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Business Guides

Running your own business is challenging but it’s rewarding. Follow these quick and simple business guides for smooth-sailing on your entrepreneurship journey.
July 20, 2021
July 29, 2021
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7 mins read

Thinking of Scaling Your Business? 5 Actionable Ways on How to Get Started

From getting your expenses in order with direct integrations to raising seed capital, here's how you can scale your business in five simple steps.

July 14, 2021
July 27, 2021
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7 mins read

The Best Business Structure Types for Small Businesses in Singapore

Having trouble choosing the ideal business structure for your small business?

July 12, 2021
July 27, 2021
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6 mins read

Are You a Newly Incorporated Business? Here Are 6 Financial Tips For You

Now that you've incorporated your business, what's next? Here are 6 tips that can help you with the next step.

July 8, 2021
July 27, 2021
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7 mins read

Everything You Need to Know About Foreign Transaction Fees & How to Avoid Them

Tired of paying for hefty foreign transaction fees? Here are a few tips and tricks on how to avoid them.

May 28, 2021
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3 mins read

5 Tips for Founders to Maintain a Work-Life Balance Amidst the Pandemic

As COVID-19 continues to develop worldwide, there’s a growing concern that the pandemic is feeding the trend of increased working time. To break the cycle of hustle culture and encourage a more balanced lifestyle, here are 5 easy and effective ways to build a work-life balance for founders. 

May 20, 2021
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4 mins read

Government COVID-19 Support Measures for Businesses

From special financing to business development programmes, here are some of the best government support schemes that can help you navigate COVID-19 with confidence. 

July 5, 2021
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5 mins read

21 Inspiring Businesses That Digitally Transformed to Overcome COVID-19

From retail stores to corporate service providers, learn more about how these 21 local businesses have adapted during the pandemic and embraced digital transformation.

May 27, 2021
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2 mins read

Singapore is Returning to Phase 2: Here are 4 Things Businesses Need to Know

On May 4, the Education Minister and Co-Chair of the Multi-Ministry Taskforce (MTF), Lawrence Wong, announced that Singapore will be “effectively back” to Phase 2 from May 8 to June 13th. As we gear up for what’s to come, here are 4 things businesses across all sectors need to know.

April 7, 2021
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5 mins read

All You Need to Know About Shares For Your Singapore-Based Business

Regardless of whether you are a novice entrepreneur or a seasoned business owner in Singapore, you should take the time to learn about shares at least once in the course of your business journey. You also have to do it at least once, during incorporation.In this article, we take you through the basics of everything you need to know about shares and whether this is the next step in the right direction for you and your business.

April 15, 2021
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5 mins read

Best COVID Recovery Grants and Support Measures for Businesses in 2021

The Singapore government recognises the importance of helping businesses nationwide and has put together multiple grants to help firms bolster the impact that we will continue to face as the pandemic continues. With that, here are our top picks for the best COVID-19 grants and support measures to help businesses in 2021!

March 31, 2021
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4 mins read

Startup Founders, is it really worth joining a startup incubator?

Comparing the differences between incubators and accelerators, and the common 3 pros and cons of joining a startup incubator.

April 7, 2021
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4 mins read

Comparing 10 Best Startup Incubators in Singapore and Around the Globe

We’ve gathered 10 of the top incubators in Singapore and around the globe for you to compare and weigh your options. From Antler, Entrepreneur First, Y-Combinator, 500 Startups and more.

March 26, 2021
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4 mins read

How Much Paid Up Capital Do You Need to Start a Business in Singapore?

Paid up capital can simply be described as the amount of money a company has received from various shareholders through the issue of shares. These funds are generated through an Initial Public Offering (IPO), where the company sells its shares to investors on the primary market.

March 16, 2021
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7 mins read

Here Are 2021’s Top 10 Most Digitised Industries and 50 Business Ideas You Can Start Today

We have uncovered the most highly digitised sectors and industries in 2021, along with several business ideas and areas you can tap into for your next business venture!

