Small Business News

The Small Business Administrator (SBA) has announced the opening of five new Women’s Business Centers (WBCs).

On May 23, Isabella Casillas Guzman, head of the SBA, announced the selection of the new resource centres for women entrepreneurs and business owners. The announcement was made during National Small Business Week.

Access to the right resources plays a huge role in small business success, especially for women entrepreneurs who can still face barriers when starting and running a small business.

The SBA’s WBCs provide free to low-cost counseling and training for women who want to start, grow and expand their small business. As well as business training and counseling, WBCs provide federal contracts and access to credit and capital.

By expanding its network of WBCs throughout the US, the SBA will help more women overcome obstacles, with the aim of “levelling the playing field” in the business world.

Administrator Guzman spoke of the importance of providing women with the right resources to help them grow and succeed in business.

“Under the leadership of the Biden-Harris Administration, our nation has seen a historic small business boom with 2021 new business applications 20% higher than any year on record.

“And women – especially women of color – continue to lead the way with the highest startup rates. The SBA is committed to creating inclusive entrepreneurial support ecosystems so that any of our new – as well as our established – women entrepreneurs can successfully pursue their American dreams of starting, growing and building resilient businesses.  And with SBA’s opening of five new Women’s Business Centers at Minority Serving Institutions across our country, we can help improve outcomes so they can do what they do best – create jobs, power our economy, and build a better America through entrepreneurship,” Guzman continued.

The five new WBCs will be operated by established Minority Serving Institutions (MSI) that serve minority populations.

The new centers hosted by MSIs include California State University, Frenso Foundation, CSU Fullerton Auxiliary Services Corporation on behalf of California State University, Fullerton, Miles College Center for Economic and Social Justice, the National Institute of Minority Economic Development, Inc. on behalf of Bennett College, and the Rockville Economic Development on behalf of Bowie State University.

Since March 2021, 25 new Women’s Business Centers have opened. The following year, the Office of Women’s Business Ownership (OWBO), which aims to empower women entrepreneurs through advocacy, outreach, education, and support, announced the expansion of its national WBC network to all 50 states and Puerto Rico after it launched its 141st WBC in Anchorage, Alaska.

The selected MSI WBCs will support technical assistance to women entrepreneurs. They will also assist emerging entrepreneurs with planning, development, as well as providing support in accessing capital.

Outreach services and activities, including training, workshops, and information dissemination to MSI students, will be provided at the new WBCs.

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This article, "SBA Opening 5 New Women’s Business Centers Across America" was first published on Small Business Trends

Read more: https://smallbiztrends.com/2022/05/sba-opening-5-new-womens-business-centers.html

Small businesses have a lot of challenges, especially when it comes to hiring. The process of finding and vetting candidates can be time-consuming and expensive. One way to streamline the process is to use printable job application forms. These are forms that applicants can fill out and submit online or in person. This post discusses the benefits of using printable job applications and provides you with links to 12 different types of employment forms you can use.

There are a few key benefits of using printable employment application forms. They include:

Now that you know the benefits of using printable job applications, you need to know how to choose the right downloadable job application template. Here are a few tips to keep in mind when selecting an employment form:

Now that you know how to choose the best printable job application form for your business, it’s time to take a look at some of the best options available. Here are 12 great printable job application forms you can download from Etsy. Note: All prices included were accurate at the time of writing.

This form works for a majority of businesses. It includes what can legally be asked on an application without being excessive when it comes to questions. It includes fields for the applicant’s name, transportation query, potential hire’s contact details, education and more. The form also has space for the applicant to list their availability and previous work experience.

Download link: Application for Employment.

What’s included: One PDF form that is editable in Adobe Reader

Price: Under $2.00

This printable generic employment application form checks all the questions deemed relevant to the majority of employers’ recruiting procedures. Potential new hires will fill out contact information, including their e-mail address, social security number, position applying for, education and more. The form is also editable in Adobe Reader for an applicant to pre-fill out electronically to save time on the onboarding process.

This printable basic employment application template offers a minimalist design and checks all of the pertinent boxes for most employers. The easy-to-use form includes room for an applicant’s name, address, phone number, job history, e-mail address and education.

Download link: Job Application Printable, Employment Form.

