The companies that small businesses rely on every day for their technology and services have made big announcements in the past week.
Check out what’s new from companies like Meta, Mastercard, HP, and Apple in this week’s Small Business News Roundup.
Small Business News Roundup
SBA Recovery Centers in Hawaii Remain Open to Help Those Affected by Wildfires
The US Small Business Administration (SBA) announced today that its SBA Recovery Centers in Hawaii will continue to provide essential services to businesses and individuals affected by the recent wildfires and high winds. These centers offer a variety of specialized services aimed at meeting the long-term needs of community rehabilitation. Francisco Sánchez Jr.
Nominations are now open for the 2025 National Small Business Awards
The US Small Business Administration (SBA) has officially opened the nominations for the 2025 National Small Business Week (NSBW) Awards. This annual event, now in its 60th year, highlights the outstanding achievements, contributions, and resilience of small businesses and individuals who have benefited from SBA assistance.
Breaking the Silence: How Entrepreneurs Can Fight Panic Attacks
Panic attacks are not uncommon for small business owners because of the stress we all face. I was treated for panic attacks 30 years ago and still have to deal with them often. What can we do to deal with them when they happen? This week on The Small Business Radio Show.
HP Unveils New Customizable Gaming Solutions at Gamescom 2024
HP Inc. unveiled a new lineup of gaming products under its OMEN and HyperX brands at Gamescom 2024, pushing the boundaries of customization and performance in gaming hardware.
Apple Announces New In-App NFC Capabilities for Developers Starting with iOS 18.1
Apple has announced that starting with the upcoming release of iOS 18.1, developers will be able to offer NFC-free transactions directly within their apps using Secure Element (SE), separate from Apple Pay and Apple Wallet.
IRS Issues Interim Guidance on Employer Matching Contributions to Retirement Plans Linked to Employee Loan Payments
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has issued interim guidance for sponsors of 401(k) and similar retirement plans that provide, or wish to provide, matching contributions based on eligible student loan payments made by their participating employees. This guidance is outlined in Notice 2024-63, posted today on IRS.gov. This directive uses section 110 of SECURE 2.
Meta Unveils New Wired Features for Creators and Businesses
Meta has announced the launch of several new features on its Threads platform aimed at improving the user experience for creators and businesses. Updates include insights, the ability to save multiple drafts, and a new editing function, all designed to simplify content editing and provide a deeper understanding of audience engagement.
IRS Reopens Voluntary Disclosure Program for Businesses With Troubled Employee Retention Debt Claims
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has announced the reopening of the Voluntary Disclosure Program (VDP) for businesses seeking to correct improper Employee Retention Credit (ERC) claims. This move is part of the IRS’ ongoing compliance efforts and gives businesses the opportunity to correct errors on their ERC claims while avoiding future audits, penalties, and interest.
Low-Income Small Business Owners Get $7 Million in Business Grants
Entrepreneurship really has no limits when it comes to one’s income level. Many times, a good business idea is born out of a person’s desire to get out of a difficult economic situation.
Important Tax Deadline for Truck Drivers and Bus Operators Near
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) reminds truck drivers and those who operate large buses that the deadline to file Form 2290, Heavy Highway Vehicle Use Tax Return, is Tuesday, September 3, 2024, for vehicles that were first used in July 2024. This deadline has been extended from the usual date of -August 31 because of the weekend.
Mastercard Develops Open Banking Lending System to Expand Financial Access
Mastercard has announced enhancements to its Open Banking for Lending program, in partnership with Argyle, aimed at simplifying the lending process and empowering consumers to take control of their financial lives. The program now offers new features that allow income and employment verification for 95 percent of the US
Michigan company fined $6.5 million for asphalt plant bids
Asphalt Specialists LLC, a company based in Pontiac, Michigan, has been ordered to pay $6.5 million in criminal fines for its involvement in bid-rigging schemes related to asphalt paving contracts in the state of Michigan. The sentence comes after the company pleaded guilty on January 30 to its involvement in two separate schemes.
Ford and Mazda “Do Not Drive” Warning for Over 457,000 Vehicles Due to Recalled Takata Air Bags
Ford Motor Co. and Mazda North American Operations issued emergency “Do Not Drive” warnings for more than 457,000 vehicles equipped with the recalled, unrepaired Takata air bags. Vehicle owners are strongly urged not to drive these vehicles until the free repair is completed and the inoperative air bag is replaced.
