Small Business Resource Round-up

May 19, 2025

Since this is Small Business Month, we thought it would be the ideal time to call attention to some of the resources out there for the small business. With an increase in awareness of how important small businesses are to the local and national economies, large businesses are getting into the groove and pledging their support to help small businesses too.


TikTok Gives Ad Credits


TikTok has announced a $1 million advertising credit initiative to support U.S. small businesses during Small Business Month. This campaign aims to help entrepreneurs expand their reach and grow their businesses on the platform.


Campaign components include:


·        U.S.-based small businesses can apply for advertising credits to enhance their presence on TikTok.

·        Small Biz Fest TikTok Academy Webinars. Starting May 15, weekly webinars will provide expert advice on creating effective ad campaigns.

·        “100 Ways to Grow on TikTok” Video Podcast Series. This series shares success stories and insights from entrepreneurs who have leveraged TikTok for business growth.

·        Small Biz Fest Roadshows. In-person events in Los Angeles, New York City, and Austin will offer guidance on optimizing TikTok strategies.


Additionally, TikTok will highlight small businesses at state capitols in New York and Texas, providing opportunities for entrepreneurs to engage with policymakers and discuss the platform's economic impact.


For more information and to participate in these initiatives, visit tiktoksmallbizfest.com.


Stamps.com Grant


Stamps.com has launched the Small Business Flexibility Grant, offering a $25,000 award to support U.S.-based service-oriented small businesses. This initiative aims to help businesses overcome operational challenges, particularly those related to manual processes like mailing and shipping.


Key Details


Eligibility:


·        U.S.-based service-oriented small businesses

·        Minimum of three employees

·        Operating for at least two years


Application Period: May 1–31, 2025


Announcement of Winner: June 2025


Use of Funds: No restrictions; businesses can allocate funds as needed to enhance flexibility and efficiency.


Applicants are required to answer questions about their business operations and how they plan to use the grant to address flexibility challenges. The grant is designed to empower small businesses to automate manual tasks and improve operational efficiency.


For more information and to apply, visit www.stamps.com/grant



Walmart’s “Grow with US” Program


Walmart has launched the Grow with US program, a comprehensive initiative designed to support U.S.-based small businesses in scaling their operations and gaining national exposure. This program is part of Walmart's broader commitment to invest $350 billion in American-made, grown, or assembled products by 2030, aiming to support over 750,000 jobs.


Program Overview


Grow with US is a voluntary, four-step program offering:


1. Education. Access to Walmart’s Supplier Academy, featuring 30 e-learning modules across four learning paths: Welcome to Walmart 101, Retail Ready Capabilities, Business Fundamentals, and Advanced Learning.


2. Product Discovery. Opportunities to showcase products through Walmart’s U.S. Open Call, RangeMe platform, and Walmart Marketplace.


3. Mentorship. Pairing with experienced Walmart mentors to navigate the retail landscape.


4. Financing. Access to financial support through Walmart’s Early Payment Program and Bridge Marketplace.


Participation Details


Eligibility: U.S.-based small businesses can participate by providing a voluntary Small Business Administration (SBA) certification or requesting verification through Walmart.


Open Call Event: Applications for Walmart’s annual Open Call event open on June 24, 2025. This event, scheduled for October 7–8 in Bentonville, Arkansas, allows small and medium-sized businesses to pitch their shelf-ready products directly to Walmart and Sam’s Club merchants.


Road to Open Call Events: In May and June, Walmart is hosting regional pop-up events in cities including Orlando, Kansas City, Baltimore, Austin, Columbus, and Atlanta. These events offer entrepreneurs the chance to meet with Walmart buyers, receive feedback, and potentially secure a fast pass to the main Open Call event.


Verizon’s Small Business Accelerator and Grant


Verizon has announced a commitment to support U.S. small businesses through a $5 billion investment over the next five years. This initiative includes the launch of the Small Business Supplier Accelerator, aimed at integrating small businesses, many veteran-owned, into Verizon's supply chain by offering training, mentorship, and flexible procurement terms.


