Stamps.com

Recent changes to U.S. tariffs are reshaping the landscape of cross-border shipping, impacting both the cost and compliance requirements for businesses involved in international trade. We’re monitoring these developments closely to understand how they affect duties, de minimis thresholds, and broader logistics. For the most up-to-date and official information, we recommend referring to the White House’s fact sheet here.

In this blog, we’ll break down the fundamentals of tariffs and duties, their role in cross-border shipping, and the challenges businesses must navigate in an evolving trade landscape.

Shipping internationally—even between neighboring locations like Iowa and Ontario—comes with its own unique hurdles. Terms like “tariffs,” “duties,” and “de minimis thresholds” can be confusing, but understanding them is critical for managing costs and ensuring smooth delivery. We’ll break down these core concepts so you can ship across borders with greater confidence.

What are Tariffs?

Tariffs are government-imposed fees on imported goods from specific countries, often applied for a set period. Unlike duties, which are typically fixed and based on the product’s value and classification, tariffs are strategic tools used to influence trade behavior or protect domestic industries. Because they can be introduced or changed at any time, they add a layer of uncertainty to international shipping.

Tariffs influence everything from consumer prices to supply chain planning, making them a central issue in global commerce.

What does De Minimis mean?

The term de minimis refers to a minimum value threshold under which import duties and tariffs are waived. If your shipment’s declared value falls below this threshold, your customer typically won’t owe additional import charges. This is especially beneficial for companies shipping smaller, lower-value goods—whether you’re a small apparel brand or a global retailer.

De Minimis Thresholds Vary by Country

It’s important to remember that de minimis values aren’t universal. Some countries have generous thresholds, while others set them low—or don’t offer them at all. That’s why it’s essential to research the import rules of each destination country before shipping there.

Duties vs. Taxes: Understanding the Distinction

These terms are often confused, but they refer to different types of charges:

Duties: These are fees on imported items, based on factors like value and product classification.
Taxes: These may include Value Added Tax (VAT) or Goods and Services Tax (GST), and can apply to both imported and domestically sold goods.

While both are taxes, understanding the difference helps ensure accurate pricing and smoother communication with customers.

Estimate Costs Easily with GlobalPost’s Duty and Tax Calculator

To help you predict shipping costs and avoid surprises, we recommend taking a look at GlobalPost’s Duty and Tax Calculator. This tool allows you to quickly estimate the applicable duties and taxes for your shipments. Just enter the item’s HS code, and you’ll get a clear view of what to expect. There’s also a free HS code lookup tool to make things even easier.

Tips for Compliance

To avoid costly delays and compliance issues, follow these best practices:

Classify products accurately using the correct HS codes.
Complete all customs paperwork thoroughly, including invoices and packing slips.
Stay current with regulations, as trade rules and tariffs can change quickly.
Lean in with a knowledgeable partner who understands cross-border compliance.

Avoid Surprise Charges for Your Customers

No one likes getting an unexpected bill at the door. Surprise duties or taxes often lead to frustrated customers, refused deliveries, and negative reviews.

GlobalPost from Stamps.com, a hassle-free international carrier, helps solve this by offering Delivered Duty Paid (DDP) service, where all taxes and duties are prepaid by the shipper. This means your customers receive their orders without hidden fees—boosting satisfaction and reducing returns.

How Stamps.com Helps you Ship Internationally with Confidence

We’re here to help make international shipping easier and more manageable for our customers. When you choose Stamps.com for your international shipments, you gain access to:

Discounted Shipping Rates: Benefit from negotiated discounts on international shipping services from trusted carriers, including USPS, GlobalPost, UPS, and DHL Express.
Rate Comparison: Easily compare rates and estimated delivery times from various carriers side-by-side, allowing you to select the best option for your specific needs and budget.
Educational Resources: Access helpful guides and information to better understand international shipping regulations, documentation requirements, and best practices.
Dedicated Support: Get the assistance you need to navigate the complexities of international shipping. Our support team is available to help you understand changes in regulations and address any questions you may have.

By understanding tariffs, de minimis thresholds, and the difference between duties and taxes, and by leveraging the comprehensive international shipping solutions, you can confidently expand your reach and help ensure your important shipments arrive safely.

The Benefits of Automation for Accounting Firms

Firms still relying on manual workflows may find automation a leap at first, but it comes with many significant benefits.

Automating Data Entry & Bookkeeping

There are plenty of tools that automate data entry and reconciliations, reducing the inaccuracies usually associated with human manual work. Tools like QuickBooks, Xero, and Mint use AI-driven automation that learns from past transactions to improve its categorization accuracy via connections with bank accounts and various financial software. Xero, for example, has a bank feed feature that automatically imports and classifies transactions, syncing with your accounting data, and providing real-time access to cash flow and financial reports. This makes bookkeeping faster and more reliable. It also allows you to focus on higher-level financial analysis instead of searching for missing numbers.

Automating Financial Operations: Payroll, Invoicing & Tax Compliance

There are 3 key areas where automation can transform operations for accounting firms:

1. Payroll Automation

Payroll is one of the most time-sensitive processes in any business, and automating it with tools like Gusto or ADP can significantly reduce the risks and inefficiencies of manual systems. By integrating with existing accounting software, payroll automation helps maintain compliance without the headaches of manually tracking every update. Issues like compliance violations, missed deadlines, calculation errors, data security risks, and inefficiency from manual management can be eliminated.

Automation ensures that payroll is processed on time, calculations are accurate, sensitive data is securely handled, and all necessary documents are generated without the need for manual intervention. This allows businesses to focus on more strategic tasks while reducing the potential for costly mistakes.

2. Invoicing Automation

Invoicing automation brings about more client convenience and faster cash flow. Features like recurring billing for subscriptions and multiple payment options simplify the invoicing process while creating more flexibility.

These systems integrate with accounting software to automatically update financial records. Invoices are generated based on templates, payment terms, and client details, while payment statuses are tracked in real-time. They can even send reminders for overdue bills to ensure timely payments.

3. Tax Compliance Automation

Automation combats tax season’s notoriously long hours and last-minute scrambles. Tools like Avalara can pull relevant data directly from financial records to automatically fill out tax forms so your firm always complies with evolving tax laws.

Leveraging Workflow & Project Automation

Managing multiple client accounts means keeping track of endless tasks and approvals. Without a structured workflow, things can slip through the cracks. Automating project management assigns, tracks, and completes every task without constant micromanagement.

Workflow automation tools like Motion and ClickUp eliminate bottlenecks by logically processing tasks in order. Automatic reminders keep teams on track with real-time task updates, improving efficiency and project flow.

Here’s how Motion and ClickUp work:

Motion combines task management with calendar features, enabling automatic task prioritization and scheduling. Motion automates task allocation by automatically adding tasks to your calendar based on their deadlines and priorities. Integrated time tracking helps users monitor how much time they’re spending on tasks, so you don’t miss billable hours.

