Latest news with #SmallBusinessMonth
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Chicopee small businesses recognized at Walmart showcase
CHICOPEE, Mass. (WWLP) – May is Small Business Month, and one local business was recognized Wednesday morning in Chicopee. A small crew working in the cellar of a mill plant now sells across the country in over 3,600 stores. Super Brush was founded in Chicopee 65 years ago, and now these seemingly simple swabs are available in the largest retailer in the world. Massachusetts cemetery honors veterans ahead of Memorial Day The Walmart Supercenter in Chicopee hosted the Small Business Appreciation Showcase with community members and local officials on Wednesday. Chicopee Mayor John Vieau expressed his excitement at seeing the business grow. 'It's exciting to see one of our origins, Super Brush, who started in Chicopee, is now expanded all the way to Springfield on the shelves at Walmart, nationally recognized,' Vieau said. 'So it's really an amazing opportunity for them.' Walmart hosted events like this all throughout the country during the month of May. Public Affairs Director Chris Buchanan explained why Walmart supports so many small businesses. 'It really goes back to the days of Sam Walton when Walmart was created over 62 years ago,' Buchanan said. 'We've had a very longstanding commitment to small businesses. Walmart itself started off as a small business, and now here we are.' Over 60% of the products in Walmart are supplied by small businesses like Super Brush. Many of them attend the Walmart Open Call, an event that allows small businesses to pitch their products to the retail giant. Misty McGinnes, who's been with the company for over 30 years, told 22News how Super Brush was able to scale its business. 'Little by little, we got new customers, big customers, little customers, just added all up,' McGinnes said. 'And right now, it's walked us through a whole bunch of bad things, like supply chain and COVID and all kinds of things. We still keep walking.' Super Brunch not only employs over 100 people in the western Massachusetts area, but products are also made in the U.S. WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Business Journals
20-05-2025
- Business
- Business Journals
Fueling Dallas' small business boom: Why community banks matter more than ever
Texas is currently home to nearly 3 million active business entities, with an increase of over 35,000 new businesses in the first month of the year. Since 2015, the number of businesses in Texas has nearly doubled, underscoring the state's dynamic entrepreneurial environment and solidifying its reputation as a hub for innovation and opportunity. At the heart of this surge are entrepreneurs eager to transform their ideas into thriving enterprises. While success requires grit, passion and resilience, it's often the unseen support of trusted advisors that fuels long-term growth. An essential partner to a growing business is their community bank. Whether funding a local developer's next big project, helping a restaurant expand to a second location, or providing a rancher with equipment financing, a bank is more than just a lender. It's a dedicated partner throughout the growth journey. Local banks offer more than capital. They deliver personalized guidance, rooted in real-world experience and a deep understanding of the local market. It's the kind of insight you won't find at national chains, and it can be the difference between just getting by and scaling up. Growing a business is hard. Banking shouldn't be. Nearly 50% of small businesses don't make it past their fifth year, and less than 10% achieve more than $1 million in annual revenue.* This isn't because of a lack of vision or hard work, but often due to limited access to capital, cash flow challenges and the need for trusted financial advice. This is where local community banks stand apart. Community banks like Harmony Bank, founded in Texas and operating for 100 years, are rooted in relationships, with decisions made locally by people who truly understand the unique needs of businesses in their communities. What sets community banks apart Local lending, local decisions. Loan decisions are made by people who know your community and understand the local market — people who are genuinely invested in your success. Tailored solutions for real goals. From lines of credit to SBA loans and equipment financing, community banks structure flexible solutions that align with your unique business goals, without all the red tape. Capital that stays local. Your deposits stay where they belong — funding local North Texas businesses, homeownership and vital infrastructure. Last year, local banks helped finance everything from small business startups to rural broadband expansion. A partner for the long haul. Community banks are there from day one and remain by your side as your business grows. Whether you're scaling, expanding or planning your next move, your bank is committed to your long-term success. Celebrating small businesses every day While May is officially Small Business Month, supporting small businesses is an ongoing mission for community banks. Every day, local banks invest in the entrepreneurs who drive our local economies, turning big ideas into tangible impact. As you look ahead, take a moment to reflect: Is your bank simply holding your money, or is it actively invested in helping your business grow, thrive and reach new heights? Now is the time to build the future of your business with a partner, like Harmony Bank, who understands your vision, backs your ambitions and is here for the long term. Whether your business is navigating turbulent times or experiencing growth, now's the time to establish a relationship with a local bank who can help you see it through successfully. For over 100 years, Harmony Bank has partnered with the people who build our communities. From startups to family legacies, we offer local expertise, personalized banking and a long-term commitment to our customers' success. With 11 branches and a strong focus on small business success, Harmony offers deposit and lending solutions tailored to your goals. Learn more at *According to sources collected by Harmony Bank
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Synchrony Partners with the Independent Animal Hospital Association (IAHA) to offer CareCredit, Spotlighting Commitment to the Nation's Independent Veterinary Hospitals
