MKR Blog
Running a small business in 2025 presents both challenges and opportunities. To stay ahead of the competition, you must adopt a proactive approach to planning and execution. By focusing on the following strategies, you can set your business up for success this year...
For small businesses, growth is both a challenge and an opportunity. To navigate this journey successfully, entrepreneurs should rely on practical strategies that ensure sustainable growth. Here are some proven approaches to help your small business thrive. Control...
As the United States prepares for a second Trump presidency, small business owners are paying close attention to the policies that could shape their future. Trump’s economic priorities, including tax reform and deregulation, will echo those from his first term. Here’s...
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...
A crucial tax benefit for businesses is on the verge of expiring. The Qualified Business Income (QBI) deduction, a significant component of the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA), is set to end on December 31, 2025. Read on as we go over how this deduction works and how its impending expiration could affect small businesses.
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...
The Corporate Transparency Act (CTA), a significant piece of legislation affecting U.S.-based businesses, went into effect earlier this year. This new requirement mandates the reporting of beneficial ownership information to combat unlawful activities like money...
Keeping thorough records and documentation can help in the event of an audit. Consulting with qualified tax professionals can also provide guidance and help mitigate the risk of errors on your tax return.
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...
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,...
When the federal government shuts down, businesses across the nation feel the effects, especially for those that rely on federal programs, work directly with federal agencies, or operate near government properties. This article explains how government shutdowns affect...
When the Federal Reserve cuts interest rates, it’s good news for borrowers and consumers, but not so much for savers. The Fed’s recent quarter-point rate cut is a reminder that the annual percentage yields (APYs) on savings accounts and certificates of deposit (CDs)...
A recent deal between the Trump administration and Pfizer is signaling hope to the pharmaceutical industry. Under Trump's Pfizer deal, Pfizer gets an exemption from pharmaceutical-specific tariffs if the company invests in domestic manufacturing. This key deal is...
President Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB) introduced several tax changes designed to boost take-home pay and simplify the tax code. Some major adjustments include nontaxable income, gift limits, estate tax exemption, and overtime deductions. Here’s a look at...