WhatsApp Introduces Guest Calling: Connect Anyone, Anywhere, Anytime

WhatsApp is broadening the accessibility of its calling feature with the introduction of guest calling, allowing users to invite anyone to participate in calls—even those without a WhatsApp account. This new functionality aims to make communication both easier and more inclusive, which is particularly beneficial for small businesses that rely on seamless connectivity with clients and team members.

The appeal of guest calling lies in its free, end-to-end encrypted capabilities. With no time limits, businesses can conduct lengthy discussions without the worry of abrupt disconnections that can hamper workflows. “We believe WhatsApp calling should always work wherever you are and with whoever you need, with the privacy you can count on,” said WhatsApp in their announcement on this feature.

The process to set up a guest call is straightforward. Users simply navigate to the Calls tab, select the “+” icon to create a call link, and send it to their contacts—be they colleagues, clients, or business partners—without concern for what applications those individuals use. Guests who join will first enter a waiting room until granted access by the host, maintaining control over who can participate in the discussion. Furthermore, while guests can utilize essential in-call features—like screen sharing, emoji reactions, and raising their hands to contribute—privacy is respected as they won’t be able to see each other’s phone numbers or add other participants without permission.

For small businesses, this functionality brings various practical applications. Consider a small marketing agency that often collaborates with freelancers or clients who may not use WhatsApp. Guest calling allows them to hold strategy meetings or creative discussions without hindrances from separate communication platforms. Similarly, tutors can facilitate remote learning with students and parents without requiring everyone to sign up for a new app, thus simplifying the educational process.

The integration of guest calling with calendar applications is another feature that small business owners will find attractive. Later this year, WhatsApp plans to roll out calendar integrations for Google and Outlook users. By installing a WhatsApp plugin, a user can schedule calls directly from their calendar invites, making it easier for all invitees to join—regardless of whether they have a WhatsApp account.

While guest calling presents numerous advantages, small business owners should also consider potential challenges. The necessity for host approval means that businesses must be diligent about managing who they invite and how they navigate the waiting room feature. Some users might perceive the approval process as a barrier, leading to delays in communication unless hosts are actively monitoring their calls. Additionally, businesses may need to ensure their teams are adequately trained to use this feature to maximize its effectiveness.

Moreover, while the feature enhances connectivity, it may not replace the need for dedicated project management or collaboration tools that offer more robust organizational capabilities. Small business owners should weigh the benefits of increased accessibility against the demands of managing guest access during busy periods.

As WhatsApp continues to evolve, small business owners can take advantage of guest calling’s unique features to create more flexible and collaborative environments. This innovation aligns with the growing importance of adaptability in today’s business landscape. For more details, check out the official announcement on WhatsApp’s advancements here.

With strategies evolving and technology becoming a pivotal part of business operations, staying ahead of communication trends like guest calling can provide small businesses with the tools they need to thrive in an increasingly interconnected world.

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This article, "WhatsApp Introduces Guest Calling: Connect Anyone, Anywhere, Anytime" was first published on Small Business Trends

Amazon Business Expands AI Assistant for Orders and Spending

Small businesses that regularly purchase supplies through Amazon Business may soon spend less time tracking orders, following up on approvals, and reviewing purchasing data. Amazon Business has introduced new AI-powered capabilities for Amazon Business Assistant, allowing customers to manage more of their procurement activities through natural-language conversations.

Announced at Amazon Business Reshape 2026 in Nashville, Tennessee, the enhancements are available to all U.S. Amazon Business customers directly within their account pages.

The updated assistant uses customer-specific information, including previous orders, purchasing activity, employee permissions, and organizational policies, to provide personalized answers and recommend actions. The changes expand the assistant beyond general purchasing support into account-specific procurement assistance.

New AI Features Simplify Everyday Purchasing Tasks

The enhanced Amazon Business Assistant introduces several capabilities designed to reduce the administrative work associated with business purchasing.

Key features include:

• Order tracking: Customers can check shipment details, expected delivery dates, and outstanding approvals through conversational questions.
• Approval management: Employees can identify who is reviewing an order and determine when approval notifications were sent.
• Savings recommendations: The assistant analyzes purchasing information to identify potential cost-saving opportunities.
• Payment allocation: Customers can address payment allocation tasks within the same conversation.
• Spending analysis: Users can ask questions about purchasing trends and receive answers based on their organization’s actual transaction data.

