


Adapt to Seasonal Shifts: Strategies for Sustaining Business Success Year-Round


Small Business Growth in 2025: Optimism and Caution Amid Turbulent Times
Update Small Business Optimism Amidst Economic Challenges The new Small Business Cash Flow Trend Report from OnDeck, shared on May 20, 2025, reveals a slim yet reassuring sentiment among small business owners: a whopping 93% anticipate either significant or moderate growth throughout 2025. This figure highlights a slight decrease from the previous quarter's 94%, yet the overarching theme of potential growth underscores the resilient spirit of entrepreneurs navigating a sea of uncertainties. Embracing Caution: Preemptive Measures Taken Despite the optimism, more than half of respondents (55%) report taking proactive steps in light of anticipated tariff changes and economic fluctuations. From front-loading inventory to securing additional capital, small business owners recognize the importance of readiness in an unpredictable climate. This proactive mindset not only reflects astute business acumen but also indicates a growing awareness of the challenges presented by external factors. The Role of Technology in Small Business Growth Among the noteworthy trends highlighted in the report is the significant adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) tools in marketing, with 69% of small businesses leveraging these technologies to enhance their marketing efforts. This marks a pivotal shift towards digital transformation, as businesses increasingly turn to innovative solutions to streamline operations and improve customer engagement. A Shift in Lending Trends: The Move Away from Traditional Banks Another key insight from the report reveals that 76% of small businesses are now opting for non-bank lenders, showcasing a substantial shift in lending preferences. As businesses seek faster and more flexible financing solutions, this trend highlights the evolution of capital access in an ever-changing economic landscape. Lenders equipped with AI-powered data analytics can evaluate real-time cash flow to help businesses secure necessary funding and align growth strategies effectively. Resilience and Preparedness: A United Approach The findings of this report reflect a broader narrative within the small business community: resilience is key. Jim Granat, Co-President of Small Business at Enova, effectively encapsulates this sentiment, emphasizing their commitment to support small businesses with accessible financing options. By preparing for uncertainties and leveraging technology, businesses can position themselves favorably for the future. As 2025 unfolds, the importance of aligning operational strategies with proactive planning cannot be overstated. With the right focus, small enterprises can navigate potential disruptions while maintaining an optimistic outlook for the future. For business owners in this competitive landscape, staying informed and adjusting strategies based on current trends is essential. Next Steps for Small Business Owners To capitalize on these insights, small business owners should consider exploring alternative funding avenues. Engaging with non-bank lenders might offer the flexible financing they require to thrive in the coming year. Additionally, investing in AI tools can enhance marketing strategies and operational efficiencies, paving the way for improved business performance. In conclusion, while the current landscape presents challenges, the adaptive nature of small business owners bodes well for their prospects in 2025. It's imperative to remain vigilant and responsive to economic shifts while embracing innovative solutions to secure growth.

DoorDash's Preferred Integrations Program: Transforming Tech Partner Selection for Restaurants
Update DoorDash Aims to Streamline Tech Choices for Restaurants DoorDash has recently launched its Preferred Integrations Program (DPIP), a groundbreaking initiative designed specifically for restaurant owners navigating the complex technology landscape. This program serves as a vital resource, guiding merchants in selecting reliable technology partners that enhance their operational efficiency and customer experiences. Understanding the Need for Tech Transparency Many restaurant operators feel overwhelmed when it comes to choosing the right tech partners. According to industry feedback, business owners often encounter challenges in discerning which POS and middleware providers will seamlessly integrate into their workflows. The new DPIP addresses this concern by providing clarity on the performance of integration partners through real-time metrics and comprehensive feature evaluations. How DPIP Works for Restaurant Owners The DPIP identifies high-performing integration partners based on strict performance benchmarks. To achieve Preferred status, integration providers must maintain an impressive order and error rate below 1%, ensuring reliability for restaurants. Essential features such as self-serve onboarding and real-time menu synchronization not only streamline order processing but also significantly enhance customer service levels. This direct focus on operational excellence empowers restaurant owners to feel confident in their partnership choices, knowing they’re backed by proven technology. Expanding the List of Trusted Technology Partners The program initially recognizes ten integration partners, including notable names like ChowNow, Square, and Toast. These partners have undergone rigorous assessments to meet DoorDash's high performance standards. Notably, the DPIP is expected to evolve over time, continually recognizing new partners who excel in supporting restaurant operations. Maximizing Technology Efficiency with DoorDash The DoorDash integrations resource hub serves as a comprehensive tool for restaurant owners looking to evaluate potential partnerships. This resource enables merchants to explore various integration providers alongside tools like the POS Order Manager, integrating DoorDash orders directly into their existing systems. Such capabilities are crucial for maintaining smooth operations, especially in a fast-paced industry where efficiency is key. A Collaborative Approach to Technology Selection DoorDash’s initiative is bolstered by insights gathered directly from operators and integration partners. This collaboration underscores the company’s commitment to simplifying technology decisions and ensuring that every business—from single-store establishments to multi-location brands—feels supported in their operational choices. As technology continues to evolve, the DPIP stands out as a model for how service providers can support their partners through operational innovation. For restaurant owners, this initiative signifies a step toward empowerment, allowing them to make informed decisions that can directly impact their bottom line.

Unlocking Opportunities: How Google’s AI Upgrades Transform Business Engagement
Update Why Google's AI Upgrade Matters to Business OwnersGoogle's recent unveiling of its AI upgrades isn't just a tech enthusiast's dream—it's a critical evolution for business owners looking to gain an edge in today’s digital landscape. The newly launched AI Mode and Gemini 2.5 will not only enhance user experience with personalized and intelligent search options but also create unique opportunities for companies aiming to connect with consumers in more engaging ways.Redefining Online Shopping with Agentic FeaturesImagine a world where your online shopping experience is streamlined through a chatbot that does the legwork for you. Google's AI Mode introduces agentic checkout, effectively changing the game for e-commerce businesses. It allows users to add items to their cart and check out, while the AI manages the transaction, thus simplifying the process—an attractive feature for busy customers.Enhanced Customer Engagement Through PersonalizationThe AI upgrades come equipped with tools that allow for deep personalization, transforming interactions from simple queries to intelligent conversations. This can lead to a more engaging consumer experience, which is crucial for businesses aiming to build loyalty and trust.3D Chats and Live Translation: A New FrontierAdditionally, Google's introduction of 3D chats and live translation promotes a more immersive environment for communication and connectivity. For businesses that rely on remote interactions, these features will enhance meetings and negotiations, making them feel more personal and impactful.Navigating the Competitive LandscapeAs Google enhances these capabilities, it’s important to consider the implications for small to mid-sized businesses. Companies generating $2M to $10M in annual revenue may struggle to compete without embracing these technological advancements. The integration of AI into daily operations can drive efficiency and provide a robust competitive advantage. With a staggering increase in the adoption of Google's AI-powered tools—like achieving over 400 million monthly active users on the Gemini app—it's clear that updates are not just superficial but rather pivotal for positioning in this AI-driven economy.What This Means for Your BusinessUnderstanding how to leverage these new technologies will be essential. Whether it's through deploying AI-driven marketing strategies or improving customer outreach, business owners must adapt to integrate these innovations into their practices. Analyzing usage metrics, such as the dramatic rise in token processing—up to 480 trillion tokens per month—is a reminder of the vast potential at their fingertips. Responsive and savvy businesses could find their pathway forward solidified through strategic use of these tools.Ultimately, Google's advances bring both challenges and opportunities to the forefront. As the market pivots towards AI, there's never been a better time for business owners to explore how these tools can directly enhance their operations.


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