Smart Business BLOG

Made for sharp business minds—who want clarity, not clutter.

From compliance and payroll to planning for growth, we break down complex topics that shape the decisions behind how you run, invest in, and grow your business.

Smarter business starts here.

Join for the insights. Stay for the “oh, that actually helped.”

Young entrepreneur plans for a successful startup

Why a CPA should be the first hire at your startup

It may not be where your hiring strategy goes first, but it should be. 90% of start ups fail. Often that’s because owners see it as their duty to do...

What a recession might mean for your restaurant

What a recession might mean for your restaurant

A recession is bad for all businesses but can be especially rough on restaurants. Margins are already tight, and staffing issues can often compound...

Know how to read your financial statement

How to Read Financial Statements: A Small Business Owner’s Guide

It’s easy to want to skip to the "bottom line" of your financial statements, but like any great story, you’ll need context for the ending to make...

How to Recession-Proof Your Business

How to Recession-Proof Your Business

We’ve got an overheated economy and a bear market. IF we reach a recession this year, is your business ready?

tire store profit margin

Improve Your Tire Store Profit Margin With These Simple Steps

If you're not sure why your tire store profit margin matters, let us break it down for you:

Cook County Minimum Wage is on the Rise July 1

Cook County Minimum Wage is on the Rise July 1

Effective July 1, 2022, the minimum wage in Cook County will increase for tipped employees and non-tipped employees that work for any employer...

Augusta Rule: How to Master this Tax Loophole

Augusta Rule: How to Master this Tax Loophole

The Masters Tournament, held in Augusta, Georgia, is one of the most prestigious PGA golf tournaments. It’s so widely attended that people will rent...

cloud-based accounting

The Past, Present, and Future of Cloud-Based Accounting

Cloud-based accounting is a process in which you use an internet-based system to access your accounting from anywhere at any time. Three things are...

accounting fraud protection

Are You Doing Enough to Ensure Check Fraud Protection?

Contrary to popular belief, businesses are still susceptible to check fraud, as it remains one of the most prevalent methods of attack on businesses....

Eliminate Phishing

Eliminate Phishing With Secure File Sharing for Business

How secure is your business? There's a good chance that it isn't as secure as you may think. According to research, companies in the United States...

automated HR onboarding

How Automated Onboarding Improves Your Bottom Line

In a job market that has significantly more job openings than talent to fill them, it is essential that your talent acquisition and onboarding...

Hands that representing the blending of two firms.

Our Team Has Grown! Kaizen Merges With SCL CPA PC

Kaizen CPAs & Advisors is excited to announce the merger with SCL CPA PC! Effective January 1, 2022, both firms will operate under the Kaizen name.