Starting Small

A newsletter from NerdWallet Small Business about getting your business off the ground, from financing your idea to taking your first payment.

From the archives

starting a business

When can you qualify for a business loan? Maybe sooner than you think

Apr 14, 2026

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9 min read

When can you qualify for a business loan? Maybe sooner than you think

Once you hit the six-month mark, you have some options. Plus, a $3,500 grant opportunity.

Randa Kriss

starting a business

Does getting paid have to be so expensive?

Jan 15, 2026

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3 min read

Does getting paid have to be so expensive?

Payment processing is a cost of doing business, but you might be able to lower it. Plus, a $5,000 grant opportunity.

Rosalie Murphy

starting a business

How entrepreneurs really finance their first few months

Sep 30, 2025

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3 min read

How entrepreneurs really finance their first few months

Most rely on their personal savings or assets to get started. Plus, will the Fed rate cut help entrepreneurs?

Rosalie Murphy

Our most recent editions

starting a business

Your business plan is a hypothesis — test it

May 29, 2026

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6 min read

Your business plan is a hypothesis — test it

'Pour gas' on what works and pivot from what doesn't. Plus, grants of up to $100,000.

Rosalie Murphy

franchise

May 14, 2026

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6 min read

How does owning a franchise work?

The fees, benefits and restrictions. Plus, a $5,000 grant opportunity.

Rosalie Murphy

starting a business

You and your business partner need a 'prenup'

Apr 30, 2026

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6 min read

You and your business partner need a 'prenup'

Create an operating agreement to protect you both in the future. Plus, a $25,000 grant opportunity.

Rosalie Murphy

starting a business

Apr 14, 2026

•

9 min read

When can you qualify for a business loan? Maybe sooner than you think

Once you hit the six-month mark, you have some options. Plus, a $3,500 grant opportunity.

Randa Kriss

starting a business

Should you “bank” with a software company?

Mar 30, 2026

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11 min read

Should you “bank” with a software company?

The pros and cons of accounts with Squarespace, Shopify, QuickBooks and more. Plus, a $1,000 grant opportunity.

Rosalie Murphy

starting a business

Two easy ways for your business to save money on gas

Mar 16, 2026

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8 min read

Two easy ways for your business to save money on gas

And a third harder one. Plus, a $50,000 grant opportunity.

Rosalie Murphy

Who writes Starting Small?

Rosalie Murphy

Rosalie Murphy has covered small-business banking, credit cards, insurance and lending at NerdWallet since 2021. She writes and edits the Starting Small newsletter, and her reporting has appeared in publications like the Associated Press, MarketWatch and Nasdaq. Rosalie is an MBA candidate and has a bachelor's degree in journalism from the University of Southern California.

Hillary Crawford

Hillary Crawford is a small-business writer at NerdWallet, with a special focus on business software products. Her previous roles include news writer and associate West Coast editor at Bustle Digital Group, where she helped shape news and tech coverage. Her work has appeared in The Associated Press, The Washington Post, Yahoo Finance and Entrepreneur, in addition to other publications. She is based in Traverse City, Michigan.

Ryan Brady

Ryan Brady is a CFP® professional and lead writer at NerdWallet covering small-business lending and insurance. Before joining NerdWallet, Ryan ran a successful online retail business, giving him firsthand knowledge of the challenges and opportunities small-business owners face. His work has appeared in TechCrunch, MarketWatch, Yahoo, Nasdaq and more. Ryan is based in Fort Myers, Florida.