February 8, 2021
February 8, 2021
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8 mins read

Here Are 8 Essential Metrics for Your E-commerce Business

Highlighting the various metrics that are important for every e-commerce business, this article will focus on the most essential ones that can help business owners assess their website performance if they have yet to do this step. 

December 28, 2020
December 28, 2020
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7 mins read

Why Using WordPress eCommerce for Your Online Store in 2021 Can be a Good Idea

For those wondering how to start an online business via WordPress eCommerce, this step-by-step guide will outline the process. Learn about some of the best WordPress themes and why they matter when starting your eCommerce business on WordPress.

December 24, 2020
December 28, 2020
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8 mins read

Guide On How To Use Wix eCommerce To Sell Online

Wix Stores has an easy-to-use dashboard interface, hundreds of free and paid apps to boost your online store’s functionality and charges zero transaction fees. This guide gives examples of successful stores and how to set up your own Wix store.

December 15, 2020
December 17, 2020
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5 mins read

What are the Different Types of Grants from Workforce Singapore?

Funding is one of the most important aspects when it comes to any business. Through these funding initiatives and programmes, the Singapore government has made it easy for employers to gain access to these funds and it is crucial to take full advantage of the grants you may be eligible for. 

December 15, 2020
December 17, 2020
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7 mins read

The Different Types of Grants from Enterprise Singapore 2020

In October 2020, Enterprise Singapore (ESG) announced that they would be extending and enhancing the various grants and support schemes to help companies tap into new growth opportunities through internationalisation and digitalisation in order to emerge stronger after COVID-19. 

December 14, 2020
December 21, 2020
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7 mins read

5 Steps and 5 Tips To Start Selling On Carousell Singapore

If you’re an online retailer looking to start selling on Carousell, here is a step-by-step guide you can refer so your business journey runs more smoothly. We’ve also included tips on how you can boost sales on Carousell Singapore

December 8, 2020
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6 mins read

How to Create Simple Videos for Your Business for Free

Video marketing has several benefits for small businesses such as improving brand awareness, boosting online presence, and increasing social media engagement.

December 7, 2020
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6 mins read

Guide To Selling On Amazon Singapore

Begin selling on Amazon Singapore by following our easy step-by-step guide. We’ve also included tips on how you can boost sales on Amazon.sg.

December 7, 2020
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6 mins read

How To Sell On Qoo10 Singapore And Tips Earn More Sales in 2021

Here is a step-by-step guide on how to start selling on Qoo10 Singapore for those who are looking to list products on the online marketplace. Tips on how to become a top Qoo10 seller are also included.

December 2, 2020
December 5, 2020
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6 mins read

Applying for the Enterprise Development Grant (EDG) in 2021

Thinking to boost your business with some funding support and apply for the Enterprise Development Grant (EDG) in 2021? It's not as complicated as it seems!

June 10, 2021
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6 min read

4 Simple Steps To Start Selling On Shopee Singapore And Boost Sales (2021)

For online retailers unsure how to start selling on Shopee Singapore, this is an easy step-by-step guide you can refer to. Inclusive of strategic business tips for Shopee Singapore to boost sales.

June 10, 2021
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6 mins read

Seller’s Guide To Lazada Singapore: How To Start Selling And Get Sales (2021)

If you are an online retailer who wants to start selling on Lazada Singapore, we’ve put together a step-by-step guide for you. Plus, we’ve thrown in seller’s tips on how to increase sales on Lazada Singapore.

November 26, 2020
November 30, 2020
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5 mins read

Best Online Business Apps You Will Need in 2021

We know running a new business isn’t an easy feat. With projects, clients and expenses to manage, you might feel increasingly overwhelmed. Here’s a pro-tip: streamline your daily business tasks with the best online business apps. 

June 10, 2021
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6 mins read

Comparing The Best Way To Ship Products From China to Singapore in 2021

Here is a comprehensive list of the best cost-effective forwarding services you can use to ship products from China to Singapore, from ComNBuy, ezShip, SGShop to vPost.

November 23, 2020
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7 mins read

How To Get Customer Reviews And Manage Your Response For Positive Sales

Getting feedback via customer reviews is an online marketing strategy you can use to boost sales. If you are not sure how to get customer reviews and how to manage your response to consumer feedback, here is a step-by-step guide you can use.