ClickUp is an all-in-one project management solution with robust automation features. It can automatically assign tasks, set due dates, send notifications, and integrate with time tracking apps like Clockify. You can also set custom workflows, automate status updates, and track project progress in real-time.

Reduce the Burden of Physical Paperwork With Mailing and Shipping

Accounting firms still rely on physical mail for much of their documents and correspondence. These documents can come in the form of tax forms, legal notices, financial reports, and other regular correspondence with clients. Mailing out all this material is time-consuming and prone to errors, which can be costly. Implementing an automatic system for this process would completely change the workflow.

With the help of Stamps.com, accounting firms can:

Print postage on demand instead of making last-minute post office trips
Automate bulk mailing and find the best prices across shipping providers
Track shipments effortlessly, reducing lost documents and resends

Beyond mailing automation, firms can benefit from other digital-first solutions that simplify operations and elevate the client experience.

E-signatures & digital document storage → Secure, paperless workflows reduce physical paperwork while improving accessibility.
Client portals → A centralized hub for document sharing and secure messaging, alongside payment processing. Portals give clients 24/7 access to their financial information.

Stamps.com automates mailing and shipping workflows, reducing both costs and administrative headaches. Accounting firms can integrate their day-to-day processes seamlessly with Stamps.com to automate their overly manual mailing and shipping practices.

Common Concerns About Automation

For many, the idea of automation raises a few concerns, including costs, security risks, and implementation challenges. Let’s break down why these concerns shouldn’t hold your firm back.

“Automation Is Too Expensive”: Automation comes with long-term ROI, including time savings from fewer errors and streamlined processes. You can increase billable work and handle more clients without increasing staff.

“Is My Data Safe?”: Using encryption within secure cloud storage systems, you get access controls and audit logs to track sensitive information. This keeps you compliant with privacy laws like SOC 2 and GDPR.

“Automation Seems Too Complicated to Implement”: Starting small makes automation manageable. Best practices include using scalable tools, automating one process at a time (invoicing, then payroll), and leveraging training resources for smooth adoption.

Next Steps to Implement Automation

The best way to approach automation is by tackling time-consuming, repetitive tasks first. A strategic rollout makes adoption smooth and maximizes efficiency gains.

Identify the biggest time drains
Pick tasks that can be overcome quickly for quick wins
Plan for long-term automation
Test before you commit
Take it one step at a time

Automation: The Future of Accounting Firms

Modern accounting no longer needs to be drowning in the backend processes. Instead, it can be about working smarter so you can focus on the important functions that drive actual business. By automating manual tasks like data entry, payroll, invoicing, and tax prep, you can reclaim valuable time for your accounting firm.

Investing in automation ultimately positions you to focus on strategy and advisory work. When your time and energy are directed at what really matters, you become a better financial partner that customers can’t live without.

Now’s the time to take action. Start exploring automation for accounting firms and download “The Digital Accounting Firm: A Guide to Regaining Flexibility Through Digital Transformation.“

More Articles by Juliyana Fridline

All too often, valuable hours slip away on repetitive tasks that don’t contribute to your bottom line. At a law firm, time is lost to manual processes like printing, mailing, and tracking important legal documents. A Smartsheet report found that over 40% of workers spend at least a quarter of their week on repetitive tasks like email, data collection, and data entry. Automation transforms law firms by cutting manual tasks, freeing time for billable work and strategic planning. This impacts caseload capacity and the client experience, and both impact revenue growth.

In this guide, you’ll learn how the right automation tools can help you work smarter. Whether you run a traditional or digital law firm, optimizing workflows leads to fewer errors and an improved client experience.

Find Your Way to Automation Bliss

Learning new technology takes time, and at first, it might feel like more trouble than it’s worth. But once an automation is up and running, the time savings are impossible to ignore. You’ll spend less time on tedious processes and more time on what really matters—practicing law.

Choosing the Right Legal Tech for Your Firm

Finding the right automation tools depends on your firm’s needs. Start by considering:

Customization options: Your firm’s processes are unique. Look for software that adapts to your workflows instead of forcing you to change how you work.
Data encryption and security compliance: Legal data is sensitive. Your automation tools should meet industry security standards to keep client information safe.
Seamless integration: Make sure new software works with your existing systems, from case management to billing. The goal is to simplify operations, not complicate them.

Comparing Cloud-Based vs. On-Premise Solutions

Cloud-based software: Offers remote access and flexibility for teams working from various locations and scales as your company grows.
On-premise solutions: Provides more control and direct oversight and offers added security by keeping data within your firm’s infrastructure. That said, the upfront costs for these solutions can be enormous.

Solve Time-Draining Tasks With Automation

Automation is useless if no one uses it. Proper training creates awareness and understanding that unlocks the new system’s potential. An ongoing education keeps your team competitive with legal tech advancements.

From document creation to billing, automation takes the hassle out of law firm operations, freeing time to work smarter and faster. Here’s how automation solves some of the biggest time drains in a law firm:

Document automation: Manual drafting is slow and error-prone. Automation speeds up document creation, ensures consistent formatting, and reduces mistakes. Firms can generate documents in minutes, maintain professionalism, and focus more on case strategy than paperwork.
Automated time tracking and billing: Tracking time manually can result in missed revenue and delays. Automation ensures accuracy, streamlines invoicing, and boosts cash flow. Firms capture more billable hours, get paid faster, and reduce admin work, all while focusing more on clients.
Client communication automation: Attorneys and staff waste time self-managing reminders, updates, and follow-ups. Automating communication keeps clients informed and improves response times. It also boosts satisfaction and frees time for legal work.

With platforms like Stamps.com, you can handle legal mailing faster, eliminating the headaches of traditional shipping. Stamps.com and law firms go hand in hand when it comes to saving time and improving efficiency.

In addition to saving time, investing in automation has many benefits, including:

Cost savings: Reducing manual administrative work cuts down on overhead costs and frees up staff for higher-value tasks. Less time spent on paperwork means fewer non-billable hours.
Increased revenue: The more time you save on administrative work, the more time you have for billable tasks. Automation helps ensure no billable hour goes untracked, directly increasing profitability.
Efficiency gains: Streamlining processes leads to faster case resolutions, better client service, and fewer missed deadlines. With automation, your firm can run like a well-oiled machine.

Case Management Automation

The more cases you handle, the harder it is to stay on top of everything. Automation for law firms can handle all of this organization, thereby saving you time. Case management’s constant filing and scheduling can introduce errors and make tracking difficult. Centralized case information makes access easy for attorneys and staff, improving collaboration and reducing time spent on administrative tasks.

Automated Research and Legal Research Tools

Legal research is essential but time-consuming, requiring hours to sift through case law, statutes, and precedents. Traditional methods are slow and labor-intensive, but AI-powered tools can analyze vast legal data in seconds. It can also create connections that would otherwise be too hard to find by manually reviewing documents.

