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• U.S. Exports Reach Record High As Trade Deficit Widens - 5/17/2012 - March exports climb to $186.8 billion while rising imports increase the U.S. trade deficit to $51.8 billion.

• How Small Businesses Are Preparing for Crowdfunding - 5/3/2012 - Small companies are beginning to lay the groundwork for crowdfunding initiatives created by the JOBS Act.
• Transactions Up, Prices Down in the Business Succession Marketplace - 4/30/2012 - BizBuySell.com reports that sales of small businesses are rising as owners become more willing to lower prices.
• Venture Capitalist Confidence Rises Sharply in Q1 2012 - 4/27/2012 - Silicon Valley Venture Capitalist Confidence Index shows upward spike in VC sentiment despite lingering economic concerns.
• House Approves 20% Tax Cut for Small Businesses - 4/20/2012 - Citing numerous flaws in the bill -- most notably that it further cuts taxes for the wealthy and that its $46 billion, one-year price tag exacerbates the nation's budget deficit problem -- President Obama promised to veto the bill in the unlikely event that it gains Senate approval.
• Top 5 Expense Categories for Online Sellers and SMBs - 4/18/2012 - Study of SMB tax data shows the leading deductible expense categories for both online and offline SMBs.
• Aetna Hikes Rates for Small Businesses - 4/18/2012 - In the face of criticism from California state insurance officials and consumer groups, Aetna is undeterred from recent medical insurance rate hikes for small businesses.
• Green Business Practices Remain an Important Goal for SMBs - 4/18/2012 - Small and medium-sized businesses continue to look for ways to become more eco-friendly despite cost concerns.
• Small Business Hiring May Be Up, Despite Disappointing National Jobs Data - 4/9/2012 - The March CBIZ Index shows the largest month-over-month SMB employment gain since June 2010.
• Michigan Targets China with Export Pilot Program - 4/8/2012 - The Pure Michigan Export Now initiative will help Michigan companies take advantage of opportunities in China's rapidly expanding consumer goods marketplace.
• Small business optimism highest since Spring 2011 - 4/3/2012 - SurePayroll's Small Business Scorecard for March shows nearly three out of four small business owners are generally optimistic about the economy and their businesses.
• More consumers planning to save, not spend this year's tax refund - 3/1/2012 - The majority of tax refunds will be used to pay down existing debt and to cover everyday expenses -- not major purchases.
• New tax laws for small businesses - 2/28/2012 - Several new tax laws are impacting small business tax returns this season and providing substantial savings for entrepreneurs.
• A "Boom" in Small Business Spending - 2/23/2012 - Gallup poll shows that this year's planned capital spending for small businesses is at a 4-year high. But can small business owners actually get it done?
• United States container imports up during first half of 2012 - 2/20/2012 - Import tracker shows a trend of rising imports at the nation's retail container ports, despite a slight drop in February.
• Citi teams up with Next Street to create $30m small business lending fund - 2/3/2012 - Financial giant Citigroup plays an instrumental role in the Next Street Opportunity Fund, a lending initiative designed to aid high performing small businesses in economically distressed communities.
• Business owners must have 2012 budgets in place by now, experts say - 1/19/2012 - Time is running out for business owners who want to start the year off well -- with a business plan and a budget in place to get on the right track for business success in 2012.
• Many private business owners strongly oppose raising the national debt ceiling - 1/19/2012 - In a study conducted by Pepperdine University, the business community indicated frustration with the government's approach to debt and other economic variables.
• Employers test reality TV tactics to find good employees - 1/18/2012 - TopstepTrader, a recruiting firm for the futures industry, puts job candidates to the test with a two-week trading contest and a chance to win a $150,000 live trading account.
• New California law allows corporations to put social responsibility ahead of profits - 1/16/2012 - Patagonia apparel company becomes the first company to sign up for California's new "benefit corporation" status.
• More small businesses were sold in 2011 than in 2010 as the market for business exits and transitions gains steam - 1/10/2012 - Recent report indicates a continuing trend of year-over-year growth in the business-for-sale marketplace.
• Reauthorization of federal program reduces opportunities for small business contractors - 1/10/2012 - According to the American Small Business League, the recent reauthorization of a federal program allows defense contractors to continue to skirt the Small Business Act.
