In today's hypercompetitive lower middle market, tech due diligence is no longer optional—it's the last major lever for alpha. As traditional levers like multiple arbitrage fade, firms that institutionalize tech DD unlock hidden value, compress timelines, and gain execution velocity in sub-$25M deals.

AI is reshaping private equity deal origination, enabling early adopters to uncover proprietary opportunities, boost efficiency, and outcompete peers. With only 20% of firms operationalizing AI, a closing window exists to gain advantage. Success demands smart implementation, strong data infrastructure, and AI-literate teams. The time to act is now.

The 2025 Omnibus Act creates an unprecedented opportunity for professionals to exit corporate life and build wealth through entrepreneurship. With permanent tax benefits, enhanced deductions, and immediate R&D expensing, the legislation shifts the financial calculus in favor of small business owners. Record business formation rates, AI-driven infrastructure, and normalized remote work empower individuals to design lifestyle-aligned businesses with greater freedom and impact. Though the path requires risk, sacrifice, and strategic execution, successful entrepreneurs gain financial independence, control over their schedules, and the ability to live by their values. Examples across sectors—tech, e-commerce, and consulting—prove the model works. The convergence of macroeconomic stability, scalable business models, and AI enablement makes 2025 a generational window for entrepreneurial success. For those ready to break free from corporate constraints, now is the moment to act. The reward: wealth, purpose, and authentic life design.

In 2025, technical debt has evolved into a critical business risk reshaping private equity transactions, especially in the lower middle market. Once seen as a mere IT maintenance concern, technical debt—stemming from shortcuts in technology decisions—now threatens deal success through inflated costs, integration challenges, and stifled innovation. It consumes up to 40% of IT budgets and can derail growth strategies due to outdated systems, cybersecurity vulnerabilities, and a shortage of skilled IT professionals. For private equity firms, especially those operating under tighter resource constraints, this hidden liability not only jeopardizes valuations and operational efficiency but also presents a powerful opportunity for value creation. Leading firms are treating technical debt as a financial metric, incorporating specialized advisors into due diligence, and embedding long-term remediation into portfolio strategy. The firms that prioritize technical debt management will gain a competitive edge, while those that ignore it risk costly deal failures and diminished returns.

The final installment of the Website Excellence Series offers a practical, budget-conscious roadmap for building an effective, legally compliant, and scalable website without needing a technical background. It outlines strategic platform choices based on business type—Wix for general use, Squarespace for design-driven brands, Shopify for e-commerce, and WordPress for maximum control—and breaks down SEO, analytics, accessibility, and implementation costs by business stage. With an eight-week implementation plan and a "Foundation First" strategy emphasizing security, accessibility, SEO, and AI-readiness, it guides entrepreneurs through every decision, from selecting tools to ongoing optimization. The core message: launch early, improve continuously, and build a digital asset that serves customers while protecting your business.

In Part 4 of the Website Excellence Series, “Accessibility Compliance Without the Headaches” tackles the rising legal and financial risks of ignoring web accessibility, while highlighting the massive opportunity to serve over 61 million Americans with disabilities. The article explains why relying on quick-fix accessibility widgets can backfire and emphasizes that ADA compliance applies to all public-facing businesses—no matter their size. It outlines a practical, phased approach to accessibility, from free testing tools and quick-win fixes to professional audits and manual remediation. Proactive compliance is shown to offer a 16:1 ROI compared to reactive legal defense, and tax incentives can significantly offset costs. The article debunks common myths, outlines international requirements, and reframes accessibility as a smart, strategic investment that boosts SEO, customer trust, and overall user experience. Ultimately, it encourages businesses to embrace accessibility as a core value and competitive advantage, not just a legal obligation.

In Part 3 of the Website Excellence series, Elliott Friedman explores how artificial intelligence is transforming online search behavior and what small business owners must do to stay visible in an AI-driven world. With AI tools like Google Overviews, ChatGPT, and voice assistants reshaping how users find answers—often without clicking through—businesses must focus on producing helpful, authoritative content aligned with Google's E-A-T-T standards. This includes using schema markup, optimizing for voice and local search, and creating structured, conversational content that addresses user intent in depth. The article offers strategies tailored to specific AI platforms, outlines how to measure success beyond traditional analytics, and cautions against common mistakes like over-optimization or abandoning human readability. Ultimately, AI optimization is framed not as a trick, but as an extension of good business practices rooted in trust, clarity, and genuine helpfulness.