As Preferred Financing Partner, CareCredit to Drive Growth Among Independent Veterinary Practices and Expand Access to Credit for Pet Owners STAMFORD, Conn., May 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Synchrony (NYSE: SYF), a leading consumer financial services company, today announced a partnership with the Independent Animal Hospital Association (IAHA), becoming their preferred financing partner. The IAHA will offer Synchrony's CareCredit health and wellness credit card at the association's more than 500 independent animal hospitals in more than 30 states. This Small Business Month, Synchrony shines a light on its ongoing commitment to empower independent veterinary practices, understanding the vital role these independent practices play in the veterinary profession. Acceptance of CareCredit offers these practices a flexible financing solution, dedicated support, and valuable resources designed to help address their business needs, foster client loyalty, and ensure long-term growth while expanding access to care for pet owners. IAHA can now offer its members access to financing through CareCredit, including shorter- and longer-term options, allowing their clients to better budget for their pet's care. By offering CareCredit, IAHA veterinarians can focus on delivering the highest level of care knowing they are providing clients with greater financial flexibility. "By understanding the unique challenges and opportunities faced by independent animal hospitals and veterinary practices, we're able to provide payment solutions that empower them to meet their clients' needs," said Jonathan Wainberg, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Pet, Synchrony. "Our dedication is evident in our prioritization of partnerships with these vital small businesses, and we're proud to note that they comprise nearly 65% of our veterinary partners." "The rising costs of veterinary medicine can often place a significant financial burden on pet owners, making it difficult to afford essential care," said Brent Dunbar, President of Independent Animal Hospital Association. "Teaming up with CareCredit to bring pet owners flexible financing options makes it easier for our members to help our clients get their pets the care they deserve." Pet owners can see if they prequalify for the CareCredit credit card in real time, with no impact to their credit score, and apply on any smart device or apply over the phone. A credit decision is typically provided within a few seconds, and if approved, they can use their account to pay for their pet's care right away. This flexibility helps pet owners to provide the necessary care for their pets, from routine check-ups to emergency treatments. For more than 35 years, CareCredit has been a valuable financing option for all types of veterinary services, treatments, and diagnostics at locations in the network, giving pet owners peace of mind that they are ready to care for their pets throughout their lifetime. CareCredit is accepted at more than 27,000 veterinary practices and all public university veterinary schools in the U.S. For more information, please visit About SynchronySynchrony (NYSE: SYF) is a leading consumer financing company at the heart of American commerce and opportunity. From health to home, auto to retail, our Synchrony products have been serving the needs of people and businesses for nearly 100 years. We provide responsible access to credit and banking products to support healthier financial lives for tens of millions of people, enabling them to access the things that matter to them. Additionally, through our innovative products and experiences, we support the growth and operations of some of the country's most respected brands, as well as more than 400,000 small and midsize businesses and health and wellness providers that Americans rely on. Synchrony is proud to be ranked as the country's #2 Best Company to Work For® by Fortune magazine and Great Place to Work®. For more information, visit About Independent Animal Hospital Association Independent Animal Hospital Association (IAHA) is dedicated to helping independent animal hospitals regain their competitive advantage in a market dominated by corporate medicine. We consist of over 500 independent animal hospitals in over 30 states. For far too long, corporate medicine has enjoyed advantages not available to private practices. Members receive access to exclusive discounts, rebates, programs, and offers all resulting in measurable financial benefits. Contacts: Lauren Brent DunbarIndependent Animal Hospital Association independentaha@ View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Synchrony
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Travel Leaders Network Celebrates Small Business Month
North America's largest travel agency network helps small agencies do big business NEW YORK, May 15, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- In honor of Small Business Month, Travel Leaders Network is reaffirming its commitment to empowering small travel agencies with the tools, support and reach they need to thrive. With membership ranging from the many small businesses who choose to be part of the Network (defined as having fewer than 20 employees or under $2 million in annual revenue) to large mega-agencies, Travel Leaders Network is a key player in helping agencies of all sizes compete and succeed. "Small businesses are the linchpin of communities and travel agencies are no exception," said John Lovell, CTC, President of Travel Leaders Network. "We are proud to support these entrepreneurs with the resources they need to grow and deliver exceptional service." Travel Leaders Network offers small travel agency businesses access to a full suite of high-impact resources: Agent Profiler, an award-winning high-conversion lead generation platform SNAP, a user-friendly, point-and-click booking tool for non-GDS users Toby AI and Social Share Pro for automated, effective social media marketing Engagement Marketing, including customized content with agency branding and calls to action Travel Leaders Network also offers more live training than any other travel consortium, led by a dedicated in-house education team. Members have access to on-demand webinars, immersive workshops and