Podcasts about Independent business

What's behind the growing challenges facing young job seekers, and could global oil disruptions add further pressure to the economy? As youth unemployment remains stubbornly high, questions are building about what is driving the slowdown in hiring and what it means for those entering the workforce. We examine the factors shaping the job market for young people, from business conditions to structural barriers, and what might change in the months ahead. Dan Kelly, CEO of the Canadian Federation of Independent Business, and Ilona Dougherty, managing director of the Youth and Innovation Project at the University of Waterloo, break down the trends and possible paths forward. We then turn to global energy markets. After major disruptions to shipping through the Strait of Hormuz linked to the Iran war, what risks do shifting oil flows pose for prices and economic stability? Rory Johnston, oil market researcher and founder of the Commodity Context newsletter, explains what has changed, what remains uncertain, and how these developments could ripple beyond the energy sector.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Amanda Lang takes a ‘by the numbers’ look at youth employment in Canada … she then discusses how to close the disconnect between young people and employers with Dan Kelly, President & CEO of the Canadian Federation of Independent Business.

Young people might be looking in the wrong places when they try to find jobs. Berengere Fouqueray of the Canadian Federation of Independent Business jonied London Live to explain.

The economic impact of shopping within one's community is significant. Though estimates vary and are always open to fluctuation, a recent survey from American Express and the National Federation of Independent Business indicated roughy 67 cents out of every dollar spent at a small business remains in the community. The economic impact of shopping local is plain to see, as many local business owners and employees live in the communities where their companies operate. But there are additional and perhaps less obvious benefits to buying close to home as well. •Walkability: Community residents who aspire to keep their dollars within... Article Link

Broadcasting from the Free State of Florida. https://DoctorTommyShow.com Leo Irizarri is the founder Wealth Transfer Consultants. Visit him at https://weprotectwealth.com/

Episode 337 of The Business Development Podcast features a powerful and timely conversation with Brianna Solberg of the Canadian Federation of Independent Business, diving deep into what is now being called Canada's “Entrepreneurial Drought.” Backed by real data, the episode uncovers a troubling reality: more businesses are closing than opening in Canada for six consecutive quarters, marking the worst startup activity outside of the pandemic. Together, Kelly and Brianna break down the mounting pressures facing small and medium-sized businesses, including rising costs, labor shortages, declining consumer demand, and a growing sense that entrepreneurship in Canada is becoming increasingly unsustainable.But this conversation goes far beyond economics. Kelly and Brianna explore the deeper, long-term implications of this trend, highlighting how the decline of small business threatens the very fabric of Canadian communities. From lost local jobs and reduced economic circulation to the erosion of vibrant main streets and community identity, the impact is far-reaching. The episode also outlines potential solutions, including reducing the cost of doing business, cutting regulatory red tape, and addressing labor market challenges, while calling for greater awareness, advocacy, and action from both business owners and policymakers.Key Takeaways: Canada is facing an entrepreneurial drought, with more businesses closing than opening for six consecutive quarters.Small and medium-sized businesses are not a side issue in Canada. They make up 99% of all businesses and employ around 60% of private sector workers.When small businesses struggle, communities struggle with them.The decline of entrepreneurship is not just an economic problem. It affects jobs, local identity, opportunity, and community vibrancy.Many business owners are working harder than ever just to survive, not thrive.Rising costs, payroll burdens, taxes, insurance, rent, and utilities are making it harder for businesses to grow.Labour shortages remain a major barrier, especially for small businesses that cannot easily absorb hiring challenges.Red tape takes time, money, and energy away from actually running and growing a business.Internal trade barriers are holding Canada back from becoming a true national economic union.Business owners need to speak up, get involved, and add their voices to organizations advocating for real change.Connect with Brianna SolbergConnect with Brianna on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianna-solberg/Join the Canadian Federation of Independent BusinessIf you are a business owner in Canada, your voice matters now more than ever.The CFIB represents over 100,000 small and medium-sized businesses across the country, advocating for better policy, lower costs, and a stronger future for entrepreneurs.Join here:https://www.cfib-fcei.ca/en/membership-benefitsSponsor Mentions

Kevin discusses and covers the following stories: weather is back in the news; oil and gas prices continue to react to the war in Iran; Phil Flynn, Senior Market Analyst, PRICE Futures Group, in his Energy Report describes the effects of Trump's blockade of Iranian ports; Finance Ministers from Europe pushed for the implementation of the ceasefire because of the pressure on the world economy; Pope Leo expresses his thoughts on the war; the National Federation of Independent Business released their March Small Business Economic Trends data; Kevin has the details, digs into the data, puts the information into historical perspective, offer his insights and a few opinions along the way. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kevin discusses and covers the following stories: weather is back in the news; oil and gas prices continue to react to the war in Iran; Phil Flynn, Senior Market Analyst, PRICE Futures Group, in his Energy Report describes the effects of Trump's blockade of Iranian ports; Finance Ministers from Europe pushed for the implementation of the ceasefire because of the pressure on the world economy; Pope Leo expresses his thoughts on the war; the National Federation of Independent Business released their March Small Business Economic Trends data; Kevin has the details, digs into the data, puts the information into historical perspective, offer his insights and a few opinions along the way. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kevin discusses and covers the following stories: weather is back in the news; oil and gas prices continue to react to the war in Iran; Phil Flynn, Senior Market Analyst, PRICE Futures Group, in his Energy Report describes the effects of Trump's blockade of Iranian ports; Finance Ministers from Europe pushed for the implementation of the ceasefire because of the pressure on the world economy; Pope Leo expresses his thoughts on the war; the National Federation of Independent Business released their March Small Business Economic Trends data; Kevin has the details, digs into the data, puts the information into historical perspective, offer his insights and a few opinions along the way.