November 18, 2020
November 17, 2020
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6 mins read

Niche Market Examples and How to Market Niche Products?

If you are planning to focus on a niche market for your next business idea, it is important to understand their demographics on a deeper level to better tailor your brand messaging.

November 17, 2020
November 17, 2020
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7 mins read

Singapore Best Selling Products Online to Target Women in 2021

Learn about the trending best selling products for women with high-margin, and how to market them most effectively.

November 16, 2020
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7 mins read

Introduction to Niche Markets in Singapore

If you’re looking for product ideas to enter the retail market, consider catering for niche markets in Singapore. In this introductory article, find out more about niche markets, niche market examples and niche market strategies you can use.

November 5, 2020
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5 mins read

Comparing the Top 5 Invoicing Software For Small Business in Singapore

It’s not easy for businesses to keep track of all their financial records and transactions. This is why more and more businesses in Singapore are opting to use invoicing software that can help them keep track of their finances. 

December 21, 2020
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7 mins read

5 ECommerce Success Stories to Learn From

Looking for ways to grow your business but unsure where to start? What better way than to learn from the successes of eCommerce businesses before you?

November 3, 2020
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7 mins read

Top 10 ECommerce Mistakes You Shouldn’t be Making: Why Ecommerce Fails

ECommerce has a failure rate of about 80% and that can be attributed to many reasons. Check out these common issues and how you can avoid them. 

February 26, 2021
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7 mins read

What is a Tech Startup and How to Start One in Singapore?

Keen to understand more about what is a tech startup and how to start one in Singapore? Click here to read our step-by-step guide!

October 19, 2020
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10 mins read

50 Business Opportunities for Fresh Graduates in Singapore

Are you a fresh graduate in Singapore looking for business opportunities? We’ve identified 50 business opportunities for you here in this article!

October 15, 2020
October 16, 2020
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8 mins read

How to Improve the Post-Purchase Customer Experience

Studies show that only 20% of consumers are likely to purchase from a retailer again after a negative delivery experience. Building a stronger relationship begins at check out.

October 15, 2020
October 15, 2020
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5 mins read

E-commerce vs. Offline Retail Business: 5 Pros and 5 Cons

With many companies adapting to offer their products or services online, let’s examine the pros and cons to see the right moves you can make for your business. 

October 14, 2020
October 15, 2020
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7 mins read

Top 10 E-commerce Product Categories You Should be Selling in Singapore 2021

Here are the top 10 e-commerce product categories you should be selling in Singapore 2021

October 9, 2020
October 11, 2020
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7 mins read

6 Best Cell Service Providers for Small Business Owners in Singapore

Telecommunication infrastructures have always been one of Singapore’s forte. As the demands escalate, many startups set forth in the telco industry. That's exactly how the introduction of telecom companies like Circles.Life came along. 

September 30, 2020
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7 mins read

The Impact of Telecommuting on Employees Job Performance

Telecommuting plays a vital role in businesses alike. Not only is it cost-efficient, flexible, but it can revolutionize the way your business. Here’s what you need to know.

September 28, 2020
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6 mins read

Start Your Own Startup Business with $20k in Singapore

Passionate about entrepreneurship but low on capital? Don’t worry. Here are four creative startup business ideas that will require no more than $20k to in Singapore!

September 28, 2020
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10 mins read

On Call with Andrea Baronchelli: Neobanking for SMEs in SEA (Podcast Transcript)

How Aspire is becoming the banking platform of choice for SMEs in the region, from the pain points and risks of the neobanking trajectory to forging partnerships and a path to profitability. Andrea also shares lessons from his years as a Lazada co-founder and executive.

June 10, 2021
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5 mins read

How Much Do Sole Proprietors Pay in Taxes in Singapore?

Being a sole proprietor, you may be wondering how to go about working out your business and personal taxes. In this article, we’ll take you through what you need to know about the basic tax requirements for sole proprietors in Singapore. 

October 15, 2020
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4 mins read

Google Pay in Singapore: Is It Secure?

