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MIDNIGHT OIL
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EDITION 377
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RESOURCES & TIPS
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Your customers are changing. Are you?
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In the latest episode of CO— Trend Watch, CO— editors Ciara McGibbon and Barbara Thau break down three consumer trends shaping how people shop today: brand fandom, experience-driven spending, and affordable luxury. Watch the episode to learn what these shifts mean for small businesses and how you can turn changing customer behaviors into growth opportunities.
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CO— GUIDE | TAX PREPARATION
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Before year-end, ask yourself these tax questions
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As the end of the year approaches, it's the time to review your financial records and make sure your business is prepared. Do you have the docs you need? Are books up to date? Have you reviewed potential deductions and tax obligations? Our Tax Preparation Hub offers practical resources to help answer these questions and more.
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“If there is one thing this country gives you, it is resources — things you can’t find as easily or quickly in other places. But you’ve got to burn your feet, you’ve got to lose your voice, you’ve got to do what it takes.”
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CO— GUIDE | TOOLS & INSIGHTS
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The Practical Playbook for Small Business Owners
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Whether you're looking to attract new customers, streamline operations, or grow revenue, having the right resources can make all the difference. Explore this collection of tools, insights, and practical guidance designed to help small business owners solve challenges, uncover opportunities, and grow with confidence.
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Take the Federal Reserve Small Business Credit Survey
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Explore 18 business automation tools that can help streamline operations across marketing, sales, customer service, and more.
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This year, Facebook released tools like Creator Fast Track and Marketplace enhancements to expand the monetization opportunities of businesses and creators. Discover how to generate revenue through content, products, and audience engagement on the platform.
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With smartphone adoption at record levels, customers are spending more time online than ever before. Understand the fundamentals of digital marketing and discover how a stronger digital presence can help your business drive growth.
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MESSAGES FROM OUR PARTNERS
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What Data Center Growth Means for Small Businesses
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Healthy communities help local businesses thrive. New Chamber research found that data centers support hundreds of long-term jobs and bring new investment into local communities, generating economic activity that benefits restaurants, retailers, contractors, service providers, and other small businesses.
Small business owners recognize that impact. Three in four say they would support a data center in their community. Learn more about how data center investment is helping communities and local businesses grow.
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Impact of Tech on Small Business Report
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WEBINAR: Everything you need to get Ready for Resiliency
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Join the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation on Friday, November 6, at 2 PM EST for a webinar on the Readiness for Resiliency (R4R) Mitigation Grant Program, a U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation initiative offering small businesses $5,000 to fund disaster mitigation projects. We'll walk through eligibility, the application process, and key deadlines—applications close November 15, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. ET—so businesses can take proactive steps to reduce disaster risk.
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GRANTS & AWARDS
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Morgan Stanley’s Small Business Academy is a 12-week virtual educational program followed by a yearlong mentorship program that helps small business owners strengthen their business knowledge, navigate the procurement process, and expand their professional networks. Participants who successfully complete the program can also pitch a business case to Morgan Stanley judges for potential access to capital.
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, with support from Verizon, is helping small businesses strengthen their disaster preparedness through the Readiness for Resiliency (R4R) Mitigation Grant Program. The program connects disaster resilience training with financial support to help small businesses take practical steps to reduce their risk from natural disasters. After completing one of these courses, small businesses can apply for a competitive $5,000 R4R Mitigation Grant to support a disaster risk reduction project. Applications are open now through November 15.
The Tory Burch Foundation is looking for the next cohort of Tory Burch Fellows. As a Tory Burch Fellow, you become part of a community of extraordinary women entrepreneurs, gain access to advisors and decision-makers, and tap into coaching, guidance and resources that evolve with you. The Fellowship is open to women entrepreneurs with at least $75K in annual revenue, with no maximum revenue requirement. Apply through November 17.
The Shophand $5k Small Business Boost Grant provides $5,000 in support to help U.S.-based small business owners address tech or operational challenges. Awarded twice per year, winners receive $2,500 in unrestricted cash and $2,500 in Shophand technical support and services. To be eligible, applicants must operate a for-profit U.S. business with fewer than 50 employees and annual revenue under $5 million. Applications for the current cycle are due on November 30.
More grant & program information can be found here.
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