Jerry opens the show with the story of a Ford government minister and Vaughan MPP who claimed to have attended a prestigious U.S. university in official bios... but didn’t. Employment lawyer Sunira Chaudhri from Workly Law joins Jerry to talk about the legal and ethical lines when it comes to misrepresenting credentials. Jerry then turns to a new report showing that small business closures in Canada are now outpacing new business starts. Ryan Mallough, VP of Legislative Affairs at the Canadian Federation of Independent Business, explains what’s driving the trend and what it means for local business. Next, Jerry turns to an Italian town's political tradition: putting an effigy of a politician in a cage and dunking them for making the year’s worst decision. Marco Lazzeri and Diana Ferrari from the Feste Vigiliane in Trento explain how the event works.

Get to know John Chronological Experiences - John grew up in Ogden, Utah.  He was the oldest of six brothers and one sister.  After serving a church mission in the Canary Islands in Spain, John went to basic combat soldier training at Ft. Leonard Wood, MO. He then proceeded to Ft. Sam Houston, TX to be trained as a combat medic and a surgical technician and was the Distinguished Honor Graduate of his class.  He served with the Utah 144th Combat Support Hospital.  John went to Weber State University and earned a B.A. degree in psychology. During college, John worked part time on campus for the Services for Students with Disabilities, reading college text books for blind students. John stayed busy by also participating with the folk dance team, the institute chorale, a fraternity, the LDSSA committee, and the Army Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) where he finished as Honor Graduate, class of 1997. Following a successful Army ROTC Advanced Camp and ranking in the top 5% of the nation, John was commissioned as an Army Intelligence Officer.  After receiving his Top Secret Security Clearance and finishing his Tactical Intelligence Officer training in Ft. Huachuca, AZ, he was stationed at Ft. Gordon, GA with the 513th Military Intelligence Brigade. Here he served as a Company Executive Officer, Battalion Maintenance Officer, and Headquarter Company Executive Officer.  John was deployed to Saudi Arabia in 1999 for Joint Task Force Southwest Asia (JTFSWA).  He worked directly with the commander, Major General Schmidt, during Operation Desert Fox.  He worked in the Joint Air Operations Center during real-time flight operations over Iraq and briefed the commander during these missions when Saddam Hussein was still in power.  John was also responsible for theater-wide combat search and rescue (CSAR) operations.  John was the liaison to the Saudi Arabian government officials as well as the French and British military officials who were part of the coalition.  He produced and disseminated the releasable multinational force intelligence information for these partners.   After several years of active duty, John again joined the Utah Army National Guard and his unit was activated to pull security at the Olympic Village for the Salt Lake 2002 Winter Olympics and Paralympics following the 911 attack.  He worked directly with the Presidential Secret Service as well as the directors of intelligence and foreign dignitaries for various security functions. In 2002, John was deployed to war-ravaged Bosnia and Herzegovina as Operations Officer for Security Force 12. He led a counter intelligence team and nine human intelligence teams, consisting of Army Rangers, HUMINT collectors, and local interpreters.  His teams produced intelligence information that was used by President Bush and Dick Cheney as justification for the second war in Iraq (declassified by Dick Cheney).  John loved serving his country, but frequent absences were hard for a family with young children.  So after a 10 year military career, he separated and finished his master's degree in business marketing. John spent several years working in various business ventures and industries including the National Federation of Independent Business. This is a small business lobbying group where he met with hundreds of business owners to understand their challenges with taxes, burdensome regulations, workers' compensation costs, and government overreach. Most recently, John has worked for major pharmaceutical and medical companies like Novo Nordisk and Myriad Genetics in pharmacogenomics testing.  He has received many national awards and recognitions for his leadership and performance.    During these decades, John enjoyed serving in his faith in various capacities and particularly as a scout master and ecclesiastical leader for his church.  This time working with the youth has been some of his favorite years.  Feeling the need to serve in all aspects of his life, he has also served for the past 20 years as a state delegate, county delegate, and precinct chair for Precinct SY11 in the Republican Party. Family - John is most grateful for his wife, Carrie. They have been married for 30 years and have six children, a son-in-law, a daughter-in-law, and a granddaughter.  He is honored that his three eldest children currently serve their country in the Army.  John has always tried to instill the value and blessings of serving in all capacities and for these reasons, he has felt the need to give more during a very turbulent time in our country. Faith - Above all, John considers himself a disciple of Jesus Christ.  This is fundamental to everything he does.  His faith, his family, and his freedoms are his greatest fundamental priorities.                   Hobbies & Fun Facts - John loves reading, writing, and studying. He is fascinated with eschatology and scripture, including Apocryphal texts. He loves to see how current world events align with scripture and sees prophecy being fulfilled in our day. He enjoys history and science and loves a good documentary. John loves playing basketball, softball, football, tennis, and soccer. He enjoys snow skiing, kayaking, cliff diving, and sky diving. He loves an ice plunge in a cold mountain lake. He still loves to do backflips on skis in his 50s, to the dismay of his wife. He loves hiking, canyoneering, camping, backpacking, fishing, gardening, and landscaping. He once made news on Disappointment Peak Grand Teton after a half ton boulder dislodged and landed on him breaking both his legs, among other injuries, but was miraculously saved. Rescuers needed a 300 foot rope and a helicopter to hoist him off the mountain. Working with youth has always been a priority for John and he especially enjoyed being a Scoutmaster. He is an Eagle Scout and helped many youth earn theirs. John saved two lives using the Heimlich Maneuver that he learned in scouts. He also loves coaching youth in soccer, basketball, and tennis. John enjoys a good workout and does marathons, triathlons, and Spartan obstacle course races. He once placed 51st out of 3999 contestants and 2nd in the 45-50 age category in a Spartan Super Race. He plays the piano and percussion/drums and has taught drum lessons. He has played in bands and once performed a drum set solo at the Venetian in Las Vegas for over a thousand people. He loves writing and composing music on the Clavinova and has composed several soft-pop songs. John loves to dance and will be seen on the dance floor at every work social or wedding reception. He loves to sing and do karaoke. John has worked many interesting jobs with his entrepreneurial spirit including the following: selling golf balls as a kid, washing dishes and prep cooking at Carol's Kitchen restaurant, building a house from foundation to finish work in high school construction, and peeling logs by hand. He worked for Mr. Mac, Matrix Marketing, Office Max, RGIS Inventory Specialists, Bell Janitorial sales, NFIB political lobby consulting, Buckeye International chemical sales management, and K-Designer remodeling. He once worked as a paid Girl Scouts instructor for high-risk girls in downtown Ogden. He was an EMT and a surgical tech and has assisted in a wide variety of surgeries. At WSU Disability Services, he assisted blind students. He is up for any challenge including wearing the Deranged Easter Bunny outfit for a company presentation in front of 500+ peers as well as wearing the same said outfit to a job interview at Kneader's restaurant. John is known for being fearless and is always up for a good adventure. He is known for his work ethic and is always willing to volunteer. John believes we should enjoy all the ups and downs in life, that pain is gain, and that integrity and service are paramount attributes to develop.https://www.johntaylor4utah.com/about