• Half of small businesses plan to hire, increase wages in 2012 - 1/5/2012 - SurePayroll's December Small Business Scorecard indicates growing optimism among small business owners.
• Business owners are pursuing last minute tax moves in the final two days of 2011 - 12/29/2011 - While others are busy celebrating the holidays, many business owners are spending the last two days of 2011 closing out their financials with the goal of minimizing 2011 taxes.
• Small businesses motivate employee generosity during the holidays - 12/23/2011 - Small businesses are known for their generosity. Now some SMB owners are devising creative ways to inspire generosity in their workforce.
• Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel announces new nonprofit Microlending Institute to aid Chicago small businesses - 12/8/2011 - Chicago Microlending Institute (CMI) is expected to generate $20 million per year in small business revenues and add 1,000 jobs over a four-year span.
• Legislative uncertainty stalls small business hiring in November - 12/2/2011 - SMB optimism, hiring unchanged for the past month as owners await the outcome of pending legislative initiatives.
• New government resource helps SMBs manage the cost of health insurance - 11/22/2011 - With small business health insurance skyrocketing, the federal government releases an online tool to help entrepreneurs find and compare insurance plans.
• Fed chief Bernanke shines a spotlight on small businesses - 11/10/2011 - Recognizing the importance of small businesses in the economic recovery, Ben Bernanke urges policymakers to step up their efforts to promote small business development.
• Study indicates strong ties between small banks and small businesses - 11/7/2011 - A recent study of New Jersey banks reveals that small lenders are dedicating the majority of their borrowing deposits to small businesses.
• October jobs report shows stable, but slow growth in the U.S. labor market - 11/4/2011 - The just released October jobs report shows that employment increased by 80,000 jobs last month and offers renewed signs of hope for jobseekers.
• Bank of America caves to consumers, drops debit card fee - 11/2/2011 - Yesterday, Bank of America announced that it will drop a controversial $5 monthly fee for debit card users following a massive outcry from consumers.
• Small business borrowing points to stable economic growth - 11/2/2011 - Borrowing among small businesses continues to rise, reinforcing the notion that the U.S. economy is experiencing slow and sustained economic growth.
• Small business employment still sluggish in October - 11/1/2011 - October 2011 small business hiring is off 25% from September as number of hours worked and compensation experience slight declines.
• SBA disaster loans available in Mississippi - 10/31/2011 - While federal funding continues to become available to more small businesses throughout the country, many owners and workers remain unsatisfied with their current situation.
• Mayor Emanuel has new plan for small businesses - 10/28/2011 - Mayor Rahm Emanuel has laid out two new plans to help Chicago small businesses compete with the large companies.
• SMB loans double in Delaware - 10/20/2011 - Small businesses in Delaware and throughout New England are receiving record-breaking amounts of loans and capital from the U.S. Small Business Adminsitration.
• Small business owners think controlling employee expenses will lead to cost savings - 10/20/2011 - Small businesses have to trust their employees, but better management of employee expenses can create a more efficient workplace and more productive workforce.
• Small businesses satisfied with their banks - 10/20/2011 - Despite negative coverage of financial institutions, a recent study finds small businesses are satisfied with their lenders.
• Geithner speaks in support of Jobs Act - 10/18/2011 - U.S. Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner recently addressed Congress in regards to passing the American Jobs Act. Geithner believes the road to economic recovery starts with support for U.S. small businesses.
• New tools to help SMBs manage credit and accounts receivable - 10/18/2011 - Small businesses are greatly affected by credit card transaction paperwork and expensive credit card fees. Many companies are working with small businesses to decrease these unnecessary expenditures to help bolster growth.
• Wis. Credit Union League president calls for change to SMB credit lending regulations - 10/17/2011 - Restrictions on lending caps and credit can prohibit many small businesses from receiving enough capital to spur growth. As a result, companies are offering small businesses special rewards to help bolster SMB success.
• Business succession market slowly recovering - 10/17/2011 - The number of closed business-for-sale transactions reported in Q3 2011 rose 3.5% year over year, fueled by lower business valuations.
• Small business lenders topping the charts - 10/17/2011 - Small lenders are having a greater impact on small businesses' access to capital through small business loans.
