Small Business

U.S. Media

•

14 days

Summary

sources
241
Narrative Items
491
Bottom Line Up Front

241 sources in U.S. Media are amplifying 491 narrative items relating to the narrative of small business dynamics. These narratives connect themes of optimism, strategic growth, and market challenges, highlighting the importance of organization, innovative marketing, and supportive policies while addressing the evolving landscape shaped by economic conditions and technological advancements.

Reviewing a number of the most relevant narrative items indicates that media sources exhibit a range of portrayals regarding small business developments. The Chicago Sun-Times shares an optimistic outlook following the election, highlighting a surge in small business optimism, with the language used reflecting hopefulness without overwhelming optimism. In contrast, the Dissent Magazine presents a more critical view, framing the rise of Republican influence as a "capitalist insurrection," employing charged language that suggests a significant ideological shift in the business landscape. NBC Los Angeles provides a balanced perspective on holiday sales, noting cautious spending while also celebrating strong early performances, which reflects a nuanced understanding of the current economic climate. Meanwhile, the Forbes article emphasizes the potential benefits of TikTok for small businesses through an encouraging lens, promoting engagement strategies that leverage the platform's broad reach. Argus Leader takes a statistical approach with a study ranking states by small business openings, offering a neutral portrayal based on data-driven insights. Overall, while some sources project positivity about future growth and engagement, others incorporate more critical tones that signal underlying tensions in the small business environment, revealing a complex landscape that stakeholders must navigate.

About This Module

The U.S. Media module tracks a broad range of American media sources, including major television, cable, print, and online organizations.

Read more...
Read Less...

Sources

Sources by Type
Sources of these types represent most of the amplification activity around this narrative
sources by Volume
These sources are amplifying the most items involved in this narrative. Click to see details of each source's narrative activity.
Top sources
Day-by-day volumetric activity of sources amplifying the most items around this narrative
CBS News
4% of the items in this brief were amplified by this source.
Entrepreneur Magazine
2% of the items in this brief were amplified by this source.
Portland Press-Herald
2% of the items in this brief were amplified by this source.
KVIA ABC-7 News
2% of the items in this brief were amplified by this source.
New York Post
1% of the items in this brief were amplified by this source.
WRAL Raleigh
1% of the items in this brief were amplified by this source.
Boston Herald
1% of the items in this brief were amplified by this source.
Pittsburgh Tribune Review
1% of the items in this brief were amplified by this source.
Federal News Network
1% of the items in this brief were amplified by this source.
Independent Journal Review
1% of the items in this brief were amplified by this source.
Read more...
Read Less...