Meet Justin from Jim's Pool Care who shares his experiences about running an independant business before joining Jim's and which is better.

Stephen Lewis, former Ontario NDP leader and father of new NDP leader Avi Lewis, has died at age 88. We'll bring you more about his legacy up first. Then, we ask whether people should be able to work from home amid spiking fuel costs. Some public sector unions are calling for this measure. We'll hear from Kalith Nanayakkara from the Canadian Federation of Independent Business for his take.

The Steve Gruber Show | Blue-Collar Boom: The AI Economy's Biggest Winners --- 00:00 - Monologue 27:56 – Rob Rene, Founder of QE Strong. Rene discusses the “Radiance Revolution” and how a total body reset can also improve overall appearance and wellness. He explains the connection between internal health and outward results. Visit ExodusStrong.com/Gruber to learn more. 38:04 - Monologue 46:59 – Debbie Wuthnow, President of iVoterGuide, a division of American Family Association Action. Wuthnow discusses the SAVE America Act and why Democrats are opposing voter ID requirements. She explains how the issue is shaping election integrity debates nationwide. 57:05 – Brad Close, President of the National Federation of Independent Business. Close highlights what he calls a permanent win for small businesses. He explains how recent policy changes could provide long-term relief and growth opportunities for entrepreneurs. 1:16:09 - Monologue 1:25:01 – Rep. Cam Cavitt, representing Michigan's 106th House District. Cavitt discusses youth treatment reform legislation, including testimony from Paris Hilton and other survivors. He explains how the bill aims to improve oversight and protect vulnerable youth. 1:35:06 – Miguel Rodriguez, Executive Vice President and General Counsel of American Pharmacies. Rodriguez discusses testimony from Michigan independent pharmacists about pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) practices. He explains how these practices can disrupt care and create challenges for both patients and local pharmacies. 1:44:14 – Ivey Gruber, President of the Michigan Talk Network. Gruber wraps up the show with discussion on March Madness and a major healthcare fraud case uncovered in the U.S. The segment highlights both lighter moments and serious developments making headlines. --- Check out our brand new podcast, 'Forgotten America'... The sixth episode is live NOW at Steve Gruber on YouTube! Link below: https://youtu.be/aKxApESBYuo

Will Stewart from Enterprise Canada joins Jerry at the Party for Two table to talk about the top stories of the day. Dan Kelly from the Canadian Federation of Independent Business reacts to how small businesses are responding to the Supreme Court’s tariff ruling. Then it’s Telescopic Tuesday! Newstalk 1010 science expert Dan Riskin brings the top science stories of the week. What's it like to be a Canadian in Mexico right now? Canadian jazz vocalist, Caity Gyorgy, joins the show to talk about it.

Not even a Supreme Court ruling could stop US President Trump from using his second favourite 'T' word. Trump has once again threatened global tariffs on imported goods, first at 10%, then 15%, according to a Truth Social post over the weekend. But regardless of legal rulings, Canadian small business are caught in the crossfire, with sectoral tariffs still on the line. Host Caryn Ceolin speaks to Dan Kelly, President of the Canadian Federation of Independent Business to discuss how Canadian business are rethinking their strategies amid an unprecedented global market, and how the Canadian government should practice cautious optimism for future trade agreement and the negotiation of CUSMA. We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us:Through email at hello@thebigstorypodcast.ca Or @thebigstory.bsky.social on Bluesky

Kevin takes a look at some important policies/regulations and legislative wins during the first year of President Trump's 2nd term; the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) released the Nonfarm Payrolls Report; BLS also released the Unemployment Rate and Labor Participation Rate; the National Federation of Independent Business released the January Small Business Economic Trends (SBET) Report aka January Small Business Optimism Index; Kevin has the details, digs into the details, puts the information into historical perspective, offers his insights and offers a few opinions along the way. 