expert-led certifications. Designed for flexibility, courses cover key specialties like luxury, romance and adventure travel, helping advisors learn and stay competitive on their own schedule. To serve agencies of all sizes, Travel Leaders Network offers Leaders Alliances, which are especially important for smaller agencies, as they offer a merit-based community of top performers. Leaders Alliances are exclusive communities of agency owners and advisors united by shared specialties or interests. These groups create a more personal, collaborative environment within the larger network, offering peer support, business insights and access to targeted FAM trips and events. For smaller agencies, they provide invaluable connection, mentorship and a path to sustainable growth. And finally, members benefit from powerful supplier partnerships that include exclusive amenities, elevated commission tiers and priority access to inventory. As part of Internova Travel Group, Travel Leaders Network offers access to premier luxury programs like SELECT, CURATED and WORLDWIDE Hotels & Resorts by Internova, along with exceptional cruise benefits through Distinctive Voyages and Culinary Collection, and private air travel options via ALTOUR Air. "By design, we are big so small travel agencies can punch above their weight," said Lovell. "Whether you're a large host agency or a solo advisor, we offer tools and flexibility to help your business grow on your terms." Travel Leaders Network has been recognized as one of Newsweek's Most Reliable Companies of 2025, earning praise for its ease of doing business, exceptional value, consistent delivery and strong reputation for dependability. Among the 300 companies on the list, Travel Leaders Network is the only travel network to receive this honor. For travel agencies interested in learning more about the award-winning programs and diverse offerings of Travel Leaders Network in leisure and luxury travel, business travel, honeymoon and destination weddings — as well as active and adventure travel — visit About Travel Leaders NetworkTravel Leaders Network ( an Internova Travel Group company, assists millions of leisure and business travelers annually and is one of the largest sellers of luxury travel, cruises and tours in the travel agency industry, with approximately 5,700 travel agency locations across the United States and Canada. CONTACT:Berit Griffinbgriffin@ View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Travel Leaders Network Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Business Journals
09-05-2025
- Business
- Business Journals
Cybersecurity strategies to help protect your small business
May is Small Business Month, and Regions Bank has long served the needs of small businesses across Central Florida, providing insights, advice and solutions to help them manage cash flow, reach financial goals and build on their growth. We are proud to recognize and be a resource for the small businesses that keep our community moving forward. While small businesses are the economic heartbeat of our community, they are also a prime target for cybercriminals. So, part of our work with business clients is to inform them of common schemes. Fraudsters may think small businesses are less protected than larger firms – so, education and preparedness are crucial among business staff. Here are a few simple and affordable measures small-business owners can take. Make strong passwords your first line of defense Many hacking-related breaches are the result of compromised or weak passwords. One of the best measures a company can implement is to require the use of strong passwords. Consider the following: Use a strong combination of upper and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Use the longest password or passphrase permissible. Enable multi-factor authentication when available. Do not reuse passwords — create a unique password for each account. Avoid passwords that reference personal information or include any words that can be found in the dictionary. Educate employees Make sure employees are aware of, and following, best security practices to create another strong line of defense. 'Business email compromise' is a huge threat. Hackers compose an email designed to look like it's coming from a supervisor, a customer, or some other official source. They direct an employee to move money from one place to another, and the employee complies – thinking they're doing the right thing. But three words can put a stop to this: Stop. Call. Confirm. Are you sure that request is legitimate? Does it seem out of the ordinary? Trust us, people won't mind if you call and confirm. They'll know you have their best interests at heart. An effective anti-fraud training program should cover a broad range of topics to ensure employees know how to spot the signs of phishing, vishing and smishing attacks – as well as business email compromise – and know what to do if something seems suspect. Create a data breach response plan If a data breach occurs, time is of the essence. The longer it takes a company to respond, the worse the collateral, financial and reputational damage. In addition to investing in cybersecurity, small businesses need a response plan in place to help reduce the overall impact of a data breach. Remain vigilant Cybersecurity software and practices must stay current. That means updating operating systems, browsers, and any cybersecurity software running on your company's devices and networks, as well as your security guidelines. Every day without proper data protection is a day that proprietary information, customer data, and business sustainability are left vulnerable. At Regions, our team of branch associates across Central Florida can help people and small-business owners with fraud guidance and advice. To learn more, stop by any Regions branch or visit The information presented is general in nature and should not be considered, legal, accounting or tax advice. Regions reminds its customers that they should be vigilant about fraud and security and that they are responsible for taking action to protect their computer systems. Fraud prevention requires a continuous review of your policies and practices, as the threat evolves daily. There is no guarantee that all fraudulent transactions will be prevented or that related financial losses will not occur. Visit
