MKR Blog
The Small Business Administration (SBA) recently announced significant changes to its 504 Loan Program. This program has traditionally been a vital resource for small businesses seeking long-term, fixed-rate financing, and earlier this month, the SBA introduced a rule...
With less than three months before the 2024 presidential election, inflation remains stubborn and economic uncertainty continues. Both political and economic unpredictability can create volatility that requires businesses to be more strategic with financial...
As the SBA prepares to launch this pilot program, small business owners should stay informed about the latest developments. It’s a good idea to subscribe to SBA newsletters and follow updates on their website. Additionally, the SBA’s Export Finance Managers are expected to provide counseling to lenders interested in participating so they have the knowledge and resources to guide and support small businesses effectively.
Scaling a professional services firm presents unique challenges. Growth plateaus—periods where growth slows or flatlines—are common. Overcoming these plateaus requires strategic planning and execution. Here are actionable strategies to help make your business more...
Small businesses often face cash flow challenges that can threaten their financial stability, so it’s crucial to implement effective strategies for long-term cash planning, ensuring sustainability and success. Read on as we explore actionable steps that small...
Mastering the art of marketing is a required skill to reach and engage target audiences effectively. Two powerful strategies to accomplish this are push and pull marketing. Understanding the distinct roles of these approaches can make all the difference in driving...
Securing the right funding for your small business is crucial for growth and stability. Asset-based lending is one option for financing for businesses that have strong assets and need access to working capital. But is asset-based lending the right choice for your...
The success of professional services firms is often dependent upon a firm’s ability to deliver exceptional results for clients, but this goal is not without an element of risk. With the uncertainties and potential pitfalls of business, it’s essential that firms adopt...
The Small Business Administration (SBA) recently changed the rules that apply to both the 7(a) and 504 loan programs. The goal is to streamline the loan application process, broaden the amount and variety of lenders, and relax regulations in order to reach more small...
Whether anticipated or unexpected, small businesses in every industry face a lot of challenges. Both veteran and new businesses need to be prepared, flexible, and adaptable in order to succeed. Here are the most significant business challenges in 2023. Economic...
The retail landscape has been reshaping since the pandemic, and what seemed like temporary changes have now solidified into permanent shifts in how consumers shop and what they expect from retailers. Here are the key trends shaping retail this year. Value-Oriented...
If you owe back taxes and you’re expecting a refund this year, you might be wondering if the IRS will keep it. In some cases, yes. In others, no. Whether the refund reaches your bank account depends on several factors. If you have unpaid federal tax debt, the IRS can...
President Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB) could change your tax return in real ways. The bill offers potential relief for parents raising kids, workers earning tips or overtime, and seniors on fixed incomes. There are a few key areas to pay attention to. Here’s...
Running a veterinary clinic means juggling patient care, staff needs, and business operations. Technology can help ease that load, and in 2026, several trends are beginning to emerge for better efficiency, security, and staff and client support. Here are the...
Health savings accounts (HSAs) are one of the best tools for saving on healthcare costs. And beginning this year, more Americans than ever will qualify for HSAs, thanks to the One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB), which was passed last July. Read on to learn what’s changing,...
When you retire, you don’t have to move your 401(k) right away, and for many retirees, leaving it where it is could be a smart move. Employers are increasingly adding features that make staying in the plan more appealing. Why? Partly because when employees with large...
The construction industry enters 2026 facing both persistent headwinds and emerging opportunities. Rising material costs, ongoing labor shortages, and policy uncertainty continue to challenge business owners. But at the same time, there’s an undercurrent of guarded...
When it comes to increasing the value of a small business, focusing on top-line growth won’t give you the whole picture. Revenue alone doesn’t always equal value, and a bigger business isn’t always a better one. If your long-term goal is to build a valuable business...
The Trump administration enacted new tariffs on lumber and kitchen cabinets, adding pressure to construction budgets. The tariffs apply a 10% duty on softwood lumber and a 25% levy on imported kitchen cabinets. By 2026, the cabinet tariff is set to double to 50%. As a...
More Americans are turning to a 401(k) hardship withdrawal to cover urgent and unexpected expenses. By the end of 2024, about 5% of employees had taken a hardship withdrawal from their 401(k) accounts. That’s more than double the 2% who did so in 2018. With inflation,...