Don't just listen, call in with your perspective at 303-477-5600 or text to 307-200-8222 Monday - Friday from 3 pm - 6 pm MT. HOUR 1 Hour 1 of Rush To Reason opens with signature intensity as John Rush and Andy Peth challenge listeners to question narratives shaping today's culture. From mad cow disease and prion science to a fiery discussion on ICE protests, paid activism, and law enforcement, the hour asks a provocative question: how do you talk to family members—especially younger ones—when politics turns personal and divisive? The conversation digs into freedom vs. force, the rule of law, and why enforcement is being reframed as oppression. Mid-hour, the spotlight shifts to pop culture colliding with politics as Andy reviews Melania. Set during the 20 days leading up to Donald Trump's second inauguration, the film is portrayed as a quiet, meticulous character study of Melania Trump—elegant, disciplined, emotionally reserved, and fiercely self-controlled. Andy contrasts glowing audience reactions with hostile critic reviews, raising a bigger question: is the backlash about filmmaking—or ideology? Fast-paced, provocative, and cinematic, Hour 1 feels less like talk radio and more like a trailer for the cultural battles shaping America right now.

Don't just listen, call in with your perspective at 303-477-5600 or text to 307-200-8222 Monday - Friday from 3 pm - 6 pm MT. HOUR 1 Hour 1 of Rush To Reason opens with signature intensity as John Rush and Andy Peth challenge listeners to question narratives shaping today's culture. From mad cow disease and prion science to a fiery discussion on ICE protests, paid activism, and law enforcement, the hour asks a provocative question: how do you talk to family members—especially younger ones—when politics turns personal and divisive? The conversation digs into freedom vs. force, the rule of law, and why enforcement is being reframed as oppression. Mid-hour, the spotlight shifts to pop culture colliding with politics as Andy reviews Melania. Set during the 20 days leading up to Donald Trump's second inauguration, the film is portrayed as a quiet, meticulous character study of Melania Trump—elegant, disciplined, emotionally reserved, and fiercely self-controlled. Andy contrasts glowing audience reactions with hostile critic reviews, raising a bigger question: is the backlash about filmmaking—or ideology? Fast-paced, provocative, and cinematic, Hour 1 feels less like talk radio and more like a trailer for the cultural battles shaping America right now.

Don't just listen, call in with your perspective at 303-477-5600 or text to 307-200-8222 Monday - Friday from 3 pm - 6 pm MT. HOUR 1 Hour 1 of Rush To Reason opens with signature intensity as John Rush and Andy Peth challenge listeners to question narratives shaping today's culture. From mad cow disease and prion science to a fiery discussion on ICE protests, paid activism, and law enforcement, the hour asks a provocative question: how do you talk to family members—especially younger ones—when politics turns personal and divisive? The conversation digs into freedom vs. force, the rule of law, and why enforcement is being reframed as oppression. Mid-hour, the spotlight shifts to pop culture colliding with politics as Andy reviews Melania. Set during the 20 days leading up to Donald Trump's second inauguration, the film is portrayed as a quiet, meticulous character study of Melania Trump—elegant, disciplined, emotionally reserved, and fiercely self-controlled. Andy contrasts glowing audience reactions with hostile critic reviews, raising a bigger question: is the backlash about filmmaking—or ideology? Fast-paced, provocative, and cinematic, Hour 1 feels less like talk radio and more like a trailer for the cultural battles shaping America right now.

The U.S. economy demonstrated robust growth in the third quarter of 2025, with a gross domestic product (GDP) increase of 4.3%, according to the Commerce Department. This growth occurred despite consumer concerns and uncertainties related to tariffs, with military spending and corporate profits contributing significantly. However, the technology sector experienced substantial layoffs, with 1.1 million jobs cut in 2025, of which only 55,000 were attributed to artificial intelligence (AI). The majority of job losses stemmed from corporate restructuring and economic conditions rather than direct displacement by AI, leading to hiring freezes, particularly for entry-level positions.Small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) are currently facing challenges in attracting talent, with over 70% reporting difficulties in finding qualified candidates due to competition from larger firms. The National Federation of Independent Business noted that nearly half of all small businesses are struggling to fill open positions, which is stalling growth and reducing productivity. Despite a slight increase in small business optimism, driven by expectations of higher sales, many owners cite labor quality as their top concern. Additionally, 64% of SMBs are experiencing supply chain disruptions, complicating their operations.The episode also discusses the ongoing chip and memory shortages, which are expected to persist into 2027, leading to rising prices for consumer electronics. Major memory manufacturers are prioritizing supply for AI companies, impacting pricing across various sectors. Furthermore, the shift towards outcome-based pricing models in software is highlighted, where companies may pay based on actual results delivered, potentially complicating the relationship between service providers and clients if expectations are not clearly defined.For Managed Service Providers (MSPs) and IT service leaders, these developments underscore the importance of clarity and realistic expectations in service delivery. As operational fragility becomes more pronounced amid rising costs and labor shortages, MSPs must reframe their roles from implementers to risk managers. This shift is crucial to avoid margin erosion and contract disputes, ensuring that they are not unduly burdened by decisions made outside their control. The evolving economic landscape necessitates a proactive approach to pricing and service design, particularly as automation and AI continue to reshape the industry. Four things to know today 00:00 Strong GDP Growth, Persistent Layoffs, and Weak AI Returns Expose Hidden Risk for SMB Operations07:04 AI Is Driving Hardware Shortages, Cloud Growth, and Outcome-Based Pricing—Raising Cost Risk for MSPs11:10 MSP Expense Volatility, AI-Driven Service Shifts, and Labor Shortages Are Colliding on Pricing Strategy15:04-- MSP Radio Expands Beyond News With Acquisition of Two MSP Education Brands This is the Business of Tech.     Supported by:  https://cometbackup.com/?utm_source=mspradio&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=sponsorship

