The Business Nearby
Section

Business Resources

Actionable advice and resources for aspiring and current small business owners.

A symbolic representation of the CMO role being overshadowed by the emerging Chief Business Officer, illustrating a shift in corporate leadership.

CMO Role Faces Potential Replacement by CBOs in 2026

At the inaugural MarkHack CMO Circle, senior executives openly discussed the potential replacement of Chief Marketing Officers with Chief Business Officers.

Simone Ito· Jun 12· 2 min
Small business owner analyzing growth charts, symbolizing strategic marketing budget shifts for expansion and adaptation in a competitive landscape.

Strategic marketing budget shifts for small business growth

Budgeting for the status quo will result in the status quo, a trap many small businesses unknowingly fall into, according to Accountingmarketing .

Simone Ito· Jun 1· 2 min
Small business owner reviewing growth plans with a doubled SBA loan limit of $10 million, symbolizing increased capital access for expansion.

SBA Doubles Loan Limit to $10 Million for Capital-Intensive Borrowers

Starting July 4th, 2026, certain capital-intensive small businesses can access up to $10 million in combined SBA-guaranteed loans, a doubling of previous limits, according to Forbes .

Simone Ito· May 22· 2 min
Diverse entrepreneurs, including veterans and minority business owners, facing a large bank building, symbolizing the struggle for funding and access to capital.

Veteran and Minority Businesses Face Persistent Funding Gaps

In 2023, a Black woman veteran seeking a $50,000 business loan was 40% less likely to be approved by a traditional bank than a non-minority male applicant with identical credit scores and business pla

Simone Ito· Aug 1· 4 min
An entrepreneur studying a flowchart of permits and licenses, symbolizing the process of obtaining business approvals.

How to Get Local Business Permits and Licenses

Restaurateurs in New York City typically need some 30 permits, registrations, licenses, and certificates, along with up to 23 separate inspections to start their business, according to the Manhattan I

Simone Ito· Sep 7· 4 min
A vibrant city street showcasing thriving small businesses, with a prominent city hall building symbolizing local government's role in economic development.

Three Ways Local Governments Grow Small Businesses: Reform Rules, Connect Resources, Provide Direct Support

Local governments can foster small business growth through three core strategies: reforming regulations, connecting businesses to resources, and providing direct support. These approaches are vital for strengthening local economies by creating jobs, driving innovation, and increasing community wealth.

Eleni Kassian· Jun 23· 5 min
A small business owner contemplates a complex SBA organizational chart, symbolizing the new scrutiny and challenges faced by entrepreneurs seeking federal support.

SBA's Two-Step Reshaping: 2025 Reorganization Meets the 2026 Size Standards Overhaul

The SBA is implementing a dual policy shift: a March 2025 agency reorganization and a proposed August 2026 overhaul of size standards. These changes aim to refocus the SBA's mission and redefine small business eligibility, significantly impacting federal contractors and competition.

Simone Ito· Jun 18· 4 min
A warm and inviting local bakery where profits are reinvested into community support, showcasing social entrepreneurship.

What Is Social Entrepreneurship and Why Small Businesses Need It

Imagine a local bakery where every loaf sold directly funds a meal for a homeless person.

Kendra Baptiste· Aug 13· 3 min
A modern manufacturing plant with new equipment, symbolizing growth, with a rural town in the background connected by a line representing capital.

How SBA Capital Opportunities Help Manufacturers and Rural Businesses

While standard SBA 7(a) loans cap at $5 million, a qualifying small manufacturing company can secure up to $5.

Simone Ito· Aug 5· 4 min
A split scene of a high street showing thriving businesses on one side and protesting businesses on the other, representing the debate around Business Improvement Districts.

What Is a Business Improvement District? A Look at the Benefits and Backlash

Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) are hybrid public-private entities funded by compulsory assessments to enhance local commercial areas with supplemental services. While they aim to boost economies and improve public spaces, BIDs also face criticism regarding mandatory fees and potential displacement of businesses.

Eleni Kassian· Jun 8· 4 min