For small businesses, these capabilities could help reduce the time employees spend navigating reports and account pages to locate purchasing information.

Consider a business operating several locations that regularly orders cleaning products, office supplies, and breakroom essentials. A manager could ask the assistant about outstanding orders, identify delayed shipments, and determine whether an employee’s approval is holding up a purchase.

The assistant also maintains conversational context, allowing users to ask follow-up questions without restarting their search.

“Every hour a procurement team spends chasing approvals or manually reconciling invoices is an hour they’re not spending on the work that moves their organization forward,” said Shelley Salomon, worldwide vice president of Amazon Business. “Amazon Business Assistant now steps in to handle the repetitive, time-consuming tasks that slow teams down, so they can focus on finding the right products, managing supplier relationships, and driving real value across their business.”

Businesses Can Analyze Purchasing Data Without Building Reports

One of the more significant additions is the assistant’s ability to answer questions about spending patterns using an organization’s purchasing history.

Instead of manually opening reports, selecting filters, and reviewing spreadsheets, business owners and employees can request specific information in everyday language.

For example, a business owner could ask how much the company spent on IT supplies last month or which purchasing categories accounted for the largest expenses.

According to Amazon Business, the assistant can access more than 60 reporting fields and up to two years of account history. Available information covers orders, shipments, payments, refunds, savings, products, and sellers.

Users can also explore more detailed questions, including how much purchasing volume went to small or diverse sellers or which restricted products employees purchased.

This functionality could be particularly useful for smaller companies without dedicated procurement analysts. Business owners, office managers, and finance employees may be able to identify spending trends and investigate unusual purchases without specialized reporting knowledge.

However, the analysis relies on information available within the company’s Amazon Business account. Businesses purchasing products through multiple suppliers would still need to consider transactions outside Amazon when evaluating their overall expenses.

Existing Purchasing Controls Remain in Place

Amazon Business says the enhanced assistant operates within each organization’s existing purchasing policies, approval workflows, and spending limits.

The AI assistant does not bypass required approvals. Purchases that ordinarily require authorization must still follow established approval procedures, and employees retain final responsibility for approving actions.

Access to financial information also depends on existing employee permissions. A purchasing employee cannot automatically access information reserved for an administrator or finance manager simply by asking the assistant.

These safeguards matter for small businesses that delegate purchasing responsibilities while maintaining centralized control over expenses.

Still, businesses adopting the enhanced assistant should review their existing account permissions and purchasing policies. AI-powered recommendations depend on the underlying account information, and employees should verify important financial details before acting on them.

Amazon has not provided specific performance benchmarks demonstrating how much time or money the enhancements could save individual businesses. Actual benefits will likely depend on purchasing volume, account configuration, and how frequently employees use the features.

The enhanced Amazon Business Assistant is available to U.S. Amazon Business customers through their existing accounts. Users can begin by asking questions about orders, approvals, spending patterns, or purchasing policies. They can also provide feedback through the assistant’s thumbs-up and thumbs-down ratings or their Amazon Business account representative.

For small businesses looking to streamline purchasing operations, the enhancements offer another way to access procurement information without navigating multiple reports. The practical value will depend on whether the assistant delivers accurate answers, identifies meaningful savings, and reduces the administrative time associated with everyday business purchases.

This article, "Amazon Business Expands AI Assistant for Orders and Spending" was first published on Small Business Trends

Oracle NetSuite Unveils AI Tools to Automate Business Operations

Small businesses looking to reduce administrative work and make faster decisions could soon have more artificial intelligence tools built directly into their financial and operational systems. Oracle NetSuite is expanding its AI capabilities with new tools designed to automate complex processes, identify business problems, and help organizations act on information without relying on manual intervention at every step.

Oracle NetSuite announced the innovations at SuiteWorld 2026 in Las Vegas on October 26. The updates include AI-powered workspaces, more than 45 specialized AI skills, industry-specific agents, and expanded capabilities for Ask Oracle, the company’s conversational AI assistant.

The developments support NetSuite’s broader vision of an “autonomous suite,” where AI can coordinate business activities, identify issues, and execute approved actions across different departments.