Verizon Small Business Digital Ready Program


In partnership with the Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC), Verizon continues its Small Business Digital Ready program, offering:


·        Free online courses covering topics like digital marketing, finance, and operations.

·        Expert coaching sessions and community events to enhance business skills.

·        Access to $10,000 grants for eligible small businesses.


Grant Eligibility and Application


To qualify for the $10,000 grant businesses must:


·        Be a for-profit U.S.-based business.

·        Register on the Verizon Small Business Digital Ready portal: https://digitalready.verizonwireless.com/onboarding

·        Complete two learning activities (courses, coaching sessions, or events) between January 1 and June 30, 2025.

·        Submit the grant application by June 30, 2025, at 11:59 PM PT.


Need a few more resources? Of course you do. You can never have enough. Check out this list from the US Chamber of Commerce.


PS: Be sure to check out:



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Christina Metcalf is a writer and speaker who believes in the power of story. She works with small businesses, chambers of commerce, and business professionals who want to make an impression and grow a loyal customer/member base. She is also the author of The Glinda Principle, rediscovering the magic within.

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Instagram: @christinametcalfauthor

LinkedIn: @christinagsmith

Regional Sourcing Turns Local Partnerships into Lasting Advantages

August 12, 2025
Local sourcing brings speed, quality, and deeper connections. Being nearby means more control and faster problem-solving. Investing locally builds community goodwill and brand trust. Start small today—test one item with a local partner. 579 words ~ 3 min. read Sometimes the best way to grow your business isn’t about going bigger—it’s about going closer. More companies are finding that partnerships with local suppliers aren’t just about where products come from—they shape how quickly a business can move, how closely it can control quality, and how much value it can create for customers and community. Speed You Can See When your suppliers are nearby, orders arrive while the ink on your sales order is still drying. Questions get answered before lunch. Product tweaks happen in days, not months. That kind of responsiveness means you can serve customers better and seize opportunities while they’re still fresh. A Front-Row Seat to Quality Working locally lets you see the process up close. You can step onto the production floor, smell the freshly cut materials, and shake hands with the people bringing your products to life. This connection makes it easier to uphold high standards, solve issues before they snowball, and create offerings you’re proud to stand behind. Partnerships That Feel Personal Local sourcing often turns into more than a transaction—it becomes a relationship. When your vendor is a short drive away, you’re not just an invoice; you’re a partner. That trust leads to creative solutions, extra care during busy seasons, and a shared investment in each other’s success. An Investment in Your Community Dollars spent locally ripple outward—supporting jobs, other small businesses, and local services. Customers notice when you make that choice, and it often strengthens loyalty. People like to buy from businesses that invest where they live, and they remember it. A Story Worth Sharing More customers want to know where their purchases come from. Being able to say, “We work with suppliers right here in our region,” isn’t just a point of pride—it’s a story people tell each other, and it builds trust faster than any marketing campaign. Your First Step Making the shift doesn’t have to mean rewriting your whole supply chain. This week, pull up your purchase list and choose one product or service to source locally. Make a call, ask a few questions, and see how quickly a handshake can turn into a partnership. Once you’ve tested the waters, you can decide where else local sourcing fits. The Bottom Line Local sourcing is about more than cutting costs—it’s about speed, quality, trust, and connection. It helps you deliver faster, control outcomes better, and strengthen your brand’s story. Global trade can move mountains, but local sourcing moves at the speed of trust—and that’s the kind of supply chain that lasts.  Read More: 5 Advantages to Localizing Your Supply Chain Local Business Partnerships Strengthen Communities and Drive Growth --- The Leavenworth-Lansing Area Chamber of Commerce is a private non-profit organization that aims to support the growth and development of local businesses and our regional economy. We strive to create content that not only educates but also fosters a sense of connection and collaboration among our readers. Join us as we explore topics such as economic development, networking opportunities, upcoming events, and success stories from our vibrant community. Our resources provide insights, advice, and news that are relevant to business owners, entrepreneurs, and community members alike. The Chamber has been granted license to publish this content provided by Chamber Today, a service of ChamberThink Strategies LLC.

