Premium: Business News - The Mountain Advocate

Report: 82% of new small businesses have insurance, but many SMBs remain at risk

ERGO NEXT reports that 82% of new small businesses have insurance, yet 73% remain underinsured, often due to cost, confusion, and compliance issues.

The companies spending millions to reach you through podcasts

Floodlight reports that top podcast advertisers spent $41.1 million in September 2026, driven by betting apps and ChatGPT, marking a 20.9% increase from August.

5 Insurance Company Tactics That Could Shrink Your Injury Claim

(NewsUSA) - After a car crash, dealing with injuries, medical appointments and vehicle repairs can be overwhelming enough. Then comes another challenge: dealing with insurance companies.While …

Turning confidence into a plan: Five ways small business owners can help strengthen their financial future

(NewsUSA) - If you own a small business, you're likely focused on growing revenue, serving customers, supporting employees, and staying competitive. But when you think about the business you've …

9 holiday retail planning tips to help boost small business sales

ERGO NEXT reports on 9 holiday retail planning tips for small businesses, emphasizing careful inventory management, customer engagement, and efficient fulfillment to boost sales.

What makes a corporate gift actually good? For 94% of employees, it’s one that feels personal

Custom Ink reports that 94% of employees prefer personalized corporate gifts.

15 domain name tips from business owners who got it right

Wix reports that choosing the right domain name is crucial for branding. Key tips include keeping names short, memorable, and aligned with your business.

A return doesn’t have to cost you the sale

ShipStation reports that a return can reinforce customer loyalty if handled well.

76% of SMB owners are automating work. The next step is making sure they're doing it safely.

Zapier reports that 76% of SMB owners are automating work, but many lack proper governance, adding that effective planning and policies are crucial for safe AI use.

China-US ocean freight rates hold steady as post-holiday space tightens

Freight Right reports China-U.S. ocean freight rates remain steady amid tighter post-holiday space, while air freight prices have surged due to increased demand and reduced capacity.

7 year-end strategies small businesses are using to prep for tax season

1-800Accountant reports seven year-end strategies small businesses should use for tax prep, including reconciling books, managing mileage logs, and timing equipment purchases.

Hiring for the holidays? Don’t do it without reading these 7 tips first

ERGO NEXT reports on hiring seasonal employees for the holidays, offering 7 key tips to ensure effective staffing, training, and business protection measures.

Study crowns the best cities for small businesses in 2026

Bluevine reports the best U.S. cities for small businesses in 2026, with Colorado Springs topping the list, followed by Denver and Raleigh.

How to reduce finance tool sprawl in an early-stage company

Mercury reports that early-stage companies struggle with finance tool sprawl, which adds complexity and costs, and recommends consolidating financial workflows to streamline operations.

How to manage the accounts receivable process step by step

Ramp reports that the accounts receivable (AR) process is crucial for tracking customer payments and ensuring steady cash flow, enabling timely operations and growth.

States where car wash businesses are growing the fastest

Way reports that the car wash industry is booming, expected to grow from $16.3 billion in 2025 to $20.7 billion by 2033, driven by demand and private equity interest.

Small businesses are set to capture a record $118 billion this holiday season

Intuit QuickBooks reports small businesses are set to capture $118 billion this holiday season, with consumers planning to spend $278 billion, highlighting a rise in support for small businesses amid varying shopper concerns.

A step-by-step guide to automating expense reporting

BILL reports that automating expense reporting streamlines financial processes, captures spending at purchase, and enforces policies in real-time, boosting efficiency.

How much does payroll cost? A $50,000 hire can run up to $70,000

Xero reports that hiring a $50,000 employee can actually cost up to $70,000 when factoring in taxes, benefits, and payroll software—owners should budget accordingly.

How visual consistency fits into modern brand management

SVGMaker reports on the importance of centralized vector systems for brand consistency, highlighting how AI tools can streamline design processes and reduce fragmentation.

Website accessibility lawsuits are rising, and smaller businesses are frequent targets

Clym reports that website accessibility lawsuits are on the rise, with 5,006 federal cases filed in early 2026, often targeting small businesses.

With AI driving up energy costs, commercial and industrial companies have a narrow window to act

Emergent Solar Energy reports that Midwest and Rust Belt manufacturers face rising electricity costs due to AI-driven data center loads, prompting urgent energy strategy shifts.

Companies spend six figures on AI. A third of employees don't know what it costs

Zapier reports that companies are significantly investing in AI, with 52% spending over $100K monthly, yet a third of employees are unaware of these costs.

6 mistakes startups make when choosing a domain name

Wix reports six common mistakes startups make when choosing a domain name, emphasizing the importance of long-term strategy, domain history, and appropriate extensions.

Americans think it takes $28,000 to start a business. Owners say it's less than half that.

Intuit QuickBooks reports Americans think starting a business costs $28,000, while actual owners spend about $12,000, highlighting perception barriers to entrepreneurship.

As Americans start businesses at record rates, Shopify data helps quantify the growing economic impact of the retail sector

Shopify reports that Americans are starting businesses at record rates, generating $688 billion in economic activity and supporting 2.3 million jobs.

Google Ads conversion adjustments: How to bid toward better leads

WebFX reports highlight how Google Ads conversion adjustments allow advertisers to correct recorded conversions, improving Smart Bidding's accuracy.

68% of small business owners are open to AI in payroll, but only 11% trust it to take over

OnTheClock reports that 68% of small business owners are open to AI in payroll, but only 11% trust it fully, concerned about errors and responsibility.

Most privacy cases against businesses share one problem

Clym reports California fines for consumer privacy violations hit $17.1 million in 2026, driven by opt-out issues, especially in cases against major companies.

The SaaSpocalypse is real, if you're not a system of record

ZoomInfo reports a surge in small companies dropping point solutions, four times last year's rate, as AI reshapes SaaS usage, highlighting a SaaSpocalypse.

In-house vs. agency marketing for PE-backed multibrand companies

WebFX reports compare in-house, centralized agency, and multiple agency marketing models for PE-backed companies, emphasizing control, speed, and expertise across brands.

From performance management to performance development: What helps leaders succeed

BDO reports on shifting from performance management to development, emphasizing continuous feedback, clearer goals, and leveraging technology for enhanced leader support.