Blogs

Since the Covid-19 pandemic, we’ve witnessed a revitalization in American industrial policy. The economic ripples of the pandemic highlighted the precarious nature of long-spread supply chains and outsourced labor; now having internalized these lessons, many firms are re- or nearshoring their operations instead. Accordingly, experts may believe US manufacturing is poised for growth in the coming years as jobs come back home. But the post-pandemic era isn’t the only thing paving the way toward growth. Advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) and automation technology have allowed...

Going green has the potential to be a wise business decision for the manufacturing industry. In fact, it seems many manufacturers are making the jump to more sustainable processes and business operations. Traditional manufacturing processes are based on a linear model of consumption—that is, finite energy resources are consumed during the production process and many products are often discarded. But as concern grows regarding these finite resources and as costs go up, pivoting to green manufacturing is one way businesses can preserve these resources and keep costs down. Resources aside, we’ve...

Anybody can make money in a thriving economy—but can they maintain profits during an economic downturn? As a small business owner, worries of an economic downturn might keep you up at night. Do you have enough cash on hand to cover your bills? Will next quarter’s product launch fall short of projections? Can you last for months on end if the market doesn’t recover quickly? Most likely, you want to avoid navigating economic uncertainty without a plan. One of the most proactive steps a business owner may take is to develop a strategic plan for challenging times. Imagine you’re a football coach...

No one can foresee what the future holds for any business but having business emergency funds available can help with keeping afloat during difficult times. Let’s dive into business emergency funds: what they are, how to calculate how much to save, how to set up an account, and strategies that may streamline the whole process. What Are Business Emergency Funds? An account earmarked for business emergency funds provides you with a nest egg to use for emergencies and new opportunities that fall on your business doorstep. Also called cash reserves, capital reserves, retained earnings, or...

Rewind the clock about 15 years, and you won’t likely hear many business leaders expounding on the benefits of supply chain transparency. Today, however, it’s top of mind. Many consumers are more focused than ever on company sustainability, and production transparency can be an essential part of meeting their demands. But what full supply chain transparency looks like in practice is difficult to define. In the broadest sense, supply chain transparency encompasses the entire production process, from sourcing the raw ingredients for a product to its delivery to consumers. Many businesses have a...