Automation Pitfalls To Avoid

Automation for law firms is a powerful tool, but it’s not a magic fix. When done right, it saves time and money. But when done wrong, it can create more problems than it solves. Here’s what to watch out for:

Over-automating without oversight: Some tasks need a human touch. While automation can handle repetitive work, attorneys should be the ones overseeing complex analysis and strategy.
Ignoring staff training: Automation is useless if no one knows how to use it. Training ensures your team maximizes legal tech and avoids reverting to inefficient habits.
Choosing the wrong tools: If a tool doesn’t integrate with your case management or billing system, it can cause more issues. Choose software that fits seamlessly into your firm’s workflow.
Failing to monitor compliance: Legal automation must comply with ethical and regulatory standards. Choose tools that adhere to industry regulations and put data security first.

The Future of Law Firm Efficiency

Automation gives your attorneys more time to focus on what matters most. If you’re not sure where to start, keep it simple. Automate one or two key areas, such as billing or document management, and expand from there. The more time you save, the more you can focus on growing your firm and delivering top-notch legal services.

Ready To Reclaim Valuable Hours?

Download our free ebook, “The Digital Law Firm: A Guide on Regaining Flexibility in Your Business Through Digital Transformation“, and take the first step toward automation.

More Articles by Juliyana Fridline

Updated as of 6/30/2025.

The United States Postal Service (USPS^®) adjusts postage rates at least once a year, and sometimes more frequently. These changes can have an impact on your mailing and shipping costs, that’s why we’re committed to keeping you informed so you can manage your expenses effectively.

In this blog, we’ll break down the latest USPS rate changes and show you how we can help you stay on top of these changes.

The good news? We’re dedicated to providing you with best-in-class discounted rates on USPS mail classes and shipping services. Even with rate changes, you can rely on us to offer great savings and help you make the most of your budget.

What are rate changes?

Rate changes are regular adjustments to shipping and mailing prices, implemented by the carrier in response to factors such as fuel cost fluctuations, inflation, and operational enhancements. These adjustments, often referred to as rate changes or rate adjustments, are designed to keep carriers competitive, maintain their financial stability, and ensure they continue providing reliable services to customers.

July 2025 Rate Changes

On July 13, 2025, the USPS will implement a number of important rate changes that could affect your business. Bookmark this blog to stay up to date with rate changes.

Let’s dive into the key updates you need to know:

1. USPS Rate Changes on Stamps.com

See how these changes will impact the discounts we offer Stamps.com customers on USPS rates below.

Even with these changes, you’ll still access shipping rates lower than USPS Commercial Rates, and continue to see savings of up to 87% when you ship USPS through Stamps.com.

Ground Advantage™: Overall, rates will increase by about 1.9%, with most increases seen for packages under a pound. You will enjoy savings of up to $4.43 and discounts of up to 15.3% off Commercial Rates for packages over a pound.
Ground Advantage™ Cubic: Prices will not change at this time, and you will access savings of up to $1.69 and discounts of up to 20.5% off Commercial Rates.
Priority Mail®: This service had the largest increase by about 10.8%, with savings of up to $4.71 and discounts of up to 13.5% off Commercial Rates.
Priority Mail® Flats Rate: Rates increased by about 5.8%, with savings of up to $2.80 in some areas and discounts of up to 13.4% off Commercial Rates.
Priority Mail® Cubic: Rates increased by about 7.0%, offering savings of up to $2.33 and discounts of up to 13.5% off Commercial Rates.

2. Retail and Commercial Price Changes

USPS is making adjustments to Retail and Commercial Shipping Rates starting July 13, 2025.

USPS rates will raise domestic shipping service prices by approximately:

6.3% for Priority Mail®
7.1% for USPS Ground Advantage™
7.6% for Parcel Select®
Prices are not changing for Priority Mail Express service.

USPS will implement changes to mailing services, including:

First-Class Mail Forever stamp: $0.73 → $0.78.
Metered First-Class Mail Letters (1 oz): 69¢ → 74¢
Domestic Postcards: 56¢ → 62¢
International Letters/Postcards (1 oz): $1.65 → $1.70
Additional Ounce Letter Rate: 28¢ → 29¢

A quick reminder: The stamps you print on Stamps.com are not Forever stamps. This means you’ll need to print additional postage after July 13th to cover the new rate when mailing items with these stamps.

3. New Nonstandard Fee for Package Characteristics

Starting July 13, 2025, USPS will now charge the Nonstandard Fee based not only on size and weight, but also on specific package characteristics, including:

Cylindrical tubes or rolls.
A can, a wooden, or a metal box.
A parcel containing more than 24 ounces of liquid in glass containers, or 1 gallon or more of liquid in metal or plastic containers.
Other (e.g., parcels prepared with contents that may cause the parcel to roll or not maintain the integrity of the packaging during processing)

This fee applies to all USPS package services, just as the existing nonstandard fee does. For Priority Mail and Ground Advantage, this package surcharge will be $4.00.

Learn more about this new fee on Page 11 and view Page 17 for an image demonstrating the dimensional weight and the four types of nonstandard fees.

How we can help

Navigating rate changes doesn’t have to be stressful. We’re committed to providing the tools and resources you need to stay informed and save on mailing and shipping.

Here’s how we support our customers:

Enjoy Discounted Rates: We offer you discounts on USPS rates, helping you save even as rates adjust.
Access Helpful Resources: We provide resources to keep you informed about industry trends, including rate changes, demand surcharges, and dynamic pricing.
Utilize Cost-Saving Features: We have tools to help calculate postage and find savings opportunities, offering clear insights and streamlining your daily tasks.
Expert Support: Our help center and support team are ready to assist with any questions or concerns, including rate changes and carrier-specific details.

We’ll keep this blog updated with the latest USPS changes, so bookmark this page to easily access future updates.

We’re here to help you stay ahead of the curve and make informed decisions as USPS rates evolve. For more information and resources on USPS rate changes, check out our Help Center.

Mail and Ship Anything From Home, Office, or Your Phone.

Start 30-Day Trial

January 2025 Rate Changes

On January 19, 2025, the USPS will implement a number of important rate changes that could affect your business. Let’s dive into the key updates you need to know:

1. Peak Demand Surcharges End

To manage the holiday rush, USPS introduced peak demand surcharges that went into effect on October 6, 2024. These surcharges will end on January 19, 2025. Once they expire, mailing and shipping prices will return to “normal,” meaning the seasonal surcharges will no longer be added.

2. USPS Price Changes

USPS implemented service rate changes starting on January 19, 2025. See how these changes will impact the discounts we offer Stamps.com customers on USPS rates:

Ground Advantage™: Overall, rates decreased by approximately 0.5%, with savings up to $3.03. However, some packages under one pound saw an increase of about 1.3%.
Ground Advantage™ Cubic: Prices dropped by about 1.2%, offering savings of up to $1.69.
Priority Mail®: This service saw the largest decrease, down about 5.7%, with some rates dropping as much as $10.50.
Priority Mail® Flat Rate: Rates decreased by about 1.7%, with savings up to $1.30 in some areas.

