobile food stand, these coffee name ideas may help.

• Brewed Awakening
• Caffeine Machine
• The Daily Grind
• Espresso Express
• Bean There, Drunk That
• Rolling Beans
• Perk Up Truck
• Steamy Wheels
• Buzzed Beans
• Sip & Go
• Mocha Motion
• The Coffee Cartel
• Grind & Go
• Cup O’ Joe on Wheels
• The Brew Crew

BBQ Truck Names

Barbecue encompasses so many popular foods. These names call attention to them.

• Smoke & Grill
• The BBQ Pit Stop
• Flame & Fork
• Rolling Smoke BBQ
• Grill on Wheels
• The Pit Boss
• Burnt Ends Express
• Sizzle & Smoke
• Grill Masters
• BBQ Brothers
• Rubbed Right BBQ
• The Saucy Pig
• Smokin’ Wheels
• Brisket on the Go
• Backyard BBQ Express

Mexican Food Truck Name

Mexican street food encompasses more than just tacos. These names include other popular options.

• Sabor on Wheels
• El Camino Tacos
• The Salsa Cart
• Fiesta on Wheels
• Taqueria Express
• Burrito Brothers
• Salsa & Spice
• El Mariachi Mobile
• Guac ‘n’ Roll
• Tacos el Camino
• Burrito Bus
• Street Corn Kings
• Loco Tacos
• Cocina on Wheels
• The Taco Loco

Asian Food Truck Names

Asian street food lends itself well to a food truck model. There are tons of unique niches within these names.

• Wok This Way
• Bento Box on Wheels
• Rice & Roll
• Dragon Bites
• Chopsticks Express
• The Wok Stop
• Pho Nom Nom
• Rolling Dumplings
• Stir Fry Station
• Sushi on the Go
• The Noodle Cart
• Kimchi Cruiser
• Bao Down
• Teriyaki Travels
• The Ramen Truck

Names for Vegan Food Trucks

If you want to serve meatless, plant-based food, consider these unique name options.

• Nature’s Nosh
• Roots & Greens
• Harvest on Wheels
• The Veggie Express
• The Vegan Chef
• Kale & Karma
• Pure Plant Plates
• Roots & Shoots
• Greens on the Go
• The Green Truck
• The Sprout Spot
• Garden on Wheels
• Bean & Leaf
• The Plant Pantry
• The Herb Cart

Read More: Food Truck Ideas

Best Food Truck Name Generators

A generator can help you find the perfect food truck business name using your own keywords. Here are some to consider.

1. Business Name Generator

This simple Business Name Generator lets you enter keywords and provides a list of potential options. It even checks availability.

2. TRUiC Name Generator

The TRUiC name generator uses AI to come up with truck business name ideas. You can even refine your search by location.

3. Shopify Name Generator

Shopify offers name generators for a variety of niches — including food trucks. Just enter your top keyword for ideas.

4. Copywriting Course Food Truck Name Generator

This generator for Copywriting Course is more of a fun exercise. You enter your initials or random letters that align with various terms to use in your own name.

5. BizNameWiz Generator

This option from BizNameWiz lets you enter keywords and check domain availability with one search.

6. Mobile-Cuisine Name Generator

Mobile-Cuisine offers a generator specifically for the food truck industry. It includes lots of cliches and catchy titles.

Conclusion

Choosing the right name for your food truck business is a crucial step in creating a memorable and successful brand. The process involves careful consideration of various factors, from your culinary theme to your target audience and the visual representation of your brand. Here are some key takeaways to remember as you embark on this creative journey:

1. Culinary Theme: Your food truck’s name should reflect your culinary theme and menu offerings. Whether you’re serving Mexican, Italian, vegan, or fusion dishes, your name should give potential customers a sense of what to expect.
2. Target Audience: Consider the demographics and preferences of your target audience when choosing a name. Tailoring your name to your potential customers can help attract the right crowd.
3. Wordplay and Creativity: Catchy and creative names can make your food truck more memorable. Alliteration, puns, and wordplay can add a playful and engaging element to your brand.
4. Simplicity: Keep the name simple and easy to remember. Avoid complex words or phrases that may be difficult for customers to recall.
5. Research and Availability: Ensure that your chosen name is unique and not already in use by other food trucks or restaurants. Check domain availability if you plan to have an online presence and conduct trademark searches to avoid legal issues.
6. Feedback: Seek feedback from friends, family, and potential customers to gauge their reactions to your top name choices. Their insights can be valuable in making a final decision.
7. Branding: Consider how the name will look on your food truck, menu, and promotional materials. Some names may lend themselves better to creative logo designs and color schemes.
8. Growth Potential: Think about the future of your business. Choose a name that can accommodate growth, whether it’s expanding to multiple trucks or opening a brick-and-mortar restaurant.
9. Name Generators: Utilize online name generators to brainstorm ideas based on keywords and themes related to your food truck concept. These tools can provide fresh inspiration.

