A bustling week for small business owners across America has come to a close. Here’s a roundup of key developments you might have missed.
This week saw a member of the DeLorean family announcing plans to relaunch the iconic vehicle brand, stirring excitement among automotive enthusiasts and small business owners alike.
Additionally, there were noteworthy partnerships formed among key players in the industry, including a major acquisition aimed at enhancing AI capabilities and a collaboration between a leading POS company and a food distributor designed to improve the customer experience.
Explore these highlights and more in this week’s Small Business News Roundup:
SBA Unveils Initiative to Streamline Federal Contracting Certifications
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has launched MySBA Certifications, a new initiative aimed at simplifying the process for small businesses to apply for and manage federal contracting certifications. Set to roll out in September, this digital platform is part of the SBA’s broader effort to modernize the customer experience.
Kat DeLorean Reclaims Her Family Legacy and Launches New DeLorean
This week featured insights from Kat DeLorean as she discussed her family’s legacy and her vision for the future of the DeLorean brand, originally founded by her father, John, creator of the iconic DeLorean sports car, famously known from ‘Back to the Future.’
Canva Acquires Generative AI Platform to Elevate Design Capabilities
In a significant move, Canva has acquired a generative AI platform, furthering its goal to empower users in design. This acquisition enhances Canva’s visual AI technology and paves the way for innovative design solutions.
Square Partners with US Foods to Streamline Restaurant Operations
In an effort to improve restaurant operations, Square has entered into a partnership with US Foods, aiming to provide advanced technological solutions that support business growth in the food service industry.
Zoom Launches AI-Driven Documents to Boost Collaboration
Zoom has introduced Zoom Docs, a new AI-based documentation tool available on Zoom Workplace. Designed to enhance productivity and team collaboration, Zoom Docs transforms meeting content into actionable documents.
PayPal Introduces Fastlane for Seamless Guest Checkout
PayPal has launched Fastlane for U.S. businesses, aiming to streamline the guest checkout experience ahead of the busy holiday shopping season. This new feature allows users to finalize purchases quickly, optimizing their shopping journey.
Survey Shows Increasing Consumer Flexibility with Hair Stylists
A recent survey indicates that one in three consumers maintains a flexible relationship with their hair stylists or barbers, demonstrating a growing trend of non-exclusive loyalty in the beauty industry.
Concerns About Trust and Ethics Slow AI Adoption, Salesforce Finds
A new analysis from Salesforce shows a strong eagerness among businesses to adopt artificial intelligence technologies, but serious concerns regarding trust, data integrity, and ethics could hinder progress.
Snapchat+ Achieves 11 Million Subscribers
Snapchat’s subscription service has surpassed 11 million subscribers, rapidly growing since its launch in 2022 and now offering a range of exclusive features to its members.
Meta Introduces AI Studio for Custom Character Creation
Meta has unveiled AI Studio, a platform designed for users to create and share AI characters easily. This initiative empowers users to engage creatively without requiring technical expertise.
SBA Releases Guide for Small Business Disaster Preparedness
The SBA has published a Business Resilience Guide to assist small business owners in preparing for and recovering from disasters. This comprehensive resource provides best practices and templates to help businesses strengthen their resilience.
Chiropractor Faces Indictment for Tax Offenses
A chiropractor from Alabama has been indicted on multiple tax-related charges, including tax evasion and filing false returns. He faces accusations of neglecting to remit $2.4 million in self-reported taxes.