• E Fairness legislation welcomed by small businesses - 10/17/2011 - Small businesses and retailers are throwing support behind a new legislation that will require online sellers to collect sales tax.
• NBA lockout hurting fans and small businesses - 10/17/2011 - The NBA lockout will affect fans across the country, but will also harm small businesses that depend on customers who make purchases associated with the sporting events.
• Local community banks rallying behind small businesses with federal aid support - 10/13/2011 - The federal government's Small Business Jobs Act continues to grant community banks funding to support small business lending.
• How to reduce spending without hurting the company - 10/12/2011 - SMBs must find creative ways to cut costs while maintaining their consumer base. Some budget cuts can harm business practices, while others can prove beneficial in the long term.
• Helpful financial and HR services for SMBs - 10/11/2011 - Small businesses can receive help regarding financial and HR topics from many sources.
• SMB loans still available to appealing companies - 10/7/2011 - The SBA approved a record-breaking number of small business loans in fiscal 2011, and more SMBs can gain access to capital if they understand how best to approach a lender.
• Small businesses using SBA loans for growth and relief - 10/6/2011 - The SBA is providing financial aid for SMBs looking to expand into foreign markets, as well as companies that were damaged by tropical storms.
• Small businesses looking to hire despite weak economy - 10/5/2011 - Small businesses are finding ways to continue to grow despite the weak economy, enabling them to hire new talent. In addition, SMB owners should not forget to select an appropriate retirement plan that best suits the company's needs.
• Financing for small businesses continues to grow - 10/4/2011 - Small businesses still have access to capital through organizations and companies looking to support entrepreneurial endeavors.
• Signs of relief for small business hiring - 10/4/2011 - Small business hiring showed strong growth in September, a good sign for the overall economy. Starbucks is taking some steps to stimulate the economy, as it recently launched a campaign to help fund community businesses.
• Small business borrowing showing gains - 10/4/2011 - Small businesses have more financing options available to them. It is the responsibility of the small business owner to make sure the company is effectively utilizing the borrowing options, as well as new ways to save on bank fees.
• SMBs can expand and reach customers abroad - 10/3/2011 - SMBs can still expand to foreign markets, despite the current economic climate, due to available funding from financial institutions and federal agencies.
• Community banks wooing small business owners - 9/28/2011 - Despite efforts by the federal government to increase small business lending, many community banks are finding low demand for loans from SMBs. In response, many banks are looking at new ways to help small businesses grow in the current economic climate.
• SMBs find financial aid in uncertain economy - 9/27/2011 - SMB owners have a bleak forecast for the upcoming year, with specific concerns over economic stability and consumer demand. But companies such as FedEx are working on initiatives to help drive consumers to local businesses.
• SBA offering aid and grants to SMBs - 9/26/2011 - The U.S. Small Business Administration recently launched programs to aid small businesses affected by harsh environmental conditions as well as encourage companies to work together for growth.
• SMB financing programs to help boost economy and job creation - 9/23/2011 - Many lenders are reaching out to small businesses through financing programs designed to help SMBs gain easier access to capital.
• Banks pledge to help small business gain access to capital - 9/22/2011 - Major financial institutions across the country are reaching out to small businesses in the form of increased lending and financial guidance.
• Local initiative to help small businesses - 9/20/2011 - Local agencies and even large companies are joining the effort to boost small businesses. Working through one of the offered programs can provide small business owners with valuable insight and resources from successful professionals in the field.
• Tax breaks not enough for many small businesses - 9/19/2011 - While tax breaks will be helpful for some SMBs, many would prefer an increase in consumer confidence to help drive sales. And strict lending requirements are leaving many owners with only one option for a loan: the government.
• Maine receives $13 million for SMB loans - 9/19/2011 - Hurt by the current economic climate, SMBs in Maine will have access to more small business loans through federal funding. Through the Small Business Jobs Act, state and local agencies are given federal funding to distribute among community banks for small business lending. The initiative hopes to spur the economy and job creation.
• More banks receiving money for small business loans from SBA - 9/16/2011 - More community banks across the nation are receiving federal funding to help stimulate small business lending. The government hopes the additional capital will boost job creation in the small business sector.