Hiring in a Tight Market: Your Local Playbook for Finding and Keeping Great People

August 11, 2025
Why it matters: In a tight hiring market, top candidates disappear fast... sometimes within days. Small businesses can win by acting quickly and tapping into local networks. The advantage: Local employers can decide faster, offer flexibility, and connect with candidates on a personal level. How to do it: Post jobs where your community gathers, partner with schools, and reward employee referrals. Don’t stop at hiring: Recognize contributions, offer skill growth, and create a workplace people want to stay in. The bottom line: Speed + relationships = a strong, loyal team in any labor market. When the job market tightens, the best candidates disappear fast, sometimes in days, or hours. You might see a great résumé come in on Monday and find out by Wednesday they’ve already accepted another offer. In a market like that, slow hiring isn’t just risky — it’s a dealbreaker. The advantage for small, owner-operated businesses? You can move quicker, decide faster, and connect with people in a way big companies often can’t. You’re not just offering a job; you’re offering a place where someone can belong. The Current Local Hiring Landscape Right now, almost every “Help Wanted” sign in town is competing for the same small group of job seekers. Large employers might have fancier recruitment ads, but they also have layers of approval and corporate processes that slow things down. Local businesses can spot a great fit and make an offer in days instead of weeks. That speed, paired with a personal, community-focused culture, can tip the scales in your favor. Where to Source Candidates Locally The best hires aren’t always scrolling national job boards. They might be the student you meet at a Chamber mixer, the barista who remembers your order, or the neighbor whose cousin is looking for work. Go where people already gather: coffee shop bulletin boards, community Facebook groups, Chamber events. Build real relationships with local schools and training programs so you’re top of mind when they have graduates ready to work. And don’t forget your team’s networks: a good employee referral can bring you someone who already shares your values. Retention Tips That Work for Small Teams Hiring fast is important, but keeping people takes steady attention. Flexibility is one of the biggest advantages you can offer — whether that’s letting a parent leave early for a school event or working around a student’s class schedule. Small, thoughtful gestures like public thank-yous, a shared lunch, or a local gift card can make people feel seen and appreciated. And when you cross-train employees, you’re not just filling skill gaps — you’re showing them they have a future with you. A Local Case Study Consider a local retailer who hired a high school senior for weekend shifts. She could have been just another seasonal hire, but the owner saw potential and trained her in inventory, merchandising, and customer service. Within a year, she was running weekend operations and turning down offers from bigger stores. All because the owner acted quickly and invested early. Quick-Start Checklist for This Month Post your job in at least three local spots. Reach out to a school or training program. Refresh and promote your referral bonus. Plan one new way to recognize your team. Tell people you’re hiring at your next Chamber event. The Bottom Line When talent is scarce, every day matters. Small businesses that know where to look, move quickly, and create a place people want to stay will come out ahead. It’s not just about filling jobs — it’s about building a team that grows with you and strengthens the community along the way. Read More: 5 Professional Development Practices That Will Elevate Your Team's Success From Conflict to Collaboration: Turning Workplace Disputes into Growth Opportunities The Power of 'Entry Interviews' and 'Stay Interviews': Tips from Adam Grant Recognition is Free- But it Might be the Most Valuable Investment You make Rock Stars vs. Superstars: Who's Fueling Your Team's Future? --- The Leavenworth-Lansing Area Chamber of Commerce is a private non-profit organization that aims to support the growth and development of local businesses and our regional economy. We strive to create content that not only educates but also fosters a sense of connection and collaboration among our readers. Join us as we explore topics such as economic development, networking opportunities, upcoming events, and success stories from our vibrant community. Our resources provide insights, advice, and news that are relevant to business owners, entrepreneurs, and community members alike. The Chamber has been granted license to publish this content provided by Chamber Today, a service of ChamberThink Strategies LLC.

