small business
ProvenBase and Convo Partner Up to Make Virtual Business Communications More Accessible
Last Updated on September 20, 2025 by Daily News Staff
Photo by MART PRODUCTION on Pexels.com
ProvenBase and Convo Partner Up to Make Virtual Business Communications More Accessible
The Intelligent Sourcing Solution now includes access to ASL-interpretation services for Deaf professionals or employers seeking workplace communication solutions
FAIRFAX, Va. /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — ProvenBase, an Intelligent Sourcing Solution spotlighting diverse, disabled, and underrepresented talent, is excited to announce an advancement in DE&I hiring and a major benefit to all its customers. Raising the bar for accessibility in hiring, ProvenBase partnered with Convo, a company offering ASL-interpretation services for workplace interactions like interviews and meetings.
Companies offering inclusive working environments for employees with disabilities accomplish around 28% higher revenue, 30% greater economic profit margins, and double the net income of industry peers. Deaf and hard-of-hearing and blind communities build an abundance of innate skills that are invaluable to every workplace, from advancing greater human diversity to driving bottom lines.
“We’re proud to offer this service not only as a benefit for our customers but also for job seekers in the Deaf and hard-of-hearing community. We see this as a small change for companies but a huge opportunity for creating a more inclusive workforce,” said Ravi Tandra, CEO of ProvenBase. “As our friends at Convo say, accessibility is not the same as inclusion. We know that one size does not fit all and this is one step in achieving that.”
This coupling increases the ease with which companies can include Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals into their current candidate search process. Through this partnership, ProvenBase customers will be able to request Convo services for their business needs directly through the platform at no additional cost.
“We are thrilled to partner with ProvenBase in creating opportunities for Deaf and hard of hearing job seekers everywhere. We strive towards a world where natural, organic conversations happen without forethought, and we are grateful that our friends at ProvenBase have joined us in the movement towards making the job marketplace more equitable for all.” – Jarrod Musano, CEO of Convo
Roughly, 11.5% of the U.S. population has hearing loss, and this number will grow to one in four people globally — 2.5 billion people by 2050. That’s a large population of the workforce that is being underutilized. Although 90% of companies claim to prioritize diversity, only 4% consider disability in their Diversity & Inclusion initiatives. Which means that even though many companies are prioritizing DEI&A in 2023, they still have a major blind spot in their talent acquisition strategies.
As part of their broader efforts to create inclusive and accessible workplaces for all, ProvenBase and Convo have teamed up to close the gaps in inclusive hiring practices.
About ProvenBase
Our mission is to provide a powerful and efficient platform for talent acquisition teams to find diverse talent, streamline the hiring process, and build dynamic teams that propel their companies forward. ProvenBase uses data-driven and innovative AI-technology to connect employers with diverse talent and place them in positions where they can make an impact on their companies. Features like Diversify 360 and Skills Search have made building diverse and qualified pipelines take minutes. Learn more and schedule a time to talk with us at ProvenBase.com
About Convo
We connect humans. As a Deaf-owned company, our understanding of human connection is different than most. In a rapidly-advancing world, technology is often developed on the basis of spoken language. We offer a different perspective: universal communication solutions that just feel right. We offer virtual ASL-interpretation services for companies and individuals to further this goal. Whether you’re a Deaf professional or an employer seeking workplace communication solutions, Convo has transcended the status quo of accessible communications. Learn more about Convo at ConvoRelay.com
SOURCE ProvenBase
small business
Navigating the American Dream: How Integrated Financial Tools, Credit and Rewards Can Help Small Businesses Succeed
Last Updated on November 9, 2026 by Daily News Staff
(Feature Impact) Owning a small business has been a cornerstone of the “American Dream” for generations. It represents the chance to transform a passion into a livelihood and legacy. However, turning dreams into reality is rarely a smooth or easy process and requires more than ambition alone. Today’s business owners need support and access to tools that enable them to overcome challenges and keep growing.
Recent research conducted by the Capital One Insights Center shows 75% of more than 1,000 surveyed small business owners with more than one employee and annual revenues of up to $20 million are confident about the future, and 69% believe their business is actively primed for growth.
While this optimism is promising, 47% of business owners still said their operations either stayed the same or became less efficient over the past year, citing issues like back-office friction and fragmented financial systems that make it difficult to get a clear picture of the health of their businesses.
If you’re a small business owner eager to grow but not sure how to get there, start with this advice from real small business owners and experts at Capital One.
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Identify Sources of Friction
Before you can pour effort into growth, you must understand what barriers are holding you back. Take time to look under the hood of your business to identify where time and energy is being lost.
For example, you may be among the 78% of small business owners who feel stressed and uncertain about expense management – think hours spent hunting for receipts, manually entering numbers into software and reconciling accounts. Operational challenges aren’t just a hassle; they also pull attention away from important priorities like serving your customers and planning for growth.
