April 1, 2025 -- Volume 24, No. 4

Don't Take Tax Advice From ...

Several years ago, I was at a restaurant and a party of four at the next table were discussing IRA rollovers. I couldn’t help but overhear their conversation…most of which was correct, but some was not. This incident serves as a reminder about who not to take tax advice from. Read More

What to Know About Audit Risk in 2025

Now that we’re at the height of the tax season, audits come to mind. Small businesses and owners who are audited may face time, considerable expense, and lots of angst. ...But how likely is it that you’ll be audited today? And should the likelihood of an audit matter? Read More

Regaining Focus in the Workplace

What's Happening in Congress to Help Small Businesses

Many law changes, such as tax measures, that are being debated now in Congress will have an impact on small business. But there are some proposals specifically concerning small businesses. Read More

Scaling Your Business by Embracing AI

Generative AI is defined as “deep-learning models that can generate high-quality text, images, and other content based on the data they were trained on.” According to a U.S. Chamber of Commerce study last September, 40% of small businesses use generative AI tools and 91% say AI will help with growth in the future. If you’re looking to scale your business, here are some ideas in ways you can deploy generative AI to help achieve your goals. Read More

Women-Owned Business in 2025

March was Women’s History Month, a great time to consider the impact of women in businesses. According to a Wells Fargo’s 2024 Impact of Women-Owned Businesses report, women-owned businesses are forming businesses, increasing revenue, and employing more people faster than men. Here’s a deep dive into the facts about women-owned businesses today.

What to Do About Executive Orders Impacting Your Workplace

As of February 26, 2025, President Trump had signed 76 executive orders (EOs). A number of these orders have a direct or indirect impact on employers in the private sector. Some of these orders are being challenged in court. The result: there is considerable confusion about what to do. Read More

SIMPLE IRAs Are Not So Simple in 2025

A Savings Incentive Match Plan for Employees (SIMPLE) IRA plan is a cost-effective way for a small business to offer a meaningful retirement savings option for its employees. Read More

Our Featured Guest Blogs

The Secret to Writing Emails that Customers Can't Ignore

by John Kabugua

Ever feel like your emails are just floating in inbox limbo, never to be opened or read? You’re not alone. With inboxes overflowing daily, getting people to stop, open, and engage with your email is no small feat. But here’s the good news: it’s not about sending more emails—it’s about sending the right ones. Read More

How to Start an Art Gallery: A Business Owner's Guide

by Ryan Rodriguez

Starting an art gallery is an exciting venture that combines business acumen with a passion for art. Whether you’re an artist, a curator, or an entrepreneur looking to invest in the creative industry, launching a gallery requires strategic planning and execution. Read More

5 Important Lessons Small Business Owners Can Take from Poker Professionals

by Brenda Allen

Gaining new knowledge is essential for businesses to thrive. After all, increased learning enables business owners and employees to become more productive and acquire useful skills that are applicable to their work. Read More

6 Best Emotional Intelligence Books for Leadership Success (Updated 2025)

by Mryna Shevchuk

Why do some leaders inspire trust while others struggle? The answer often lies in emotional intelligence. Leaders with high emotional awareness connect better with their team and achieve lasting success. Read More

5 Reasons a Name Is a Great Place to Start When Building Your Brand

by Erin Shea

Like the opening line of a book, the name of your business is an important asset to set the tone for your brand and capture a customer’s interest. But, in the whirlwind of launching a new business, the name selection process can easily feel like a minor detail. Read More

How to Start a Food Truck Business: A Step-by-Step Guide for Entrepreneurs

by Ryan Rodriguez

The food truck industry has grown 8% annually over the last 5 years, offering an exciting and flexible alternative to traditional brick-and-mortar restaurants. With relatively lower startup costs, the ability to move locations, and a direct connection with customers, a food truck business can be a rewarding endeavor for culinary entrepreneurs. Read More

Workplace Theft and How Your Business Can Address It

by Jack Shaw

Who pays the price when workplace theft occurs? Business owners bear the brunt, either directly or through escalating insurance premiums. By following some effective guidelines, you can address and minimize theft in your enterprise, both externally and internally. Read More

You could have a featured blog, too! Click here to learn what we're looking for in a guest blogger.

THE 2025 TAX BOOKS ARE HERE along with the New Online Supplements!

Small Business Taxes 2025

The 2025 edition for preparing 2024 returns as well as tax planning for 2025.

1001 Deductions and Tax Breaks 2025 The Comprehensive Handbook for American Taxpayers Looking for Every Legal Tax Deduction and Credit

Regaining Focus in the Workplace

A study in Australia last year entitled Lost Focus: The Cost of Distraction on Productivity in the Modern Workplace found that 92% of employers consider lost focus to be a major problem, with 80% of workers saying that cannot go one hour without being distracted. Lack of focus results in loss of productivity, lack of creativity, accidents, and a general hit to your bottom line. One study found that the cost of lost focus to U.S. businesses in 2023 was $1.4 trillion. I can only guess what the cost is to your small business. Understand what’s causing the lack of focus in your employees and what you can do about it.

Read the full article on Small Business and Entrepreneurship Council

"America's #1 Small Business Taxes Author(ity)" shares

important SMB information!

Watch my recent interview with David Leopold discussing small business taxes and other SMB related information!

Listen Now

Resources to Help Your Business Thrive!

500+ Big Ideas for Your Small Business

Ideas You'll Use Everyday!

Click Here to Purchase on Amazon

Smooth Failing (Paperback Edition)

Top industry leaders share their secrets for turning pain into profit!

Click Here to Get Your Copy from Amazon

Home-Based Business Start-Up Guide: A Step-by-Step Road Map--with Checklists--to Get You Started-Up, Profitable, and Successful

Click Here to Purchase from Amazon

Honored to Receive this Award!

Marquis Who's Who

Honors Barbara Weltman--Who Is Recognized for Expertise in Law and Business

Read Full Press Release Here

Delighted to be included in this article on LinkedIn!

SMB Insights on Tap: 8 Experts to Follow

Read full article here on LinkedIn

The 2030 SMB Project Series: Talking Digital Currency

with Barbara Weltman

In this special episode of the Small Business Edge Podcast, Brian kicks off the 2030 SMB Project podcast series by discussing the state of digital currency with Barbara Weltman, an expert in small business taxes and the president of Big Ideas for Small Business.

Listen Here

Reminder to Download the Free eBook!

"150+ Tax Deductions for Small Business A to Z"

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Regaining Focus in the Workplace

Watch my recent interview with David Leopold discussing small business taxes and other SMB related information!

SMB Insights on Tap: 8 Experts to Follow

The 2030 SMB Project Series: Talking Digital Currency

﻿with Barbara Weltman

with Barbara Weltman