Latest news with #smallbusiness
CTV News
2 hours ago
- Business
- CTV News
CFIB calls for lower property tax rates for small businesses in Atlantic Canada
The Halifax skyline is seen from Dartmouth, N.S., on June 30, 2022. (Andrea Jerrett/CTV Atlantic) The Canadian Federation of Independent Business is calling on local and provincial governments to reduce commercial property tax rates for small businesses in Atlantic Canada, saying they aren't being taxed fairly. According to a recent report from the CFIB, commercial property tax rates are typically more than double the residential rates, which it says has small businesses paying thousands of dollars more in property taxes. 'Small business confidence remains on shaky ground because of Canada-US trade tensions, lower consumer demand, and high costs,' said Duncan Robertson, CFIB's director of legislative affairs for Nova Scotia, in a news release. 'Municipalities need to provide improved fairness in how they set property tax rates. If they are serious about supporting small businesses, its time to show it.' Property tax gap by municipality Tax bill on a $372,500 property Tax Gap $ Multiplier X Residential $ Commercial $ St. John's 2.04 3.52 3,017 10,616 Charlottetown 2.19 2.31 6,221 14,379 HRM* 2.12 4.34 2,364 10,245 CBRM 3.13 2.61 7,240 18,989 Moncton 2.81 3.06 5,071 15,535 Fredericton 2.77 3.12 4,875 15,200 Author's calculations = from municipal tax rates. Municipal property tax rates taken from municipal websites. Note: HRM rates are averages of the area and tiered rates. $372,500 is the average of the Canadian Real Estate Association's National MLS Home Price Index for St. John's, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick in April 2025. Call to lower property tax rates The CFIB says more than 70 per cent of small business owners believe municipalities should make it a priority to limit property tax increases and close the gap between residential and commercial property tax ratees. 'This unfairness has a real impact on small businesses and in turn their customers with six in 10 small businesses having to increase prices to keep up with rising occupancy costs,' added Robertson. 'With municipalities increasing costs on small businesses while providing them with little improvement in services, small businesses have one clear ask, better value for their money.' The CFIB is calling on local and provincial governments to do the following: reduce commercial property tax rates for small businesses close the property tax gap between commercial and residential properties engage in sustainable spending practices that keep spending and tax levies in line with growth in population and inflation The findings of the report are based on 412 responses from a random sample of CFIB members between June 3 and June 9 of this year. The CFIB is Canada's largest association of small- and medium-sized businesses with 100,000 members, including more than 4,200 in Nova Scotia. More to come…
Forbes
2 hours ago
- Business
- Forbes
Building A Strong Brand On A Small Budget
Petr Marek, founder and CEO of Invoice Home, an invoice-generating platform designed for small businesses, freelancers and entrepreneurs. Marketing is a crucial part of any business, but it's especially important for small businesses looking to build a strong brand and stand out in a competitive market. MailChimp says that "many small businesses aim to spend 2% to 5% of their total revenue on marketing." As the economy fluctuates and consumers pull back on spending, it's critical now for businesses to remain nimble. I think right now, small businesses should focus on local marketing and use it to their advantage. I find that paid Google ads are a powerful tool for local SEO, helping your business appear at the top of search results and reach customers when they're looking for your services. (But before you start paying for ads, ensure you optimize your Google Business profile and include current business information.) Overall, taking a mixed approach and utilizing free tools at your disposal is the first step to a successful marketing strategy that supports your growing business. Customer Loyalty Customer loyalty is arguably the most important aspect for small businesses in today's competitive business landscape. Therefore, providing quality customer support should be your first priority. To continue improving and building loyalty, it's essential to track customer satisfaction metrics. Average resolution time (ART) and first response time (FRT) can be the difference between a one-time purchase and a returning customer. This means replying promptly to emails, social media messages, online reviews, etc. Both of these satisfaction metrics show your business cares about its customers and supports them throughout their journey. Once your response times are optimized, you can leverage that efficiency to cultivate organic feedback. For example, when you receive positive feedback from a customer, following up and inviting them to leave a public review or testimonial is an excellent way to turn that feedback into a powerful marketing asset. Loyal customers are repeat customers, and your goal should be to keep your customers engaged in the long run. To build loyalty, consider offering early access to new products, special discounts or other customer appreciation incentives. Another smart way to engage is to offer loyalty programs or community rewards. By partnering with other community businesses, you can leverage their customer base as well to continue growing yours. Community Involvement Getting involved with your community as a whole allows you to increase visibility for your business and build strong connections with future customers. There are a number of ways to get involved locally. I think one of the easiest and most important ways is to join your city's Chamber of Commerce or other local small business organizations. These provide valuable opportunities to meet and connect with fellow