Small Business Insights

Tracking the right business metrics can transform how your company measures success. From financial performance to customer insights, metrics reveal what’s working—and what’s not. Learn how to focus on KPIs that truly drive results and strengthen your business strategy. Download Herth Solutions’ Understanding Business Metrics – Ebook to master data-driven growth.

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.

Choosing the right advertising platform is key to maximizing your marketing ROI. This guide helps small businesses understand the strengths of Meta, Google, TikTok, and LinkedIn Ads—so you can focus your budget where it counts most. Learn how to identify your best-performing channels, refine your targeting strategy, and scale your campaigns for sustainable growth and measurable results.

Artificial intelligence is transforming how small businesses operate — helping owners save time, cut costs, and drive smarter growth. From chatbots and automation tools to AI-powered analytics, even the smallest teams can now compete on a larger scale. Learn how to use AI responsibly, boost efficiency, and innovate faster with practical, real-world tools designed to help your business grow smarter every day.

Discover essential automation strategies to streamline operations, boost productivity, and drive growth for your small business. This blog breaks down practical tools and techniques that save time, reduce costs, and help you focus on what matters most—scaling your impact. Whether you're just starting out or looking to improve existing processes, learn how automation can unlock efficiency and set your business up for long-term success.

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.

AI adoption is transforming small businesses, with nearly 60% already using it to improve customer service, marketing, and online visibility. By 2026, most small business owners plan to leverage AI tools and emerging technologies like crypto to stay competitive. From building stronger online presences to boosting SEO with AI-powered platforms, learn how smart adoption today can give your business a major advantage tomorrow.

AI tools like Gemini, ChatGPT, Claude, Meta AI, and Perplexity are changing the way we work. Learn how to choose the right platform, refine prompts, and unlock smarter strategies with our featured AI Platform Masterclass.

Struggling to stand out in today’s crowded market? Discover how the Find Your Niche AI Prompt Pack can help you unlock clarity, define your unique value, and carve out a profitable niche—fast. Whether you're launching a new business or pivoting an existing one, this tool gives you the prompts you need to gain focus, build momentum, and succeed with confidence. Ready to level up? Your ideal niche is just a few prompts away.

AI is changing how we see and interact with the world. Tools like Google Gemini Live, Lens, and Arts & Culture are turning everyday moments into powerful, hands-on learning experiences. From identifying landmarks to exploring museums from home, this blog explores how AI is redefining travel, education, and cultural discovery. Discover what’s next—and how Herth Solutions helps organizations stay ahead of the curve.

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.

Discover Google’s latest AI tools—Imagen 4, AI Mode in Search, Deep Research, and Flow—and see how they’re revolutionizing creativity, productivity, and the way we search for information.

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.

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.

Blogging is one of the most powerful tools small businesses can use to improve SEO and boost website traffic. From keyword targeting and backlinks to fresh, engaging content, blogs help your site rank higher on search engines while building authority and trust with your audience. Learn how consistent blogging can increase visibility, attract more customers, and strengthen your online presence.

Breaking into government contracting can feel overwhelming, but the right strategy makes all the difference. In this post, we walk through expert tips to help your small business optimize its SBA profile, understand compliance, target agencies, and win federal contracts.

Learn how small businesses can break into government contracting with a clear, step-by-step approach—from registration to submitting a winning bid. This guide provides practical tips to help you secure your first contract and grow your business.

A capabilities statement is your small business’s first impression in government contracting. Learn how to structure, format, and optimize it for success.