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.”

It's important to reviewing financial statement to prepare for small business growth.

Creating a foundation for small business growth

Growth is probably one of your goals this year for your small business – and if it isn’t, it should be. That said, not all growth is created equal....

S-corp, Partnership, or C-corp: Which is right for your small business growth?

Which Entity Type Is Right For Your Small Business?

According to the Bureau of Economic Analysis, S corporations account for 76.8% of corporations with less than 500 employees and 37.3% of corporations...

How to Grow Your Small Business Through Mergers and Acquisitions

How to Grow Your Small Business Through Mergers and Acquisitions

As part of our continuing series on how to grow your small business the right way, today we look at mergers and acquisitions. Acquisitions can be a...

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....