5 Small Business Stories, Trends and Tips for Today

1. House Small Business Committee Outlines Goals for 2019

The House Small Business Committee recently announced five Committee Democratic Members who will serve as Subcommittee Chairs for the 116th Congress. With the Democrats in charge of the House now, Small Business Trends got in touch with House Small Business Committee Chairwoman Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) to get an idea of the committee’s goals for 2019. Read more at https://smallbiztrends.com/2019/02/2019-house-small-business-committee.html

2. Tight job market hits small business confidence

The monthly Job Openings and Labor Turnover survey showed that those job openings are at a record high. Another report — the NFIB Small Business Optimism Index — said small businesses optimism is at the lowest level in months. Read more at http://bit.ly/2tobOBk

3. Small Businesses Harmed By Fintech Lenders, Entrepreneur Advocates Warn Congress

Small businesses are being harmed by fintech lenders, two entrepreneur activists told Congress today. Many small business owners are vulnerable to predatory practices from the unregulated lenders, said John Arensmeyer, founder and CEO of Small Business Majority. Read more at http://bit.ly/2tobP8m

4. How small businesses can reach new markets and audiences

Any small business owner knows that in a period of economic uncertainty, sustaining growth and profitability is a tall order. Businesses must play to their strengths to innovate and diversify where possible, and identify new opportunities in new markets – all while continuing to add value for their existing customers. Read more at http://bit.ly/2tobPFo

5. Will Lower Tax Refunds Hurt Your Small Business This Year?

Each year, the overwhelming majority of tax filers collect a refund from the Internal Revenue Service, often to the tune of several thousand dollars. But new IRS data suggests that refunds will be significantly lower this year across the board, with the average refund already coming in 8.4% less than at this time last year. Read more at http://bit.ly/2tobQcq