Top Items

These narrative items are the most relevant and/or the most amplified. Click to see details and suggested messages.
Amplifiers:
Chicago Sun-Times
chicago.suntimes.com
The ultimate resource guide for small business owners
This guide helps small business owners succeed by emphasizing organization, finding a unique brand personality, market awareness, and utilizing helpful tools. It suggests using CRM, accounting, payroll, marketing, project management, and AI software to streamline operations and improve customer service. Effective time management and financial record-keeping are crucial for growth.
Amplifiers:
Boston Herald
bostonherald.com
Small business owners optimistic following election, survey says
Post-election, small business optimism surged to a 21-month high, according to the NFIB. The Optimism Index reached 101.7, driven by reduced uncertainty and hopes for favorable economic policies. While inflation remains a concern, expansion plans are increasing.
Amplifiers:
KVIA ABC-7 News
kvia.com
The 25 most successful small business ideas (2025)
LegalZoom presents 25 lucrative small business ideas for 2025, spanning tech, consulting, home improvement, healthcare, hospitality, and creative fields. High-earning potential is highlighted in areas like tech consulting, online business consulting, and real estate, with various creative and service-based options also detailed. Many require specific skills, education, or licenses.
Amplifiers:
Dissent Magazine
dissentmagazine.org
Family Capitalism and the Small Business Insurrection - Dissent Magazine
The rise of the Republican right isn't simply small businesses against big businesses; it's a capitalist insurrection. Privately held, family-based businesses, including large dynasties, are challenging publicly traded corporations. This shift, fueled by tax laws favoring pass-through entities, has empowered a new political force, blurring lines between populist and elitist interests.
Amplifiers:
Forbes
forbes.com
6 Ways TikTok's Algorithm Can Help Grow Your Small Business
TikTok's algorithm boosts small businesses by prioritizing engagement over follower count. Consistent posting of authentic, trend-relevant content, leveraging team creativity, and analyzing data for improvement are key to success. The platform offers massive reach and high engagement potential, making it a valuable marketing tool.
Amplifiers:
Defense Visual Information Distribution Service
dvidshub.net
NAVFAC Washington Strengthens Small Business Partnerships at SAME Federal Conference
NAVFAC Washington attended the SAME Federal Small Business Conference in New Orleans to strengthen partnerships with small businesses in architecture, engineering, construction, and facility management. The conference fostered collaboration, addressed industry challenges, and highlighted opportunities in sustainable construction and innovative technologies. NAVFAC aims to increase small business participation in federal contracts.
Amplifiers:
NBC Los Angeles
nbclosangeles.com
Small business owners ‘optimistic' about holiday shopping despite fewer days
Despite a shorter holiday season, small business owners remain optimistic. Early sales of cozy items and holiday décor are strong, though spending is more cautious than during the pandemic. While some experienced record Black Friday sales, others faced slower post-Black Friday periods. Strategies like discounts and events are driving sales, with items priced around $50 proving popular.
Amplifiers:
CT Mirror
ctmirror.org
Opinion: Piece about APRA's impact on small business is incomplete
John Haskell argues that Nick Ortner's criticism of the American Privacy Rights Act (APRA) impacting small businesses is incomplete. APRA exempts small businesses meeting specific revenue, data transfer, and data processing thresholds. Haskell contends that the drafters considered the impact on small businesses, aiming to exclude those primarily processing data for service provision.
Amplifiers:
Argus Leader
argusleader.com
Papa Woody’s is closing, citing small business struggles in Christmas Eve post
After eight years, Papa Woody's Wood Fired Pizza in Sioux Falls is closing due to financial struggles. Owners Lisa Esser and Steve Blumke cited insufficient foot traffic and depleted personal funds despite fighting to stay open. The closure impacts employees, some of whom have been with the restaurant since its opening.
Amplifiers:
Entrepreneur Magazine
entrepreneur.com
These Are the Best States to Start a Small Business: Study | Entrepreneur
A study by MRPeasy ranked states based on the ratio of small business openings to closures in 2023. Nevada had the highest ratio (1.284), indicating strong small business growth, while Louisiana had the lowest (-0.067), showing more closures than openings. The study used SBA data and defined small businesses as firms with under 500 employees.
Read more...
Read Less...

Themes

Tap or click for details
These adjacent themes are currently being amplified along with the main narrative. Click to see details of narrative activity related to each one.
Ollie's Law Enacted
In response to the mauling of a labradoodle named Ollie, Massachusetts has implemented 'Ollie's Law,' which enforces stricter regulations on pet care facilities to ensure better safety and oversight.
Corporate Transparency Act Delayed
The Corporate Transparency Act, which requires businesses to file Beneficial Ownership Information reports, is on hold, providing temporary relief to companies facing deadlines.
A promotional mention of stateline.org.
The text encourages visiting stateline.org and notes distribution by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
Hurricane Helene Relief Funding
The state Legislature has allocated $273 million specifically for Hurricane Helene relief, with additional federal funds anticipated post-election.
Walker appointed ambassador
Herschel Walker, former football star and Senate candidate, has been appointed by President-elect Trump as ambassador to the Bahamas.
Bipartisan effort averts government shutdown
In a last-minute effort, Congress approved a funding bill to avoid a government shutdown, despite President-elect Trump's demands for a debt ceiling increase.
Read more...
Read Less...