• How to effectively market a small business - 9/16/2011 - Small businesses should keep it simple when marketing to customers. Chase and Google have teamed up to offer free seminars to guide SMBs on the path to a successful marketing campaign.
• SBA offers disaster assistance and business recovery solutions - 9/15/2011 - As wildfires and a hurricane left many small businesses in financial disarray, the SBA is working to aid business owners through disaster relief loans.
• Obama cuts wait time in half for SMBs - 9/15/2011 - President Barack Obama has proposed plans to aid struggling small businesses while encouraging job creation. In addition, he recently promised that SMBs will receive their checks from agencies in half the time as previously stated.
• Goldman Sachs offers millions to Chicago small businesses - 9/14/2011 - Goldman Sachs recently announced it will invest $25 million into small businesses throughout the Chicago area. This recent contribution is part of the investment bank's Small Business Initiative, which launched in 2009.
• More affordable health insurance for small employers could boost growth and jobs creation - 9/13/2011 - To help small business retain employees, there should be a better system to make insurance benefits more affordable for employers and employees.
• Jobs Act focuses on small business - 9/12/2011 - President Barack Obama proposed a Jobs Act on September 8 to provide aid to small businesses so they can hire more American workers.
• Wells Fargo is first to lend $1 billion to SMBs - 9/8/2011 - Wells Fargo is the first lender in 2011 to distribute $1 billion to small and medium-sized businesses for growth and development.
• Small businesses go online to find prospects - 9/7/2011 - A recent study found more SMBs are looking for online workers to save time and increase flexibility.
• Local banks participating in small business lending initiative - 9/7/2011 - Under the Small Business Jobs Act, community banks can receive funds to boost their small business lending.
• Local lawmakers bring mixed views on how to boost jobs, economy - 9/6/2011 - In anticipation of President Barack Obama's address to the nation on the economy and jobs, local officials and business owners offer their opinions on how to boost the economy.
• South Carolina small businesses try lender speed dating to find loans - 9/5/2011 - In South Carolina, state officials recently organized a speed-dating session to help cash-starved small business owners find lenders.
• SMBs hiring less, but initiatives look to help - 9/2/2011 - The current economic climate is concerning many small business owners and preventing them from hiring new employees. But local initiatives are working to aid small businesses and boost job creation.
• Small business borrowing slows after months of gains - 9/1/2011 - Despite previous months of growth in borrowing, small businesses have reportedly slowed in applying for loans.
• Irene spared some small businesses, devastated others - 8/30/2011 - Businesses already struggling from the country's stagnant economy are attempting to regain their footing after Hurricane Irene. Some businesses were greatly affected while others remained mostly untouched.
• Small businesses slowed on hiring in August - 8/29/2011 - The new monthly small business index for August shows that, while the numbers don't reveal another recession, they also don't show signs of a 'robust recovery.'
• Small business bankruptcies drop - 8/26/2011 - Results from a new survey by Equifax carries mixed news about bankruptcy filings among small businesses. While the number of filings in the first quarter of 2011 was 15.2 percent lower than in the first quarter of 2010, the total bankruptcies in the beginning of 2011 was much higher than before the recession began.
• Many overpay for health insurance - 8/25/2011 - Complicated plans and pricing lead small business to overpay on health insurance 29 percent of the time, according to a new study in American Economic Review.
• Survey: Majority of small companies suffered - 8/24/2011 - Study highlights the devastating impact of the down economy on the nation's small businesses.
• Feds may ease regulations on businesses - 8/23/2011 - Government takes steps to reduce regulatory and paperwork challenges that adversely impact economic growth.
• New small business definition may mean higher taxes - 8/19/2011 - Are business tax increases looming on the horizon? Closely held companies that do not qualify for small business status could be required to pay corporate taxes.
• President says economic recovery will start with small business - 8/18/2011 - Small businesses will be a major driver of economic recovery, says President Barack Obama.
• Businesses have yet to see optimism rebound - 8/16/2011 - The recession in 2008 hit small business confidence hard, and many still are not optimistic about the future.
• Small business owners taking steps against fraud, survey says - 8/15/2011 - Small business fraud research suggest that many business owners are taking appropriate countermeasures against fraud but experts say business owners should still keep abreast of the latest trends and techniques used by criminals.