The spring of 2024 was a turning point for Nightwing, when the business separated out of its then-parent RTX to become a standalone company focused on cybersecurity and intelligence solutions.Chris Jones joined Nightwing later that fall as chief technology officer following service as the CIA's associate deputy director for science and technology. Jones joins for this episode to put into perspective how Nightwing has sought to carve out its own path in the market and priority areas for the company going forward.In talking with our Ross Wilkers, Jones also explains the role of companies like Nightwing in helping their government agencies customers navigate changes in how they operate even if the overall missions remain the same.Artificial intelligence and other automation technologies in the cyber landscape is also on the discussion agenda. All tech conversations end back up at AI these days, after all.Nightwing acquires managed security services providerNightwing appoints Coleman as chief executiveWhat the mystery buyer of RTX's cyber business is getting

Kevin covered the following stories: Realtor.com reports the October delistings; U.S mortgage rates vs other countries; the National Federation of Independent Business released their Small Business Optimism Index; the U.S. Labor Department's Bureau of Labor Statistics released the October Job Openings and Turnover Survey (JOLTS); Kevin has the details, digs into the data, puts the information into historical perspective, offers his insights and opinions along the way.    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kevin covered the following stories: Realtor.com reports the October delistings; U.S mortgage rates vs other countries; the National Federation of Independent Business released their Small Business Optimism Index; the U.S. Labor Department's Bureau of Labor Statistics released the October Job Openings and Turnover Survey (JOLTS); Kevin has the details, digs into the data, puts the information into historical perspective, offers his insights and opinions along the way.    

Kevin covered the following stories: Realtor.com reports the October delistings; U.S mortgage rates vs other countries; the National Federation of Independent Business released their Small Business Optimism Index; the U.S. Labor Department's Bureau of Labor Statistics released the October Job Openings and Turnover Survey (JOLTS); Kevin has the details, digs into the data, puts the information into historical perspective, offers his insights and opinions along the way.    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kevin covered the following stories: Realtor.com reports the October delistings; U.S mortgage rates vs other countries; the National Federation of Independent Business released their Small Business Optimism Index; the U.S. Labor Department's Bureau of Labor Statistics released the October Job Openings and Turnover Survey (JOLTS); Kevin has the details, digs into the data, puts the information into historical perspective, offers his insights and opinions along the way.    

As the economic landscape grows more complex, investors and advisors are facing new questions about growth, inflation, and what the U.S. Federal Reserve (Fed) may do next. In this episode, host John P. Bryson is joined by Matt and Emily, who discuss the strength of theongoing market rally, recent volatility in the banking sector, the bond market, and rate-cut expectations. They emphasize thoughtful allocation, diversification, and a focus on quality as advisors position portfolios in a momentum-driven environment.Below are a few highlights from the episode:1 How is U.S. economic data shaping up currently?Emily: Economic data is complicated right now. The latest small business survey by the National Federation of Independent Business showed a deterioration in sentiment. Manufacturing data is split, the Fed showed mixed messages, and job openings are decelerating. It's difficult to get a read right now given the lack of economic data due to the government shutdown. Overall, the U.S. economy is continuing to see a slow deceleration.2 What is the bond market telling us about possible Fed rate cuts?Emily: Credit markets are stable, with high-yield spreads below 3.0%, suggesting no broad stress. The two-year Treasury yield, which has broken below 3.5%, indicates the Fed may need to cut rates more than previously expected. Inflation is also likely to slow more than official data suggests. Labor market softness and real-time housing data showing falling prices are leading us to expect the Fed to cut a bit more, we think potentially four or five cuts into 2026.3 What are your conversations with advisors and investors focused on right now?Matt: While the recent rally has been remarkable, the question is if it's sustainable. Our focus is on how to continue allocating capital for appreciation for clients, but in a thoughtful way, which is why we're discussing diversification. We've talked about alternatives like infrastructure-related equities and multi-alternative strategies, as well as mid-cap equities to reduce concentration risk in large-cap U.S. stocks. On the bond side, you can still get good income for clients where you can liability match and use this income for spending needs over the coming years—so it makes sense to take advantage while it lasts.

The B.C. government is limiting when an employer can ask for a sick note from their employees in order to lift the bureaucratic burden on doctors and help prevent patients from spreading their disease. Ryan Mitton, the Canadian Federation of Independent Business's Director of Legislative Affairs for B.C, joins the show to discuss how it impacts businesses as we ask viewers about their experience getting a sick note.

Kevin covered the following stories: the National Retail Federation projects Holiday spending; data from GenLogs drive Trucking industry confidence; the National Federation of Independent Business released their October Small Business Optimism Index; KFF, formerly known as The Kaiser Family Foundation, released their Annual Health Benefits Survey; Kevin has the details; sifts through the data, puts the information into historical perspective, offers his insights and a few opinions along the way.

Kevin covered the following stories: the National Retail Federation projects Holiday spending; data from GenLogs drive Trucking industry confidence; the National Federation of Independent Business released their October Small Business Optimism Index; KFF, formerly known as The Kaiser Family Foundation, released their Annual Health Benefits Survey; Kevin has the details; sifts through the data, puts the information into historical perspective, offers his insights and a few opinions along the way.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kevin covered the following stories: the National Retail Federation projects Holiday spending; data from GenLogs drive Trucking industry confidence; the National Federation of Independent Business released their October Small Business Optimism Index; KFF, formerly known as The Kaiser Family Foundation, released their Annual Health Benefits Survey; Kevin has the details; sifts through the data, puts the information into historical perspective, offers his insights and a few opinions along the way.

Sometimes your next career move comes with four paws and a leash.