“Businesses want AI that understands how they operate and helps them get things done,” said Evan Goldberg, founder and executive vice president, Oracle NetSuite. “Our vision is for a suite that understands business goals, anticipates what needs attention, and takes action to achieve results. It will coordinate work across people and agents, learn from outcomes, and continuously improve performance.”

New AI Tools Target Everyday Business Operations

Several of the announced capabilities address tasks that often consume significant time for small business owners and their employees.

• SuiteSkills: More than 45 AI-powered skills help businesses investigate financial discrepancies, identify potential revenue losses, and address inventory or fulfillment problems. The tools combine operational information with AI reasoning while respecting existing user permissions.
• AI Portlets: Users can generate dashboard charts, analyses, and suggested actions using natural-language requests. A business owner could compare actual sales results against marketing projections without manually building reports.
• AI Workspaces: These environments bring employees, AI agents, information, and approvals together to manage complicated business processes.
• Industry-Specific SuiteAgents: Specialized agents support software, product, healthcare, construction, and nonprofit organizations with tasks involving inventory, compliance, supply risks, and profitability.

For smaller companies operating with limited administrative staff, these capabilities could reduce the time required to investigate operational problems and prepare business reports.

AI Could Transform Financial Closing Processes

One significant development involves NetSuite’s Autonomous Close workspace, which aims to help organizations move toward a zero-day financial close.

Traditionally, accounting teams spend considerable time at the end of each reporting period reviewing transactions, reconciling accounts, and correcting discrepancies.

NetSuite’s approach would allow employees and AI agents to identify and address accounting issues continuously throughout the reporting period rather than waiting until month-end.

For small businesses, more continuous financial monitoring could provide earlier visibility into cash flow, expenses, and accounting discrepancies. However, businesses would still need appropriate accounting oversight to ensure financial records remain accurate.

Businesses Gain More Control Over AI Automation

NetSuite also introduced capabilities designed to make AI automation easier to configure and manage.

The SuiteFlow Agent allows administrators to describe workflow requirements in everyday language. For example, users could request workflows requiring purchase order numbers, restricting changes to certain fields, or displaying messages when specific business conditions occur.

Users can review and confirm proposed configurations before the system creates them.

SuiteAgent Studio will let organizations develop custom AI agents, configure their instructions, and establish when they should run. These agents can respond to business events or operate on schedules while following configured permissions and approval requirements.

A separate SuiteAgent Management Workspace will provide centralized oversight of AI activities. Administrators will be able to monitor agent execution, manage permissions, review alerts, and deactivate agents when necessary.

These controls could prove particularly important for smaller companies that want automation without surrendering oversight of financial transactions or operational decisions.

Ask Oracle Expands Beyond NetSuite Data

Additional improvements will allow Ask Oracle to work with information from external business applications and internet sources.

Using Model Context Protocol (MCP) connectivity, Ask Oracle will be able to access supported systems, examine related documents, and help users initiate permitted actions such as updating orders, routing approvals, or placing payments on hold.

NetSuite is also expanding its analytics capabilities through NetSuite Data Intelligence, formerly known as NetSuite Analytics Warehouse. Its AI-powered agents will support conversational analysis, research, and recommendations based on business financial and operational data.

Businesses will also have flexibility to use NetSuite’s embedded AI capabilities or connect preferred AI models through the NetSuite AI Connector Service.

Availability and Considerations for Small Businesses

NetSuite says SuiteSkills, AI Portlets, AI Workspaces, and select industry-specific SuiteAgents are now available wherever NetSuite Next is offered. Other autonomous suite capabilities are planned for future releases.

The announcement does not provide specific pricing for the new tools or firm delivery dates for features still under development.

Before adopting these capabilities, small businesses should evaluate their existing workflows, employee permissions, data accuracy, and approval processes. AI-generated recommendations and automated actions will still require appropriate safeguards, particularly when they affect accounting records, payments, or customer orders.

The latest announcement reflects NetSuite’s effort to move enterprise resource planning software beyond reporting information toward actively helping businesses complete work. For small businesses, the potential benefits include less manual administration and faster operational decisions, although the practical value will depend on feature availability, implementation requirements, and how effectively organizations incorporate AI into their existing processes.