As an online payment platform, users of Google Pay in Singapore can load physical credit cards into this virtual wallet. This automatically transforms their smartphones into a one stop shop for all their payment needs.

September 23, 2020
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4 mins read

History and Future Predictions of eCommerce Business

Curious to know more about this booming industry? Read on to find out everything you need to know about eCommerce here. 

September 22, 2020
September 22, 2020
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6 mins read

Startup Business Lawyer Fees in Singapore

If you are interested to find out more about lawyer fees for startup businesses, this article highlights the most critical ones you will need and why you need them.

September 19, 2020
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4 mins read

Common Types of Private Investors For Startups In Singapore

Funding comes from various types of private investors in Singapore. Find the common types of private investors for startups in Singapore with examples.

September 19, 2020
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5 mins read

Beginner-Friendly Financial Plan for Startups in 6 Simple Steps

All business startups require a great financial plan to survive in the long run. In this article, we are going to introduce you to the 6 simple steps you ought to take in beginning a financial plan for your startup.

September 16, 2020
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7 mins read

10 Essential Tips to Run a Successful E-Commerce Business

It's time for you to scale up your eCommerce store into a truly big and successful business, take note of these 10 essential tips to run your e-commerce business successfully.

September 14, 2020
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5 mins read

The Best Business Startup Advices of All Times

Here are 6 of the best business startup advice of all times from famous business founders

September 14, 2020
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6 mins read

Top 10 eCommerce Business Courses for Beginners in Singapore

Here are the top 10 eCommerce business courses for beginners in Singapore with the reputation of the instructors, the skills you want to learn, and of course, price.

September 9, 2020
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7 mins read

How to Start an eCommerce Business in Singapore

Have a business idea but not sure where to start? Let us help you: The step-by-step guide to grow your eCommerce business in Singapore from scratch

February 26, 2021
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5 mins read

6 Tips to Start Your Home-Based Business in Singapore

One of the most challenging parts when starting your own business from scratch is figuring out where to even start. Here are 6 tips to start your home-based business in Singapore.

September 2, 2020
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5 mins read

4 Things to Consider When Starting a Home-Based Business

Before you get started on your business journey, follow these 4 things you need to consider when starting a home-based business

August 31, 2020
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6 mins read

Why You Should Consider a Home-Based Business in Singapore

Setting up a small business poses a great deal of benefits, especially during this time and is a sustainable way of generating income if you’re looking to explore different entrepreneurial options.

August 28, 2020
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5 mins read

5 Home-Based Business Ideas Amidst COVID-19

This COVID-19 makes you think of starting your home-based business ideas?‍ But you have no idea where to start or what to do?‍ We’ve got you covered. 

July 28, 2020
August 17, 2020
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6 mins read

3 Things to Consider When Looking for A Cloud-Based HR Software

Good software can simplify the entire process such that you need only decide how many pairs of eyeballs are necessary to be confident that the final amount is always accurate. So what are the 3 things to consider when looking for a cloud-based HR software in Singapore?

May 15, 2020
September 7, 2020
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7 mins read

A Guide to Understanding Business Insurance

This guide aims to offer an overview of how business insurance works, meant for business owners, startup founders, or anyone looking to get a primary understanding of business insurance.

April 17, 2020
December 23, 2020
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3 mins read

How to Start Selling Online in Singapore [2021]

Use this guide to learn how to sell online to expand your business’s cash flow. A compilation of the top platforms in Singapore for your business to start an online presence, from Shopee, Lazada, Qoo10 to Deliveree and GrabFood.

April 14, 2020
August 17, 2020
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7 mins read

Government Support Measures for COVID-19

Find out a comprehensive list of measures rolled out by the government to support SMEs in Singapore during the COVID-19 pandemic, including how Aspire can support small businesses throughout this tough times.

February 20, 2020
August 17, 2020
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5 mins read

Budget 2020: The 7 Things SMEs and Startups Need To Know

Amid the COVID-19 outbreak and a projected slowing economy, Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Heng Swee Keat delivered the Budget 2020 statement on Tuesday (Feb 18).