Priority Mail Cubic®: Prices decreased by about 3.4%, offering savings of up to $4.88 in certain areas.

Great news! You’ll continue to enjoy best-in-class discounts on USPS rates when you print stamps or shipping labels through Stamps.com.

3. Changes to the Rural ZIP Code List

In September 2024, USPS identified a specific list of rural ZIP Codes. The updated list now reflects 12 fewer rural ZIP Codes, with some being removed and others added. To check if a particular ZIP Code is affected by these changes, please contact our support team for assistance.

4. Postage Price Changes

USPS is making adjustments to Retail and Commercial Shipping Rates starting January 19, 2025.

It’s important to note that the Postal Service will not be raising prices in January for Mailing Services, therefore, the price of a First-Class™ Stamp will remain unchanged.

These adjustments aim to keep USPS competitive while addressing its revenue needs.

5. New Live Animal and Perishable Handling Fees

Starting January 19, 2025, USPS will implement a new handling fee for all shipments containing live animals or perishable items:

Priority Mail Express®: $7.50 per label
Priority Mail®: $15.00 per label
Ground Advantage™: $7.50 per label

This fee reflects the additional resources required to safely handle and transport these items.

Madison is passionate about helping businesses make sense of the ever-changing world of shipping and carriers, and is all about helping customers feel confident and ship smarter. When she's off the clock, you'll find her exploring an art museum, enjoying the outdoors, diving into a good book, or spending time with her loved ones.

From Innovative to Iconic: The Evolution of NetStamps®

In 1996, Stamps.com revolutionized the mailing industry by introducing NetStamps®: The first USPS®-approved adhesive labels that allowed users to print exact postage amounts for First-Class Mail® directly from their computers . This innovation eliminated the need for traditional postage meters, offering businesses and individuals a digital, more flexible and efficient mailing solution.

Over the years, NetStamps became synonymous with convenience and reliability. Their distinctive design—a blank label featuring a red border and the Stamps.com logo—remained unchanged for nearly three decades, symbolizing trust and consistency for countless users.

Embracing Change: The New NetStamps Design

After 30 years of the classic design, Stamps.com has unveiled a refreshed look for NetStamps. This redesign aligns with our modern brand identity, emphasizing simplicity and user-friendliness. Key enhancements include:

Modern aesthetic: A slimmer and sleeker design that features the new Stamps.com logo and graphics—a reflection of our commitment to innovation and to the hundreds of thousands of business professionals we serve.
Enhanced print fidelity: The new NetStamps use heavier paper with stickier adhesive and higher resolution printing to ensure clearer postage information and facilitate smoother USPS scanning and processing.

Try the new NetStamps today.

Adding Personality: Fun and Functional Designs

Understanding that mail can be both professional and personal, Stamps.com offers a variety of NetStamps designs to suit different occasions and preferences.

From the patriotic “Stars and Stripes” to the cheerful “Sunflower Sky,” these designs allow businesses to add a touch of personality to their correspondence without compromising on professionalism.

Why NetStamps Remain Unmatched

NetStamps continues to be the only USPS-approved solution of their kind, offering unmatched flexibility and convenience. Their unique features include:

USPS approval: The only adhesive labels sanctioned by the USPS for printing First-Class Mail postage.
On-demand printing: Princt exact postage amounts as needed, reducing waste and saving time.
Versatility: Suitable for a range of mailing needs, from invoices to personal letters.

Experience the New NetStamps®

The redesigned NetStamps are now available through the Stamps.com Store. New customers receive a complimentary sheet upon signing up, making it easier than ever to experience the convenience and efficiency of our innovative postage solution.

Try the new NetStamps today.

Jourden is a writer, editor, dancer, and artist who is passionate about bringing storytelling and editorial excellence to everything she writes and creates. In her spare time, she plays tennis and video games, and she loves cozying up with her cats and corgi while watching a Studio Ghibli movie.

1. Automate Repetitive Tasks

How much time do your team members spend on tedious, repetitive tasks? This doesn’t just make their jobs more boring—it also wastes valuable time and leaves room for error. Automating those tasks is the first step in boosting efficiency.

Common accounting tasks that can be automated include:

Data entry
Bookkeeping
Payroll processing

Automation will not replace your current staff. Instead, it frees their time for more valuable work that can only be done by humans, such as customer interactions and complex decision-making. It can also reduce your hiring needs as your accounting firm takes on more clients and a bigger workload.

2. Implement a Centralized System for Client Communication and Document Management

Disorganization is one of the biggest time-wasters in any business. And as your business gets bigger, it becomes more difficult to stay organized.

Having the right system will help keep things organized. A centralized platform—preferably a cloud-based one—will prevent miscommunications and ensure everyone has access to the documents they need, when they need them. Communicating within the platform eliminates the need for emails, which can get lost in the shuffle or become unclear when too many people are added to the same conversation.

Clients can also have limited access to the platform through client portals. The portals allow them to send direct messages to your team, rather than emailing, and they let clients view certain data pertaining to their account so they can answer their own questions. It’s more efficient for everyone involved!

3. Find the Right Cloud Accounting Software

Accounting software allows you to automate tasks and can help streamline communication. It can also simplify everyday accounting tasks like invoicing, expense tracking, and reporting. However, not every software program will meet your company’s needs. The trick is to find the program that fits your budget and priorities.

Most modern businesses opt for cloud-based accounting programs instead of on-site solutions installed on company computers. Cloud software is generally more affordable and can be accessed from any device, anywhere in the world. This is particularly helpful for digital account firms that are remote or hybrid.

When comparing accounting software programs, start by deciding which features are most important to your team. Some popular features include:

A clear, user-friendly interface
AI-powered automation
Online invoicing
Multi-currency capabilities
A mobile app

Many software programs offer free trials—don’t hesitate to test out a few options and review with your team to make sure you find the perfect fit.

4. Optimize Your Workflow with Project Management Tools

While accounting software is a huge help for accounting-related tasks, the right project management tools can help with overall organization and efficiency. Programs like Monday.com, Zoho, and Trello are designed to keep workplaces running smoothly, even if the whole team is remote.

Every project management tool has its own unique interface and functions, so it’s important to shop around. For example, Trello uses a task board model that allows users to categorize projects as they work. Other platforms operate as digital workspaces to send chats, share links, and even plan an after-work cocktail hour. Visualizing workflows helps teams stay on track and can reduce the need for time-consuming meetings to assign and assess tasks.

Many project management tools also offer a free plan, so you can try out a few options and see what works best for your team.