In Part 2 of the website excellence series, Elliott Friedman demystifies local SEO for small business owners, explaining how targeted, location-specific strategies can outperform even large national competitors in Google search results. By leveraging free tools like Google Keyword Planner, Search Console, and Trends, businesses can uncover high-value local keywords and optimize metadata, schema markup, and social media presence for greater visibility. Friedman outlines a detailed 8-week action plan covering everything from claiming Google Business Profiles and ensuring NAP consistency to building backlinks and engaging in community forums. He also warns against common SEO pitfalls like keyword stuffing, fake reviews, and poor mobile design. Ultimately, he emphasizes that local SEO isn’t about gaming algorithms—it’s about helping customers find trustworthy, engaged businesses in their community, and that sustained, strategic effort yields measurable long-term growth.

In Why Your Website Design Matters More Than Ever (Part 1 of 5), Elliott Friedman lays out a compelling case for why modern web design in 2025 is no longer just about aesthetics—it’s about functionality, compliance, and strategic value. With over 4,000 accessibility lawsuits filed in 2024 and AI now driving more than half of all Google searches, Friedman emphasizes that today’s websites must be legally compliant, mobile-first, AI-optimized, sustainably built, and designed to convert. He explores emerging design philosophies that prioritize clarity, user experience, expressive typography, and emotionally resonant color palettes. From brutalist design revivals to thumb-friendly mobile layouts, Friedman argues that the most successful websites are those that foster human connection while meeting performance and legal standards. This article kicks off a five-part series focused on helping entrepreneurs build sites that truly work—without needing to be tech experts.

Independent CPAs and small accounting firms in South Carolina must prioritize cybersecurity to protect sensitive client data and comply with regulations. The FTC Safeguards Rule and the South Carolina Insurance Data Security Actmandate that CPAs implement Written Information Security Plans (WISP) and conduct regular risk assessments to mitigate cyber threats.

Without dedicated IT staff, many CPA firms struggle to maintain compliance, making IT business advisors invaluable. These experts help identify vulnerabilities, implement safeguards, and ensure firms meet evolving cybersecurity standards. The investment in cybersecurity consulting not only prevents costly breaches but also enhances client trust and business continuity.

CPAs should take proactive steps by scheduling a security review with an IT expert. For further insights, visit resources like SCACPA’s cybersecurity guide and the SC Department of Insurance.

Recent infrastructure investments across the Southeast are creating significant opportunities for entrepreneurs across diverse industries. Upgraded ports, enhanced transportation networks, and energy grid improvements are driving growth in logistics, renewable energy, real estate, technology, agriculture, and tourism. From streamlined supply chains and clean tech innovations to increased market access and vibrant urban development, these advancements provide fertile ground for business creation and expansion. By identifying opportunity zones and leveraging these investments, entrepreneurs can position themselves for success in a rapidly evolving economic landscape.

Layoffs can be a turning point, offering an opportunity to transform career uncertainty into entrepreneurial success. South Carolina's recent workforce reductions, including the closures of major employers like International Paper and MAHLE Behr Charleston, highlight the challenges of relying on traditional employment. Starting a business provides a pathway to financial independence and resilience, leveraging personal expertise while contributing to the local economy. With access to state resources like the South Carolina Small Business Development Center and growing market opportunities, aspiring entrepreneurs can establish ventures in thriving sectors such as technology or healthcare. A business advisor can further ease the transition, offering expert guidance on strategy, financing, and operations, helping new businesses achieve faster revenue and long-term stability. Layoffs can be daunting, but with determination and the right support, they can be the catalyst for a successful entrepreneurial journey.

Charleston, South Carolina, is emerging as a thriving hub for business and innovation, driven by a strong economy, diverse industries, and a growing population. Anchored by key sectors like trade through the Port of Charleston, healthcare advancements at MUSC, manufacturing, and a robust tourism industry, the city continues to attract new investments and talent. The tech sector is particularly vibrant, with local startups securing significant funding and expanding rapidly. Meanwhile, Charleston's appeal as a lifestyle destination is drawing new residents, enriching the workforce and community. With its blend of opportunity, cultural richness, and strategic growth, Charleston is solidifying its position as a key player in the Southeast's economic future.