October has been a busy month for small business owners, whether it’s getting Halloween products out and ready in time or decorating storefronts - much preparation goes into preparing for the spooky holiday. Luckily, this Halloween looks like it will be a promising one, with an estimated 65% of Americans celebrating this year, which is comparable to the pre-pandemic level. According to the National Retail Federation, Americans spend an average of $102 on Halloween costumes, candy, decorations, and greeting cards, amounting to billions of dollars in revenue for businesses. While Halloween increases profit margins, it’s also a golden opportunity for small businesses owners to connect and give back to the communities they serve. 

The pandemic has been difficult for small business owners, their families, and employees.  According to the Small Business Association (SBA), 66% of small business owners support legislation that will strengthen their ability to run their businesses. From various loan and subsidy programs for small businesses, the Biden administration has shown a keen interest in supporting small businesses during unprecedented and uncertain times. Currently, up for debate and discussion is the Build Back Better agenda (also known as the reconciliation bill). The bill aims to provide business owners with more financial security by offering business funding, tax cuts, child care support, paid leave, and healthcare insurance - all in an effort to encourage greater business development and job creation. 

Let’s say you’re a small business owner who's in the market to renegotiate your credit card processing rates. Let’s say you did some research, read the online reviews, and decided that Sekure Merchant Solutions looks like the most obvious option to help you in this endeavor. Perhaps your experience with your Sekure Account Executive is so pleasant, the newly negotiated rates are saving you so much money, and the dedication of your personal Customer Service Relationship Manager is so above and beyond that, you almost can’t believe it. 

Installment loans are nothing new—consumers have been using them for decades to finance big-ticket purchases like appliances, furniture, and electronics. But fintech companies have brought POS financing to the younger masses with flexible products; indeed, the process is now more seamless than ever and gaining traction. As a merchant, should you jump on the POS-lending bandwagon?

September saw a much needed boost in consumer confidence- the highest it's been since Covid-19 swept the globe. According to MarketWatch, this increase can be explained by the decline in new infections and the positive economic response.