5. Don’t Be Afraid To Outsource

Outsourcing might sound like a scary word. After all, isn’t it always better to handle your work in-house? While that might be true for accounting-related tasks, you can save money and produce better quality work when you outsource specialized jobs to experts.

Marketing is a great example. Small accounting firms may not have an in-house marketing team, but they still need a website, brand, and content to find new clients. Rather than hiring a marketing pro, they can outsource those tasks to a digital marketing firm or a freelancer. Other tasks that are easy to outsource include:

Tax compliance
IT support
Payroll processing
Legal work

The availability of remote work has made outsourcing easier than ever. For short-term jobs, consider contracting professionals through a freelance platform like Fiverr or Upwork. Digital agencies also offer affordable contract work. By outsourcing to experts, you won’t have to sacrifice quality, and your team can focus on the work you hired them for.

Streamline Your Accounting Firm’s Operations With Stamps.com

Modern companies have to keep up with a fast-paced, competitive, and highly digitalized business world, and accounting firms are no exception. Fortunately, streamlining operations in your accounting firm is easier than you might think. It all comes down to finding the right tools.

Looking for more tips to digitize your accounting firm? Check out the Stamps.com ebook: “The Digital Accounting Firm: A Guide to Regaining Flexibility Through Digital Transformation.” You’ll find more details about the best software tools and how they’ll improve your accounting firm’s operations, along with how to build your accounting firm’s digital foundation.

download accounting firm ebook stamps.com

5 Ways to Streamline Your Law Firm’s Operations

Streamlining starts with the right tools—here are five practical ways to run your firm more efficiently.

1. Adopt Legal Practice Management Software

Ditching paper files and scattered systems is the first step toward a more efficient firm. Instead of juggling spreadsheets, emails, and separate calendars, legal practice management software brings everything into one secure, cloud-based platform. For example, digital law firms may streamline operations by managing client intake, case notes, billing, and document sharing all in one place, cutting down on admin time and reducing missed deadlines.

Consider implementing legal practice management software to:

Organize case documents and deadlines in one platform
Access files and collaborate securely from anywhere
Cut down on manual tasks and reduce costly errors

2. Automate Key Legal Processes to Save Time and Reduce Errors

Repetitive manual work can slow your team down and cause costly mistakes, like entering client data incorrectly or using outdated versions of documents.

Automation tools can handle everything from generating standard contracts to sending case updates and e-filing documents. Platforms like Stamps.com help you handle legal mailing faster, eliminating the headaches of traditional shipping, like having to wait at the Post Office. Firms may also use document templates and automated reminders to free up time and improve productivity.

This type of automation may be a good fit if you want to:

Speed up document creation and routine tasks, allowing attorneys to focus on higher-value work
Reduce errors by standardizing documents and filing
Keep cases moving efficiently without manual follow-up

3. Improve Client Interaction and Billing With Integrated CRM & Time-tracking Systems

Clear communication and accurate billing are key to client satisfaction and firm profitability. With a legal-specific customer relationship management (CRM) and automated time-tracking platforms, firms can stay on top of client updates and log billable hours. They can also send invoices without manual effort. For example, a litigation firm might use these tools to automatically send case status updates and track time spent on calls from a single platform.

CRM and time-tracking tools can be game-changing, allowing you to:

Maintain consistent, real-time client communication
Capture billable hours accurately and automate invoicing
Minimize admin work so attorneys can focus on legal tasks

4. Integrate Cloud-based Document Management Into Your Legal Practice Management

With siloed systems and paper files, your team faces an increased risk of lost information and errors. A cloud-based document management system keeps files searchable and accessible from anywhere, while keeping them secure. For example, a firm handling high-volume cases might go paperless to upload, organize, and share documents across teams quickly. This could save hours each week and avoid compliance issues.

Consider moving to a cloud-based document system to:

Reduce time spent searching for case files
Collaborate securely across devices and locations
Protect client data with encrypted, backed-up storage

5. Ensure Your Firm’s Security With Robust Cybersecurity and Compliance Practices

As firms digitize, protecting sensitive client data becomes more critical than ever. UK law firms experienced a 77% increase in cyber attacks in 2024 alone.

Legal software with built-in security features, like encrypted messaging and secure file storage, helps reduce risks and protect important data. Compliance tracking can also help firms stay ahead of regulations. For example, a firm handling medical-related cases may rely on tools compliant with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) to safeguard data and maintain client trust.

To strengthen your firm’s cybersecurity, you will need to:

Encrypt communications and store files in secure, cloud-based systems
Stay compliant with regulations like HIPAA and the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)
Train staff on cybersecurity best practices to prevent breaches

How Streamlining Law Firm Operations Can Scale Your Firm for Long-Term Growth

As your law firm grows, so will client demands and caseloads. You will need to set up systems to reduce administrative complexity and avoid overworked staff and unhappy clients.

By adopting digital tools, from cloud storage to practice management platforms, firms can manage higher volumes of work without expanding overhead. For example, automating document creation and client intake frees attorneys to focus on legal work rather than paperwork.

Once you optimize your operations, your firm will be able to:

Handle more cases without overwhelming staff
Increase profitability by cutting admin time
Deliver faster, more consistent client service

Resistance to change is common, but involving your team early and offering hands-on training builds buy-in. Offer step-by-step guides and ongoing support to help staff adopt new tools with confidence. Efficient change management will help you smoothly roll out new systems with minimal disruptions. This will, in turn, lead to higher morale and stronger client service, as well as encourage long-term adoption.

Follow these three key phases to effectively streamline your operations:

Focus on high-impact areas first. Start by automating processes like client onboarding, time tracking, and communication.
Integrate AI tools for faster legal research, contract review, and case forecasting. These steps boost productivity and free up time for strategy and client advocacy.
When systems run efficiently, attorneys spend less time managing tasks and more time practicing law, which creates space for long-term growth.

Take Action to Streamline Your Law Firm Today

If your law firm is juggling too much, it’s time to simplify. Start by using software to manage cases, automate repetitive tasks like document drafting, track time and billing in one place, store files in the cloud, and protect client data with solid security practices.

Need help getting started? Download our free guide, The Digital Law Firm: A Guide on Regaining Flexibility in Your Business Through Digital Transformation. Cutting out busywork now means fewer mistakes and a faster service down the line. Start today to gain happier clients and more time to focus on growing your practice.

More Articles by Juliyana Fridline

Grants are one of the most important funding sources for small businesses. Law firms, in particular, typically need a couple of years to establish credibility within their communities.

Unlike loans or venture capital investments, grant money doesn’t need to be paid back or exchanged for shares in the company. By proving your business worthwhile, you can benefit from funding opportunities to support regional expansion, technology adoption, or launching community service initiatives.

Law Firms Can Also Benefit From Small Business Grants

Like other small businesses, small law firms go through challenges and struggles similar to more conventional business ventures that only money can solve.

There’s usually lots of pressure associated with borrowed money, especially with how quickly you’ll need to pay it back. Opting for grants instead of loans can alleviate the burden of having to repay them with interest once they’re due.