• Business journalist survey finds optimism for local economy - 8/11/2011 - Business journalists, who earn their living by observing their local business communities, weigh in on how they think the economy is doing.
• Small business will need to be more efficient, cost conscious after credit downgrade - 8/10/2011 - What are the implications of the United States credit rating downgrade for small business owners? One thing is for sure -- it shouldn't be business as usual.
• Small business confidence drops again - 8/9/2011 - Small businesses remain pessimistic about the economy, as evidenced by the latest business optimism survey conducted by the National Federation of Independent Business.
• Hiring and paycheck levels down, but ADP looks to small business to create jobs - 8/8/2011 - Payroll companies ADP and SurePayroll weigh in on the state of the small business economy.
• Employment levels for companies with less than 300 people reduce in July - 8/6/2011 - In the latest economic reports, good news on the unemployment front is offset by news that small businesses hiring is down.
• Small businesses cut jobs, but unemployment rate down for July - 8/5/2011 - Small businesses are cutting jobs, according to a national association for business owners.
• Clean energy small businesses can receive federal help - 8/4/2011 - The expansion of the Department of Energy Small Business and Clean Energy Alliance Partnership delivers important benefits to entrepreneurs.
• NFIB forms campaign to decrease small business regulation - 8/3/2011 - New campaign from the National Federation of Independent Business targets small business regulations imposed by the Obama administration.
• Business owners confidence gets lower, poll says - 8/3/2011 - Lack of confidence and concerns about healthcare costs continue to hamper small business growth and hiring.
• New York council members want small businesses to get contracts - 8/3/2011 - The New York Daily News reports that legislators are petitioning Mayor Bloomberg for policies that will make it easier for SMBs to bid on smaller contracts in NYC.
• Most small businesses have flexible summer hours - 8/3/2011 - According to the Office Depot Small Business Index, summer means a more relaxed work environment for SMB entrepreneurs and the small business workforce.
• Now may be the time for small businesses to seek investors - 8/2/2011 - According to Barbara Weltman, the time is right for small business owners to aggressively pursue funding opportunities with private investors.
• One CEO says the debt ceiling deal reached this week may not be good news for small businesses. - 8/2/2011 - Debt ceiling deal may mean slow growth for small business
• Small business borrowing highest level in more than three years, Reuters says - 8/2/2011 - Increased SMB lending may indicate that recovery is just around the corner. Then again, maybe not.
• Over half of small businesses expect sales increase this year - 8/1/2011 - Recent survey indicates that a slight majority of small businesses expect to experience sales gains in 2011.
• Work picks up for July, employment index says - 8/1/2011 - Upticks in small businesses growth and hiring are seen as an encouraging sign by many experts.
• Veterans Affairs cracks down on false vet businesses - 7/29/2011 - A Veterans Affairs Department investigation uncovers rampant eligibility concerns in VA contract programs.
• Small business optimism holds steady, Wells Fargo says - 7/28/2011 - Small business optimism is holding steady despite a lack of good news about the economy, according to a recetn survey.
• LA Times: Small businesses need to study before applying for loans - 7/26/2011 - Despite signs of hope in the economy, SBA loans continue to be elusive for many small business entrepreneurs.
• Michigan small businesses that invest in clean energy, in distressed areas to get help - 7/26/2011 - Michigan small businesses will be the first to benefit from a federal loan program targeting clean energy and economic recovery.
• Google to offer credit card to small businesses - 7/22/2011 - Google enters the credit card business with a narrow use card designed to help small businesses buy search-based advertising.
• Financial analyst gives tips on getting a small business loan - 7/21/2011 - In a tight lending market, entrepreneurs are advised to embrace risk and perform flawless preparations when applying for SMB loans.
• Dade County in Florida gets $8.8 million for small business loans - 7/21/2011 - Miami-based entrepreneurs get a boost from $8.8 million in federal funded loans to area small businesses.
• Small businesses see spike in loan approvals for June - 7/20/2011 - SMB loan approvals and other factors drive an increase in the SB Authority Index in June.
• Chicago small business owner says it may be time to invest in business again - 7/19/2011 - It's time to embrace calculated risks and start re-investing in your small business, says one small business expert.
