Rieva Lesonsky

California, United States

President, CEO and Writer at Small Business CURRENTS

Contributing Writer at AllBusiness.com

Award-winning journalist. Owner: https://t.co/6v2bzPak5T. #SmallBusiness advocate, influencer, writer, author, & speaker #entrepreneurs #TikkunOlam

Articles

How Side Hustles Are Reshaping Work in 2025

1 month ago | allbusiness.com | Rieva Lesonsky

In today’s economy, side hustles are no longer just a means to make ends meet; they represent a transformative shift in our working lives. Side gigs are evolving into substantial, often passion-driven businesses. What once began as weekend freelancing or after-hours crafting now stands as a path to personal freedom, creative fulfillment, and in many cases, long-term financial independence. This shift isn’t just about money, but identity and agency as well.
How to Survive Tariff Turmoil: Advice From the Experts

1 month ago | allbusiness.com | Rieva Lesonsky

Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro recently said, “Small businesses are facing strong headwinds right now because of the decisions made by the federal government to impose these tariffs.” This point was underscored by the small business owners we talked to, who are impacted by the tariff turbulence. To successfully navigate this storm, don’t go it alone. A small business owner I interviewed said, “We need help surviving this nightmare.” Luckily, assistance is available.
How Small Business Owners Are Handling Tariffs-And Their Advice to Entrepreneurs

1 month ago | allbusiness.com | Rieva Lesonsky

In almost every conversation I’ve had with small business owners, business experts and advocates, and even a few government employees, the topic of tariffs comes up. And nearly everyone is concerned. Eric Groves, co-founder of Alignable, a business network of 9,000 small business owners, says his members are worried. According to Alignable's April Tariff Report, 44% of SMBs expect reduced sales due to tariffs, up 14 percentage points from February.Of those, 13% anticipate significant revenue drops.
Is AI a Small Business Owner’s Best Friend?

1 month ago | allbusiness.com | Rieva Lesonsky

Post sponsored by BILLIt’s long been said that being an entrepreneur can be a lonely existence. Small business owners work hard, often leaving little time for a personal life. They crave solutions that save them time so they can carve out some downtime. According to BILL’s 2025 State of Financial Automation Report, many have turned to automated solutions, especially artificial intelligence (AI).
The State of Women Entrepreneurs

2 months ago | allbusiness.com | Rieva Lesonsky

Recently we celebrated Women’s History Month, and women business owners continue to make history. The inaugural 2024 Impact of Women-Owned Businesses from Wells Fargo shows that women own 39.1% (about 14 million) of all U.S. businesses, a 13.6% increase from 2019 to 2023.
How DOGE Will Impact the SBA and Small Business Owners

2 months ago | allbusiness.com | Rieva Lesonsky

The Small Business Administration (SBA) has long been pivotal in helping entrepreneurs and small business owners start and grow businesses. I have seen its accomplishments up close, having worked with them, on and off, since the end of the first Bush Administration. The agency has undergone significant transformations in recent months as part of broader federal restructuring initiatives. Notably, it was announced that the SBA would reduce its workforce by 43%, equating to around 2,700 positions.
The Ever-Expanding World of Wellness

2 months ago | smallbusinesscurrents.com | Rieva Lesonsky |Maria Valdez Haubrich

Wellness has been a trending industry for a while.
How to Build an Entrepreneurial Support System

2 months ago | allbusiness.com | Rieva Lesonsky

On any given day, chances are I’m meeting up with a friend, colleague or mentor for coffee, breakfast or lunch—and to share ideas and encouragement. I rely on my “entrepreneurial support system” to get energized and inspired to make my business better. Whether you’re a natural extrovert or on the shy side, every small business owner needs a support system to keep going. Do you have a strong support system?
Are Baby Boomers Becoming Baby Boozers?

2 months ago | smallbusinesscurrents.com | Rieva Lesonsky |Maria Valdez Haubrich

First, let me credit Emily Stewart, a senior correspondent at Business Insider, for the clever term “baby boozers.” In a recent article, she reported that baby boomers are outdrinking the younger generations of millennials and Gen Z. Stewart cites a Bank of America Institute analysis of customer credit card spending showing the spending at bars this past January was up 1% year-over-year, led by boomers who upped their bar spending by 4%.
How Ya Doin’? Consumer Sentiment is Falling—Rapidly - Small Business Currents

Mar 24, 2025 | smallbusinesscurrents.com | Rieva Lesonsky |Maria Valdez Haubrich

While we await the annual retail sales forecast from the National Retail Federation (NRF), which we should get April 2, it’s crucial that all business owners (not just retailers) stay aware of consumer sentiment. Happy consumers spend more money—on products and services.