With grants, your law firm can invest in the technology necessary for legal procedures, such as Electronic File Management (EFM) software, expanding services, or providing pro bono work for your local community. And if you’re just starting, grants can help cover the cost of recruitment.

Benefit From Small Business Grants as a Service Provider

While many small business grants are industry-specific, many are aimed at service-based small businesses. After all, service providers often need access to similar financial support early on. That said, expenses tend to focus more on talent and digital infrastructure rather than product stock.

For example, America’s Seed Fund is a grant program for early-stage startups. It offers financial support to small businesses with innovative approaches to their target markets. Your state and county may also offer programs to support small local businesses, like the PA Department of Community & Economic Development (DCED), which provides funding and other resources to small businesses.

Develop Your Workforce With Government Support

While financial funding is the most commonly known type of grant, there are other types of support for small businesses on a local scale. Most government-funded small business grants for law firms are offered by the Legal Services Corporation (LSC).

The Basic Field Grant

The Basic Field Grant is a competitive bidding process. The grant aims to improve legal access for low-income people.

It funds up to three years of training for qualified attorneys and legal aid organizations. It focuses on improving skills typically lacking in the local legal market, such as knowledge of cybersecurity or data privacy laws.

The Pro Bono Innovation Fund

The Pro Bono Innovation Fund aims to encourage more lawyers to get involved in pro bono services to address gaps in accessibility to legal services nationwide. It offers funding for planning, project management, and sustainability, as well as for the transformation of infrastructure.

The Technology Initiative Grant Program

The Technology Initiative Grant is not only aimed at legal practices and law firms, but it also funds innovative uses of technology in legal services and the judicial system. This grant primarily supports the efforts of pro bono attorneys by providing the infrastructure for technologies, including mobile, cloud computing, and automated document assembly.

Grants for Women-Owned, Minority-Owned, and Veteran-Owned Law Firms

Law firms, in particular, benefit from having diverse voices that represent the U.S. population. That’s why a law firm started by a person from a protected minority group qualifies for specific grants and development programs aimed at supporting their small business. Some of these programs include:

The Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB) Federal Contract Program

The WOSB Federal Contract Program is a part of the National Association of Minority and Women-Owned Law Firms (NAMWOLF). It awards a minimum of 5% of all federal contracting to women-owned small businesses annually. To qualify, the law firm must be at least 51% owned and managed daily by American women.

The EnrichHER Small Business Grant

Founded and operated by a Black woman, the FinTech company offers the EnrichHER grant of $5,000 to small businesses developing new products or services in the U.S. As of 2025, this grant has already awarded $14 million to minority-owned small businesses across the mainland USA.

The Veteran Institute for Procurement

The Veteran Institute for Procurement (VIP) provides training resources for service-disabled and veteran-owned small businesses based in the United States. This program aims to help you secure federal government contracts through in-person training programs, educational events, and industry-specific networking opportunities.

Tips for Finding the Winning Grants for Law Firms

Thanks to the internet, you can access countless grants and development programs aimed at small law firms in your area.

Explore Government Grants

Grants.gov is a centralized repository of all grants offered by the federal U.S. government to individuals, businesses, and non-profit organizations. You can narrow your search to the Department of Justice, as it focuses most of its grants on law firms, attorneys, and legal practices.

The best part is that you can apply for your grant directly through the Grants.gov platform, where you can also verify that you qualify for any specific grant.

Conduct a Filtered Google Search

For grants offered by private entities or NGOs, your best option is to be smart about using Google search. Include key terms in double quotations to mandate them in the search results. For example, try using “law firm” or “attorney” as you look for grants.

Also, from the “All results” drop-down menu, you should select “Verbatim” to show more relevant results.

4 Best Practices For Submitting Outstanding Grant Applications

While most grants are awarded based on merit, you can still optimize your application to increase your chances of being selected.

Confirm Eligibility: Applying for grants you don’t qualify for can be a huge waste of time and resources. If you don’t qualify at first, see if you can make the necessary changes to make your business eligible before applying.
Apply Early: This gives you time to resolve any issues in your application before the deadline.
Hire a Grant Writer: If writing isn’t your strong suit, consider working with a professional grant writer to research, draft, and submit your proposals.
Showcase Your Business’s Value: Because grants mainly focus on community development, you should showcase your firm’s positive effects on the local community or industry.

Law Firms: Apply For The Small Business Flexibility Grant

Just because you don’t run a small business in the traditional sense, doesn’t mean you won’t have access to specialized funding through grants. While free, applications do take time, so focus on higher-return grants, like the Small Business Flexibility Grant provided by Stamps.com.

It’s open for small businesses, primarily targeting small professional services businesses. The Stamps.com grant offers $25,000 to help small businesses, such as law firms, get off the ground. Apply now before the submission deadline of May 31, 2025.

More Articles by Juliyana Fridline

The highest performing accounting firms use productivity and technology 61% more than their competitors. Why? Because every second counts in the world of accounting.

When processes aren’t streamlined, you’re not just losing time—you’re reducing profitability. In this blog, we’ll dive into what the top productivity drains for accounting firms are. But don’t worry, there’s good news! With the right strategy, you can smooth operations that create happier clients and a healthier bottom line. Let’s explore the tools and strategies that can help you become a digital accounting firm that works smarter, not harder.

7 Technology Gaps That Are Draining Your Business

Manual Transactions and Bookkeeping

Manually entering transactions and managing bookkeeping is wasting valuable time. Manual data entry is a productivity killer, with each transaction posing a risk for errors and costly corrections, which leads to loss of client trust.

So what can you do? Automate bookkeeping and transaction management. Automation tools let you reclaim time and drastically reduce the risk of errors. Imagine transactions automatically synced with your accounting software. Now your team can focus on strategic advice and relationship building.

Lack of Real-Time Financial Insights

If your advisory services are not providing real-time data that customers are able to make advantageous decisions with, then you are being left behind. If a client comes to you for urgent advice but your data is outdated, you can’t provide them with a clear, real-time picture of their financial situation. When you’re reactive about your client’s current financial health, you miss opportunities that could make a significant impact. This limits your ability to act as a strategic advisor and the value you can bring to the table.

Implementing financial management systems that deliver real-time data and analytics is your answer to easily finding:

Cash flow trends
Financial issues early
Growth opportunities

When you gain access to accurate and up-to-date financial data, you are in the driver’s seat. You’re a valuable asset when you create actionable insight clients can use.