In the competitive world of food trucks, a well-chosen name can set you apart and leave a lasting impression on your customers. It’s a creative process that deserves time and consideration. Ultimately, the right name can attract customers, help you establish a strong brand identity, and contribute to the overall success of your mobile food business.

As you explore the list of potential food truck names and consider the various categories and themes, remember that your name should resonate with your unique vision and concept. Whether you opt for a catchy, funny, or unique name, it should reflect your passion for food and your commitment to delivering a delightful culinary experience to your customers. So, take your time, have fun with the process, and choose a name that you’re proud to showcase on your delicious journey on wheels.

Image: Depositphotos

 

This article, "Food Truck Name Ideas" was first published on Small Business Trends

Zoho Introduces AI-Rich Version of Zoho Analytics, Democratizing Self-Service BI

Zoho Corporation has launched an upgraded version of Zoho Analytics, its self-service business intelligence (BI) and analytics platform. This release includes over 100 enhancements, among them new AI and machine learning (ML) features designed to enable diagnostic insights, predictive analysis, and automated report and dashboard generation. These updates add significant power, intelligence, and flexibility, making Zoho Analytics more adaptable to a wider range of businesses and user personas compared to competitors.

Zoho Analytics now includes a custom ML model-building studio, seamless integration with OpenAI, and third-party BI platform extensions. The company believes these improvements position Zoho Analytics as a leading platform in the BI market.

Philip Edey, Head of Business Analytics at Arctic Spas, a global leader in all-weather pools and spas, praised Zoho Analytics’ role in the company’s strategic planning.

“Zoho Analytics has played a crucial role in the company, helping us plan strategically and stay ahead of the competition. The platform’s data prep tools ensure that our strategy is guided by accurate, actionable data, which Ask Zia and other AI capabilities can analyze quickly. From there, the platform’s predictive analytics allow us to
forecast future trends accurately, while the new multi-layered mapping feature gives us the ability to visualize our geographical data at multiple levels.

“Whether it’s sales regions or customer demographics, we can now drill down into detailed map views to uncover trends and insights that drive strategic decisions. Developing a new line of spas is a significant undertaking and comes with considerable risk, but Zoho Analytics enables us to innovate and be first to market with great confidence and success,” says Edey.

He added that Zoho Analytics’ predictive analytics and multi-layered mapping features allow for detailed visualizations of geographical data, which help uncover trends and make informed strategic decisions.

Raju Vegesna, Chief Evangelist for Zoho, reflected on the platform’s evolution.

“Zoho Analytics launched in 2009 as Zoho Reports, long before technology had caught up to Zoho’s vision for business intelligence,” he says. “Since then, Zoho has made considerable investments around automation, no-code/low-code development, third-party integration, machine learning, and Zia, Zoho’s in-house AI engine. The latest version of Zoho Analytics is one of the first solutions from the company that takes advantage of every one of these decades-long investments. The result is a democratized platform that is powerful, intelligent, flexible, and simple to use.”

The new version of Zoho Analytics includes enhancements across four key areas: Data Management, AI, Data Science & Machine Learning (DSML), and Extensibility.

Data Management Hub

Zoho Analytics has expanded its data management capabilities to support more precise decision-making. The platform now includes Stream Analytics and 25 additional data connectors, adding to its 500+ connector portfolio. These connectors provide businesses with access to a central repository of data from a wide range of sources for analysis.

Users can now create and manage complex ETL data pipelines within Zoho Analytics, using a visual builder or the new Python Code Studio for custom transforms and ML models. The platform’s Unified Metrics Layer enables users to define, standardize, monitor, and catalog business metrics in one central location. Zoho Analytics also offers a new Headless BI mode, allowing real-time access to consistent business metrics across different applications.

