The hottest Small businesses Substack posts right now

The community has raised over $5,000 to help refugee families settle into their new homes, aiming for at least $10,000 to cover more essential items.
There’s a fun gift concierge thread where community members can get personalized gift suggestions for their loved ones based on their unique tastes.
The joy of giving and supporting small businesses through thoughtful gift giving can really make a positive impact, especially during the holiday season.

Small businesses are prime targets for cyberattacks due to limited resources and expertise, making it crucial for them to follow cybersecurity best practices.
Small business owners should establish a culture of security to involve everyone, implement basic security controls like firewall and antivirus, and develop an incident response plan for cyberattacks.
Seek external help from reputable sources like cybersecurity consultants, organizations, and government agencies to get guidance, expertise, and resources in enhancing cybersecurity measures.

Food halls and street food events may no longer be sustainable for operators
Closure of venues like Hatch raises questions on the effectiveness of the food hall model
Operating a food hall involves high risks due to unbalanced power dynamics

The uniqueness of independent retail in cities like Cadiz, Spain, highlights the need for a new movement supporting independent retail in American cities.
While American retail may seem to be thriving, there is a concern about the homogenization of street life across cities, showcasing the importance of distinct local retail offerings.
To revitalize independent retail, new solutions such as credit tenant leasing adjustments and promoting corner stores are essential, along with the need for an international movement to advocate for and support independent retail.

Craft a targeted marketing plan to save time and effort by focusing on potential customers with a detailed strategy that aligns with your business goals.
Create engaging content that resonates with your audience, providing value and building trust over time to attract and convert followers into customers.
Utilize social media platforms to connect with your target audience cost-effectively, engaging with users, choosing the right platforms, and leveraging analytics for success.

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In rural areas and small towns, there is often a stronger sense of community and connection compared to big cities, fostering support among residents and businesses.
Small businesses, similar to community dynamics, can develop deeper relationships with clients based on trust and mutual support.
Successful small businesses prioritize building trust with their community, like pioneering banker Dave Fishwick who focused on supporting the local businesses and individuals.

February labor market indicators show mixed signals about the demand for labor.
The surge in wage growth was due to the Great Reallocation, not the Great Resignation.
Forecast suggests wage growth will cool, job growth will slow, and the work week will reverse the increase from January.

21.7% of all capital raised through crowdfunding was secured by women-run companies and 28.4% by minority-led companies.
1,150 small businesses raised $420 million through crowdfunding last year.
Top two crowdfunding platforms accounted for 59% of the year's business.

Wet markets in Singapore are seen as an inefficiency on a very efficient island, yet they continue to exist despite competition.
Wet markets operate as highly efficient endpoints of a parallelized supply chain, with thousands of distributors and wholesalers servicing stallholders, promoting almost perfect competition and minimal overhead costs.
The wet market system in Singapore is underpinned by government price controls on food and rent, creating a situation where stallholders function more as quasi-public servants than traditional business owners.

The shift to remote work due to Covid has negatively impacted small businesses in downtown areas.
Tech layoffs and remote work culture are contributing to the decline of social aspects and liveliness in big cities.
Analogies to the Rust Belt area show how remote work could lead to population decline and decline in city vibrancy.

Social media can be crucial for your business, especially if it's consumer-facing.
As a solo-founder, use a personal account on social media for better connection and trust.
Focus on one topic, keep your bio simple, and use a unique profile photo for better social media presence.