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 Kozi Checks & Balances TaxTactics News 
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April 09.2025
2 Minutes Read

Raleigh's Building Up-fit Grant: A Game Changer for Local Businesses

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Unlocking Opportunities with Raleigh's Building Up-fit Grant Program

The City of Raleigh has initiated the fourth and final round of applications for its Building Up-fit Grant program for the 2024–2025 cycle. This initiative, which runs from April 3 to April 27, 2025, aims to empower small business owners to make crucial interior improvements to their commercial properties. The projected impact? Enhanced job creation and the revitalization of previously underused spaces throughout the city.

Who Can Apply and What to Expect

The Building Up-fit Grant is designed specifically for small business owners with 49 or fewer employees who occupy the space undergoing improvements. This formatting excludes franchises and businesses operating outside Raleigh. To begin the process, applicants must first fill out a preliminary form to assess their eligibility, followed by a formal application delivered via email if they qualify.

Eligible Improvements That Make a Difference

The potential for economic development through this program is significant. Eligible projects include enhancements to HVAC systems, plumbing, interior structures, and energy-efficient upgrades. Not only does this funding partly offset construction costs (up to 50%); it promotes the transformation of spaces like converting a vacant building into a bustling office or adapting an old warehouse into a trendy restaurant. These improvements do more than renovate; they invigorate the community.

Funding and Restrictions: What You Need to Know

Each commercial property is limited to two grants per year, creating a structured approach that ensures many businesses can benefit. However, applicants must note that certain types of work—such as simple redecorating or signage—do not qualify. This lends a focused intent to the program, ensuring it genuinely uplifts local economies by funding substantial improvements rather than superficial changes.

Understanding Priority Areas and Additional Support

Raleigh prioritizes projects within designated Economic Development Priority Areas, offering enhanced funding terms to businesses within those zones. For those looking for exterior improvement grants, Raleigh also provides a Facade Rehabilitation Grant, potentially aiding projects that require both internal and external upgrades. This comprehensive approach to funding encapsulates the city's commitment to fostering a vibrant small business community.

Why This Program Matters Now

In a post-pandemic economy, local businesses need all the support they can get. This grant program serves as a lifeline, allowing entrepreneurs to invest in their facilities without taking on crippling financial burdens. By understanding and utilizing resources like the Building Up-fit Grant, small business owners can strengthen their foundations, ultimately leading to enriched local economies and job creation.

Conclusion: Seizing the Opportunity

For interested applicants, now is the time to act. With the deadline approaching at the end of April, gathering information from Raleigh's official resources is crucial. The community is evolving, and local businesses have a chance to play a pivotal role in this transformation.

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10.30.2025

How Adobe and YouTube's Partnership Empowers Creators to Shine with Shorts

Update Adobe and YouTube Forge a New Era for Content Creators In a significant move that has electrified the content creation world, Adobe and YouTube have announced a transformative partnership that aims to reshape how creators engage with their audience. This collaboration, unveiled during Adobe MAX, the premier creativity conference, brings Adobe's renowned video editing prowess directly to the rapidly growing YouTube Shorts platform. What Does This Collaboration Mean? The newly formulated feature, dubbed Create for YouTube Shorts, will soon integrated into the Adobe Premiere mobile app, giving creators access to powerful video editing tools right at their fingertips. According to Ely Greenfield, Adobe's Chief Technology Officer, this initiative will empower creators to craft high-quality, engaging short videos, thereby enhancing their ability to capture audience attention in a landscape marked by fleeting interest spans. YouTube's Scott Silver echoed this sentiment, stating, "This partnership will give creators more choice and access to innovative editing features that allow them to connect with their viewers in new ways." The introduction of exclusive effects, templates, and transitions is particularly exciting for independent creators and small business owners who rely on captivating short-form videos to convey their messages quickly and effectively. A Game Changer for Small Businesses For small business owners looking to elevate their marketing strategies, this partnership unveils numerous opportunities. As video marketing becomes increasingly critical in the digital economy, the ability to produce polished content efficiently can set a brand apart from its competitors. With the Create for YouTube Shorts integration, business owners can simplify their content creation processes significantly. Features such as ready-made templates will allow even those with minimal editing experience to create professional-looking videos. This capacity to produce engaging content quickly is crucial for small businesses eager to capture potential customers' interest. Moreover, the seamless one-tap sharing feature directly to YouTube Shorts eliminates the cumbersome steps traditionally associated with video publishing, thereby streamlining creators' workflows significantly. Challenges Ahead While the tools are designed for ease of use, some challenges remain. Those unfamiliar with Adobe's complex interface may find a learning curve as they navigate new features and editing capabilities. Additionally, continuously evolving trends in short-form video content necessitate ongoing adaptation and learning for creators to stay relevant and resonant with their audience. Small business owners must dedicate time and resources to understand what attracts viewers on platforms like YouTube Shorts. Looking Towards the Future The partnership between Adobe and YouTube illustrates the broader trend of embracing innovation in digital content creation. As video content continues to dominate social media, the ability to harness these new tools can significantly elevate brand visibility and customer engagement for small businesses. Those who can master the provided features and capitalize on the trend-driven nature of short-form content will likely see a notable impact on their marketing efforts. Ready to Transform Your Content? As this collaboration prepares for launch, small business owners should strategize on integrating these new capabilities into their marketing plans. The empowerment offered by Adobe’s advanced editing tools within Premiere mobile can be a game-changer in creating authentic connections with audiences. Embracing these innovations is not merely an opportunity; it's swiftly becoming a necessity in today’s digital marketing landscape. So, gear up to explore this dynamic intersection of creativity and technology, as the future of content creation awaits your bold venture.

