News & Insights

Administrator Isabel Casillas Guzman, head of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), announced $3 million in new funding under the Cybersecurity for Small Businesses Pilot Program. Three grants will be awarded to state agencies to provide training, counseling, and other tailored cybersecurity services for startups and emerging entrepreneurs. “With small businesses accounting for 99.9 percent of all American businesses and employing nearly half of the private workforce, any cyber threat to our small businesses is a threat to our country’s overall economy,” said SBA Administrator Guzman.

Applications will be accepted from July 2-Aug. 2, and applicants can apply for awards ranging from $1,000,000 to $1,045,000 for a performance period of 24 months ending September 2026.

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One of the most significant challenges small businesses face is the perceived lack of negotiation power compared to their larger counterparts. Small businesses often feel disadvantaged due to their size and limited market influence. To counteract this, small business owners should focus on their unique value propositions. Highlighting specialized expertise, personalized service, or niche market presence can make a significant difference. Testimonials and case studies that demonstrate the value your business brings to the table can also bolster your negotiating position. According to a report by the Small Business Administration (SBA), 29% of small businesses cite limited purchasing power as a significant barrier in negotiations.

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Integro Bank values our customers and we like to show it. This Summer, whether you have a Personal Savings, Personal Checking, or Personal Money Market Savings account, ALL account fees are being waived until August 31st! Our No-Fee Summer Celebration kicked off and was effective as of May 24, 2024. Standard product fees will be assessed after the promotion ends.

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For small business owners, pricing is a delicate balance between profitability and customer retention. Mastering the art of price negotiation can significantly impact your bottom line while maintaining strong customer relationships. Let's explore effective strategies and insights backed by data.

According to a study by McKinsey & Company, a 1% price increase can translate to an 8.7% increase in operating profits, assuming no loss of volume. This underscores the significant impact that effective pricing can have on a small business's profitability.

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Integro Bank is excited to announce a special upcoming event for the June CEO Club: "How to Grow and Sustain Your Brand and Client Loyalty." This event will provide a rare opportunity to connect with special guest speakers from Fender, Edward Cole, President of Asia Pacific, and Michael Spandau, the CIO and SVP for Global IT. CEO Club members, business owners, and business leaders will have a great opportunity to hear from a business that has a long history of successfully developing a global brand and creating amazing customer loyalty.

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Retaining customers is not just about providing quality products or services—it's about creating meaningful connections and fostering lasting relationships. As a minority-owned business, your unique background and perspective can be a significant asset. According to a study by the National Minority Supplier Development Council, 71% of minority-owned businesses provide goods and services that reflect the business owner's culture. Embrace this uniqueness and communicate it clearly to your customers. Your distinct cultural insights can provide value that sets you apart from competitors.

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Building a loyal customer base is crucial for the success of any business. However, achieving this feat requires more than just offering great products or services – it necessitates a deep understanding of your target audience. By tailoring your brand and offerings to meet their specific needs and preferences, you can forge a strong connection that fosters long-lasting loyalty.

According to a study by Accenture, 91% of consumers are more likely to shop with brands that provide relevant offers and recommendations. This statistic highlights the significance of truly knowing your audience and delivering personalized experiences that resonate with them. Furthermore, a report by Epsilon found that 80% of consumers are more likely to make a purchase from a brand that provides personalized experiences.

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Providing exceptional customer service is no longer just a nice-to-have – it's an absolute necessity. Customers have become increasingly discerning, with high expectations for personalized, seamless, and memorable experiences. By prioritizing outstanding customer service, businesses can not only retain existing customers but also cultivate brand loyalty that drives long-term success.

According to a study by Help Scout, 78% of consumers will abandon a transaction or not make an intended purchase due to a poor service experience. This statistic underscores the critical role that exceptional customer service plays in retaining customers and driving revenue growth.

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The SBA is launching a working capital pilot program in the coming months that is designed to be more attractive to both lenders and borrowers than the agency’s existing products, Guzman said in a phone interview with CNBC.

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Trust is the cornerstone of any successful brand-consumer relationship. According to a study by Edelman, a leading global communications firm, 81% of consumers say they need to be able to trust a brand before they can become loyal to it. Moreover, the same study revealed that a staggering 72% of consumers buy from brands they trust, even if they don't offer the cheapest option.

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