December 24, 2019
February 26, 2021
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6 mins read

How to Start Your Own Small Business in Singapore

Are you on the fence deciding whether to start out your first business in Singapore on a smaller or larger scale? This article will help you with just that!

December 13, 2019
August 17, 2020
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6 mins read

Guide to 10 Trendiest Co-Working Spaces in Singapore

Renting an office can be a burden for some small businesses. However, with the rising trend of "Co-Working Space" these days have come to solve the problem.

December 12, 2019
June 10, 2021
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6 mins read

7 Best Payroll Software for Small Businesses in Singapore

We have created a list of popular payroll software in Singapore and their prices, including the totally free one, as a guide to help you navigate your options.

December 10, 2019
June 10, 2021
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5 mins read

4 Popular SME Grants from Singapore Government | 2021 Edition

Singapore government has always been supportive of SMEs in terms of providing support including initial capital grants, it became one of the many reasons as to why Singapore became a popular spot for global businesses to site. 

December 10, 2019
December 23, 2020
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9 mins read

How to Set Up Food and Beverage Business in Singapore [2021]

A comprehensive preparation to help you set up an FnB business in Singapore.

November 21, 2019
August 12, 2020
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4 mins read

What SMEs Need to Know for 2020 - Singapore Fintech Festival 2019

Aspire's team members had the privilege of attending the event and to some of the conferences. As a Fintech startup, we discover what's coming and what to expect in 2020 and beyond.

November 14, 2019
September 7, 2020
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5 mins read

5 Must-Read Business Books for Business Owners & Entrepreneurs

To save you the trouble of reading book reviews to find out which one is worth your time, here is a narrowed down list of options to consider. As voted by 100 famous entrepreneurs, these are the top 6 must-read business books of all time.

November 8, 2019
February 26, 2021
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5 mins read

How to Start a Business in Singapore With No Capital

Are you a foreigner looking to start a business in Singapore with no capital? Or are you in urgent need to develop something of our own that creates money? Fret not, because we are here to answer your curiosity!

November 7, 2019
September 7, 2020
•
5 mins read

Singapore's Top 5 Affordable Rental Spaces

This short read will give you a bird's eye view of some of the popular rental spaces in Singapore and how much you should expect if you wish to rent a space there.

October 15, 2019
August 12, 2020
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4 mins read

4 Business Lessons to Learn from Marvel Studios

The "blockbuster machine" has won many nominations and awards through the years and been a record-breaker in the worldwide box office. If you're wondering why Marvel is so good at what it does, here's our recap of HBR Ideacast Podcast: Business Lessons from How Marvel Makes Movies.

October 14, 2019
August 12, 2020
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3 mins read

What is Blue Ocean Strategy and How it Can Help Small Business?

Thinking of ways to improve your small business? Or planning to develop your own small business? The article will discuss what the blue ocean strategy is and how it can help small businesses.

October 14, 2019
September 8, 2020
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4 mins read

Who are the Key Men in Small Business?

One of the most crucial roles in business besides the CEO is the key men. What exactly is a 'Key Men' and who are the Key Men in your company? They don't have to be the CEO, but they could also be the CEO. 

October 10, 2019
June 10, 2021
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5 mins read

5 Fun Facts Inside Google Singapore Office

Our team members had the privilege to went inside and tour around Google Singapore Office, which is also the Google Asia Pacific Headquarter! So expect it to be BIG, FUN, and you know GOOGLE!

October 9, 2019
September 7, 2020
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5 mins read

Outsourcing: What and when it could work for your business?

Outsourcing is a strategic use of outside resources to perform activities done internally. It is now a common, sometimes a more preferable way, for businesses to achieve their main objective: earn more profit, by increasing revenue and reducing cost. Outsourcing, however, doesn't necessarily mean to hire foreigners.

October 7, 2019
August 17, 2020
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FREE Hair and Beauty Salon Business Plan Template

Looking to start your entrepreneurial journey in the hair and beauty industry? Or are you looking to create a solid business plan for your established hair and beauty salon? This one's for you! 