This article, "Oracle NetSuite Unveils AI Tools to Automate Business Operations" was first published on Small Business Trends

Square Integrates Zenlytic’s AI to Simplify Business Data for Sellers

Small business owners, who often juggle numerous responsibilities in their daily operations, can now look forward to a transformative tool that aims to streamline their data analysis processes. Square, a favorite in payment processing and business solutions, has recently acquired the Zenlytic team, a startup known for developing tools that harness conversational intelligence to simplify the data inquiry process.

This innovative acquisition isn’t just a strategic move; it addresses a common pain point for small businesses: the challenge of deciphering complex data to make informed decisions. Whether it’s determining why sales dipped in a specific week, identifying menu items that may need re-evaluation, or assessing staffing levels for peak periods, these questions often loom large over everyday management. “Business owners shouldn’t have to spend hours in reports to figure out what needs their attention,” said Willem Avé, who leads the Managerbot initiative at Square.

At the heart of this initiative is the development of Managerbot, a tool designed to cut down the time spent on data analysis. Instead of pouring over detailed reports, sellers will soon be able to ask straightforward questions in plain language and receive timely and relevant answers. The Zenlytic acquisition aims to enhance this functionality, making it even easier for business owners to interpret their data using naturally-formulated queries.

“Joining Square lets us build a new product that helps sellers make AI work for their businesses,” said Ryan Jannsen, co-founder and CEO of Zenlytic. This partnership heralds a new paradigm where small business owners can leverage artificial intelligence without needing advanced technical skills.

The potential benefits of Managerbot are significant. For small businesses, time is often a scarce resource. By reducing the hours spent sifting through data, owners can redirect their focus toward more critical tasks—like serving customers and strategizing for growth. The immediacy of answers may also facilitate quicker decision-making, which can be crucial in dynamic market environments where staying ahead of trends can make or break a business.

However, while the prospects are promising, some challenges could arise. Small business owners may need to familiarize themselves with the intricacies of AI technology—an area that can be daunting for those less technologically inclined. Moreover, dependability on AI-driven insights raises questions about the accuracy and relevance of the data presented, necessitating a commitment to ongoing learning and adaptation.

In practice, small business owners could utilize Managerbot to assess their sales performance weekly, analyze customer preferences on different products, or even manage inventory levels more effectively. With the ability to make real-time adjustments based on definitive insights, businesses can enhance their operational efficiency and potentially grow their customer base.

This development comes at a time when many small businesses are searching for ways to navigate the complexities of their operations more effectively. With Square integrating the Zenlytic technology, owners could expect a more intuitive interface that enhances their ability to track performance metrics without the steep learning curve that often accompanies new software tools.

As the landscape of business management continues to evolve, tools like Managerbot, empowered by AI and conversational intelligence, signify a shift toward more user-friendly technology solutions for small businesses. By simplifying data interactions, Square aims to level the playing field, enabling all sellers to harness the power of their business data effectively.

For further information on the Managerbot initiative and its functionalities, small business owners can visit the Square website here. As this technology unfolds, it could signify a monumental shift in how small businesses operate, driving efficiency and customer satisfaction at the same time.

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This article, "Square Integrates Zenlytic’s AI to Simplify Business Data for Sellers" was first published on Small Business Trends

U.S. Refineries Hit Highest Utilization Rates Since 1998 Amid Global Demand

This year, U.S. refineries have reached a remarkable milestone, achieving an average utilization rate of over 95% from May to September — the highest figure for those months since 1998. This spike in activity largely stems from tight global supplies, which have significantly increased petroleum product margins. For small business owners, especially those operating within energy-intensive sectors or dependent on fuel supplies, this surge in refinery output presents both opportunities and challenges as the market landscape evolves.

The heightened refinery utilization rate within the U.S. aligns with long-standing seasonal trends; U.S. refineries typically ramp up production during the summer months to meet soaring gasoline demands. Historically, utilization averages around 92% during this peak season, compared to lower rates across the remaining months of the year. For the current year, however, the emphasis has notably shifted towards the production of distillate fuels like diesel, primarily due to strong international demand for U.S. exports.

“High international demand for U.S. distillate fuel oil exports has kept refinery outputs elevated,” explained Jimmy Troderman, Principal contributor for the U.S. Energy Information Administration. For small business owners involved in sectors reliant on diesel, such as transportation, construction, and agriculture, this demand could translate into more accessible fuel supplies and potentially lower prices in the near term.