BI Infused with Generative AI

Generative AI capabilities have been added to Zoho Analytics to provide more efficient and contextual insights. Zia Insights, Zoho’s AI-powered engine, now offers diagnostic analytics to bring decision intelligence into the platform. Ask Zia, Zoho’s Natural Language Querying AI copilot, has been updated to support Spanish and French, and can now interact within IM channels like Microsoft Teams. The platform also features Auto Analysis, which enables AI-powered, automated generation of metrics, reports, and dashboards.

Zoho Analytics’ integration with OpenAI through Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) supports more accurate and relevant query responses. The platform allows users to use OpenAI APIs with BYOK, offering more flexibility in finding datasets and building SQL queries.

Data Science and Machine Learning (DSML) Studio

The new DSML Studio in Zoho Analytics enables users to build custom ML models for tasks such as predicting customer churn. The AutoML feature provides no-code tools for creating ML models with feature engineering, hyperparameter tuning, and model analysis. Code Studio offers an integrated Python environment for users to create custom ML models or import external libraries.

Platform Extensibility

Zoho Analytics now supports a new BI fabric that consolidates insights from other BI platforms, including Power BI and Tableau. This allows businesses to manage and analyze data from multiple BI platforms within one portal. The platform also supports actionable workflows, URL and Webhook actions, and integrates with Zoho Flow to trigger workflows across 500+ apps. Additionally, the platform now includes a no-code data connector builder for custom data integrations.

The latest Zoho Analytics update includes more than 100 new features, such as enhanced visualizations, improved dashboard building, audit controls, revamped mobile apps, and Right-to-Left (RTL) language support.

Pricing and Availability

The new version of Zoho Analytics is available immediately. For more details on pricing, visit www.zoho.com/analytics/pricing.html.

This article, "Zoho Introduces AI-Rich Version of Zoho Analytics, Democratizing Self-Service BI" was first published on Small Business Trends

North Carolina Auto Parts Seller and Owner to Pay $10M for Emissions Defeat Devices

Rudy’s Performance Parts Inc., an automotive parts manufacturer and seller based in North Carolina, along with its owner, Aaron Rudolf, have agreed to pay $10 million in fines and penalties for manufacturing, selling, and installing emissions defeat devices.

These devices were used to disable or remove emissions controls in motor vehicles, violating the Clean Air Act.

Rudy’s pleaded guilty in federal court to conspiring to violate the Clean Air Act. U.S. District Court Judge Trevor N. McFadden sentenced the company to a $2.4 million criminal fine and imposed a three-year period of organizational probation as part of the plea agreement.

Rudolf, the owner and CEO, had previously pleaded guilty in April to similar charges, involving the tampering of emissions controls on approximately 300 diesel trucks. Rudolf was sentenced to three years of probation and ordered to pay a $600,000 criminal fine.

In addition to the criminal penalties, the Justice Department, on behalf of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), filed a civil lawsuit in 2022 against Rudy’s and Rudolf. The lawsuit cited violations of the Clean Air Act for manufacturing, selling, and installing defeat devices, as well as failing to adequately respond to formal requests for information from the EPA.

Under a consent decree filed on July 29, 2024, Rudy’s and Rudolf agreed to pay a $7 million civil penalty. The decree also prohibits them from making, selling, offering to sell, or installing defeat devices in the future. They are also barred from transferring intellectual property that would allow others to make or sell defeat devices and from profiting from businesses that sell these illegal devices. The decree is pending court approval.

Assistant Attorney General Todd Kim emphasized the dangers of defeat devices, stating they can lead to elevated pollution levels that pose health risks and damage the environment. EPA’s Assistant Administrator David M. Uhlmann and U.S. Attorneys Matthew M. Graves and Sandra J. Hairston also highlighted the importance of enforcing the Clean Air Act to protect public health and hold violators accountable.

According to court documents, Rudy’s sold defeat devices known as “delete tuners,” which tampered with vehicle on-board diagnostic systems (OBDs) to disable emissions controls. The company’s top-selling products included the Mini Maxx and XRT Pro delete tuners. After the original manufacturer stopped production, Rudy’s conspired with others to create imitation versions of these tuners and continued to sell them.