What’s included: One PDF form that is editable in Adobe Reader

Price: $2.99

This bestselling printable job application form is an Etsy bestseller. Available in PDF format, it includes fields for the applicant’s name, contact information, education, prior working history and references. There is also a section for the applicant to list their availability and skills.

Download link: Application for Employment – Bilingual English/Spanish.

What’s included: Printable job application form in English and in Spanish.

Price: $1.00

Printable sample job application forms serve as the baseline for what your company should include on the application that’s given out to be completed. It should be validated that it lists all the pertinent questions your company needs to ask and that everything that is being asked is legal.

For instance, you could download and use the form above from Etsy seller BeautyxDrip, but it is up to the business to make sure the forms you use for employment applications are in compliance with the law.

In other words, some questions have no place on an employment application. So it’s best to talk to a professional business attorney to make sure you aren’t including questions on the form that shouldn’t be there.

This one is very straightforward and to the point. It includes fields for the applicant’s name, contact information, education, employment history and references. There is also a section for the applicant to list their availability, skills and military service, if applicable.

Download link: Employment Application.

What’s included: Editable PDF, a place to put your business logo.

Price: $2.50

This no-nonsense template pictured here is perfect for small businesses. It includes room for an applicant’s name, address, phone number, e-mail address, education, previous employment information and so on in a 1-page form.

Download link: Job Application Form.

What’s included: One editable Microsoft Word document.

Price: $2.99.

This application is an example of one that is tailored toward a specific profession: caregiving. It is a trusted institution, so the form includes more detailed questions about qualifications, experience, availability, driving history and references for those applying for the position. If you need the template personalized, you can contact the seller PersonalizedToday to discuss a custom quote, too.

Download link: Caregiver Employment Application Form.

What’s included: 2 PDF print and write digital files.

Price: $3.99

This form is a must-have for any human resources, payroll, accounting or other departments that need to collect information on job candidates. HR managers and business owners who reviewed this form on Etsy praised its clean and modern design. The form is completely editable, so you can add or remove questions as needed.

Download link: HR Form Company Template.

What’s included: 2 pages of printable forms and templates formatted to A4.

Price: $2.00

This editable and printable Microsoft Excel job application template is perfect for small businesses that want to keep track of applicants in a spreadsheet. It includes fields for the applicant’s name, contact information, education, history of employment and references. There is also a section for the applicant to list their availability and skills.

Download link: Editable and Printable Microsoft Excel Job Application Template.

What’s included: Downloadable Excel file.

Price: $1.99

This sleek and elegant job application form is great to use for creative candidates like graphic designers, artists and photographers. It includes fields for things like the applicant’s name, contact information, education, job history and references. The beautiful design and font can be edited in Canva.

Download link: Application Template.

What’s included: 3 pages that are in PDF format.

Price: $9.99

This new hire packet and job application form is a great way for hiring managers to get new employees started on the right foot. The bundle includes a 2-page employment application, new hire information & payroll form, sign-on bonus agreement, direct deposit authorization and eight more forms.

Download link: Complete New Hire Employee Welcome Packet.

What’s included: 12 Word & PDF templates that you can customize, download, save and print.

Price: $4.50

So there you have it, some of the best printable job application templates that you can use for your small business. And with prices starting at just a dollar, you can’t go wrong. If you need help finding more templates, head over to Etsy for more templates and some custom quotes. With these tools, you’ll be sure to find the perfect form for your business needs!

Image: Depositphotos

This article, "12 Printable Job Application Forms" was first published on Small Business Trends

Read more: https://smallbiztrends.com/2022/05/printable-job-application.html

Working in an office typically involves spending a great deal of time sitting in an office chair – a position that adds stress to the structures in the spine. Sitting down for an extended amount of time actually places a great deal of strain and pressure on the body and can lead to several serious health complications, including heart disease, diabetes, and back pain. Therefore, it is extremely important to find the best office chairs for you and your staff.

There is a good selection of state-of-the-art office chairs to choose from in today’s market. Whether you’re looking to upgrade your old chair with something more comfortable or fill out your office with a uniform set of chairs on a budget. To help, we’ve gathered some of the best office chairs with different features, such as lumbar support, adjustable armrests, and others.

The selection of office chairs available can be overwhelming. Since there are so many factors to consider, we have curated a list of our picks for the best office chairs. Use this guide to help you shop for the chair or chairs that best suit your needs:

Top Pick: Our pick for the best overall office chair is the Office Star high-back chair. It features three levers to modify the angle of the back relative to the seat, control tilt and forward tilt, and a 360-degree swivel. The seat height can be adjusted as can the seat depth, which is meant to remove pressure on the thighs and buttocks while in the sitting position.