10.29.2025

Twilio Unveils Tools for Real-Time Customer Data Management

Update Twilio's Game-Changer for Small Businesses: Data Management Made EasyTwilio, a leading name in customer engagement technology, has once again stepped up to the plate by launching a robust set of tools aimed specifically at small businesses. In the fast-paced digital landscape, effective customer engagement hinges on the ability to manage data seamlessly.Understanding the Need for Real-Time DataAs businesses strive to keep pace with customer demands, real-time data has emerged as a crucial asset. According to Inbal Shani, Chief Product Officer at Twilio, true engagement relies on data that is not just real-time but also contextual and trustworthy. It’s a sentiment echoed across industries where stakeholders recognize data integrity as non-negotiable.The New Tools: Features That MatterThe newly unveiled suite includes features like Granular Observability, a centralized Alerting Hub, expanded APIs, and Auto-Instrumentation—tools designed to empower data teams in small businesses. Granular Observability is vital for tracing issues within data flows. With mechanisms like Failed Delivery Logs, businesses can pinpoint delivery issues quickly, reducing downtime and enhancing customer trust.Centralized Alerts: Streamlining OperationsThe introduction of a centralized Alerting Hub simplifies alert management, allowing businesses to customize notifications and monitor metrics across a unified interface. This is particularly beneficial for small teams that often operate under resource constraints. By freeing up staff from time-consuming alert checks, businesses can focus on more strategic initiatives.Empowering Non-Technical UsersOne of the key highlights of these updates is Auto-Instrumentation, which democratizes data management by enabling non-technical users to set up event tracking effortlessly. This feature transforms weeks of work into a matter of minutes, allowing small businesses to become agile in their data strategies without relying heavily on IT departments.Transforming Data into Customer EngagementAs Keith Kirkpatrick, Research Director at Futurum stated, Twilio’s new features are setting a benchmark in customer engagement through enhanced data quality and customizable APIs. These tools promise not only to streamline the data management process but also to significantly bolster customer relations by ensuring that all interactions are informed and contextual.Challenges Ahead: An Adjustment PeriodHowever, small business owners must also be aware of the potential hurdles. Adapting to new technologies can require a learning curve, particularly for smaller teams with limited staff. It is essential for teams to embrace the new tools to avoid complacency and enhance productivity ultimately.Conclusion: Why These Updates MatterDespite the challenges they may pose, the benefits of Twilio’s latest updates are substantial. Enhanced tools for customer data management not only promise to improve operational efficiency but also help small businesses cultivate stronger customer loyalty. As engagement continues to evolve, the companies that adapt to these changes can thrive in competitive markets. Consider integrating these tools into your business for a data-driven approach to customer engagement.

10.28.2025

Transforming Workplaces: How AI Agent Adoption Surged by 119%

Update AI Adoption Soars in Small Businesses: The Salesforce-AWS Collaboration The recent collaboration between Salesforce and Amazon Web Services (AWS) has ushered in a new era of artificial intelligence (AI) in the workplace, particularly for small businesses looking to enhance operational efficiency and customer interactions. According to Salesforce's Agentic Enterprise Index, the utilization of AI agents surged by 119% in the first half of 2025. This startling growth indicates that AI is no longer a futuristic concept but a critical component in day-to-day business operations. Transformative Benefits of AI Agents Salesforce's partnership promises significant advancements through tools like Amazon Connect and AWS Clean Rooms, which streamline data access and ensure secure collaborations. For instance, small businesses can utilize Salesforce’s Data 360 feature to easily tap into their data, leading to quicker decision-making and enhanced customer service. As noted by Ryan Teeples, CTO of 1-800Accountant, AI agents can autonomously handle up to 70% of routine inquiries, freeing human agents to focus on more complex tasks. The Ripple Effect: Customer Experience Innovation The rapid adoption of AI agents has fundamentally transformed customer-facing experiences. Companies like Expedia Group have utilized Data 360 Clean Rooms to gain insights while maintaining data privacy, improving their marketing strategies significantly. With AI agents actively engaging customers, businesses are witnessing extended interactions and improved satisfaction rates. This shift reflects a growing trend where 87% of small to medium businesses now report AI as a game changer, underscoring its ability to streamline processes and elevate customer service. Challenges and Cautions Facing Small Businesses Despite the advantages, adopting AI tools isn't without challenges. Small business owners must navigate the complexities of technology implementation, which necessitates comprehensive training and understanding of evolving data governance practices. Security remains a top priority, as many fear that exposing sensitive data in the cloud could jeopardize customer trust. Moreover, initial costs associated with these advanced systems can be daunting, but streamlined procurement processes available through Salesforce's presence in the AWS Marketplace help mitigate these challenges. Looking Ahead: Integrating AI as a Growth Strategy As small businesses reflect on the profound impact of AI agents, those currently hesitant to adopt this technology face a risk of falling behind. In fact, evidence suggests that companies investing in AI experience significant returns, particularly in marketing optimization, operational efficiency, and enhanced customer relationships. By recognizing AI as a valuable asset rather than a hurdle, small businesses can position themselves better within competitive markets. Indeed, the future of work is moving rapidly towards automation and AI integration. As Salesforce's findings indicate, the companies that build a solid technological foundation today will be best positioned for the agent-led workplace of tomorrow. It's crucial that small business owners embrace this evolution, adapt to new technologies, and harness AI's full potential for sustainable growth.

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