From 2014 to mid-2019, Rudy’s and Rudolf sold over 250,000 products designed to remove or disable emissions controls, generating approximately $33 million in revenue. These products contributed to significant increases in vehicle emissions, adding the equivalent pollution of over 1 million vehicles on U.S. roads.

The EPA’s Criminal Investigation Division investigated the criminal case, and the consent decree was lodged in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of North Carolina. The consent decree is subject to a 30-day public comment period and approval by the court.

This article, "North Carolina Auto Parts Seller and Owner to Pay $10M for Emissions Defeat Devices" was first published on Small Business Trends

Apple Introduces Thinner, More Advanced Apple Watch Series 10

Apple has unveiled the Apple Watch Series 10, boasting its thinnest design yet, with the biggest and most advanced display ever on an Apple Watch.

With new features such as sleep apnea notifications, faster charging, and water depth and temperature sensing, the Apple Watch Series 10 enhances its health and fitness capabilities while maintaining its reputation as the world’s bestselling watch.

Apple Watch Series 10 is available in aluminum and titanium, in a variety of finishes and colors. Pre-orders are available today, with the official release set for September 20.

New Features and Design Enhancements

• Thinner, Lighter Design: The Apple Watch Series 10 is nearly 10% thinner than previous models and features a new metal back that integrates the antenna into the housing. The aluminum case is up to 10% lighter than the Series 9, and the titanium case is nearly 20% lighter than the stainless steel Series 9, making it more comfortable to wear.
• Advanced Display: The largest display ever on an Apple Watch offers 30% more active screen area compared to earlier models like the Series 4, improving readability and usability. The Series 10 also debuts a wide-angle OLED display, which is 40% brighter from an angle than Series 9, and features faster refresh rates for improved responsiveness.
• Faster Charging: Series 10 introduces the fastest charging yet on an Apple Watch, allowing for 15 minutes of charging to provide up to 8 hours of use or 8 minutes of charging for a full night of sleep tracking.

Health and Fitness Features

• Sleep Apnea Notifications: Apple Watch Series 10 introduces sleep apnea detection using wrist movements to track breathing disturbances. Users can view their Breathing Disturbances in the Health app and receive notifications if signs of sleep apnea are detected.
• Water Depth and Temperature Sensing: The new depth gauge can measure water depth up to 6 meters, and a water temperature sensor provides readings during water activities, making it ideal for swimming and snorkeling. The new Tides app provides detailed tidal information for coastlines and surf spots worldwide.

Pricing and Availability

• Apple Watch Series 10 starts at $399 (U.S.) and is available for pre-order in over 49 countries, with availability beginning on September 20.
• Apple Watch SE starts at $249 (U.S.).

This article, "Apple Introduces Thinner, More Advanced Apple Watch Series 10" was first published on Small Business Trends

IRS Provides Tax Relief to Victims of Severe Storms and Flooding in Connecticut and New York

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) announced tax relief for individuals and businesses in Connecticut and New York affected by severe storms and flooding that began on August 18, 2024. The affected areas, which include Suffolk County, New York, and Fairfield, Litchfield, and New Haven counties in Connecticut, are now eligible for an extension on filing various federal tax returns and payments until February 3, 2025.

This tax relief applies to any area designated by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The IRS will automatically provide filing and penalty relief to those with an IRS address of record in the affected disaster areas. Taxpayers do not need to contact the IRS to receive this relief.

Filing and Payment Relief

The new February 3, 2025, deadline will apply to:

• Individuals and businesses with a valid extension to file their 2023 federal returns, although payments were due before the storms.
• Quarterly estimated income tax payments due on September 16, 2024, and January 15, 2025.
• Quarterly payroll and excise tax returns due on October 31, 2024, and January 31, 2025.

Additionally, penalties for failing to make payroll and excise tax deposits due on or after August 18, 2024, and before September 3, 2024, will be abated as long as deposits were made by September 3, 2024.

Claiming Disaster-Related Losses

Those in federally declared disaster areas with uninsured or unreimbursed disaster-related losses can choose to claim them on their 2024 or 2023 federal tax returns. Taxpayers have until October 15, 2025, to make this election. For those filing a loss claim, FEMA declaration numbers 3612-EM (Connecticut) and 3613-EM (New York) must be included on the return.

