Ivan Carmona 
by Ivan Carmona Starting and sustaining a small business can be a rewarding but challenging endeavor. While many entrepreneurs rely on personal savings and loans to fund their ventures, small business grants offer an attractive alternative for those seeking financial assistance. In this blog post, we will explore what small business grants are, who … Read more
There’s a moment every business owner has had at least once: You’re at an event, on a job site, or helping someone on the sales floor… and you think, “Why can’t I just take the payment right here on my phone?” That’s exactly what SoftPOS was built for. Instead of relying on a traditional card … Read more
If you’re a small business owner reading this during the final days of the year, you’re not alone — and you’re not out of options. Every December, business owners scramble looking for tax tips that can actually make a difference before the clock runs out. The good news? There are still several legitimate, last-minute tax … Read more
As credit card processing costs continue to rise, more business owners are exploring alternative pricing strategies to protect margins. Two terms come up repeatedly in these conversations: dual pricing and surcharging. They are often confused, sometimes misrepresented, and frequently explained incorrectly. This article clarifies the real difference between dual pricing vs surcharging, explains how each … Read more
As businesses scale, their payment needs change dramatically. What worked when you were processing $10,000 a month likely won’t work when you’re processing $100,000—or $1 million. That’s where high volume payment processing comes in. Processing large numbers of transactions (or large-dollar transactions) requires a system designed for speed, stability, compliance, and cost control. High … Read more
Small Business Saturday is an annual shopping holiday that takes place on the Saturday following Thanksgiving in the United States. The beginning of Small Business Saturday® dates back to its founding by American Express on November 27, 2010, with initial support from organizations like Main Street America. Local officials and government bodies quickly began to … Read more
Let’s cut to it: Small Business Saturday isn’t just a nice idea—it’s a business opportunity you can’t afford to waste. On Saturday, November 29, 2025, the spotlight lands squarely on local business owners. The question is, will your business own that spotlight—or stand in the shadows while someone else takes it? I’ve seen this happen … Read more
If it feels like the world of credit card machine options exploded overnight, you’re not wrong. What used to be a single countertop terminal has become a full lineup of sleek readers, portable units, and app-based tools. The upside? You now have more flexibility than ever to accept payments anywhere—at the counter, in the field, … Read more
TL;DR You don’t need a Fortune 500 budget to get people talking about your brand. With creativity, community, and smart use of digital tools, new businesses can attract attention without overspending. This guide explores real-world strategies for marketing on a shoestring budget, from leveraging social media to building partnerships, all while keeping costs low … Read more
by Ivan Carmona TL;DR The cost of starting a business is more than just the price of a storefront or website. Entrepreneurs often overlook sneaky expenses like permits, insurance, payroll taxes, marketing, and tech costs (like POS systems and payment processing). Missing these in your budget can eat into profits before you’ve even opened your … Read more
by Ivan Carmona TL;DR As a new business owner, before you open your new business, you need more than just passion – you need preparation. This checklist covers ten essentials every new business owner should complete: research your market, write a solid business plan, secure funding, register legally, set up accounting, choose a location, build … Read more
A successful bar runs on more than just great drinks and friendly faces—it needs a solid tech foundation. Choosing the right bar POS system means finding the perfect blend of powerful software and reliable hardware to keep your operations running smoothly, no matter how busy the night gets. Start by considering your bar’s unique needs: … Read more
by Ivan Carmona Pop-up shops are the ultimate playground for creative entrepreneurs. Whether you’re selling handmade candles at a weekend fair, launching a streetwear brand from a shipping container, or dishing out tacos from a food truck, the pop-up model lets you test ideas, create buzz, and build loyal customers without the commitment of … Read more
by Ivan Carmona America’s supplemental nutrition assistance program (SNAP) helps ensure 20 million households — about 40 million people — have food to put on their tables. More than two-thirds of those 40 million SNAP recipients are households with children. In fact, children are considered SNAP’s most impacted population. Nearly one-sixth of all American children live in a … Read more
Merchant Services Midwest dba is a nationwide payment processing company helping small business owners thrive with customized merchant services and payment processing solutions.