Frank McKenna, Former Canadian Ambassador to the U.S. & Brian Clow, Former Deputy Chief of Staff to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau; Dan Kelly, Canadian Federation of Independent Business; The Front Bench with: Sabrina Grover, Melanie Paradis, Karl Bélanger & Rachel Aiello; Sean Leathong, CTV News Toronto.

The ongoing government shutdown delayed updates of the Consumer Price Index, Producer Price Index, weekly unemployment claims, and retail sales. Still, there was plenty to cover from this week, including the potential impact on the banking sector amid emerging credit concerns, the strength and state of the consumer, recent earnings reports, a dip in oil prices, and the outlook for the Federal Reserve's monetary policy for the remainder of the year and in 2026 once a new Chair is selected. Speakers:Brian Pietrangelo, Managing Director of Investment StrategyGeorge Mateyo, Chief Investment OfficerStephen Hoedt, Head of EquitiesRajeev Sharma, Head of Fixed Income 01:35 – The National Federation of Independent Business' Small Business Optimism Index for the month of September fell two points to 98.8, but remains above the historical average. Conversely, the Uncertainty Index rose to 100 – the fourth highest level in 51 years.02:21 – The Federal Reserve's Beige Book report showed little change in overall economic activity, with some districts reporting slight to modest growth and others noting slight softening.04:20 – The earnings reports that have been released thus far for the third quarter paint a favorable picture of a robust stock market, despite signs of softening consumer spending and an uptick in volatility and uncertainty.11:57 – Investors moved toward safe haven assets amid some overall economic softening and news of emerging credit risk.12:38 – Fed Chair Powell's recent comments point towards a move away from quantitative tightening, an end to the balance sheet runoff in the next few months, and likely two more rate cuts in 2025.15:31 – As the government shutdown continues to fuel confusion, volatility, and uncertainty, our advice to investors is to maintain a long-term perspective with a diversified portfolio and avoiding rash decisions based on dramatic news and short-term fluctuations. Additional ResourcesRead: Key Questions: What Does MAHA Mean for Healthcare and Consumer Staples Companies? Key Questions | Key Private BankSubscribe to our Key Wealth Insights newsletterWeekly Investment BriefFollow us on LinkedIn

As her party calls for all temporary foreign work outside of agriculture to be 'permanently abolished,' Conservative immigration critic Michelle Rempel Garner says it's 'bunk' that Canadians won't work certain entry-level jobs — despite criticism from the Canadian Federation of Independent Business that the move would be 'ridiculous' and jeopardize rural businesses. Plus, after the NDP lost most of its MPs in the federal election, interim leader Don Davies says the leadership race underway this week is the party's chance to ‘reconnect and rebuild' its relationship with the working class.​

Learn how Nicola Hamilton raised $120,000 for Issues Magazine Shop using alternative funding, dual business plans, and intuition over spreadsheets. Subscribe and watch Shopify Masters on YouTube!Sign up for your FREE Shopify Trial here.

Beginning Friday, Canadian retailers will no longer be able to ship products under $800 to the U.S. duty-free. U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order in July to end the "de minimis" exemption after nearly a century of it being in place. Ryan Mitton, director of legislative affairs for the Canadian Federation of Independent Business, joins the show to discuss how its expiry will impact businesses.

Air Canada says it expects to cancel 500 flights by Friday evening, as a weekend flight attendant strike looms. CBC's Nicole WIlliams has the latest. And the Canadian Federation of Independent Business discusses the impacts of the strike on small businesses. Plus, U.S. President Donald Trump will meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin Friday for talks on ending Russia's war in Ukraine. Russia expert Keir Giles discusses what to expect from that meeting.

Dr. William Dunkelberg, Chief Economist, National Federation of Independent Business

Iowa Business Report Friday EditionJul. 11, 2025  Josh McLeod of the National Federation of Independent Business on need for Congressional action to permanently remove the Beneficial Ownership Information report requirement. 

The National Federation of Independent Business released their Small Business Optimism Index, also the New York Federal Reserve issued their Survey of Consumer Expectations and the American Trucking Associations released their For-Hire Truck Tonnage Index; Kevin has the details, digs into the data, offers his insights and puts the information in historic perspective. UPS plans to slim down its operations; Kevin has the details and what this means for their drivers. Oil prices react to improving world economic conditions, demand and supply data.

