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How a Government Shutdown Will (or Will Not) Affect Small Businesses

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American flag waving in front of a tall government building, symbolizing the U.S. government shutdown and its impact on small businesses and EBT approvals.

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

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EBT Compliance for Small Businesses: What New SNAP Rules Mean in 2026

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Smiling woman holding an orange shopping basket in a grocery aisle with shelves of cereal, chips, and snacks, representing EBT shoppers.

  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 … Read more

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10 Things to Do Before You Open Your Doors: A Checklist Every New Business Owner Should Follow

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Customer making a purchase using a Clover POS system powered by Velocity Merchant Services

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

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