business owners, which can be helpful in building a mini mindshare whenever a business question arises. Many of these local business organizations also offer monthly lunch-and-learn type events with guest speakers and other opportunities to connect. Once you've connected, partnering with like-minded businesses to jointly host an event, such as a workshop, can further your brand awareness even more. You can also host your own event that gives back to the community—think something like a charity golf tournament. Depending on your business, finding ways to support local farmers' markets or non-profits can help you stay top of mind for customers looking for what you offer. Social Media When you effectively leverage social media to connect with your target audience, you, in turn, enhance your brand visibility. I recommend leveraging multiple channels, especially if your business targets multiple age groups. Each social platform has advantages, and finding your audience on the channels they prefer will unlock opportunities at a much lower cost than traditional advertising and marketing. Most local businesses will benefit from short-form videos or Reels on platforms like Instagram; these short videos are perfect for engagement. Adding Pinterest offers another visual platform to engage audiences and share actionable content, such as how-to guides and infographics, that can also be easily shared across other social media channels. Once your social presence is established, partnering with local influencers or bloggers who align with your brand can help amplify your reach and strengthen your business across social channels. User-generated content (UGC) is another invaluable asset for small businesses, and for many, it remains untapped. Leveraging UGC on social media is the modern-day version of word-of-mouth advertising. Customer reviews are also a powerful source for content. The most important thing to remember with reviews (and comments on social posts) is to engage. Customers want to know they are heard, and engaging with your customers whenever they interact with your business will show that you value them and their feedback. What About AI? As businesses look to slash budgets, marketing tends to be one of the first expenses in question. With all the chatter about generative AI, is this a viable option for small businesses when it comes to marketing? Generative AI can help generate ideas for content and optimize current marketing campaigns, from concepts for email campaigns or social media posts to searching for consumer trends that your business can leverage. There are plenty of free generative AI tools available online that small businesses can use to support their marketing efforts. However, when using AI, it's important to consider the sensitivity of the content being shared and to independently verify any claims or insights the AI generates by checking against trusted sources. You can build a strong brand on a small budget by implementing cost-effective marketing strategies to build brand awareness. The most important takeaway is that with anything, you cannot set it and forget it. Marketing needs to evolve as the market evolves and customer needs shift. Make sure to always directly involve the community, and that your strategy, no matter what, is able to shift over time. Forbes Business Council is the foremost growth and networking organization for business owners and leaders. Do I qualify?
Yahoo
4 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
AI Adoption Among Small Businesses Surges 41% in 2025 According to New Survey from Thryv
Majority of SMBs say AI is essential to reaching new customers DALLAS, July 17, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--A new national survey reveals a dramatic shift in how small businesses are embracing artificial intelligence (AI), with current usage jumping from 39% in 2024 to 55% in 2025—a 41% increase. The second annual AI and Small Business survey, conducted by Thryv® (NASDAQ: THRY), underscores how AI is rapidly becoming a cornerstone of small business strategy, helping owners save time, reduce costs, and compete more effectively in an unpredictable economy. The survey, conducted in May 2025 and based on 540 interviews with small business decision-makers, shows that AI adoption is especially strong among companies with 10 to 100 employees, where usage jumped year-over-year from 47% to 68%. Younger business owners and those in professional services and retail sectors are leading the charge, integrating AI into marketing, customer service, and operations. The majority of small business users (80%) believe AI is essential to reaching new customers, and 78% say it's necessary to meet rising consumer expectations for speed and personalization. These perceived benefits far outweigh concerns about data security, which decreased 40% year over year. "Small businesses have moved beyond wondering if they should use AI—they're determining how fast they can implement it," said Grant Freeman, president of Thryv. "This embrace of AI underscores the value small businesses place on technology. AI is helping them do more with less, reach new customers, and operate with the agility of much larger businesses." How small businesses are benefiting from AI Among current AI small business users: 63% use AI daily. Top applications include data analysis (62%), content generation (55%), and customer engagement tools like chatbots (46%). 58% report saving over 20 hours per month, reinvesting that time into growth initiatives like process improvement, customer acquisition, and innovation. 