News & Insights

Neglecting to design an exit strategy from the very start can jeopardize both your company’s long-term value and your financial future. According to a report from Cassandra Smalley Wealth Management, 76% of business owners who sold their business last year regretted not planning their exit earlier. This statistic highlights a crucial point: exit strategy development is not a reactive exercise but a proactive strategy essential for sustainable business success.

Read the rest of entry »

Protecting yourself from ATM and POS terminal skimming is more crucial now than ever. Criminals have found increasingly sophisticated ways to steal personal and financial information by installing covert devices at ATMs and point-of-sale terminals. These skimming devices capture sensitive card data that can later be used to create counterfeit cards or make unauthorized purchases. According to the FBI, skimming costs financial institutions and consumers more than $1 billion each year fbi.gov, and according to Coin Law, global ATM fraud has surged by 18% in 2023, with losses estimated at $2.4 billion.

Read the rest of entry »

According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), 72% of entrepreneurs report experiencing mental health concerns, compared to 48% of non-entrepreneurs. Additionally, research published by Detroit Regional Chamber, startup business owners report the highest stress levels (72%) compared to owners who have been in business for more than 6 years (58%). Given these challenges, entrepreneurs should take into consideration to prioritize mental health not only for personal well-being but also for long-term business success.

Read the rest of entry »

One of the most glaring manifestations of this double bind is the disparity in funding. According to New Jersey Business Magazine, women of color receive less than 0.2% of venture capital funding, highlighting systemic exclusion. Investors often subject them to heightened scrutiny, questioning their competence and vision while favoring their male counterparts. Studies show that identical business plans are rated lower when attributed to women, particularly women of color unless framed as "innovative." This forces women to overcompensate by emphasizing novelty, a strategy that can be effective but ultimately perpetuates inequity. As reported by the Columbus Dispatch, black women, despite founding 42% of new women-owned businesses, face loan denial rates three times higher than those of white-owned firms.

Read the rest of entry »