Despite achieving the highest refinery utilization levels in more than two decades, it’s essential to recognize that total U.S. refinery output hasn’t peaked alongside the utilization rates. The overall output has only been the highest since 2019, driven by a 4% decrease in refining capacity since then. This means that while refineries are running at higher rates, their total production capacity has diminished, emphasizing the need for small business leaders to stay informed about how capacity constraints may affect their supply chains.

As we moved into October, U.S. refinery utilization rates did dip slightly from their impressive summer highs, though they continue to hover above the five-year seasonal average for the first three weeks of the month. For small businesses, the implications of these trends could be significant. A temporary slowdown could affect inventory levels for those relying heavily on diesel and other distillates for their operations.

Nevertheless, this elevated refinery activity can offer crucial insights for small business owners. For instance, if you depend on transportation for your products, it could be beneficial to monitor fuel prices closely and consider strategic purchasing to mitigate costs before any potential price hikes become commonplace in the winter months. Keeping abreast of changes in refinery output and operational patterns might provide a competitive edge to businesses needing to allocate their resources effectively.

Moreover, the shift in production focus reflects a growing global shift toward distillate consumption, emphasizing the importance of taking stock of your energy needs and planning accordingly. Utilizing forecasting tools can assist small business leaders in predicting future energy requirements based on fluctuating market conditions.

In summary, while U.S. refineries ramp up production to high levels not seen in years, small business owners should carefully navigate this landscape. Understanding both the opportunities created by elevated refinery utilization and the potential pitfalls presented by limited refinery capacity can help business leaders make informed decisions that align with their operational needs and financial goals.

For further details and analysis, visit the original article here.

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This article, "U.S. Refineries Hit Highest Utilization Rates Since 1998 Amid Global Demand" was first published on Small Business Trends

SBA Opens Nominations for 2027 National Small Business Week Awards

Small business owners, mark your calendars: the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has officially opened nominations for the 2027 National Small Business Week Awards. This annual event, celebrated from May 2–8, 2027, aims to honor exceptional entrepreneurs and small business leaders across the nation. With nominations due by 3:00 PM ET on December 7, 2026, now is the time for owners to recognize their achievements and those of their peers.

“Thanks to President Trump, the golden age for small businesses is here, with record new business starts, rising employment and investment, and historically high small business optimism,” said SBA Administrator Kelly Loeffler. Her remarks underscore a climate of renewed confidence, which small business owners can leverage as they nominate themselves or others for recognition.

This initiative, which has been celebrated since 1963, showcases one standout business owner from each of the 50 states plus the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Guam. These selected individuals will vie for the coveted title of 2027 National Small Business Person of the Year, the SBA’s most prestigious award. Additionally, the SBA invites nominations for specialty categories that highlight excellence in various areas of entrepreneurship.

The award categories include:

• Small Business Manufacturer of the Year
• Exporter of the Year
• Blue Collar Small Business of the Year
• Rural Small Business of the Year
• Veteran Small Business of the Year
• Phoenix Award for Small Business Disaster Recovery

Nominations can be submitted online at SBA.gov/nsbw and must adhere to the guidelines provided. Owners willing to share their stories or those seeking to uplift fellow entrepreneurs could find this opportunity beneficial not only for recognition but also for showcasing their contributions to local economies.

For the past several years, SBA has held a ceremony in Washington, D.C., to recognize the national award recipients, which adds a layer of prestige to these honors. In 2026, award winners were celebrated by President Donald J. Trump at the White House during a Small Business Summit, highlighting the importance of small businesses in America’s economic recovery phase.

However, while this recognition can elevate a business’s profile, there are practical considerations for nominees. The process requires clear documentation of accomplishments and a compelling narrative that truly captures a business’s impact and journey. Small business owners might also want to initiate discussions with their teams or mentors to gather insights that can enhance their nomination—preparing a strong submission often requires collaboration and introspection.

As small business owners evaluate the nomination process, it’s worth contemplating the broader implications of participating in such awards. Recognition can have long-term benefits, including increased visibility, potential media coverage, and networking opportunities with other successful entrepreneurs. Furthermore, many award winners often report enhanced customer trust and loyalty, as well as improved employee morale from being part of an award-winning team.

