Attention subscribers
 If you are a current subscriber but do not have an online account, click here to set up your free access.
Not yet a subscriber? click here to subscribe today.
Carroll County News logo
Log in Subscribe
Winning at business

Report: 82% of new small businesses have insurance, but many SMBs remain at risk

ERGO NEXT reports that 82% of new small businesses have insurance, yet 73% remain underinsured, often due to cost, confusion, and compliance issues.

More than $5 billion spent by AI giants this year is aimed at implementation

ZoomInfo reports that over $5 billion has been spent by AI giants in 2023 on implementation, highlighting a shift in focus from model building to practical application.
D8TAOPS Brings Governed Knowledge to Amazon Quick, Now Generally Available in AWS Marketplace
D8TAOPS Brings Governed Knowledge to Amazon Quick, Now Generally Available in AWS Marketplace
(Troy Wyatt, Founder and CEO, and Dr. Navid Kalantari, PhD, Chief AI Officer, D8TAOPS) - Built with Mark Relph's team at AWS, the integration lets Quick customers govern the data and the agents …
Your Car Insurance Doesn't Cover What You Think It Does
(NewsUSA) - You have car insurance, pay your premiums and assume you're protected if an accident happens. But what if the coverage you rely on isn't enough to pay for a serious injury?For many …
Should you have a dedicated domain for your Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales?
Wix reports that using a dedicated domain like .sale or .deals for Black Friday can help businesses stand out, but it's crucial to consider its long-term use and branding.
Zapier reports that 45% of executives limit human oversight of AI to high-stakes work, with many giving AI full autonomy, risking costly mistakes.
Mercury reports on essential payroll steps for small businesses, covering calculations, deductions, compliance, and the importance of payroll software to avoid errors.
Year-end checklist for small businesses: 15 steps to start in November
Intuit QuickBooks reports that one in three U.S. adults plan to start a business in 2026. 
InCorp reports that sudden viral success can overwhelm unprepared small businesses. 
Plus500 reports Thanksgiving significantly impacts economic trends, with rising travel and retail sales. 2026 expects 5.5% retail growth, driven partly by higher prices.
Preparing your business for holiday cyberattacks
Jewelers Mutual Group reports that half of organizations face cyberattacks during holidays, urging strong security measures to mitigate risks and prepare effectively.
Shipley Energy reports that soaring data center demand is projected to increase U.S. electricity costs significantly, varying by region and regulations.
Validity reports on efficiently managing email campaigns for large teams, emphasizing clear workflows, defined roles, centralized tech stacks, and modular designs to enhance productivity.
Small Business Features

How to reduce finance tool sprawl in an early-stage company

Mercury reports that early-stage companies struggle with finance tool sprawl, which adds complexity and costs, and recommends consolidating financial workflows to streamline operations.

How to manage the accounts receivable process step by step

Ramp reports that the accounts receivable (AR) process is crucial for tracking customer payments and ensuring steady cash flow, enabling timely operations and growth.
Hiring a first employee before year-end? How to set up payroll in 8 steps
Xero reports that setting up payroll for your first employee involves eight steps, starting with obtaining an EIN and registering with state tax agencies.
How to get bonded quickly and keep your projects moving
Surety Bond Professionals reports that understanding bonding requirements is crucial for contractors bidding on government projects. 
The 2027 growth opportunity for e-commerce and why wellness brands are positioned to benefit
Passport reports that by 2027, e-commerce growth hinges on AI product discovery and cross-border commerce.
How to manage cash flow with a business or corporate credit card
Brex reports that a business credit card can help startups manage cash flow gaps by allowing up to 51 days of interest-free payments, increasing cash availability.
How AI is changing holiday shopping and what advertisers need to know
elk Marketing reports that AI is transforming holiday shopping, influencing product discovery and advertising strategies as consumers increasingly seek personalized gift suggestions through AI tools.
Entrepreneurship

Flat budgets, bigger targets: 7 ways businesses are finding money they already have

Higgsfield AI reports on how businesses with flat marketing budgets can optimize spending. 

Apollo reports that AI assistants are transforming sales analytics by shifting focus from traditional dashboards to real-time decision-making tools, enhancing reps' efficiency.

Companies spend six figures on AI. A third of employees don't know what it costs

Zapier reports that companies are significantly investing in AI, with 52% spending over $100K monthly, yet a third of employees are unaware of these costs.
Get Ahead in Business
The invoice-to-pay process explained for accounts payable teams
Brex reports that the invoice-to-pay process is vital for accounts payable teams, ensuring streamlined workflows from invoice receipt to payment, enhancing cash flow and control.
Ogee reports the clean beauty market is projected to hit $10.5 billion by 2025, driven by consumer demand for transparency and organic ingredients.
Global Payments reports six retail owners share tips for Small Business Saturday, emphasizing unique experiences and community engagement over simple discounts.
A guide to e-invoicing for accounts payable teams
Brex reports that many finance teams mislabel email invoice workflows as e-invoicing despite manual data entry.
SOCi.ai reports a significant shift in local business searches, with AI usage rising from 9% in 2025 to 52% in 2026, though trust remains low.
Toptal reports U.S. job openings may stabilize in Q4 after a decline, with tech layoffs decreasing and job growth projected to level off, aided by strong GDP growth.
Auto repair shop online marketing: 5 ways you’re losing customers without realizing it
Way reports five common online marketing gaps for auto repair shops that can lead to lost customers, such as incorrect Google profiles and unresponsive websites.
ERGO NEXT reports 15 marketing tips for Small Business Saturday 2026 to help local businesses boost sales, connect with customers, and promote community support.
The Economic Hardship Reporting Project and Hammer & Hope report on Black Americans experiencing severe economic struggles amid rising costs, unemployment, and healthcare issues, highlighting systemic inequalities.
© Copyright 2026 Carroll County News
Powered by Creative Circle Media Solutions