Entities

Tap or click for details
These entities are mentioned most frequently in the narratives highlighted in this brief. Click to see details of narrative activity related to each one.
People
John Haskell
Critic of the American Privacy Rights Act (APRA) and its impact on small businesses.
Nick Ortner
Critic of the American Privacy Rights Act (APRA) regarding its implications for small businesses.
Lisa Esser
Owner of Papa Woody's Wood Fired Pizza in Sioux Falls.
Steve Blumke
Owner of Papa Woody's Wood Fired Pizza in Sioux Falls.
Technologies
CRM Software
Customer Relationship Management software used to streamline business operations.
AI Software
Artificial Intelligence software utilized to improve customer service and operations.
TikTok Algorithm
A social media algorithm that boosts small businesses by prioritizing engagement.
Organizations
NFIB
National Federation of Independent Business, which reported on small business optimism.
SBA
Small Business Administration, which provided data for a study on small business openings and closures.
Companies
LegalZoom
A company that provides legal services and has presented small business ideas for 2025.
NAVFAC Washington
A federal agency that attended the SAME Federal Small Business Conference to promote small business participation.
Events
SAME Federal Small Business Conference
An event in New Orleans aimed at strengthening partnerships with small businesses in various sectors.
Black Friday
A major shopping event that impacts small business sales.
People
John Haskell
Critic of the American Privacy Rights Act (APRA) and its impact on small businesses.
Nick Ortner
Critic of the American Privacy Rights Act (APRA) regarding its implications for small businesses.
Lisa Esser
Owner of Papa Woody's Wood Fired Pizza in Sioux Falls.
Steve Blumke
Owner of Papa Woody's Wood Fired Pizza in Sioux Falls.
Technologies
CRM Software
Customer Relationship Management software used to streamline business operations.
AI Software
Artificial Intelligence software utilized to improve customer service and operations.
TikTok Algorithm
A social media algorithm that boosts small businesses by prioritizing engagement.
Organizations
NFIB
National Federation of Independent Business, which reported on small business optimism.
SBA
Small Business Administration, which provided data for a study on small business openings and closures.
Companies
LegalZoom
A company that provides legal services and has presented small business ideas for 2025.
NAVFAC Washington
A federal agency that attended the SAME Federal Small Business Conference to promote small business participation.
Events
SAME Federal Small Business Conference
An event in New Orleans aimed at strengthening partnerships with small businesses in various sectors.
Black Friday
A major shopping event that impacts small business sales.

Context

The landscape for small businesses in the United States is shaped by various demographic, economic, and political factors. The recent surge in small business optimism, reflected in the NFIB's Optimism Index, indicates a growing confidence among entrepreneurs, driven by reduced uncertainty and anticipated favorable economic policies. However, inflation remains a significant concern, influencing consumer spending and business expansion plans.

Demographically, the rise of privately held, family-based businesses is notable, as they challenge larger publicly traded corporations. This shift is partly fueled by tax laws that favor pass-through entities, creating a new political dynamic that intertwines populist and elitist interests. The emergence of platforms like TikTok has transformed marketing strategies, allowing small businesses to reach wider audiences through engagement-driven content, which is crucial in a competitive market.

Geographically, small business growth varies significantly across states. For instance, Nevada shows a robust ratio of openings to closures, while Louisiana struggles with more closures than openings. This disparity highlights regional economic conditions and the varying levels of support for small businesses.

National security considerations also play a role, as federal initiatives aim to increase small business participation in government contracts, particularly in sectors like construction and engineering. Events like the SAME Federal Small Business Conference foster collaboration and address industry challenges, emphasizing the importance of sustainable practices and innovative technologies.

Overall, while small businesses face challenges such as financial struggles and changing consumer behaviors, the current environment presents opportunities for growth and adaptation, particularly for those leveraging technology and community engagement effectively.
Read more...
Read Less...