Selena Ayub 
TL;DR Starting in 2026, twelve U.S. states will restrict purchases of candy, soda, and certain snack foods, such as chips and treats, with SNAP/EBT benefits. For small businesses that accept EBT, this means: You may need to update your POS inventory Training your staff will be crucial Staying compliant is essential to avoid fines or … Read more
TL;DR If you’re shelling out 3–4% in credit card processing fees every month without question, Mark Cuban would say you’re getting fleeced. Kevin O’Leary would call your business model a financial disaster. This satirical take imagines what the Sharks would say if they got a look at your merchant statement—and why it might be time … Read more
If your checkout counter looks like a cluttered museum of outdated hardware, it’s time to rethink your setup. Many small business owners are still using a Frankenstein mix of separate machines—receipt printers, barcode scanners, cash registers, loyalty card systems, time clocks, and more—just to keep operations running. The truth? All of this can be replaced … Read more
The U.S. economy is a mixed bag right now—rising interest rates, inflation, and shifting workforce dynamics have put pressure on businesses nationwide. But in spite of it all, America’s small business owners aren’t just holding on—they’re planning to grow. A recent Goldman Sachs “10,000 Small Businesses” survey reveals a surprisingly positive outlook: 69% … Read more
Schools today do far more than just educate. In order to meet the general goal of a school institution- to raise generations of hard working future leaders- schools must go above and beyond in keeping up to date and teaching important life skills in the everchanging fast paced world. They host clubs/extracurricular activities, after school … Read more
How to Turn a Slow Summer into a Money Machine for Business Growth Summer can be a blessing or a burden for small businesses. For some, it’s the busiest time of the year. For others and business growth, it’s a ghost town. When your regular customers are off on vacations, school’s out, and foot traffic … Read more
</div > By: Selena Ayub What Gen Z Wants from Your Small Business (and How to Give it to Them) Born between 1997 and 2012, Gen Z has officially arrived—and they’re not just scrolling TikTok anymore. They’re shopping, dining, working, starting businesses, and shaping entire industries. As of 2026, they make up over 40% of … Read more
For many small businesses—especially those serving lower-income communities—the ability to accept EBT payments isn’t just a convenience. It’s essential. It can be the difference between closing a sale and turning a customer away. Many businesses have been waiting for a more reliable and secure terminal solution to handle EBT payments. But a major change is … Read more
When “Free POS Systems” Really Means “Hidden Fees” If you’re a small business owner, you’ve likely seen the ads: “Get a FREE POS system today! No cost, no hassle.” Sounds like a dream, right? But here’s the truth—in the world of payment processing, “free” almost always comes with strings attached. Many POS providers use the … Read more
Every customer leaves with one—but almost no one uses it right. We’re talking about the humble receipt. It might seem like a throwaway, but with the right strategy, your printed or digital receipts can become a mini billboard for your business. However, paper receipts are often a missed opportunity for companies to engage customers and … 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.