This office chair also comes with a breathable mesh back and built-in lumbar support. Assembled dimensions are 27.875″ x 29″ d x 42.625″ h and weighs about 50 pounds. The maximum weight capacity is 250 lbs.

Office Star ProGrid High Back Managers Chair

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Runner Up: The Flash Furniture ergonomic office chair has been designed to provide comfort and lumbar support. The functional flip-up arms allow ease of access while the waterfall seat edge relieves pressure from the backs of your legs.

Made from foam and nylon, the chair’s pneumatic adjustment lever allows you to adjust the seat to your desired height, while the 360-degree chrome footrest reduces pressure on the legs for increased circulation.

The base is complete with dual caster wheels, which are designed to increase stability and ease of movement. It comes in 25.5 x 24.5 x 41.25 inches and weighs 30 pounds.

Flash Furniture Mid-Back Black Mesh Swivel Ergonomic Task Office Chair with Flip-Up Arms

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Best Value: The Hbada ergonomic office chair has a streamlined design that doesn’t take up too much space. The ergonomic backrest fits the lower back’s natural curve and takes the pressure from the spine.

This chair has a 120° tilt tension, adjustable pneumatic height from 17.7 inches to 21.2 inches, and can support up to 250 pounds. It comes in at 23.2 x 23.1 x 11 inches, along with five nylon casters that absorb shock, and are non-slip and wear-resistant.

Hbada Office Task Desk Chair Swivel Home Comfort Chairs with Flip-up Arms and Adjustable Height, Black

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This model by Homall is technically a gaming chair, but many reviewers mention using it in their offices. It is comprised of high-density shaping foam, which promises comfort and resilience, PU leather, and a full steel frame.

Other features include a padded headrest and lumbar cushion, tilt locking mechanism, quiet caster wheels, and comfortable armrests.

Dimensions for this solid chair are 33.07″d x 25.79″w x 11.02″h. Size of back: 22.5 inches and 30.5 inches. Size of seat: 14.5 inches and 20.5 inches. Seat adjustable height: 17.3 to 21.5 inches.

Homall High Back Executive Ergonomic Adjustable Swivel Task Chair with Headrest and Lumbar Support

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Duramont’s ergonomic adjustable office chair has a breathable mesh back that provides support while keeping your back cool and comfortable. Through this design, cool air circulates through the mesh keeping your back sweat-free and allowing you to sit in the chair comfortably for longer periods of time.

This chair has a weight capacity of 330 pounds and comes with a soft cushion seat, sturdy arm and headrests, and rollerblade caster wheels to move easily across the office floor. This chair comes in at 29.25 x 25.5 x 12.75 inches and can reline from 900 to 1200.

Duramont Ergonomic Adjustable Office Chair with Lumbar Support and Rollerblade Wheels – High Back with Breathable Mesh – Thick Seat Cushion

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Furmax’s ergonomic office chair backrest protects your neck and back muscles thanks to its mesh back. The breathable seat comes with thick padding to provide extra comfort for daily use. The wing-type back support allows for comfortable seating while at work with adjustable heights from 20 to 24.4 inches while holding up to 265 pounds in weight.

This office chair weighs just 25 pounds, and the conventional tilt mechanism tension can be adjusted to suit your needs. The five-star heavy-duty 360-degree swivel wheels offer smooth mobility on floors. It is available in several colors.

Furmax Office Chair Mid Back Swivel Lumbar Support Desk Chair, Computer Ergonomic Mesh Chair with Armrest

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YAHEETECH’s ergonomic mesh office chair is made with a high-density sponge cushion for a comfortable seat and hard-wearing and high breathable nylon mesh. This office desk has a curved backrest that perfectly aligns with the human body and supports your spine’s natural curve. The lumbar support system resembles a pair of hands, pushing up and holding your low back.

The five casters can be rotated and rolled in all directions on different floor types.  Made with PP, nylon mesh, and foam, this office chair comes in at 23.62 x 22.64 x 38.78 inches and can support up to 200 pounds in weight.