66% say AI saves their business between $500 and $2,000 monthly, with savings often redirected towards marketing, technology upgrades, and infrastructure. AI's impact on staffing levels Two-thirds (67%) agree that AI takes pressure off themselves and their staff. Almost half (46%) say it will make them less reliant on employees. While only 14% of respondents believe AI could replace an employee, nearly half (42%) are open to the idea under the right conditions. As AI adoption levels continue to rise among small businesses, this openness could impact AI's influence on staffing levels. The survey also found that 41% of small businesses believe AI will help them navigate economic uncertainty, with another 40% saying it might. Optimism is highest among white-collar and service-based businesses, where over 70% see AI as a strategic advantage. Review the survey report here. To learn more about how Thryv is incorporating AI into its leading small business platform, visit Thryv. Survey Methodology Data was collected from 540 small business respondents between May 4 and May 14, 2025. Respondents are decision-makers for their business and are aged 21 or older. Respondents have been in business for one year or more, have 1 to 100 employees, and report revenue ranging from $100k to $9.9 million. About Thryv Thryv Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ:THRY) is the provider of the leading sales and marketing platform designed to help small businesses attract new and repeat customers. Thryv software offers SMBs everything they need to manage day-to-day operations and grow efficiently. The platform's AI-supported marketing and business automations help business owners save time, compete, and win. More than 100K businesses globally use Thryv software to connect with customers and run and grow their business. For more information, visit View source version on Contacts Media Contact: Julie MurphyThryv, Investor Contact: Cameron LessardThryv,
Globe and Mail
4 hours ago
- Business
- Globe and Mail
AI Adoption Among Small Businesses Surges 41% in 2025 According to New Survey from Thryv
A new national survey reveals a dramatic shift in how small businesses are embracing artificial intelligence (AI), with current usage jumping from 39% in 2024 to 55% in 2025—a 41% increase. The second annual AI and Small Business survey, conducted by Thryv ® (NASDAQ: THRY), underscores how AI is rapidly becoming a cornerstone of small business strategy, helping owners save time, reduce costs, and compete more effectively in an unpredictable economy. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: Many SMBs are gravitating to AI for marketing support, with content marketing emerging as the most popular use case. The survey, conducted in May 2025 and based on 540 interviews with small business decision-makers, shows that AI adoption is especially strong among companies with 10 to 100 employees, where usage jumped year-over-year from 47% to 68%. Younger business owners and those in professional services and retail sectors are leading the charge, integrating AI into marketing, customer service, and operations. The majority of small business users (80%) believe AI is essential to reaching new customers, and 78% say it's necessary to meet rising consumer expectations for speed and personalization. These perceived benefits far outweigh concerns about data security, which decreased 40% year over year. 'Small businesses have moved beyond wondering if they should use AI—they're determining how fast they can implement it,' said Grant Freeman, president of Thryv. 'This embrace of AI underscores the value small businesses place on technology. AI is helping them do more with less, reach new customers, and operate with the agility of much larger businesses.' How small businesses are benefiting from AI Among current AI small business users: 63% use AI daily. Top applications include data analysis (62%), content generation (55%), and customer engagement tools like chatbots (46%). 58% report saving over 20 hours per month, reinvesting that time into growth initiatives like process improvement, customer acquisition, and innovation. 66% say AI saves their business between $500 and $2,000 monthly, with savings often redirected towards marketing, technology upgrades, and infrastructure. AI's impact on staffing levels Two-thirds (67%) agree that AI takes pressure off themselves and their staff. Almost half (46%) say it will make them less reliant on employees. While only 14% of respondents believe AI could replace an employee, nearly half (42%) are open to the idea under the right conditions. As AI adoption levels continue to rise among small businesses, this openness could impact AI's influence on staffing levels. The survey also found that 41% of small businesses believe AI will help them navigate economic uncertainty, with another 40% saying it might. Optimism is highest among white-collar and service-based businesses, where over 70% see AI as a strategic advantage. Review the survey report here . To learn more about how Thryv is incorporating AI into its leading small business platform, visit Thryv . Survey Methodology Data was collected from 540 small business respondents between May 4 and May 14, 2025. Respondents are decision-makers for their business and are aged 21 or older. Respondents have been in business for one year or more, have 1 to 100 employees, and report revenue ranging from $100k to $9.9 million. About Thryv Thryv Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ:THRY) is the provider of the leading sales and marketing platform designed to help small businesses attract new and repeat customers. Thryv software offers SMBs everything they need to manage day-to-day operations and grow efficiently. The platform's AI-supported marketing and business automations help business owners save time, compete, and win. More than 100K businesses globally use Thryv software to connect with customers and run and grow their business. For more information, visit . View source version on
Associated Press
6 hours ago
- Business
- Associated Press
Best Bookkeeping Software (2025): QuickBooks Online Awarded Top Solution by Expert Consumers