Small businesses are increasingly recognizing the need for digital maturity and the potential benefits of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance operational efficiency. A recent report from the National Federation of Independent Business reveals that while a significant majority of small business owners have websites, only a small fraction accept online payments. This gap highlights a pressing need for integrated e-commerce solutions that not only enable payment processing but also align with the workflows of small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs). The report indicates that many SMBs are eager to adopt technology that addresses specific pain points, with a notable percentage already utilizing AI for communication and marketing tasks.The concept of agentic AI presents a substantial growth opportunity within the technology sector, particularly for partners over the next few years. However, the adoption of agentic AI varies significantly across different market segments, with large enterprises focusing on building ecosystems around major platforms, while SMBs are more likely to adopt AI through software-as-a-service solutions. Despite the potential, a report from Gartner warns that a significant percentage of agentic AI projects may fail due to factors such as rising costs and immature use cases. This underscores the importance of informed decision-making and practical applications of AI technology.Regulatory changes are also shaping the landscape for businesses, particularly concerning data privacy and governance. Creative Commons has launched an initiative called CC Signals to create a framework for sharing datasets in the age of AI, addressing concerns about data accessibility and ethical practices. Meanwhile, a recent Supreme Court ruling in the U.S. mandates age verification for websites with sexual content, raising alarms about internet privacy and the potential risks to personal data security. These developments signal a shift in the regulatory environment, emphasizing the need for businesses to prioritize compliance and data governance as core components of their operations.In the realm of technology solutions, several companies are introducing AI-powered tools aimed at improving IT support workflows and cybersecurity measures. TeamViewer has launched TeamViewer Intelligence, which enhances remote support capabilities, while Hornet Security has introduced AI Cyber Assistant tools to bolster security for SMBs. Additionally, acquisitions such as Grammarly's purchase of SuperHuman and Comet Backup's acquisition by WebPros reflect strategic moves to enhance service offerings and integrate communication tools. As the market evolves, IT service providers must leverage these advancements to create higher-margin service offerings and ensure they remain competitive in an increasingly AI-driven landscape.  Four things to know today  00:00 SMBs Want Efficiency: AI Uptake Grows Yet Few Accept Payments Online05:37 Creative Commons Moves to Safeguard Data Commons in the AI Age08:01 TeamViewer, Addigy, and Calyptix Roll Out MSP-Centric AI and Cloud Solutions11:29 Grammarly, WebPros, and LevelBlue Deals Show Strategic Consolidation Across Tech Sectors  This is the Business of Tech.     Supported by:  https://cometbackup.com/?utm_source=mspradio&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=sponsorship All our Sponsors: https://businessof.tech/sponsors/ Do you want the show on your podcast app or the written versions of the stories? Subscribe to the Business of Tech: https://www.businessof.tech/subscribe/Looking for a link from the stories? The entire script of the show, with links to articles, are posted in each story on https://www.businessof.tech/ Support the show on Patreon: https://patreon.com/mspradio/ Want to be a guest on Business of Tech: Daily 10-Minute IT Services Insights? Send Dave Sobel a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/businessoftech Want our stuff? Cool Merch? Wear “Why Do We Care?” - Visit https://mspradio.myspreadshop.com Follow us on:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/28908079/YouTube: https://youtube.com/mspradio/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mspradionews/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mspradio/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@businessoftechBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/businessof.tech

Ottawa says it's done its part in removing federal exceptions to make interprovincial trade easier. But with most of the barriers still in provincial hands, we speak to Ryan Mallough from the Canadian Federation of Independent Business, about the federal government's actions and whether they're enough and Ryan Manucha, a research fellow at the CD Howe Institute, on why reducing interprovincial trade barriers remains complicated and what Canada can learn from other countries that have tackled similar challenges.

Welcome to another CollabCast episode, where we feature powerful podcast episodes by hosts we love! In today's bonus episode, we're highlighting The Vendor Table with Mike Cassara & Lauren O'Brien featuring an interview with our host, Akua Konadu. If you're ready to get more organized in your business, this episode is for you!If you love this episode be sure to check out The Vendor Table and hit the follow button on your favorite podcast player.The Independent Business podcast is powered by HoneyBook, the all-in-one platform for anyone with clients. Book clients, manage projects, get paid faster, and have business flow your way with HoneyBook. Use the code PODCAST to get 20% off your first year as a new member.Connect with The Vendor Table:Podcast: thevendortable.comInstagram: instagram.com/thevendortablepodConnect with the hostWebsite: podcast.honeybook.comIG: instagram.com/honeybookIG: instagram.com/akuakonadu_ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The National Federation of Independent Business released their monthly Small Business Optimism Index; Kevin takes a look at the data, offers his insights and puts the information into historical perspective. The U.S. Senate Finance Committee is considering "watering down" Trump's tax promises; Kevin looks at the items and adjustments, offers his opinion, insights and how you can voice your opinion. Kevin offers an update on the tariff talks between China and the U.S. Additionally, Kevin points out how China may be trying to avoid any possible tariffs. President Trump has delayed tariffs on the European Union until July 9th. Costco posted their revenue and profit numbers and their plans regarding potential tariffs; Kevin talks about the details and offers his insights. Oil and gas prices react to U.S. and China trade talks, Saudi crude exports to China set to fall slightly, anticipated U.S. crude oil inventory data from API and EIA, new sanctions on Russia and OPEC+ output increases.

Give Inspector Randle a hand! In just a few months time, he's grown his business to 6 figures in revenue after striking out on his own. And he created a massive Inspector social media trend along the way! We're stoked to have him on the show to talk all about the transition from working for a company to starting an independent business, and the rapid growth he's experienced. We also explore the challenges and successes of building a brand online, maintaining professional relationships, and navigating the complexities of non-compete agreements. The discussion highlights the importance of authenticity and creativity in marketing, as well as the evolving landscape of the inspection industry. We also get into the differences between new construction and older home inspections, the challenges of scheduling and booking inspections, and personal preferences in the types of services they offer. So, if you're looking to make a move and get out on your own as an inspector (or if you're starting out and wondering if a franchise, joining a team, or going solo is right for you) then you'll want to watch! Follow Inspector Randle on social media  @Inspector_Randle   The TLDR: The importance of social media in building a personal brand. Transitioning from a company to independent business can be daunting but rewarding. Rapid growth in business can occur with the right marketing strategies. Maintaining good relationships with previous employers is crucial. Navigating non-compete agreements requires understanding your unique situation. Authenticity in content creation resonates with audiences. The inspection industry is evolving with new marketing techniques. Creativity can lead to unique business opportunities. Building a following before starting a business can lead to immediate success. It's essential to focus on services you enjoy and excel at. New construction inspections differ significantly from older ones. Booking inspections can be challenging due to high demand. Personal preferences influence the types of inspections offered. Social media has become a crucial marketing tool for inspectors. Work-life balance is essential for long-term satisfaction. Foundation evaluations can be time-consuming and require proper compensation. Inspectors should charge for ancillary services to ensure fair pay. Finding a unique voice on social media can attract more clients. Maintaining a manageable workload is key to avoiding burnout. Experimenting with different services can help identify what works best.   The Links: Sign up for Inspection Fuel happening this Sept. 8-10 in NOLA: https://inspection fuel.com/register Sign up for our newsletter so you don't miss a single episode: https://pages.theridealong.show/newsletter  

Brad Close is President of the National Federation of Independent Business, the nation's leading small business advocacy organization. As NFIB's chief executive officer, Brad focuses on advancing NFIB's advocacy efforts in Washington, D.C. and through the organization's unmatched 50-state network and grassroots operation.

