Five Things To Know This Week:
1) How to Start and Grow a Side Hustle
2) Reaching Gen Z
3) 5 Retail Trends for 2022
4) Bolster Cybersecurity
5) Small Business Resource of the Week
Make Things Happen Today!
Brian Moran
CEO
Small Business Edge
Brian Moran & Associates
How to Start and Grow a Side Hustle
Many Americans started dabbling with side hustles several years ago, but they became more popular since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Zapier reports that about one-third of Americans were working a side hustle—in addition to their regular jobs last year. Among millennials, that number rose to 50%.
Side hustles can be easy to pull off—or they can complicate your already business life. The key is to plan
- Read more to discover 100 best ideas for a side hustle in 2022.
- Read more about managing burnout with your side hustle.
- Read more about turning your side hustle into a full-time business
Reaching Gen Z
There are many myths about Generation Z, such as that they live in the shadow of millennials. Or they’re just a bunch of kids who don’t matter to business owners.
That’s all wrong. First, Gen Z actually has more than $360 billion in disposable income. And despite what most other generations think about them, they don’t spend all day on their phones. In fact, they spend over eight hours a day outdoors—which is why outdoor advertising is a great way to reach them.
- Read more about why businesses should target Gen Z consumers.
Read more about the truths about Gen Z.
5 Retail Trends for 2022
Retail is hot right now—2021 revenues and holiday sales exceeded expectations. The signs are good that this trend will continue into 2022, but NPD says the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic may make retail sales “less predictable than in the past.”
NPD advises retailers (in-store and online) to stay “nimble” and says there are five key trends you need to know about and prepare for, including supply chain concerns and which demographic will likely be fueling retail sales this year.
NPD’s overall outlook for retail is optimistic: “Retail growth opportunities are still there, but they will be fueled by innovative products and replenishment, as consumers engage in the continuation of a new cadence of consumption.”
- Read more about the 5 retail trends for 2022.
- Read more about the retail industry.
Bolster Cybersecurity
The Small Business Administration (SBA) recently announced $3 million in new funding for state governments to help emerging small businesses develop their cybersecurity infrastructure. As part of the Cybersecurity for Small Business Pilot Program, through the Office of Entrepreneurial Development, state governments are eligible to compete for grants to help deliver cybersecurity assistance to new and startup business owners.
Applications will be accepted through March 3, 2022, so contact your state representatives and governor’s office and encourage them to apply for the grants.
Funding details and requirements are available at Grants.gov under “Cybersecurity for Small Business Pilot” (Funding Opportunity Number SB-OEDCS-22-001/CDFA 59.079) offered by the SBA. Applications must be submitted by the stated deadline on the official grant application portal as stated in the funding announcement.
- Read more about how your state can apply for the grant.
- Read more about how you can protect your small business from cybersecurity threats.
Small Business Resource of the Week
Content marketing has become an essential element for small businesses to add to their marketing strategies in the last few years. But so many business owners don’t understand exactly what content marketing entails and how to create content that resonates with their customers.
The Content Marketing Institute is a valuable resource, filled with articles, advice, and more. Check out these posts:
- 17 Books Perfect for Content Marketers (That Aren’t About Content or Marketing)
- 17 New, Newly Updated, and Timeless Books Content Marketers Love