Tedious Invoice Processes and Payment Tracking

If you don’t automate processes like invoicing and payment tracking, it means you’re spending a lot of time on tasks that don’t directly benefit your clients. On top of that, tracking billable hours can be difficult. Inaccurate time-tracking and inconsistent billing lead to lost revenue and client disputes. If your focus is on putting out fires and chasing up, you miss time on client relationships, business-building opportunities, and extra revenue. Manual processes mean you may increase the risk of:

Mistakes
Late payments
Reconciliation errors

How do you overcome tedious processes? Solve tedious processes by automating them! Time-tracking software integrates with billing systems, keeps billing accurate so you don’t miss out on revenue, and frees up time for higher-value tasks. It will also let you and your clients track payments in real-time and give them a nudge without you having to lift a finger.

Integration of Disparate Systems

Technology can become a drag on your business operations if it’s not streamlined. Using multiple software tools for different processes like bookkeeping, tax filing, or client communication can create inefficiencies and data silos. These inefficiencies include:

Delayed processes
Incomplete data
Missing information
Data security risks

Each system might be excellent on its own, but if they don’t integrate well, you’re left managing multiple logins, transferring data between platforms, and hoping nothing falls through the cracks.

You can eliminate these issues by integrating your systems. Using software tools that work together seamlessly allows for a smoother flow of information. When your systems talk to each other, your business operates like a well-oiled machine, making it easier to focus on delivering accurate services to your clients.

Inefficient Client Communication and Document Management

Dealing with scattered records creates delays, increases the risk of mistakes and miscommunication, and makes it difficult to find documents when you need them. You spend precious time sending reminders, sifting through emails, and manually following up, rather than focusing on the work that actually drives value for your clients. Here are some signs that your processes need some attention:

There’s regular confusion for both your firm and your clients
You find a lot of information gaps that require retracing ground or missed opportunities
You’re missing communications from the client or internally between staff
There are internal and external reporting inaccuracies that impact the quality of your work

Setting up a secure client portal that centralizes document management eliminates the need for endless email chains and back-and-forth—plus it’s much faster and more accurate. A secure platform for document uploads and communication streamlines client interactions so you have up-to-date information and smoother workflows.

Stamps.com and accounting firms can work seamlessly together to process on-demand postage and batch label printing. Instead of making trips to the post office, you can print and send mail right from your office, saving time and ensuring documents reach clients and agencies without delay.

Regulatory Compliance and Tax Filing Complexities

The world of tax law and regulatory requirements is a constantly shifting landscape. Keeping up can be a full-time job in itself, and any slip-up can have serious consequences. Staying compliant can be overwhelming, as it’s easy to miss critical updates or forget to file on time. You might run into costly mistakes like:

Penalties
Interest charges
Reputational damage
Investigations
License or accreditation loss

The best solution to avoid these issues is to implement software and compliance automation tools. These platforms do the cross-checking for you and often include built-in safeguards. To help you save time and reduce errors, they automatically adjust calculations to meet current compliance requirements and deadlines.

Inefficient Workflows and Lack of Standardization

Without standardized processes, team members may use different methods for the same task. Some use spreadsheets, while others rely on paper, and a few have their own methods of managing client data. This leads to confusion, delays, and mistakes. Outdated, manual processes also waste time and make it harder to decipher important information.

A workflow standardization framework can help. Start by mapping out the most common tasks and creating uniform processes for how they should be completed, regardless of who’s doing the work. Having a predictable workflow that everyone can follow will reduce these inefficiencies and confusion.

Start Optimizing Now and Plug Those Drains

Productivity drains for accounting firms are due to outdated, manual processes. These inefficiencies reduce profitability and impact client satisfaction.

To overcome these challenges, firms must adopt automation and streamline workflows. By integrating modern tools and real-time systems, you can boost productivity, reduce errors, and focus on high-value tasks, ultimately improving client service and long-term relationships.

Ready to reclaim your time and drive growth? Download the Stamps.com ebook, The Digital Accounting Firm: A Guide to Regaining Flexibility Through Digital Transformation, to learn how digital tools can enhance your firm’s productivity and profitability.

More Articles by Juliyana Fridline

For the latest updates on this ongoing situation, visit our status page.

On November 15th, the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) began a national strike, resulting in a total shutdown of Canada Post operations until December 16, 2024. Collective agreements were reached that extended through May 22, 2025, which ensured no further disruptions until that date.

Now that the window is nearly up, Canada Post received strike notices on May 20, 2025, indicating that CUPW plans to begin strike action at 12:00 a.m. local time on Friday, May 23. As both parties work toward a long-term solution, the strike will disrupt mail and parcel service within Canada, unless agreements are reached before that time.

Concerned about how this may affect your international shipping and mailing schedule? Visit our status page to keep up with the latest information.

Who is affected by the CUPW strike?

The strike notice is specific to Canada Post and affects all postage and parcels traveling through this carrier in urban, rural, and suburban areas around Canada. Packages already in transit through Canada Post will be delayed until the strike is resolved. Carriers using Canada Post for last-mile delivery are also impacted. At this time, P.O. Boxes and many rural areas will not be delivered to because Canada Post owns much of that responsibility.

Mailing and shipping delays

While both parties have expressed interest in resolving the dispute, no one knows when the strike will end. Delays may continue even after the strike ends, as Canada Post works to catch up with the backlog.

I need to ship something to Canada—what can I do?

Let’s say you need to send an envelope of important documents to your coworker in Toronto ASAP. Thankfully, Stamps.com connects to multiple carriers that do not use Canada Post for last-mile delivery, offering options to help minimize delays to Canada. Our rate advisor also helps you identify the best rates so your shipment gets into the right hands—no need for postage math. For additional guidance, our support team is available to help customers navigate our carrier selection.

What happens if I’ve already shipped a package to a P.O. Box or one of these postal codes?

During the CUPW strike, our network will securely hold your package or mail and deliver it to its destination once the strike concludes.

Get help navigating international shipping with GlobalPost Plus

No one likes surprise duty and tax charges—especially your customers. These unexpected fees often lead to returns and bad reviews.

With GlobalPost Plus, you pay all duties and taxes upfront (Delivered Duty Paid), so your customers don’t have to. Their package arrives with no extra charges, creating a better experience and reducing the risk of returns.

Will shipping to Canada be more expensive?

Shippers may see surcharges or fluctuating rates due to volume shift at this time.

Where do I find information on the CUPW strike?

The Stamps.com support team is available to provide updated information as the situation evolves. For more updates, keep a close eye on our status page for the latest information.

1/6/25 Update

Effective Monday, January 6, 2025, GlobalPost has resumed full service to Canada, including P.O. Boxes and previously restricted postal codes, and is now accepting mail and packages again for these destinations.

Please note that due to the service interruption and the accumulated backlog from the CUPW strike, shipments to previously restricted postal codes may face delays.

1/3/25 Update

Effective Monday, January 6, 2025, USPS will resume full service to Canada and begin accepting mail and packages again. Starting Monday, January 6, 2025, you can create and print USPS labels destined for Canada using your Stamps.com account. Please note that due to the recent CUPW strike and accumulated backlog, shipments may experience delays.