Prospective nominees should visit SBA.gov/nsbw to access resources including eligibility requirements, guidelines, and nomination forms. Understanding these elements is crucial not only for submitting a nomination but also for articulating a business’s unique value proposition effectively.

In a time when small business confidence is on the rise, this award present an opportunity for owners to reflect on their contributions to their communities and the broader economy. As the countdown begins toward the award nominations, small business leaders have a chance not just to celebrate their achievements but to inspire others within their networks. Engaging in the nomination process could yield more than just an accolade; it can serve as a catalyst for growth and recognition that reaches well beyond the ceremony in Washington, D.C.

By participating in the SBA’s National Small Business Week Awards, entrepreneurs can not only honor their successes but also play a vital role in the ongoing narrative of America’s resilient economic landscape.

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This article, "SBA Opens Nominations for 2027 National Small Business Week Awards" was first published on Small Business Trends

UPS Unveils Enhanced Shipping Options and Security for Holiday Rush

As the holiday season approaches, small business owners are gearing up for one of their busiest times of the year, and UPS is stepping up its game with a range of new and enhanced shipping services designed to streamline operations and boost customer satisfaction. With millions of packages set to move through the UPS network, the company’s latest initiatives promise greater reliability, improved tracking, and increased package protection—all critical components for businesses during peak shipping times.

UPS announced that it will implement expanded shipping options starting this holiday season, incorporating RFID-powered tracking technology that offers real-time visibility throughout the shipping process. By the end of 2026, UPS aims to deliver more than 4 billion RFID-enabled packages, a significant upgrade that allows business owners to provide precise tracking information to their customers. This technology not only reduces uncertainty but also enhances the overall delivery experience, minimizing customer inquiries related to tracking. As noted by Kurt Goodwin, Customer Experience Executive for Crutchfield, a premium consumer electronics retailer, “UPS RFID technology helps provide greater visibility, reduces uncertainty and improves the overall delivery experience.”

In addition to improved tracking, UPS is introducing new package protection services tailored for the holiday season. Their new “Protected Delivery” feature mandates that recipients provide a PIN to the driver before a package can be released. This extra layer of security is particularly beneficial for small businesses shipping high-value items, as it helps safeguard sensitive deliveries during a time when shipping volumes tend to soar.

UPS’s enhancements don’t stop there. Small businesses will also benefit from several other shipping improvements, including:

• Best-in-class UPS drivers who are committed to safety and timely deliveries.
• Greater pickup visibility with enhanced scheduling capabilities and status alerts for real-time updates.
• Simplified returns options through partnerships with Happy Returns, offering end-to-end reverse logistics solutions.
• Flexible delivery choices, including premium air and ground services, as well as local same-day delivery options through their Roadie service.
• Increased automation in key facilities, enhancing network efficiency and service performance.
• Holiday-ready packaging, giving businesses the chance to send out festive-themed shipments that can enhance customer engagement.

However, while UPS is optimizing its services, small business owners should consider potential challenges that may arise as they adapt to these new offerings. With UPS hiring over 100,000 seasonal employees to manage the increased demand, there may be concerns regarding the consistency of service quality. Rapid onboarding processes can lead to variability in performance. As Matt Guffey, Executive Vice President and Chief U.S. Domestic Officer at UPS, stated, “Peak season is one of the most critical times of year to deliver, and no one does it better than UPS.” Nevertheless, businesses should be mindful that even the most established systems may experience growing pains during this surge.

Moreover, while UPS’s improved technology enhances tracking and security, small businesses will still need to ensure their logistics processes align with these advancements to maximize benefits. This includes integrating their e-commerce systems with UPS’s tracking technology and ensuring that customers are informed about the new package protection protocols being put in place.

As small businesses prepare for the holiday rush, UPS’s upgraded service offerings can help ensure that shipments reach customers efficiently and securely, enhancing the overall consumer experience. With attention to detail in logistics and operational adjustments, small business owners can capitalize on these enhancements, ultimately driving customer satisfaction and loyalty during the peak season.

For more information on UPS’s enhancements and services, readers can view the original press release here.

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This article, "UPS Unveils Enhanced Shipping Options and Security for Holiday Rush" was first published on Small Business Trends