Heartland resource center

Welcome to our small business holiday resource center! Dive into these checklists, guides, downloadables and more to secure your best holiday season yet. And don’t worry — it’s never too late to get started.

Gift cards top the list of what consumers say they plan to spend the most on this holiday season. They don’t always sell themselves though, so here are some steps you can take to increase gift card sales this month and beyond.

32% of your holiday traffic comes from first-time buyers — here’s how to create a customer retention plan and keep those new customers coming back in the new year.

There’s more to an in-store event than grazing boards, giveaways and 'grammable photo backdrops. Turn browsers into buyers with these tips for a profitable and memorable retail event.

Don’t let little curbside pickup mistakes tank your customer experience. Check out our six recommendations to fast-track your small business’ success — just in time for the holiday rush.

If you’re understaffed, headed into the holiday season or just looking for some ideas to boost employee retention, we’ve compiled proven strategies to manage difficult emotions, create a positive work environment and keep employees motivated.

If you’ve done any research into the tech your business needs to thrive, you’ve likely run into the word “integrated.” But what does that mean for you, your customers and your employees? And is working with one provider for all of your needs the best way to go? Let’s break it down.

Purchasing equipment takes a big bite out of your wallet. On top of that, the technology can be outdated almost as soon as you unpack it. So how do you keep up with the competition and replace the relic piece of equipment you've been using to run your business without making yourself cash poor? The answer: choose as-a-Service over buying.

American consumers increasingly want to feel good about the products they buy and the companies they support. Shoppers are more likely to be loyal to businesses who support a good cause and give back to their communities. We’ve pulled together some tips for how you can incorporate philanthropy into your business plan – and how it will help you thrive in the long run.

The holiday season may have started early this year, but we’ve got another two months ahead of us and plenty of opportunity to drive retail traffic. Whether your focus is in store, online or both, here are holiday marketing ideas proven to drive sales, engagement and momentum into the new year!

In 2022, American households spent nearly $37 billion on back-to-school shopping. It’s a busy time for retailers, and a great opportunity to grow your revenue and customer base. Keep reading for tips to give consumers an A+ shopping experience, including ideas for teachers and college students.

Getting new customers and building a brand isn’t easy, particularly in an increasingly crowded bazaar. Take a page out of Charles Best's successful playbook to learn actionable tips on how to build a brand, gain exposure and set yourself apart with unique marketing ideas.

Every new business needs a business plan, but creating one can seem like an overwhelming task. That’s why we developed this step-by-step guide that will help you define your vision and set long-term goals in a business plan that’s sure to impress potential investors.

You know first hand that it takes more than a few tasty dishes to make your restaurant work. But the amount of staff needed depends on your service model, and it can be hard to get it right. From reducing food costs to perfecting the customer experience, restaurant tech advancements are here to help.

It’s no secret tipping has changed a lot in the last few years. You’re in support of your employees earning more through increased digital tipping options, but you don’t want to burn customers out. Learn how technology can help your restaurant beat tip fatigue, reward employees and keep customers coming back.