YAHEETECH Ergonomic Mesh Office Chair Gray Mid Back Ergonomic Computer Chair Desk Chair with Lumbar Support & 360° Rolling Casters Grey

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If you’re in the market for a budget office chair, this BestOffice chair is a no-frills solution. These inexpensive chairs claim to offer a similar design and comfort level as some of the more expensive chairs. It offers a flexible design with lumbar support, tension control, foam seat, and adjustable seat height.

This task chair comes in several different color options, is 19.7 x 18.9 x 38 inches, and can support up to 250 lbs.

BestOffice Mesh Computer Chair with Lumbar Support

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MOLENTS offers this ergonomic chair with a number of adjustment options: adjustable seat depth, 3D adjustable arms, adjustable lumbar support, headrest, seat height adjustment, and a 3 position recline lock.

This chair is advertised as both an office chair and a gaming chair, meaning it is suitable for long hours of sitting. It also features proprietary wheels that claim to be smooth and silent. It has a 275 lb maximum weight capacity.

The dimensions are 26.8″d x 26.8″w x 53″h. The chair weighs 20 lbs. It is said to come with instructions and the necessary tools for easy assembly.

MOLENTS Rolling Desk Chair Adjustable Computer Chair

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Steelcase is a small business that claims to offer the best office chairs available that are made in the USA. Featuring a proprietary seat cushion with built-in air pockets to conform to the body and reduce pressure, these office chairs claim to offer all-day comfort and back support.

The armrests adjust to 360 degrees for arm support that moves with the user. The 3D LiveBack(TM) technology is designed to flex and mimic the natural movements of your spine as you change postures.

This ergonomic chair by Steelcase is 23.63″D x 34.63″W x 44.25″H, comes fully assembled, and can support up to 400lbs.

Steelcase Gesture Office Chair – Medium Seat Height, Wrapped Back, Lumbar Support

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This high-end Herman Miller chair is a great choice for an upscale and ergonomic chair. The high price point may put it out of reach for some buyers, but it is said to be a high-quality task chair like no other, designed with the latest technology and information in ergonomic seating.

The 8Z Pellicle suspension seat and back are divided into eight zones of varying tension that cradle and support the body. The PostureFit SL backrest supports the spine while maintaining the natural forward tilt of the pelvis, with adjustable individual pads that provide lumbar support and stabilize the base of the spine.

The Herman Miller Aeron chair is made from recycled materials and is 16.75″d x 27″w x 41″h.

Herman Miller Aeron Ergonomic Chair – Size B, Graphite

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Another maker of high-end office chairs, this model by Gates claims to be one of the best office chairs available. It is upholstered with genuine Brazilian leather and has a padded seat and padded armrests made from high-density foam. The seat itself is adjustable in a variety of ways.

The reclining function transitions from fully upright at 90 degrees and tilting back to 120 degrees. The reclining position can be locked so that it will only go back to a certain point, and there is a tension knob that adjusts the resistance when reclining. The synchro mechanism reclines both the seat and backrest but at a 1:2 ratio that minimizes the recline of the seat in comparison to the backrest reducing rocking.

The swivel base has a polished aluminum frame and 5 rolling caster wheels. Measurements are 26″d x 28.75″w x 53″h and the chair weighs 55 lbs. It can support up to 395 lbs.

Gates Genuine Leather Aluminum Base High Back Executive Chair

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Finding the best office chair can be tricky. Try to avoid a one-size-fits-all approach for your business’ seating needs, as what’s comfortable for one person might not apply to others. Seat height, backrest, adjustable arms, adjustable height, lumbar support, tilt tension, and seat depth should be considered when investing in an office chair. To find the best office chair for you and your employees, consider the following:

Ergonomic chairs help to provide ample support for your body and preserve your spine’s natural alignment.

Whether it’s for working remotely or at the office, the best office chair will make things a lot more enjoyable. A quality office chair is not just about comfort but also about health. Ideally, a good chair should let you sit with both feet flat on the floor, your knees and hips parallel, and with minimal pressure at the back of the thighs for optimum posture support.

If you and your employees spend long hours sitting, you will want to opt for something as ergonomic as possible. Many chairs are designed to mimic the natural curve of the spine and provide lumbar support. Again, the more the chair can be adjusted for maximum comfort, the better.

Swivel chairs can indeed be ergonomic. In fact, most office chairs have a swivel base and assorted ergonomic features.

