Jackie Navarrete 
A government shutdown looms, threatening to disrupt SNAP benefits for millions. SNAP, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, is vital for low-income families. Without it, many struggle to afford groceries. A shutdown could delay funding, leaving recipients in a bind. The USDA, which oversees SNAP, would face operational challenges. Previous shutdowns have seen temporary fixes, but … Read more
TL;DR Governments across the U.S. are struggling to balance their checkbooks. Tax revenues are slowing down, expenses are going up, and leaders are making tough choices about where to spend and where to cut — especially in areas like healthcare and education. It’s a lot like when a small business’s sales drop but their bills … Read more
TL;DR When a government shutdown happens, it doesn’t mean the world ends — but it does cause delays, confusion, and red tape for small businesses. Loans pause, contracts freeze, and for those connected to federal programs like EBT, things slow down until the government reopens. At Velocity Merchant Services (VMS), we work directly with the … Read more
TL;DR The USDA is tightening SNAP/EBT rules, which means small businesses will need to stock at least seven varieties of staple foods in each category, upgrade POS systems to block restricted items, train staff on the changes, and prepare for audits. Some products like soda and candy may no longer be eligible. Retailers also have … Read more
by Jackie Navarrete TL;DR Consumers are rethinking how they spend their money, cutting back on extras like dining out, shopping, and entertainment while putting more of their budget toward essentials such as groceries, housing, and gas. For small businesses, this shift means adapting quickly: reframing products and services as must-haves, emphasizing long-term value over low … Read more
by Jackie Navarrete TL;DR Football season is back, and that means big opportunities for small businesses. From bars and restaurants to gas stations and retail shops, fan spending spikes every weekend thanks to tailgates, watch parties, and community gatherings. Businesses that run game-day specials, bundle products, and keep lines moving with modern POS systems can … Read more
Small Businesses Going Tech Crazy: How Main Street Is Embracing AI, Cybersecurity, and Social Media in 2026 Once upon a time, “technology” for a small business meant a calculator, a cash register, and maybe a dial-up connection if you were fancy. Fast-forward to 2025, and the landscape is completely different. Technology isn’t a nice-to-have … Read more
In May 2025, the U.S. House of Representatives narrowly passed a sweeping piece of legislation known as the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA). Branded by President Donald Trump as the crown jewel of his economic revival plan, this massive legislative package seeks to tackle taxes, healthcare, regulation, border security, education, and more—all in one … Read more
In 2025, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has intensified its focus on tip reporting compliance, particularly concerning credit card transactions. For small businesses in the service industry, understanding and adhering to these regulations is crucial to avoid potential penalties and ensure smooth operations. A new tax law was recently passed as part of broader tax … Read more
</div > by Jackie Navarrete Running a small business isn’t for the faint of heart—especially in 2025. Between rising operational costs, labor shortages, and the constant race to keep up with technology, every dollar you spend has to do some serious heavy lifting. That’s why smart investing isn’t just a good idea—it’s survival. But … 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.