“We were focused on making as many candles as possible, especially during the busy season,” said Katie Roering, co-owner of Fontana Candle Co. “A lot of the back-office tasks like procurement, raw material purchasing, forecasting – all the really important things – were done at 3 a.m., 8 p.m. or on Saturday and Sunday, and there really just was not enough time in the day to get everything done that we needed to. We just knew as we continued to grow, we needed to streamline our processes, build out our team and keep moving forward.”
Use Integrated Tools to Manage Finances
Instead of balancing 10 different tracking and analysis tools, you can turn to one-stop solutions to improve efficiency. Time gets lost when you’re forced to manually gather and interpret relevant data before you’re able to act. You need a platform that handles the busywork for you.
Integrated, or “all-in-one,” financial tools – like accounting and bookkeeping platforms with automation capabilities or business credit cards featuring built-in analytical tools – allow you to easily stay on top of cash flow and day-to-day operations. For small businesses where every hour and dollar makes a difference, consolidating and automating systems can have an immediate impact. In fact, 51% of survey respondents said integrated tools have already fueled their growth.
Leverage Credit Access and Rewards Wisely
Growth requires capital, so access to credit is a game-changer for many business owners, with 77% describing it as a key factor in achieving business resilience. Having funds accessible when you need them makes your business more capable of weathering storms such as equipment failures and seasonal slowdowns. It also puts the power in your hands to act when an exciting opportunity presents itself, like an inventory flash sale or the chance to advertise in a new market.
Access to credit comes with another advantage: rewards. By using credit cards for your daily business expenses, you can earn cash back, points or travel rewards. Whether you redeem these to cover everyday expenses, book business trips or reinvest in the business, they can act as a bonus source of income. Learn to maximize rewards like the 84% of small business cardholders surveyed so you aren’t leaving money on the table.
To learn more about how small business owners can identify obstacles, employ integrated financial tools and use credit as a tool for growth, read the full report at capitalone.com/about/insights-center.
Photos courtesy of Shutterstock
SOURCE:
Understanding and Improving Business Credit Can Support Financing Readiness, Credibility and Long-Term Confidence
(Feature Impact) Nearly 60% of small business owners seek financing each year, according to the Federal Reserve’s 2025 Small Business Credit Survey, but only about 2 in 5 secure the full amount they request.
It’s not uncommon for business owners to be caught off guard by a credit issue just when they’re poised to take their companies to the next level. To help business owners better understand how business credit can aid growth, consider this information from Chase for Business.
The Hidden Impact of Business Credit
Many owners miss the importance of business credit – 74% of business owners have used personal credit cards or lending products that rely on their personal credit score for business purposes, according to a May 2026 Chase small business survey. However, business credit can play an important role in accessing capital, managing operations and planning for the future. Without a clear understanding of their business credit profiles, owners may miss out on opportunities or face unexpected challenges when seeking loans, negotiating with suppliers or expanding their businesses. That’s why it’s essential for small business owners to proactively monitor and manage their business credit.
Managing Business Credit
To help millions of small business owners better understand and manage this part of their financial picture, Chase for Business introduced Business Credit Journey, a complimentary digital tool designed to help owners establish, monitor and improve their business credit.
The tool brings together credit monitoring, score insights, actionable steps and educational resources in one place. It builds on the American Dream Initiative, a nationwide effort to help power 10 million small businesses, offering resources beyond basic credit tracking to help owners spot issues early, understand what’s driving their scores and take action before opportunities slip away.
“Small business owners aren’t overlooking business credit, they just can’t see it clearly or aren’t sure how to use that information,” said Jameson Troutman, head of product for Chase for Business. “This tool is meant to change that, offering owners an easier, accessible way to understand their business credit scores and empowering them to take action over time.”
Why Business Credit Matters
Business credit is only one part of the financing equation, but it can influence how prepared a business is for future opportunities, help owners make informed decisions and avoid surprises when it matters most.
Why Business Credit Can be Easy to Overlook
For many owners, business credit is easy to put off while managing the daily demands of running their businesses. That can be especially true when they’re focused on growth, and nearly 80% of business owners expect growth in 2026, according to Chase’s Business Leaders Outlook.
In that environment, business credit may not get attention until a financing need or growth opportunity puts it into focus. That often means businesses confront their credit profile only when it starts to limit their options.
How Digital Tools Can Help
Created to make business credit easier to understand and manage, the tool allows business owners to monitor their credit scores, see what is influencing them and receive insights and actionable steps tailored to their business profile. It’s designed to help owners stay on top of changes over time and take a more proactive approach to strengthening their business credit.
“Small business owners deserve resources that help them make more informed decisions,” Troutman said.
For many small businesses, credit only becomes visible when something depends on it. Having a clearer view earlier can change the decisions owners make long before that moment. Visit chase.com/business/creditjourney to learn more.
SOURCE:
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Business and Finance
Consumer Alert: AI-Powered Fake Businesses Are Fooling Online Shoppers
AI-generated storefronts, fake founders, and emotional marketing are being used to trick online shoppers. Learn how to spot the warning signs and protect yourself.
