It was an honor for our Community Navigator Pilot Program (CNPP)’s Team at Universal Processing to participate in this year’s CelebrASIAN Business Procurement Conference organized by the U.S. Pan Asian American Chamber of Commerce (USPAACC). At the conference, Universal Processing, represented by our CEO, Saint Hung, was once again recognized as one of the Fast 100 Asian American Businesses. This prestigious award underscores our continued dedication to supporting minority-ow

Have you heard on the news? Business owners who accepted Visa or MasterCard may be eligible to benefit from a $5B class action settlement. This is the result of antitrust cases. In 2005, retailers brought a case against Visa and MasterCard for allegedly trying to fix the high credit card processing fees while imposing rules that prevent customers from using alternative payment methods. The case was settled in March 2023. Any persons, businesses, or other entities that accept

In today’s business world, markets are extremely competitive and consumer preferences are constantly changing. the survival and growth of small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) hinge on their ability to adapt and stand out. A well-crafted marketing plan could be your secret weapon. Nowadays, you can’t just put out a great product and expect people to show up. Today’s businesses are fighting for attention in an overcrowded market, making a strategic marketing plan not just a

Cracking the Talent Code: Navigating the Post-Pandemic Workforce Challenges The aftermath of the pandemic continues to affect businesses, particularly for small business owners, causing complexities in hiring and retaining talent. In 2021 alone, over 47 million Americans voluntarily left their jobs, commonly known as The Great Resignation (Harvard Business Review). This trend is characterized by retirement, reconsideration, industry reshuffling, and a notable shift in employe

Before We Start! Please Sign Up For: FREE Business Express Series Workshop Week 3 Invitation Announcement Enjoy FREE business education, get some refreshments, and connect with fellow business owners who, like you, are driven by passion and business growth. If you want to learn more about business plan writing, grant and loan applications, or core business techniques please sign up for our Free Business Express Event! Event Details: Start date: November 7th, 2023 Language

The assertion by The Wall Street Journal that ‘Diverse and inclusive cultures are providing companies with a competitive edge over their peers’ underscores the transformative power of embracing diversity and inclusion within businesses. By fostering an environment that values diversity, companies can attract a broad spectrum of talent enriched with diverse skills, knowledge, experiences, and cultural perspectives. This not only bolsters internal innovation but also enhances

In today’s dynamic market, businesses, both big and small, must uncover their competitive advantage to thrive. Walmart, an exemplar of success, has established itself as more than just a retail store. It serves as a hub where supply and demand meet and information is harnessed to predict customer needs accurately. In this blog, I will point out key elements of Walmart’s competitive advantage and how small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) can adopt similar strategies for the

COVID-19 unleashed unprecedented challenges for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs), and Yelp reviews played a pivotal role in their fate. The pandemic not only made Yelp reviews an indicator of quality for customers but also became a nightmare for struggling SMB owners navigating new service requirements and restrictions. Shockingly, Yelp witnessed a 161% year-over-year surge in negative COVID-related user reviews ( 2021 Trust and Safety Report ). Over 15,500 reviews w

Minority business owners supporting minority business owners: Check out John Yi, entrepreneur and patron of the community. John Yi is an inspiring small business owner who not only runs a successful donut shop but also works as a project coordinator for the Community Navigator Pilot Program (CNPP). The CNPP was established by the Small Business Association to provide government-funded resources for minority small business owners affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. John’s inv

In times of crisis, true leaders emerge, and Saint Hung, the CEO of Universal Processing, is no exception. During the pandemic, Saint Hung demonstrated his leadership skills by going above and beyond to ensure the safety and well-being of his staff and community. In the first episode of his podcast, “Navigating Business with Saint Hung,” he shares how UP pivoted to help those in need. Instead of focusing on quotas, sales, and production, Saint Hung decided to conduct wellne

When it Comes to Finances, Small Businesses Should be Using the Same Techniques as Major Corporations Why financial management is one of your biggest avenues to success Everything about your business, from what you provide customers, to how successful you are, to your opportunities for growth, revolves around money. One of the biggest mistakes a business owner can make is not properly managing their finances. Small businesses often miss out on profits and growth because they

Don’t let risks sneak up on you Within the business world, the global sweep of Covid-19 caused a great revelation; small businesses are extremely vulnerable. We saw the permanent closure of hundreds of thousands of businesses in the United States alone. A global pandemic was not foreseen by most business owners and there was no avoiding the closures, it was an abrupt occurrence that deeply hurt American businesses. But unforeseen damage is not rare in business. Businesses fac

Manage your time, manage your business The one thing all business owners have to give to their business is their time. For entrepreneurs especially, putting time and dedication into running a business is necessary. But not all time is equal. What is just as important as giving time is managing your time to make it as productive as possible. Having a time management plan is as important as ever, allowing you to keep track of your business while also maintaining a healthy work-

When you care about the outcome of something, you make sure to plan it out. Birthday parties are planned, weddings are planned, vacations are planned. Why shouldn’t your business, one of the biggest investments you’ll ever make, be planned? A business plan is much more than an idea and execution strategy, it’s a story – a living concept that clarifies your ideas and motivates stakeholders to support your business. A strong plan is the solid foundation for a successful busines

Don’t be Left Unprepared A lack of educational resources leaves many business owners unprepared when it comes time to file their taxes. This leads to late penalties, filing mistakes, and unpaid taxes, all of which can be detrimental to your business. That’s why it’s so important for business owners to be aware of their tax requirements and well prepared for filing. Things like tax obligations, due dates, bookkeeping, and financial management are necessary for a successful tax