Cham Thai, a North Carolina restaurant that offers Thai food at different spice levels, is a family affair, run by Jack and Pim Ungsriwong and their daughter Angela. The pandemic has been challenging for the business, which continues to run on a takeout-only model, and Angela Ungsriwong noted that "we decided it would be safer for everyone, both the staff and community members."

When pitching a story to the media, small-business owners can impress reporters and get more coverage with these tips from PR specialist Natasha Zho. Take proactive steps in naming trends, be quick to insert your business into relevant news stories and events, and compile different content in your field of expertise to create roundup posts and summaries.

Individuals focused on using LinkedIn to build a brand and generate new business should focus their efforts on cultivating engagement, which can be enhanced by responding to post comments, participating only in positive experiences and refraining from sales pitches, suggests Lacey Abbacchi, a personal branding strategist.

Members of the Young Entrepreneur Council share the perks they offer staff to boost morale and improve retention. Bryce Welker of CPA Exam Guy helps his team with gym memberships and fitness classes, while Piyush Jain of SIMpalm has seen a dramatic improvement in morale since launching a 401(k) matching plan.

If you find yourself constantly trying to "herd" your team like you're a border collie with sheep, it's time to change your leadership style or find more independent workers, writes Todd Ordal. "Running to-and-fro and nipping at heels (OK, barking orders) creates a lot of movement, but it's mostly wasted movement," he writes.

Reflecting on where Paycheck Protection Program applications are getting stuck, columnist Brock Blake outlines how to get yours moving forward. Blake's tips include checking that the initial application is 100% complete, you have attached all the necessary documentation, and if you have received a Small Business Administration number but haven't got your contract yet, there are a few things that may still be wrong and you should check with your lender.

As fintech companies continue to develop their services, there are four key benefits available to small-business owners, writes columnist Marc Berman. Fintech offers new funding options, ways to better manage your internal finances and the ability to streamline digital payments and can even simplify applications for business insurance.

Businesses have an opportunity in today's changing climate to proactively approach cash flow management, existing state tax risk and the changing work environment. Here are some best practices and recommendations to help businesses best manage their state tax function while maintaining flexibility for whatever the future offers.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom indicated that the state would remove restaurant restrictions on June 15 provided that certain coronavirus metrics continue to be met. The move would lift capacity limits but leave requirements for face masks in place.