Bringing you the latest on small business news and more—this month we’ve got small business lending on the rise, SEO tips, and the meaning of “disruptive” in tech. 

Trademark wars

An extended legal battle over the Z-Burger brand proves the importance of registering trademarks. If you need to find out more about the process, check out Copyrights, Patents, Trademarks, and Trade Secrets…How Do You Protect Your Creations?

What didn’t happen

As expected, the Federal Reserve voted nine to one not to raise interest rates. Speculation abounds, but for now rates will remain near zero.

Power to the people

At this year’s HR Technology conference, a number of startups showed off ways to give employees more of a say in the workplace. For more on how to keep your employees happy, check out 15 Surprising Perks Employees Love.

Small business, big lenders

Wells Fargo issued over $1.9b in SBA 7(a) loans in fiscal year 2015, making them the top 7(a) lender.

Paypal, meanwhile, announced it has extended $1b in small business loans since launching Paypal Working Capital two years ago.

If you’re looking for loans, take a look at The Complete Guide to SBA Loans, 3 Hurdles to Getting a Bank Loan and How to Overcome Them and 10 Things the Bank Will Ask When You Need a Business Loan.

Disrupt this

“Disruptive” has become the biggest buzzword in startup businesses. But, are all tech startups really “disruptive”?

Inside Washington

A budget deal is on its way through Congress, which could avert a government shutdown not only now, but for the next two years.

As the 2016 election ramps up, the Bipartisan Policy Center has a few questions on how the candidates will help small businesses.

23 percent of federal contracts are supposed to go to small businesses. For one reason or another, that isn’t happening, as big corporations poach small business contracts.

For more, be sure to check out 10 Tips to Help Small Businesses Get Government Business.

Small business watch

The ACA employer mandate is fast approaching for businesses with 50-99 full-time employees.

Advice from the headlines

Michael X. Heiligenstein manages communications and marketing at Fit Small Business, a product and service review site for small businesses. Previously he has written and edited for the Saturday Evening Post and run his own small business as a marketing consultant and copywriter. In his spare time, he enjoys writing, playing guitar and learning new things.