Can U.S. Manufacturing Revival Transform Small Business Fortunes?
Fresh Take on Small Business News
Get the lowdown on the news that matters most to small business owners and innovators straight from the horse's mouth! This week, our panelists delve into the future of manufacturing in the United States. Will manufacturers make their return, and if so, will they find the talent they need? Let's dive in and see what the experts have to say!
Small Business Discussion of the Week
On this week's show, the debate centers on whether manufacturers will bring their operations back to the US, and if they do, whether they'll find the perfect fit for those open positions. Plus, we tackle the question of whether Gen Z workers are ready to take on manufacturing jobs. Buckle up, because this conversation covers it all! Be sure to check it out for yourself...
Small Business News Flash
Here's a roundup of the latest news that's shaking up the small business world:
Etsy Upgrades Storefront Experience
Etsy has revamped its platform, introducing a slew of new tools and features to improve the experience for sellers. With upgraded listings, streamlined shop management, and enhanced support options, it's never been easier to stand out on one of the world's most popular e-commerce sites!
PayPal Introduces rewarding Loyalty Program
PayPal is shaking things up in the mobile payment space by launching a loyalty program that awards U.S. users with a 3.7% annual return on their holdings of the PayPal USD (PYUSD). This new initiative marks a bold step forward for the company's US dollar-backed stablecoin.
Intuit Strengthens Competitive Edge
Intuit is on a roll! The company has announced its acquisition of GoCo, a modern HR and benefits platform for small and mid-sized businesses. This move is set to propel Intuit's payroll services into the realm of comprehensive human capital management solutions.
Wix Takes Web Personalization to New Heights
Web personalization just got smarter, thanks to Wix's new AI-powered adaptive content application. This innovative tool allows website owners to tailor site experiences in real-time, based on visitor characteristics and personalized criteria.
Small Business Sales Remain Steady Amidst Challenges
According to BizBuySell's latest report, the U.S. small business market maintained steady momentum in Q1 2025, despite rising prices and concerns about tariffs. With more than 2,368 businesses sold and a record-breaking enterprise value, small business owners are continuing to make their mark!
SBA Shows Strong Support for Manufacturers
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is stepping up its game, announcing a significant increase in 7(a) loan approvals for small manufacturers under the Trump Administration. This move reflects the Agency's continued commitment to supporting America's businesses.
OpenPhone Eliminates Missed Opportunities
OpenPhone, a company known for improving communication for small businesses, has launched Sona - an AI-powered agent designed to ensure businesses never miss a customer call again. This exciting new tool offers a game-changing solution for businesses looking to optimize customer interactions.
Grant Opportunities Knocking
Finding the funds you need for your small business venture just got a little easier, thanks to this roundup of the latest grant opportunities available! Whether you're launching a startup, expanding your team, or investing in new technology, securing a grant can help you achieve your dreams without the burden of debt.
American Express Sweetens the Deal
If you're a business owner with a Business Platinum Card, listen up! American Express is offering some fantastic limited-time promotions aimed at supporting small businesses as travel begins to make its comeback in 2025. Take advantage of these amazing offers while they last!
Zoom Joins the Frontline
Zoom, the popular video conferencing platform, has launched a solution tailored to the unique needs of frontline workers. The innovative product features a mobile-first interface and aims to revolutionize communication and work management for employees in sectors such as retail, healthcare, and emergency services.
Impacts of Trump Tariffs Still Lingering?
Our panelists gather once more to discuss the long-term effects of the Trump tariffs, reflecting on their influence on small businesses in America.
Tax Relief for Storm-Affected Arkansas Residents
Good news for Arkansans hit by recent storms, tornadoes, and floods! The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has granted tax relief to all residents of the state, postponing deadlines for eligible taxpayers until November 3, 2025.
Flint Aids Recovering Small Businesses
Small businesses in Flint, Michigan, can breathe a sigh of relief! The city, in collaboration with LISC Flint, has established the Flint Small Business Rescue Fund. This new initiative, designed to support businesses still recovering from the economic fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic, will provide one-time grants to struggling entrepreneurs.
Insights from Enrichment Data:
- Gen Z Impact on Manufacturing: Gen Z workers are reluctant to join the manufacturing industry due to outdated onboarding processes, a lack of career growth opportunities, and negative perceptions of the sector. To attract and retain this demographic, manufacturers must modernize their approach, offer continuous skill development, and focus on purpose-driven work environments.
- Manufacturing Projections: The manufacturing sector faces a significant labor shortage, with Baby Boomer retirements and Gen Z's reluctance to join the industry compounding the issue. With the potential for a gap of 2.1 million unfilled positions by 2030, finding solutions to retain and attract Gen Z talent is more crucial than ever.
[1] Hubspot. "First study of Gen Z in the Manufacturing Industry Reveals Important Workplace Expectations." Retrieved April 17, 2023, https://blog.hubspot.com/marketing/gen-z-in-manufacturing
[2] Manufacturing Alliance of Connecticut. "Young Professionals Survey: Gen Z in Manufacturing." Retrieved April 17, 2023, https://www.ctmanufacturers.org/young-professionals-survey-gen-z-in-manufacturing
[3] Industry Today. "Why manufacturing needs to target Generation Z." Retrieved April 17, 2023, https://industrytoday.com/megatrends/manufacturing-needs-target-generation-z
[4] International Journal of Manufacturing Technology and Management. "Attracting Gen Z workforce in manufacturing industry." Retrieved April 17, 2023, https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/21648180.2020.1862243
- As more businesses consider relocating manufacturing operations back to the United States, the demand for talent in this sector is increasing. To attract Gen Z workers, manufacturers might need to modernize their approach, offer continuous skill development, and focus on creating purpose-driven work environments.
- PayPal's new loyalty program, which provides a 3.7% annual return on holdings of the PayPal USD (PYUSD), could entice more enterprises to adopt digital wallet solutions in their business finance.
- In light of persistent labor shortages and an anticipated gap of 2.1 million unfilled positions by 2030, the manufacturing industry faces a critical need to retain and attract Gen Z talent.
- As part of its ongoing support for small businesses, the Small Business Administration (SBA) has reported an increase in 7(a) loan approvals for small manufacturers, reflecting the Agency's commitment to the industry's growth.
- As small businesses in Flint, Michigan, continue to recover from the pandemic's economic fallout, the establishment of the Flint Small Business Rescue Fund offers a lifeline to struggling entrepreneurs, providing one-time grants for essential business needs.
- For small business owners who use the Business Platinum Card from American Express, 2025 could present significant opportunities with the launch of limited-time promotions aimed at supporting travel and related expenses as the industry recovers.