5 Simple Numbers Every Small Business Should Track

August 11, 2025
If the thought of “tracking KPIs” makes your eyes glaze over, you’re not alone. For many small business owners, Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) sound like something reserved for corporations with big budgets, bigger teams, and even bigger Excel spreadsheets. Who wants the hassle? But here’s the truth: KPIs are just numbers that tell a story and if you’re not paying attention to them, you’re running your business with the lights off. The good news? You don’t need 47 dashboards or a data analyst to track the KPIs that matter. You just need to choose a few that tell you whether you’re growing, stalling, or unknowingly throwing money out the window. Consider this article a crash course on basic KPIs. KPIs You Should Be Tracking If you’re like most businesses that are just beginning their financial tracking and analysis you’re concentrating on two things—what did I make and how much did I spend? That’s a great start but it’s a lot more nuanced than that. If you’re ready to play in the big leagues but aren’t ready to hire your own analyst, here are 5 simple KPIs you should track (and you don’t need a business degree to do so): 1. Customer Acquisition Cost (CAC) What it is: How much it costs you to get a new customer. Why it matters: If you’re spending $100 to get a $50 sale, that’s not marketing—it’s expensive gambling. How to track it: Divide your total marketing + sales costs by the number of new customers gained in that period. Example: $1,000 spent / 10 new customers = $100 CAC Pro tip: Keep an eye on every month. If it’s creeping up, your ads, outreach, or messaging may need a tweak. 2. Customer Lifetime Value (CLV) What it is: The total revenue a single customer brings to your business over the course of your relationship with them. Why it matters: It’s not the first sale that makes you profitable—it’s the second, third, and fifteenth. How to track it: Average purchase value x number of purchases x average customer lifespan. When CLV > CAC = happy business owner. 3. Lead-to-Customer Conversion Rate What it is: The percentage of leads that turn into actual customers. Why it matters: Getting leads is great. Very exciting when someone shows interest in you but converting them is where the money happens. How to track it: (Number of new customers ÷ number of leads) x 100 Example: 10 customers ÷ 100 leads = 10% conversion rate Pro tip: If this number is low, your follow-up process or sales messaging might need work. 4. Revenue per Employee (or per Hour) What it is: A productivity metric that shows how efficient you or your team really are. It’s not about being busy, it’s about what you’re/they’re adding to the bottom line. Why it matters: Working hard is great but seeing results from that work is critical to your business’ success. For instance, imagine one employee having a laundry list of work accomplished over 40 hours but no sales to show for it or an employee working three hours and making the week’s sales number. Which employee is more valuable? How to track it: Total revenue ÷ number of employees (or hours worked, if you’re a solo act). This outcome calculates it in a general sense. If you want to figure out which employee is bringing in more revenue, you will have to create a system to assign sales to individual employees. Some PoS systems allow for codes, for instance, while most CRMs allow you to assign clients to salespeople. This calculation helps you see if you’re scaling well or just staying busy. 5. Churn Rate (a.k.a. Goodbye Rate) What it is: The percentage of customers who stop buying from you over a given period. Why it matters: A leaky bucket never fills, no matter how much water you pour in. How to track it: (Customers lost ÷ total customers at the start of the period) x 100 If this number is high, focus on customer experience, retention, and loyalty programs . Tracking Tips You don’t need to check these KPIs every day. Just set aside one hour a month to review them. Use a simple spreadsheet or dashboard, and ask: What’s improving? What’s declining? What actions should I take based on this? If you’re not sure what the trends mean, try plugging them into the AI of your choosing and ask it to run a basic analysis of the numbers and offer suggestions. KPIs aren’t just vanity metrics—they’re your early warning system, your gut check, and your business GPS. Track them consistently, and you’ll be more attuned to your businesses and where it’s headed. Further Reading: 6 Questions Every Smart Small Business Owner Asks Community-Led Growth: The Secret Sauce Smart Businesses Are Using to Scale Hospitality is the Hidden Edge: Why Emotional Connection Drives Customer Loyalty Think Bigger: How Systems Thinking Gives Small Business Owners a Smarter Edge -------------- Christina Metcalf is a writer and women’s speaker who believes in the power of story. She works with small businesses, chambers of commerce, and business professionals who want to make an impression and grow a loyal customer/member base. She is the author of The Glinda Principle , rediscovering the magic within. _______________________________________ Facebook: @tellyourstorygetemtalking Instagram: @christinametcalfauthor LinkedIn: @christinagsmith