This is a matter of personal preference. Some people prefer different materials for their chairs – mesh, leather, etc. Some may want simplicity while others want an adjustable chair. If you’re buying for your staff, ask for their input. If you’re buying for yourself, try and narrow down what’s most important to you and start there. In either case, be sure to do some research before you hit the Buy Now button.

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This article, "Best Office Chairs for Your Business in 2022" was first published on Small Business Trends

Read more: https://smallbiztrends.com/2022/05/best-office-chairs.html

Getting your business trip packing list just right isn’t always easy. There are so many different elements that need to be balanced, such as casual clothing versus business attire, electronics, key documents, etc. Getting all your business essentials together for your next trip, especially international business travel, can be overwhelming. That’s why we’re going through some essential business travel tips to help you get your work trip packing list just right.

Our business trip packing list brings together all the travel essentials in one place to help you stay organized, no matter what your destination is. We’ll run through some of the basic items you’ll need to keep and some extra personal items that can make the trip easier.

Depending on your destination, you might need a fair amount of paperwork. Some of the important ones are listed below, but always double-check with requirements the destination may have as it varies from place to place:

Read More: business travel tips

Traveling often means long wait times, flight delays, and more free time than you might have expected initially. Traveling with electronic devices enables you to travel easily, be productive, and balance your time as needed.

Your laptop is the most crucial part of your business trip, that much is certain. But while you might remember to pack it, make sure you keep peripherals and accessories with you too. That includes chargers that work with electronic sockets in your destination, Bluetooth accessories, and anything else you may need.

Laptop sleeves are especially beneficial for a heavy laptop, but they can also work for lighter ones. Your travel bags often get jostled around and bumped, which is where laptop sleeves come in. They can protect your devices, and you can also keep peripherals or accessories depending on the type of sleeve and bag you’re using.

Depending on how you’re getting to the destination, good, high-quality headphones can really help. You can get some sleep on noisy flights and trains if needed with them. Plus, you can use them to take meetings on the go or listen to music and podcasts during long flights.

Having wi-fi access is crucial, so look into ways to get internet access before you leave for your trip. Most major phone carriers offer roaming deals, but those can often be expensive. Don’t just rely on hotel rooms for the internet. You can get internet cards or a wireless card to use on the trip to ensure you have access to data and the internet.

Keeping your wallet is, of course, crucial. But you also should check whether there is a specific business card you need to be using on the trip. Keep some cash on you that you can use in emergencies if required and emergency credit cards.

For women, it’s important to pack things that balance work dress code and comfort while traveling:

Men need to strike the same balance between work clothes and casual attire as women and pack items that work for business meetings, such as:

Getting your toiletries to fit with TSA-approved guidelines is always a challenge. Save space by using smaller pouches to store your personal care items and check for travel-sized toiletries where possible so you can pack for a business trip faster and don’t forget essential items.

Read More: international business travel

You can pack faster if you know what additional items you’ll need for your business trip. These items don’t take up much space and can be taken on a carry-on or in checked baggage.

If you’re trying to save some time during your travel, take only a personal item and/or a carry-on bag with you. Carry on luggage doesn’t need to be checked in, so you can get your boarding pass faster and make it through security without much hassle. Plus, you’ll be able to quickly get out of the airport if you’re not waiting for baggage on the carousel.

For up to a three-day business trip, hand luggage gives you just the right space since you take only what will fit in the bag. However, don’t forget to check airline requirements for carry-on bag dimensions to ensure you can take it on the flight with you.

For overnight work trips, you might be able to get away with a small carry-on bag or even a travel backpack.

This might be harder to do if your work attire consists of dress shirts and suits, but with some travel pack hacks and neat folding, you may be able to fit all your items in a small bag for a short business trip.

Use a packing cube to try to optimize space, and try not to overload your bag.

If you’re planning a longer trip. If your hotel room has the space, you can hang up clothes easily and even take items for personal time to support your well-being.

Try to think about items you absolutely need and take into consideration baggage allowances that the airline might have. If it’s an extended trip, it might be better to pack more, so you don’t have to buy too much stuff throughout the trip.

Qualify for discounts, special offers and more with a Business Prime account from Amazon. You can create a FREE account to get started today.

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This article, "Business Trip Packing List" was first published on Small Business Trends

Read more: https://smallbiztrends.com/2022/05/business-trip-packing-list.html