Last Updated on June 14, 2026 by Rod Washington
Consumers today are increasingly making purchasing decisions based on more than just price. Many actively seek out local businesses, family-owned companies, veteran-owned enterprises, and Black-owned businesses in an effort to support communities and entrepreneurs they believe in.
Unfortunately, scammers are exploiting that goodwill.
A growing number of fraudulent online stores are using artificial intelligence to create convincing business identities designed to gain consumer trust. These AI-powered storefronts often feature realistic founder photos, emotional backstories, glowing customer reviews, and professional-looking websites that appear legitimate at first glance.
In reality, some of these businesses may not exist at all.
The Rise of AI-Generated Storefronts
Artificial intelligence has made it easier than ever to create realistic images, videos, and written content. While these tools have many legitimate uses, bad actors are increasingly using them to create fake online businesses.
These websites often claim to be small businesses facing hardship, family-owned operations struggling to survive, or businesses representing specific communities. Their marketing is designed to connect emotionally with consumers who want their purchases to make a positive impact.
Social media advertisements frequently promote urgent “closing sales,” liquidation events, or limited-time discounts that encourage shoppers to act quickly before researching the company.
Why These Scams Work
Trust has become a powerful marketing tool.
Many consumers intentionally support businesses they believe align with their values. Scammers understand this and use carefully crafted stories to create an emotional connection before a purchase is made.
AI-generated founder photos and biographies can make a website appear authentic even when the people featured do not exist. Combined with fake testimonials and professional branding, these tactics can create the illusion of a thriving small business.
The Impact on Legitimate Businesses
The consequences extend beyond individual consumers who lose money.
Authentic small businesses work hard to earn customer trust through years of service, community involvement, and reputation building. When fraudulent websites falsely present themselves as community-focused businesses, they can damage confidence in legitimate entrepreneurs.
As consumers become more skeptical, genuine business owners may find it harder to convince customers that their stories, products, and missions are real.
Warning Signs to Watch For
Before making a purchase, consumers should look for potential red flags:
- Founder photos that appear overly polished or artificial.
- Business histories that cannot be independently verified.
- Recently created social media accounts with little engagement.
- Deep discounts and constant “going out of business” sales.
- Generic customer reviews lacking specific details.
- Limited contact information or nonexistent customer service.
- Return policies that require shipping products overseas despite claims of being U.S.-based.
Protect Yourself Before You Buy
A few minutes of research can prevent costly mistakes.
Consider searching for independent reviews, verifying business addresses, checking domain registration history, and conducting a reverse image search on founder photographs. Consumers should also be cautious when encountering emotional stories that create a sense of urgency or pressure immediate purchases.
Trust but Verify
Artificial intelligence is transforming commerce and communication, but it is also creating new opportunities for deception.
Supporting small businesses remains one of the most effective ways to strengthen local economies and communities. In the age of AI, however, consumers may need to take an extra step to ensure the businesses they support are truly who they claim to be.
The best defense against AI-powered scams is simple: trust, but verify.
Closing Footnote
As artificial intelligence continues to transform online commerce, consumers should remain vigilant when shopping online. A compelling backstory, professional website, or realistic founder photo is no longer proof that a business is legitimate. Taking a few minutes to verify a company’s identity can help protect your wallet and ensure your support goes to genuine entrepreneurs rather than scammers. https://apnews.com/article/2b83cb87d450f22ac0211bfa52ee7b7f?utm_source=chatgpt.com
Related External Links for Further Reading
You can include these resources in your research or share them with readers interested in learning more about AI-generated business scams, online shopping fraud, and consumer protection.
- FTC Consumer Alerts – Official consumer warnings and scam prevention resources from the Federal Trade Commission. “`
- FTC Shopping & Online Buying Advice – Guidance on safe online shopping, evaluating reviews, and avoiding deceptive sellers.
- Better Business Bureau Scam Tracker – Search reported scams and see examples of online shopping fraud reported by consumers.
- BBB Scam Tracker – Report a Scam – Report suspicious businesses and learn how scam investigations work.
- National Cyber Security Centre: Online Shopping Fraud – Advice on identifying suspicious online stores and protecting yourself from shopping fraud.
- AP News: Beware of Online Ads with Elaborate Backstories – Investigation into fake online boutiques that use emotional stories and misleading branding to gain consumer trust.
- FTC Cracks Down on Fake and AI-Generated Reviews – Overview of federal efforts to combat deceptive reviews and AI-generated testimonials. “`
Additional Research Resources
For a deeper dive into the growing problem of AI-assisted scams:
- ScamFerret: Detecting Scam Websites with Large Language Models – Research paper exploring how AI can be used to identify fraudulent websites. “`
- LOKI: Proactively Discovering Online Scam Websites – Research paper examining methods used to identify thousands of previously unknown scam websites. “`
Protect yourself from the latest online scams with STM Daily News. From AI-powered fraud schemes to consumer safety tips, our Consumer Corner delivers practical information to help you make informed decisions. Visit STM Daily News for more news you can use this moment, and don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter for updates delivered straight to your inbox.
