The Theme of 2026: Do More with Less

In 2026, the advantage will belong to those who understand that discipline is the new growth strategy. The companies that survive—and thrive—will not be the biggest, but the most efficient.

Using M&A as a Growth Strategy

Acquiring another company can accelerate growth, expand your customer base, and strengthen your competitive position. But not every business is ready for this step. Recognizing the signs that you’re in a position to acquire is critical to avoiding costly mistakes and ensuring the acquisition creates long-term value.

Bookkeeping is more than just data entry—it’s the foundation of reliable financial information. A skilled bookkeeper helps you understand where your money is going, identify opportunities to improve profitability, and ensure you’re prepared for taxes, financing, or even an eventual sale. But the quality of this partnership depends as much on the relationship as the technical skills.

Many entrepreneurs start their companies wearing every hat—sales, operations, finance, HR, even IT support. But as the business grows, what made you successful at the start can hold you back later. The difference between working in the business and working on the business is the difference between being an employee of your company and being its leader.

6 reasons to consider when deciding if you need a bookkeeper.

Cash is the lifeblood of every business. Yet many owners monitor it only by logging into their bank account and checking today’s balance. While that shows how much cash is on hand in the moment, it doesn’t reveal how healthy—or vulnerable—the business truly is.

The best way to monitor cash flow combines both historical financial reporting and forward-looking forecasting. This paper outlines a structured approach business owners can use to stay on top of liquidity, avoid surprises, and make smarter financial decisions.

One of the most important decisions in financial reporting is whether to use cash basis or accrual basis accounting. This choice impacts not only how your business looks on paper but also how lenders, investors, and potential buyers evaluate you. While both methods are GAAP-recognized under certain circumstances, the method you choose should align with the complexity of your operations, compliance needs, and long-term growth strategy.

Breaking $10M in revenue isn’t about selling more — it’s about becoming a different company. Most small businesses stall because the founder is the bottleneck, systems can’t scale, and cash is too tight. Crossing the threshold requires leadership, capital, and discipline — that’s why fewer than 1% ever make it.

Growing a business is never accidental—it’s the result of deliberate choices, discipline, and clear strategy. Yet many owners find themselves stuck: sales plateau, margins compress, or leadership capacity gets stretched too thin. If you want to move beyond survival and scale toward sustained growth, you need a framework to guide your decisions.

Your commercial banker is more than a loan officer—they’re a partner who can open doors to capital, resources, and growth opportunities. Business owners who treat their banker as a trusted advisor, not just a service provider, gain long-term advantages. This paper outlines the top five areas to focus on to build a meaningful, productive relationship with your banker.

Financial clarity is the difference between growth and failure, yet many owners treat bookkeeping as an afterthought. A quality bookkeeper does more than record transactions—they provide the foundation for sound decisions, stronger profitability, and long-term scalability.