• Small business sales rise after owners lower expectations - 7/18/2011 - A jump in the number of businesses sold looks promising, but may actually be bad news for the value of your small business.
• Federation of Small Businesses said planning applications good for growth - 7/14/2011 - A new report from the Federation of Small Businesses offers news for British small businesses on how to address government approval delays for building and construction projects.
• Bankers more positive on consumer credit, less so on small businesss - 7/12/2011 - Overall, lending institutions are adopting a more positive outlook about their customers even though concerns about small business financing persists.
• Chamber doesn't expect hiring from small businesses, but money from treasury on the way - 7/12/2011 - The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is pushing for federal policies to promote growth and hiring in small businesses.
• Job satisfaction up despite market uncertainty - 7/8/2011 - Employee satisfaction is surprisingly strong even though uncertainty runs amok in the marketplace.
• California state senator looks to help out small businesses - 7/8/2011 - With California's unemployment rate continuing to run at over 11 percent, good news for small businesses has been hard to come by.
• NFIB says June hiring is a 'bust' for small businesses - 7/7/2011 - Pending small business report is expected to reveal anemic hiring trends in the SMB sector.
• Wages rise, hiring falls for small businesses in June - 7/7/2011 - Recent data indicates that employers are paying workers more, but hiring less in the current economy.
• Office Depot partners with SBA to lend to small businesses - 7/6/2011 - Office Depot attempts to spur small business growth with an Express loan program designed to feed SBA microloans to small businesses.
• Optimism increases as hiring and salaries decrease, survey said - 7/6/2011 - Cost-cutting measures in hiring and worker compensation appear to be driving a spike in optimism among small business owners.
• Tech giant taking small businesses under its wing - 7/5/2011 - Hewlett-Packard is cultivating small business partners in Silicon Valley.
• Free guidance for small businesses interested in social media - 7/5/2011 - New free online guide helps small businesses navigate social media.
• Franchises appeal to small business lenders - 7/1/2011 - Franchises seeking small business loans are likely to be approved.
• Trade group advocates fo small business office supply vendors - 7/1/2011 - An office supply vendor trade group wants changes made to government contracting processes.
• President Clinton spearheading small business initiatives - 6/30/2011 - UBS will team with Clinton Foundation to provide guidance to small businesses.
• Women entrepreneurs feel good about business despite worries about economy - 6/30/2011 - Women entrepreneurs are optimistic about the state of their businesses.
• American Express points equal Facebook ads for small businesses - 6/29/2011 - American Express points will soon be redeemable for Facebook ads.
• Clinton Global Initiative project to make domestic small business loans - 6/29/2011 - Clinton Global Initiative turns it attention to growing domestic small businesses.
• Landrieu presses SBA to fill trade post - 6/28/2011 - An important trade post needs to be filled in order to achieve export goals, says Senator Landrieu.
• Small businesses awarded more federal contracts in 2010 - 6/27/2011 - Federal contracts were awarded to more small businesses in 2010 than 2009.
• Senator asks for Jobs Act data - 6/27/2011 - Senator Landrieu has requested data on Small Business Act impact.
• In the East, small business owners optimistic - 6/27/2011 - Small business owners in the East expect to meet next quarter's revenue projections.
• Programs help small businesses tap international markets - 6/24/2011 - Export-Import Bank programs proving successful in encouraging small businesses to trade overseas.
• For small businesses, Facebook leads the pack - 6/24/2011 - Small business owners are using Facebook, LinkedIn, and industry-specific networks most when utilizing social media.
• Small banks to receive funds for small business lending - 6/23/2011 - Geithner assures banks, businesses that funds allocated in legislation will be dispersed.
• Small business owners think economy has improved, but brace for future - 6/23/2011 - Small business owners see improvement, but also reasons to worry.
• Seeking lenders, small businesses turn to matchmaker - 6/21/2011 - Company announces early success in matching capital lenders with small business borrowers.
• Entrepreneurs optimistic about their business concepts, survey finds - 6/21/2011 - Entrepreneurs believe in the value of their business concepts.
• New tool to help small businesses use Facebook - 6/21/2011 - Roost Facebook tool designed to give information and advice to small business owners.