Additional Relief and Guidance

Taxpayers living outside the disaster area but whose records are located in the affected areas, as well as workers assisting relief efforts, may also qualify for this tax relief. Those qualifying outside the area should contact the IRS at 866-562-5227. Additional relief may be available for retirement plan distributions and other hardship withdrawals under specific plan rules.

For further details, taxpayers can visit the IRS website and refer to Publication 547 on casualties, disasters, and thefts, and Publication 525 on taxable and nontaxable income.

This article, "IRS Provides Tax Relief to Victims of Severe Storms and Flooding in Connecticut and New York" was first published on Small Business Trends

Apple to Launch Apple Intelligence on iPhone, iPad, and Mac Starting Next Month

Apple today announced the rollout of Apple Intelligence, a new personal intelligence system that combines generative models with personal context to deliver useful and relevant insights.

Starting in October, Apple Intelligence will become available on iOS 18.1, iPadOS 18.1, and macOS Sequoia 15.1, bringing powerful new features to the iPhone, iPad, and Mac.

The initial release will be in U.S. English, with additional English-language support expanding to other regions in December, and other languages such as Chinese, French, Japanese, and Spanish expected next year.

Apple Intelligence Features

Apple Intelligence is deeply integrated into Apple’s operating systems, allowing users to take advantage of advanced generative models across their devices. It supports language creation, image recognition, and app-based actions, all while safeguarding privacy and security. Apple has designed many of the underlying models to run directly on the device, with Private Cloud Compute ensuring that more complex tasks are securely processed on dedicated Apple silicon servers without compromising user data.

Key features include:

• Writing Tools: Apple Intelligence brings systemwide tools that allow users to rewrite, proofread, and summarize text across apps like Mail, Notes, and Pages.
• Clean Up Tool in Photos: This new tool can automatically identify and remove distracting objects in the background of photos without altering the main subject.
• Siri Redesign and Flexibility: Siri has been redesigned with a glowing light that wraps around the screen and can now maintain conversation context across multiple requests. Siri also gains richer language understanding and is able to answer thousands of product-related questions.
• Notification Summaries: The new notification system provides smart summaries to prioritize important information, allowing users to stay focused while getting timely updates.

Advanced Features Rolling Out Later This Year

Apple Intelligence will continue to evolve in the coming months with additional features, including:

• Image Playground and Image Wand: These tools will allow users to create images based on text descriptions or rough sketches, making notes and communications more visually engaging.
• Genmoji Creation: Users will be able to generate personalized emojis by typing a description or selecting a photo.
• Extended Siri Capabilities: Siri will gain enhanced onscreen awareness and support for hundreds of new actions across Apple and third-party apps. Users can also access ChatGPT’s expertise directly through Siri or other tools, with built-in privacy protections.

Privacy and Security

Apple Intelligence was designed with privacy as a core priority. Most processes are handled directly on the device, and when Private Cloud Compute is used for more complex tasks, users’ data is never stored or shared with Apple. Independent experts are continuously reviewing Apple’s silicon servers to ensure compliance with privacy promises.

Additionally, users who choose to access ChatGPT through Apple Intelligence features will benefit from privacy protections such as obscured IP addresses, with no data stored by OpenAI. ChatGPT access is free, and users can choose to create an account if desired.

Availability

Apple Intelligence will be available as a free software update. It will initially launch in beta as part of iOS 18.1, iPadOS 18.1, and macOS Sequoia 15.1 next month. Supported devices include iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Pro, iPad, and Mac models equipped with the M1 chip and later.

This article, "Apple to Launch Apple Intelligence on iPhone, iPad, and Mac Starting Next Month" was first published on Small Business Trends

Apple Unveils iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max, Powered by A18 Pro Chip

Apple has introduced the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max, featuring larger display sizes, innovative camera features, and a new A18 Pro chip designed to power Apple Intelligence. These new models are built with enhanced capabilities for photography, immersive gaming, and extended battery life, marking a significant leap forward for the Pro lineup.

The iPhone 16 Pro models, available in four finishes — black titanium, natural titanium, white titanium, and desert titanium — will be available for pre-order starting September 13, with full availability beginning on September 20.

