5 Small Business Stories, Trends and Tips for Today

1. Three Small Business Strengths That Can Turn Into Weaknesses

There’s a reason growth strategy is such a popular topic in the small business world. On the surface, the requirements for growth seem relatively straightforward. As long as your company is doing well, you shouldn’t have trouble increasing staff or clientele. However, any veteran business leader knows it’s a lot more complicated than that. Read more at http://bit.ly/2GMyses

2. Edmonds small businesses hurting after string of snowstorms

Unless they owned a hardware store or operated a tow truck, the past week-and-a-half have probably been brutal on small business owners.As Kimberly Koenig opened her clothing and jewelry business in Edmonds Thursday, she admitted the past couple of weeks have been lonely. Read more at https://kng5.tv/2GM4reX

3. Small business brings opportunity to communities, entrepreneur says

Starting a business from scratch is a daunting task for most anyone, especially someone with no prior business experience. But for Sarah Calhoun, founder and owner of Montana-based Red Ants Pants, the desire for better fitting, functional work pants was the spark she needed to make the leap into the world of small business and entrepreneurship. Read more at http://bit.ly/2GKMptA

4. Chamber leaders roll out new healthcare plan for small businesses

Many small businesses face a tough choice: Do you push to grow your company, or do you offer health benefits in order to retain your employees? In an attempt to address the latter, the Southern Arizona Chamber of Commerce Association launched a new health insurance plan this month for self-employed workers and those operating modest proprietorships. Read more at http://bit.ly/2GQDmY9

5. Grayslake small business group growing, hosting a wine walk

A just-formed group of Grayslake small business owners hosted its first event, a window-decorating competition, on Black Friday to coincide with the village tree lighting. Now, the Downtown Grayslake Small Business Group is looking to warmer weather for its next program -- a wine walk in March. Read more at http://bit.ly/2GKMq0C