September 30, 2019
September 14, 2020
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4 mins read

Home Delivery Asia: Sharing Economy is the Future of Logistics Industry

In brief, Home Delivery Asia 2019 is the only event dedicated to retail logistics and last-mile fulfilment, especially useful for businesses in the logistics industry. If you've missed the event, we're here to fill you up on the key take-aways from this event

September 25, 2019
June 10, 2021
•
6 mins read

14 Small Business Ideas for Women in Singapore [2021]

 We have collected and listed 15 simple small business ideas for women that requires little or no capital at all, with demands and trends rising in Singapore.

September 18, 2019
August 12, 2020
•
6 mins read

How to Set Up Shopify Store: 6 Simple Steps

Shopify manages everything from secure checkout payments to shipping. Sounds like the e-commerce platform you need? Read on to find out how to set up Shopify store.

September 24, 2019
August 12, 2020
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5 mins read

Beginners' Guide to Expand Food Business

Your FnB business looks like it is ready to expand and reach out to more fans, this blog will guide you to expand food business using the simple 5W + 1H model.

September 3, 2019
November 11, 2020
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5 mins read

Why Your E-Commerce Store Should Stock Up for 9.9

Especially in Southeast Asia, the 9.9 sales (later followed by 10.10, 11.11 and 12.12) are widely adopted by big names in the industry such as Shopee, Lazada and Qoo10.9.9 events are held on the 9th of September every year and are famous for their huge discounts.

September 20, 2019
August 12, 2020
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5 mins read

Small Business Social Responsibility: 3 Main Benefits and 5 Smart Ideas

Small business social responsibility does not always have to be donating millions of dollars to a non-profit organization or planting 1000 trees. It can be as simple as setting up more recycling bins, minimize the amount of waste or switch to energy-saving light bulbs.

July 23, 2019
August 12, 2020
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2 mins read

An Interview with Andrea Baronchelli

As a former EVP and CMO for Lazada, our founder believes that the problems small business owners were facing could be solved: providing business credit line up to $150k without long waits, paperworks and hidden fees. 

July 16, 2019
August 17, 2020
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5 mins read

Profitable Small Business Ideas for the Internet Age

In this article, we will explore some small business ideas which can be profitable in a relatively shorter time frame. In essence, these are business models based on selling products or services at a price higher than the cost of preparing them.

July 1, 2019
September 7, 2020
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6 mins read

What We Learned at Innovfest Unbound 2019

This year, Aspire had the privilege of attending Innovfest Unbound, Southeast Asia's largest innovation festival. As entrepreneurs, we met other passionate representatives from the region's finest tech companies. As a FinTech startup, we learned what's coming up next in the finance space. Moreover, how we can be a part of that change.

July 1, 2019
December 16, 2020
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5 mins read

What FinTech Means for Ecommerce

If you've ever bought or sold anything online, then you already know: The ecommerce world has exploded, and it doesn't show signs of stopping. Global e-retail sales are expected to grow by 21.5% this year from 2018, and are due to hit US$4.88 trillion in 2021. But how does that other hot-button buzzword —"FinTech"— fit into the ecommerce equation?

April 28, 2019
August 17, 2020
•
6 mins read

The Importance of Credit Bureau Report Singapore

Take it from a FinTech startup: Learn all about a CBS (Credit Bureau Report Singapore), why it's important, and why it's less intimidating than it sounds!

April 22, 2019
September 7, 2020
•
5 mins read

How to Utilize Technology for Your Small Business

The good news is that the benefits of technology outweigh the short-term challenges of transitioning from the old system to a new one. So, let's study some areas that can be explored to increase the use of technology in your small business.

April 13, 2019
September 7, 2020
•
6 mins read

5 Things to Consider When Pricing a Product

For those of you who are engaged in manufacturing or producing goods for sale, pricing a product is indeed an important aspect. There are several things that need to be taken into consideration when determining the price of a product.

November 20, 2018
September 7, 2020
•
6 mins read

A Guide For Singapore Ecommerce Online Sellers

Brand building is key. Premium products and experiences. Conduct in-depth research before settling on a niche market. Stay hands-on with business finances.

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