New York, New York--(Newsfile Corp. - July 17, 2025) - Expert Consumers, a trusted source for software and business tool reviews, has named QuickBooks Online the top solution in its newly released report on the best bookkeeping software for 2025. The recognition highlights the platform's advanced automation, accessibility, and consistent reliability for small business owners, freelancers, and growing enterprises. Best Bookkeeping Software As businesses continue to navigate changing market conditions and increased demands on efficiency, bookkeeping remains a vital function. Accurate, up-to-date financial records are essential for making informed decisions, maintaining compliance, and planning for growth. However, many small business owners still struggle with manual processes or legacy systems that create bottlenecks and increase the risk of error. The Expert Consumers review cites QuickBooks Online's ability to eliminate many of these challenges through automation. The software allows users to link their bank and credit card accounts, enabling automatic transaction imports, smart categorization of expenses, and real-time cash flow visibility. These features reduce manual data entry and help ensure books remain accurate throughout the fiscal year. QuickBooks Online supports over 24,000 financial institutions, allowing seamless integration with existing banking services and financial tools. In addition to core bookkeeping functions, the platform includes features for invoicing, payroll, mileage tracking, and sales tax automation. The ability to manage books via mobile device ensures flexibility for remote teams, traveling entrepreneurs, and those managing operations outside traditional office settings. [ This image cannot be displayed. Please visit the source: ] QuickBooks Online processes over 550 million categorized transactions each year, with 85 percent of users reporting improved confidence in their bookkeeping accuracy after using the platform. These capabilities are especially beneficial for businesses with limited staff or those seeking to streamline workflows without hiring additional accounting support. In line with emerging trends in AI-powered productivity, QuickBooks Online is also evolving beyond traditional automation. The platform is actively developing cutting-edge AI agents designed to offer 'done for you' solutions - intelligent tools that can not only streamline data entry and categorization but also assist users in completing more complex tasks. These forthcoming AI capabilities signal QuickBooks' commitment to pushing the boundaries of smart bookkeeping and making advanced financial management more accessible to everyday users. QuickBooks Online is available in three plans - Simple Start, Plus, and Advanced. Each plan includes core accounting tools and automation features, while higher tiers offer multi-user access, advanced reporting, inventory tracking, and ecommerce integrations. The tiered structure ensures that businesses can select a solution that fits their needs and scale as operations grow more complex. The increasing reliance on digital systems for financial management reflects a broader shift toward automation in small business operations. Bookkeeping, once considered a back-office task, has become central to operational visibility and strategic decision-making. Platforms like QuickBooks Online are enabling businesses to move beyond basic recordkeeping and adopt tools that offer real-time financial intelligence. By automating daily bookkeeping tasks, QuickBooks Online reduces the likelihood of costly errors and enables proactive financial planning. The software's mobile functionality, compliance-ready reporting, and customizable workflows make it a versatile solution for a wide range of industries, from retail to professional services. QuickBooks users also benefit from GoPayments, a free mobile point-of-sale app that enables secure, contactless payments in person or on the go. The app integrates with QuickBooks Online, syncing sales data automatically without granting access to sensitive financial information. With Tap to Pay on iPhone, users can accept all types of in-person payments directly on their device - no card reader required. This feature is particularly useful for field teams, pop-up stores, and mobile businesses seeking seamless sales tracking and immediate payment capture. In addition, businesses using QuickBooks can apply for funding through QuickBooks Capital, which offers term loans and lines of credit directly within the platform. These financing options are designed to help companies manage large expenses or pursue growth initiatives without incurring origination fees, late fees, or prepayment penalties. Approved loans are typically funded within one to two business days. Businesses can draw from a credit line as needed and only pay interest on the amount borrowed. This built-in access to capital gives small and mid-sized companies added financial flexibility within a system they already trust. Expert Consumers recognizes QuickBooks Online for consistently delivering value to users seeking reliable, accessible, and efficient bookkeeping tools. The full review offers a comprehensive overview of the software's features and pricing structure. To learn more, read the complete review at Expert Consumers. About Intuit: Intuit is the global financial technology platform that powers prosperity for the people and communities we serve. With approximately 100 million customers worldwide using products such as TurboTax, Credit Karma, QuickBooks and Mailchimp, we believe that everyone should have the opportunity to prosper. We never stop working to find new, innovative ways to make that possible. Please visit us at and find us on social for the latest information about Intuit and our products and services. About Expert Consumers: Expert Consumers provides news and reviews of consumer products and services. As an affiliate, Expert Consumers may earn commissions from sales generated using links provided. Contact: Drew Thomas ( [email protected] ) To view the source version of this press release, please visit
