Compliance & Risk

Small-business optimism just hit a six-month low, but downturns often spark innovation. Learn how today’s entrepreneurs can turn uncertainty into opportunity by strengthening operations, embracing digital tools, and planning smarter. Discover practical resources in the Herth Solutions Digital Library to help you stay resilient and profitable in challenging times.

Think your business is too small to attract hackers? Think again. Cybercriminals now target small businesses precisely because they’re easier to breach and handle valuable data. In this Herth Solutions blog, discover why attacks are increasing, what’s really at stake, and the proven steps you can take to safeguard your website, payments, and customer trust — starting today.

The EU and UK have rolled out major GDPR reforms for 2025, simplifying compliance and reducing burdens for small businesses. Learn what these changes mean, how they impact data handling, and the steps your business can take to stay compliant. Explore key updates and discover practical resources to help protect your brand and customer trust.

The Maryland Procurement Reform Act of 2025 ushers in the most significant modernization of the state’s contracting system in decades. By expanding small business access, streamlining processes, and cutting payment timelines, the law strengthens fairness and efficiency across Maryland’s procurement landscape—creating new opportunities for small, minority, women, and veteran-owned businesses statewide.

The October 2025 government shutdown has once again left federal contractors facing stop-work orders, delayed payments, and tough compliance challenges. From wage and hour considerations during furloughs to the importance of clear communication and planning, contractors must act carefully to protect both their workforce and business. Learn what steps to take now to stay compliant, reduce risk, and weather the uncertainty.

MDOT is launching a paperless, automated invoice process to speed payments and cut errors. Go-live: Sep 17, 2025 (TSO, MVA) and Oct 14, 2025 (MAA, MPA, MTA, SHA). Email one invoice per message as a single PDF (<36 MB) with the main invoice on page 1. Include Vendor Name, FEIN, Invoice #, Invoice/Due dates, Total, and PO/BPO/Contract (if applicable). Target: payment within 30 business days (COMAR 21.06.09.02). A Vendor Quick Reference Guide is coming.

The Maryland APEX Accelerator recently welcomed DoD leadership to highlight small business contributions to defense contracting. With new procurement thresholds and cybersecurity requirements taking effect in 2025, Maryland businesses have more opportunities—but also new responsibilities. Learn how these changes impact small businesses and how APEX provides guidance to succeed.

Small businesses face new tariffs of 10–41% and steady interest rates that are reshaping costs, pricing, and financing. To stay resilient, owners must reassess suppliers, manage debt wisely, streamline operations, and embrace digital tools. Transparency with customers and adaptability in strategy are key to building trust and long-term stability. At Herth Solutions LLC, we help clients navigate change with Lean Operations, Maximum Impact.

Learn how the Maryland APEX Accelerator is helping small businesses navigate government contracting opportunities in September 2025. This post outlines key updates, support resources, and actionable insights to help you compete and win.

The sudden termination of HHS pandemic-related grants is sending shockwaves through the healthcare and biopharma sectors. In this post, Herth Solutions explores the far-reaching implications for research continuity, public health infrastructure, and the future of federally supported innovation.

What the new DOGE directives mean for small & mid-sized federal contractors—and how to respond. Learn the essentials: payment-logging systems, written justifications, travel approvals, rapid contract/grant reviews, and property/lease impacts. Includes a 30-day action checklist to stay compliant and competitive.