Key Features: Advanced Camera and Visual Technology

The iPhone 16 Pro series introduces several innovative camera advancements, including Camera Control, which allows users to interact more intuitively with the camera system. The new 48MP Fusion camera, along with the quad-pixel sensor, offers 4K120 fps video recording in Dolby Vision, a first for any smartphone. Additionally, the models feature a 5x Telephoto camera, studio-quality microphones, and an upgraded 48MP Ultra Wide camera for higher-resolution photography, including macro shots.

Larger Displays and Battery Life

The Pro models offer the largest display sizes ever for iPhone, with the iPhone 16 Pro featuring a 6.3-inch display and the iPhone 16 Pro Max measuring 6.9 inches. The Super Retina XDR displays with Always-On and ProMotion technologies ensure stunning visuals, while the durable titanium design provides strength with lightweight materials. The iPhone 16 Pro Max boasts the best battery life of any iPhone to date.

Apple Intelligence and A18 Pro Chip

Both models are powered by the new A18 Pro chip, which enables enhanced Apple Intelligence. This new system uses Apple-built generative models to deliver personalized and context-aware features while protecting user privacy. Features such as Writing Tools and the ability to transcribe and summarize calls integrate seamlessly into the system, helping users manage daily tasks efficiently. Siri’s updated design and deeper integration further enhance the user experience, allowing for more natural communication.

Pricing and Availability

• iPhone 16 Pro starts at $999 (U.S.), available in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB configurations.
• iPhone 16 Pro Max starts at $1,199 (U.S.), with the same storage options.

Pre-orders begin on September 13, with full availability starting on September 20.

This article, "Apple Unveils iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max, Powered by A18 Pro Chip" was first published on Small Business Trends

In the News: Study Reveals the Best State to Start a Small Business Right Now

Where’s the best state in the US to start a business? A new study from Lendio looks into that and reveals the top 10 states where entrepreneurs would be best starting their new ventures.

That’s just one of the many stories we reported on in the last week. And you can find them all in this week’s small business news roundup.

LexisNexis Risk Solutions Study Reveals Rising SMB Lending Fraud, Anticipated to Increase Further

LexisNexis Risk Solutions has released its latest Small and Midsize Business (SMB) Lending Fraud Study, highlighting a significant rise in fraud cases impacting small and medium-sized businesses. According to the report, SMB lending fraud has increased by nearly 14% over the past year, with over 80% of surveyed lenders expecting further increases in the coming months.

Lendio Reveals Top States for Starting a Small Business in 2024

Lendio, a leading marketplace for small business loans, has released the results of its latest study ranking the best states in the U.S. for starting a small business in 2024. Florida emerged as the top state for entrepreneurs, followed closely by Texas and North Carolina.

Zoom Survey Reveals Hybrid Work as the Dominant Model, Offering Unexpected Benefits to Global Organizations

Zoom, in collaboration with Reworked INSIGHTS, has released the findings of a new survey titled “Navigating the Future of Work: Global Perspectives on Hybrid Models and Technology.” The study highlights the growing preference for hybrid work environments, with 83% of employees reporting higher productivity in hybrid or remote settings compared to traditional in-office setups.

Printful Partners with Brikl to Enhance Services for US Customers and Expand Global Reach

Printful has announced a strategic partnership with Brikl, a provider of scalable on-demand online stores. This collaboration is set to revolutionize the promotional products industry by offering businesses in the United States and around the world unprecedented access to Printful’s extensive product catalog and Brikl’s innovative technology platform.

Jack Henry Collaborates with Moov to Simplify Digital Payments for Small Businesses

Jack Henry (Nasdaq: JKHY), a leading provider of technology solutions and payment processing services primarily for the financial services industry, today announced a collaboration with Moov, a modern digital payments processor, to enhance digital payment services for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) through community and regional financial institutions.

Etsy Enhances Search and Discovery to Showcase the Best of Its Marketplace

Etsy has announced updates to its search and discovery features, aimed at improving the shopping experience for buyers and increasing visibility for sellers. With over 100 million items available on the platform, Etsy continues to refine how it connects buyers with high-quality, relevant products while ensuring a delightful and reliable shopping experience.

GoDaddy Launches AI-Powered Digital Marketing Tools to Empower Entrepreneurs

GoDaddy has announced the launch of its new Digital Marketing tools, designed to help entrepreneurs overcome common marketing challenges and maximize brand awareness.