The union representing Canada's postal workers has served strike notice to Canada Post, meaning 55-thousand employees at the crown corporation could walk off the job on Friday. Unless a last minute deal is reached, it will be the second time in roughly 6 months that Canadians will lose access to our national postal service. Small and medium sized businesses are bracing for impact, with the last job action costing them a lot of cash in lost business and more expensive shipping alternatives. Host Cormac Mac Sweeney speaks with Jasmin Guenette, VP of National Affairs at the Canadian Federation of Independent Business about the impact a postal strike would have, how Canada Post needs to change, and what the federal government can do in the event of a strike. We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us:Through email at hello@thebigstorypodcast.ca Or @thebigstoryfpn on Twitter

Welcome to HALO Talks! In this episode, host Pete Moore sits down with Tom Morrissey, founder of Solo Health Collective and a seasoned veteran in the health insurance world, to unpack the complex—and often misunderstood—landscape of healthcare for self-employed professionals. With a career spanning decades at Cigna and deep experience serving everyone from major corporations to solo entrepreneurs, Tom shares how he's dedicated his life to helping small business owners and solopreneurs access quality, affordable health coverage. Despite his success in the large-account space, Tom noticed an unmet need: Small and mid-sized businesses were often overlooked by health insurers and weren't given access to innovative cost-saving or health improvement solutions that benefited the bigger corporations.  If you're a personal trainer, group ex instructor, wellness coach, massage therapist, or any professional running your own business, this conversation is a game changer. Tom explains the differences between HMO and PPO plans, why traditional ACA ("Affordable Care Act") options can fall short for the self-employed, and how his company's unique group plan model is designed to deliver robust coverage (including preventive care and nationwide access) with transparent pricing and minimal out-of-pocket surprises. Plus, hear about partnerships with organizations like the Freelancers Union, and learn how innovative features like HSAs can work for you—even covering perks like fitness classes. On the healthcare issues facing entrepreneurs, Morrissey states, "We saw the growth. It depends on who you listen to, but estimates are that there'll be 90M solo business, owners by 2028. I want to say there's about 60M now. The guys and gals that own these businesses . . . I think, especially when they're young and healthy, are the ones that get screwed the most in healthcare. You know? All they really have access to is ACA plans." Key themes discussed Challenges of health insurance for solopreneurs and self-employed. Differences between PPO and HMO health plans. Underwriting and rate-setting for solo business owners. Preventive care coverage and HSA/HSA usage changes. Brand trust versus new insurance providers like Solo Health Collective. Partnerships with organizations such as Freelancers Union. Long-term cost sustainability for healthier insurance collectives. A few key takeaways:  1. Solo Health Plans Are Filling a Major Gap: Morrissey explains how traditional health insurance often overlooks solopreneurs and small business owners, especially in the HALO space. His company, Healthy Business Group via Solo Health Collective, is designed specifically to provide comprehensive PPO health plans to solo business owners—offering an alternative with more flexibility and better coverage than typical limited-network ACA and HMO options. 2. Key Plan Advantages-PPO Access and Maximum Out-of-Pocket Clarity: Unlike many ACA or HMO plans that limit provider networks and access, Solo Health Collective offers nationwide PPO plans, granting members broader access to healthcare providers. They also have a straightforward approach: After the deductible is met, there's no coinsurance—meaning your deductible is the absolute maximum you'll pay out-of-pocket for covered expenses (with all preventative care covered in full and not applied to the deductible). 3. Plans Are Designed for Solo Business Owners With Medical Underwriting: To qualify, you must have an EIN (Employer Identification Number) and be a business owner without employees. Members go through a quick, five-question medical underwriting process, which allows the plan to provide tailored age, and location-based rates—often significantly less expensive than standard individual policies, especially for young, healthy professionals. 4. HSAs and Innovative Usage for Wellness Are Embraced: The plan supports health savings accounts (HSAs), and Tom shared how, thanks to evolving IRS guidelines and technology, people can now use HSA funds for things like fitness classes and certain wellness purchases, expanding the value of pre-tax health dollars and encouraging preventive care and healthy lifestyles. 5. Long-Term Value and Stability Solo Health Collective is built on a self-insured, level-funded model supported by robust reinsurance (Odyssey A+ rated.) This allows the collective to stabilize costs and potentially keep renewal increases lower than the industry average—especially as it pools healthier, proactive members like those in the wellness and fitness industries. The long-term goal is to create a sustainable, affordable health insurance solution specifically for entrepreneurs who have historically been underserved. Resources:  Thomas Morrissey: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tommorrisseyhbg  Solo Health Collective: https://hbgsolo.com   How It Works: https://hbgsolo.com/how-it-works  Freelancers Union: https://freelancersunion.org/insurance/health  Promotion Vault: http://www.promotionvault.com HigherDose: http://www.higherdose.com

Jeff Brabant, Vice President of Federal Government Relations for the National Federation of Independent Business. Small Business Deduction = Good Policy and Good Politics