12-17-24 Update

Effective December 17, 2024, Canada Post resumed operations and will be accepting new mail and parcels on December 19, 2024. At this time, there are no updates from USPS, or other disrupted carriers regarding Canada shipments. We’re closely monitoring and will share updates as available.

12-13-24 Update

“It is my view, and the view of the FMCS, that the parties are at an impasse,” said Canadian federal Labour Minister Steven MacKinnon in a statement earlier today. The Labour Minister is now sending the labor dispute between CUPW and Canada Post to the Canada Industrial Relations Board (CIRB) in an effort to resume Canada Post operations and get striking CUPW workers back to work. The resolution of the strike now requires CIRB to agree with MacKinnon’s assertion that the negotiations are at a standstill.

What are the next steps?

If the CIRB agrees, MacKinnon says the Labour Relations Board will order Canada Post, and all employees represented by the Canadian Union of Postal Workers, to resume operations and extend the terms of existing collective agreements until May 2025.

Canada Post announced that they are reviewing the Minister’s announcement to prepare to participate as the situation progresses and comply with the directive.
To stay updated on this developing story, check this blog or read the latest CUPW negotiation updates.

12-10-24 Update

Effective December 6, 2024, GlobalPost will temporarily pause delivery to Canadian P.O. Boxes and certain postal codes for U.S shipments to Canada due to the ongoing CUPW strike. Since GlobalPost’s network relies on Canada Post for final-mile delivery, service to these regions will be impacted until further notice. Please be aware that Global Post is not sending an error message when a customer prints a label to these postal codes. Customers should refrain from shipping to these areas through Global Post. For the list of postal codes that are affected, please reach out to our support team.

On November 27, 2024, USPS announced a temporary suspension of all Canada-bound shipments, across all mail classes, effective November 29, 2024, in response to the ongoing CUPW strike.

This temporary service disruption affects:

Priority Mail Express International® (PMEI)
Priority Mail International® (PMI)
First-Class Mail International® (FCMI)
First-Class Package International Service® (FCPIS)
International Priority Airmail® (IPA)
International Surface Air Lift® (ISAL)
Commercial ePacket® (CeP)
M-Bag® items

We recognize the impact these disruptions may have on your shipments. Shipments already in transit to Canada will be delayed. To continue shipping to Canada, we offer a variety of carriers with Canadian service to support you during this time.

As shipping volumes increase and other carriers take on more shipments, it’s important to keep in mind potential delays are possible and demand surcharges may be implemented. Regarding the CUPW strike, the situation is still evolving. On December 1st, Canada Post presented CUPW with a comprehensive framework in the hope of reaching negotiated agreements. Stamps.com is devoted to sharing the latest information and helping you navigate disruption as we continue to monitor the situation closely. Stay informed by bookmarking this blog for quick and convenient access.

1. Grants: Competitive Cash With No Repayment

If you want direct capital that doesn’t need to be repaid, consider applying for a small business grant.

Business grants are awarded by the government and private organizations to help stimulate the economy. In most cases, grants do not need to be repaid, but they may come with strict limitations. Some government-funded small business grants are only available to businesses with a limited number of employees, while others are reserved for a specific purpose, such as medical research or clean energy innovations.

Grant programs can be competitive. However, there are thousands available every year, so it’s important to do your research ahead of time, find out which grants your business qualifies for, and learn how to apply.

Some common grant programs in the U.S. include:

SBIR and STTR grants: These federal grants are available to businesses in the science and technology fields that have the potential to be commercialized.
NIH grants: The National Institute of Health offers grants to small businesses that engage in biomedical or behavioral research.
SBDC grants: Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs) are local institutions that offer training, loans, and occasional grants. Contact your local SBDC to find out when grants are available.
The Stamps.com Flexibility Grant: This is a $25,000 small business grant offered to professional services businesses. Learn more about the grant and apply here.

2. Microloans: Fast, Flexible Funding

A microloan is a small business loan of under $50,000, although most are significantly smaller. You probably can’t fund your entire startup with a microloan, but you can use it to:

Expand or enhance your storefront
Repair equipment
Fund a new piece of machinery
Gain new inventory
Rebuild or repair after an accident

The main benefit of choosing a microloan over a traditional bank loan is that most microloans offer flexible repayment plans. They also come with lower interest rates than traditional loans and, because the borrowed amount is relatively small, lower financial risk.

One of the most common sources of microloans is the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). You may also apply for a microloan from a credit union or non-profit, often with the backing of the SBA.

3. Angel Investors: Direct Investments for Rapid Growth

You might not have deep enough pockets to launch your small business—but someone else might. That person is an angel investor: an individual or collective who sees the potential in your business and wants to get involved.

The upside of working with an angel investor is that they’re not a lender. You won’t have to pay your investor back with interest like you would with a bank loan. However, they aren’t offering free money — in most cases, the investor will want equity in your business. They may also have some say in major financial decisions as your business grows.

You may want to consider finding an angel investor if you’re seeking assistance that extends beyond funding. The investor can act as a mentor, helping you steer your business on the road to fast growth.

So, how do you meet your angel investor? You don’t have to be on an episode of Shark Tank. Start by networking in your area. Join local entrepreneur groups and reach out to investors online. Just ensure you have a well-crafted business plan and investment pitch—you need to wow them after all!

Combine and Conquer: Don’t Rely on Just One Funding Source

There are benefits and drawbacks to each of the alternative funding options discussed above. That’s why the best solution is to combine multiple funding sources to gain the capital you need.

Combining small business grants, microloans, and the support of an angel investor will prevent you from borrowing too much money at once, minimizing debt. It will also provide some stability in case one funding source fails. For example, if you plan to fund your business solely through grants, you’ll fall short when you don’t receive every grant you apply for; if you rely on an angel investor, you could be left empty-handed when the investor changes their mind. Your safest bet is to diversify your funding, so you always have a fallback.

How To Create a Funding Strategy

Combining funding options is the safest and smartest way to finance your growing business. But getting started might feel overwhelming. Here are a few steps to help you develop a funding strategy:

Determine your needs: Outline your costs and calculate the total capital required to get your business up and running.
Choose your funding options: Decide which funding options you want to apply for.
Draw a funding roadmap: Decide how you will divvy up capital (i.e., microloans for equipment, grants for research development, etc.).
Identify your sources: Find the grants, microloans, potential investors, and other funding sources that are the right fit for your business.

Get Creative to Fund Your Business

When it comes to funding your small business, traditional loans are far from your only option. Alternative funding options offer lower risk and more flexibility than loans, especially if you combine multiple sources. Don’t be afraid to think outside the box and get creative with your funding.

Looking for a small business grant to boost your funding strategy? Check out the Small Business Flexibility Grant from Stamps.com. This $25,000 grant is for small businesses in the professional services sector, such as law firms, accounting firms, and real estate agencies. The deadline to apply is May 31, 2025—take advantage of this opportunity and apply here.

More Articles by Juliyana Fridline