Zoom Unveils 1 Million Attendee Capability for Webinars

Zoom has announced the launch of its new single-use webinar offering, now capable of hosting up to 1 million attendees. In addition to its existing monthly and annual subscription options, Zoom is expanding its services to include single-use webinars with capacities ranging from 10,000 to 1 million attendees.

IKEA U.S. Partners with Slope Tech Inc. to Enhance Financial Solutions for Business Customers

IKEA U.S. has announced a new collaboration with Slope Tech Inc., a leader in digitizing the Business-to-Business (B2B) economy, to offer enhanced financial solutions for its IKEA for Business customers. This partnership is part of IKEA’s ongoing commitment to providing exceptional service and support to small and medium-sized businesses across the U.S.

Arizona Man Pleads Guilty to COVID-19 Relief Fraud and Filing False IRS Claim

Roy L. Layne, an Arizona resident, pleaded guilty yesterday to wire fraud and filing a false refund claim with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Layne admitted to fraudulently obtaining over $850,000 from the IRS and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) through various COVID-19 relief programs.

This article, "In the News: Study Reveals the Best State to Start a Small Business Right Now" was first published on Small Business Trends

NFIB Jobs Report: Small Business Job Growth Stalls in August

According to the latest NFIB Jobs Report, small business job openings remained high in August, with 40% of business owners reporting positions they could not fill, up two points from July. Labor quality concerns also grew, with 21% of owners citing it as their top issue, the highest level reported since January 2024.

“Job openings on Main Street remain historically high as small business owners continue to lament the lack of qualified applicants for their open positions,” said NFIB Chief Economist Bill Dunkelberg.

In August, 62% of small business owners reported hiring or trying to hire, an increase of five points from July. However, 56% of those hiring reported few or no qualified applicants for open positions, with 31% seeing few qualified candidates and 25% seeing none.

Openings for skilled workers rose by four points to 36%, while openings for unskilled labor decreased by one point to 15%. Job openings in construction were up five points from July, with 60% of construction firms reporting unfilled positions. The highest number of job openings were seen in transportation, construction, and manufacturing, with agriculture and finance sectors experiencing fewer shortages.

A net 13% of business owners plan to create new jobs in the next three months, down two points from July. Labor costs remained the top issue for 9% of owners, unchanged from the previous month.

A net 33% of small business owners reported raising compensation in August, unchanged from July and the lowest reading since April 2021. A net 20% plan to raise compensation in the next three months, up two points from July.

This article, "NFIB Jobs Report: Small Business Job Growth Stalls in August" was first published on Small Business Trends

Zoom Introduces Smart Name Tags to Enhance Engagement and Inclusivity in Meetings

Zoom has announced the public beta of its latest feature, smart name tags, designed to improve inclusivity and engagement in Zoom Meetings. Now available in public beta Zoom Rooms, smart name tags utilize artificial intelligence (AI) to apply name tags to participants in a Zoom Room, making it easier for virtual attendees to identify in-room participants and fostering a more connected and seamless meeting experience.

Revolutionizing Flexible Workspaces with Smart Name Tags

In today’s increasingly hybrid work environment, effective communication and inclusivity during meetings are more crucial than ever. Smart name tags address these challenges by ensuring that everyone in a Zoom Room is easily identifiable, enhancing the overall meeting experience for both in-person and remote participants.

Key Benefits of Smart Name Tags:

• Enhanced Inclusivity: Smart name tags allow meeting participants to see the names of each in-room attendee, whether they are speaking or not. This feature helps bridge the gap between remote and in-person attendees, making virtual communication more personal and inclusive.
• AI-Powered Recognition: The automatic smart name tags feature utilizes AI to distinguish and label participants in a Zoom Room. Users can manually add their name tags during a meeting or opt in for automatic recognition, ensuring that everyone in the meeting is seen, identified, and engaged.
• Improved Meeting Dynamics: By clearly identifying who is present in a meeting, smart name tags foster a more engaging and collaborative environment. This innovation is particularly valuable for meetings involving new teams or external parties, helping participants to connect and collaborate more effectively.

To enable smart name tags, admins must activate the feature via settings. Individual users can then enroll and consent through their profiles, allowing their name tag to be automatically displayed in the video feed of the Zoom Room. These name tags can be edited as needed.

