Dream Big, Start Small
Hidden Gems for Job Seekers

When we see big names like Google, Tesla, or that one dream company that everyone in your field uses as a reference, it's easy to imagine how incredible it would feel to work there. It would be the ultimate "I made it" moment, right? But when you're starting out in your career, small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) might actually be a better fit – and not just because of the lower requirements.

The following are our honest suggestions, no affiliate links or kickbacks apply. 

Why Small Companies Rock

📌 You’re Not Just a Number

Small companies foster a personalized work environment. Instead of being one among thousands, you’re a critical team player whose contributions directly impact the business.

📌 Wear Multiple Hats

At a small business, you’re not limited to a narrowly defined job description. You’ll likely pick up various skills that make you a well-rounded professional.

📌 Access to Leadership

Small companies often have flat hierarchies. This means you can work closely with decision-makers and gain mentorship directly from the top.

📌 See the Impact of Your Work

In smaller teams, your efforts are more visible, and success feels personal. Seeing your work drive growth is incredibly rewarding.

At first glance, it may seem like more work to search for small businesses because they don't tend to have a large online presence, but in fact, small businesses make up 99.9% of all U.S. businesses. RoadMap advice: Let your network know you're looking for opportunities. Personal connections can open doors.

The SBA Is Relaxing Its Refinancing Rules For Small Businesses

Brandon Kochkodin

The Small Business Administration (SBA) has updated its 504 loan program, simplifying debt refinancing and expanding eligibility. The loan-to-value ratio has increased to 90% (up from 85%), the cap on Eligible Business Expenses has been removed, and businesses no longer need to show a 10% payment reduction for refinancing. Additionally, more types of debt can now be included without requiring proceeds to be used for expansion.

These changes make it easier for small businesses to refinance at lower interest rates, such as 6.125% for 25-year loans, compared to the average 9.7% for short-term loans. With inflation cooling and potential Federal Reserve rate cuts, this program provides significant savings opportunities, allowing businesses to reinvest in growth.

However, eligibility remains limited to businesses with net worths under $20 million and average net incomes below $6.5 million. Experts recommend owners consult SBA-approved lenders to take advantage of these benefits and improve financial stability are particularly during life changes, to avoid unexpected tax bills or excessive refunds.

Interviewsby.ai

Ace your next interview with confidence! Interviewsby.ai is an AI-powered tool that helps job seekers, students, and professionals prepare for interviews with customized practice sessions and real-time feedback. Whether you're preparing for a job interview or college admissions, this app tailors the experience to your specific needs, making preparation stress-free and effective.

Features:

• Custom Mock Interviews: Practice interviews tailored to your goals, industry, or job role.

• Real-time feedback: Get instant insight into your answers to improve your performance on the spot.

• Format customization: Adjust settings such as question difficulty, interview style, and focus areas.

• Diverse question bank: Practice with a wide range of questions to cover different scenarios.

Why it matters:

Interviewsby.ai takes the guesswork out of interview preparation. By simulating realistic interviews and providing feedback, it helps you refine your answers, build confidence, and master key skills.

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