by U.S. Chamber of Commerce
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    Everything that you need to know to start your own business. From business ideas to researching the competition.

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    Practical and real-world advice on how to run your business — from managing employees to keeping the books.

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    Our best expert advice on how to grow your business — from attracting new customers to keeping existing customers happy and having the capital to do it.

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  • Good Company

    Entrepreneurs and industry leaders share their best advice on how to take your company to the next level.

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Mark Hamstra

CONTRIBUTOR

About Mark

Mark Hamstra is a freelance business writer with experience covering a range of topics and industries, including food and mass retailing, the restaurant industry, direct/mobile marketing, and technology. Before becoming a freelance business journalist, Mark spent 13 years with Supermarket News, most recently as content director, where he was involved in all areas of editorial planning and production for print and online. Earlier in his career he also worked as a reporter and editor for other business publications, including Financial Technology, Direct Marketing News, Nation’s Restaurant News and Drug Store News. \nAreas of expertise include:\n• Company financial performance\n• Technology deployments\n• Supply chain strategies\n• Product marketing, merchandising and procurement\n• Retail real estate, design and construction\n• Labor issues

Latest—

Holiday Trends Your Business Should Know for Black Friday 2023 (and Beyond)
Millennials and Gen Z drive self-gifting trend, as AI-personalized shopping tools take flight — underscoring growth opportunities for marketers this holiday selling season.
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GROW » MARKETING

Small Business Saturday
Small Business Saturday falls on the last Saturday of November. Here’s what small businesses can do to make the most of the shopping holiday.
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Experts Share Holiday Marketing Trends
A focus on offering high-value gift deals, personalized offers, sustainability, and human customer service are among this year’s potential winning strategies for retailers and brands, analysts say.
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How Big Brands Leverage Customer Reviews to Increase Sales
Backpack maker JanSport, underwear brand MeUndies, and La Colombe Coffee Roasters are among the companies tapping tech tools to optimize consumer review content to deliver results.
READ

How 3 Companies Are Monetizing the Street Food Trend
CPG brands and founder-led startups are packaging grocery items inspired by authentic global dishes previously available only from local street vendors, food trucks, and restaurants.
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Mastercard Tools Fueling Small Business Growth
North America Small Business Lead Ginger Siegel on helping SMBs meet the demands of an evolving digital business climate — from offering online payment solutions to tools that thwart cyber fraud.
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How Gopuff is Unlocking New Revenue Streams
Diverse brands from Apple to Noom are courting Gopuff’s customers via ads on its app, as ‘retail media networks’ gain popularity as a marketing vehicle for businesses.
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Six Flags is Elevating the Theme Park Experience Using Amazon-Powered Tech
Its new Quick 6 retail store will be first theme park venue to deploy Amazon-powered cashierless checkout to reduce lines amid ‘the attention economy.’
READ

Loyalty Programs Evolve to Deliver Experiential Rewards
A cross section of brands’ revamped rewards strategies rely on elevated perks to woo today’s consumers.
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Security Experts on How SMBs Can Protect Customer Data From Cybercriminals
Execs share the key safeguard measures and employee training necessary to thwart hackers amid the growth of e-commerce and other digital touchpoints.
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Designed for business owners, CO— is a site that connects like minds and delivers actionable insights for next-level growth.

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1615 H Street, NW
Washington, DC 20062

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