Innovation in Flexible Workspaces

The introduction of smart name tags is part of Zoom’s broader mission to enhance the flexible work experience. Zoom Spaces, which includes Zoom Rooms and other collaboration tools, is designed to support globally dispersed teams by fostering seamless collaboration and inclusivity.

With 95% of business leaders indicating that their organizations have become more flexible over the past two years—and 82% planning to increase flexibility further—Zoom Spaces offers a comprehensive suite of tools tailored to meet the diverse needs of modern businesses.

Additional Zoom Spaces Features:

• Zoom Rooms: These customizable spaces transform any environment into a collaborative hub. As of Q1 FY2025, Zoom Rooms have surpassed two million licenses, offering HD video collaboration that simplifies meeting initiation, room booking, and content sharing for both in-person and remote participants.
• Zoom Rooms Intelligent Director: This advanced feature uses multiple cameras and AI to capture the best image and angle of participants, ensuring that remote attendees can clearly see everyone in the room, even in large conference settings.
• Workspace Reservation: Employees can reserve workspaces in advance or upon arrival, including personalized spaces equipped with Zoom-enabled devices. This feature also recommends optimal in-person workdays or desk locations based on colleagues’ presence, maximizing collaboration.
• Visitor Management: This tool streamlines the guest experience with intuitive workflows for inviting and managing visitors, including notifications and badge printing. Employees can also reserve Zoom-enabled workspaces for their guests, ensuring a smooth and professional visit.

This article, "Zoom Introduces Smart Name Tags to Enhance Engagement and Inclusivity in Meetings" was first published on Small Business Trends

PNC Survey Shows Business Owners Remain Optimistic Despite Economic Uncertainty

According to the latest PNC Economic Outlook survey, optimism among small and mid-sized business owners remains strong, with more than half (56%) expressing confidence in the national economy, up from 34% a year ago. Additionally, 76% of respondents are highly optimistic about the prospects for their own business, while 64% expect increased demand in the next six months, signaling sustained confidence in business growth despite broader economic uncertainty.

Gus Faucher, Chief Economist at PNC, highlighted that this positive sentiment aligns with PNC’s forecast for a soft landing for the U.S. economy. He emphasized that while concerns about a recession have emerged, most business owners do not see it as a major threat, with only 33% believing it will have a significant impact on their business.

Key Findings from the Survey

• Economic Optimism: A majority (56%) of business owners remain optimistic about the national economy, up from 55% in the spring and significantly higher than last year’s 34%. Optimism about the local economy sits at 62%, while global economic optimism is slightly lower at 39%.
• Business Growth: 76% of business owners are optimistic about the future of their own business, a figure consistent with previous surveys. Moreover, 64% anticipate increased demand for their products or services over the next six months, while 41% expect to raise their inventory levels to meet this demand.
• Financing and Investments: Business owners are increasingly seeking new loans or lines of credit, with 29% planning to do so in the next six months—a survey high. Additionally, 30% of owners plan to increase capital spending, focusing on areas such as human resources, technology, and product development.
• Price Increases: A growing number of businesses (61%) are planning to raise customer prices in the next six months, up from 47% in the spring. Of these, 38% anticipate price increases of 5% or more, marking the highest percentage since 2010.

Challenges Facing Businesses:

• Hiring Difficulties: Despite optimism, nearly 35% of businesses report challenges in finding qualified employees. This is a return to 2023 levels after a brief improvement last spring.
• Inflation Concerns: Inflationary pressures remain a top concern, with 42% of business owners expecting U.S. consumer prices to rise by 5% or more in the coming year. Many businesses report rising costs from suppliers and increased employee compensation as significant factors impacting their operations.
• Political Uncertainty: As the 2024 U.S. Presidential Election approaches, concern over political uncertainty is on the rise. More than two-thirds (68%) of business owners expressed concern about the impact of U.S. political uncertainty on their businesses, up from 45% six months ago.

The survey, conducted by Artemis Strategy Group, involved 500 interviews with small and mid-sized business owners and leaders from July to August 2024, providing insights into the economic outlook and strategic priorities of businesses across the U.S.

This article, "PNC Survey Shows Business Owners Remain Optimistic Despite Economic Uncertainty" was first published on Small Business Trends