• U.S. mayors seek more domestic spending to stimulate job growth - 6/20/2011 - Mayors react to report saying cities could be plagued by high unemployment for years.
• Big business confident while small business struggles - 6/15/2011 - CEOs of big business are confident, but small business owners are pessimistic, according to two new reports.
• Small businesses plagued by weak sales - 6/15/2011 - Suffering from weak sales, small business owners are pessimistic, report says.
• Award for company working to aid small business lenders - 6/14/2011 - Ernst & Young has begun to announce Entrepreneur of the Year winners.
• Bank lenders spurning small business, study finds - 6/14/2011 - Regulatory concerns mean banks are turning down many small businesses seeking loans.
• Economists predict short term struggles, long term growth - 6/13/2011 - Wall Street Journal Forecast gloomy on short-term employment rate and GDP growth.
• Optimistic Livingston Survey provides good news for small businesses - 6/10/2011 - Small business could drive positive trends in employment and GDP predicted by Livingston Survey.
• SBA allocating substantial funds for disaster loans - 6/10/2011 - The SBA has earmarked over $1 million to help small businesses rebuild after storms.
• Minority owned businesses stand to benefit from Obamacare - 6/9/2011 - In 2014, minority small business owners will be one of the many beneficiaries of President Barack Obama's universal healthcare act.
• Spirits go up for small business owners after amendment goes down - 6/9/2011 - The defeat of Tester-Corker is celebrated as good news for small businesses.
• Small business owners optimistic, but future prospects mixed - 6/9/2011 - MerchantCircle Index reveals optimism and some anxiety among small business owners.
• New report links profits to social media - 6/9/2011 - A new report shows more businesses worldwide earning profits thanks to social media.
• Securities sale a milestone in economic recovery - 6/8/2011 - The U.S. Treasury has sold six SBA 7(a) securities it acquired through TARP.
• Survey finds consumers wary - 6/8/2011 - A ForecastIQ analysis predicts increased same store sales for retailers despite low consumer confidence.
• Manta Survey says small business will hire - 6/7/2011 - Survey says small businesses will hire in coming year.
• Consumer confidence slides this week - 6/7/2011 - New Rasmussen Index shows consumer confidence down.
• Small businesses well positioned to access credit - 6/6/2011 - Less competitive credit market means it is a good time for small businesses to shop, according to PayNet data released through Reuters.
• Loans still a pressing issue for small businesses - 6/2/2011 - Small businesses need bank loans for job creation, and a recent Gallup poll showed that the majority are still having trouble.
• New bills offer support for neglected medical marijuana dispensaries - 5/31/2011 - New legislation fights for equal bank loan options for medical marijuana dispensaries.
• MerchantCircle acquired by online auction marketplace - 5/31/2011 - Reply's locally targeted marketing initiative gets a boost after its acquisition of MerchantCircle.
• Matching grants awarded to life sciences companies - 5/31/2011 - Massachusetts' Small Business Matching Grant Program will fund four of the state's most impressive life science companies.
• Small business card users need more protection - 5/31/2011 - Business credit card solicitations pose a risk to personal credit card users.
• Aloha state sees $13 million in SMB lending - 5/27/2011 - An influx of $13 million in federal grants is expected to increase private lending to $130 million over the next seven years.
• Maryland receives $23 million to fund small businesses - 5/27/2011 - Through a U.S. Treasury Department program, Maryland will be able to lend $23 million to small businesses in the state.
• Does Oprah's departure spell bad news for SMBs? - 5/26/2011 - Some are wondering how the end of the Oprah Winfrey Show might affect small businesses.
• Bank of America plans small business banking expansion - 5/25/2011 - Bank of America has begun the hiring process of 75 small business bankers across the mid-Atlantic region to assist owners of smaller companies.
• Small business lending making progress - 5/24/2011 - As the economy improves, banks are becoming less hesitant to supply small businesses with loans.
• Small business export negotiations under way. - 5/19/2011 - Small business owners are beginning to see the benefits of exporting abroad.
• Small businesses soaring in Arizona - 5/17/2011 - Arizona-based small businesses saw substantial growth during the month of April.
• New Jersey small businesses see boosts in loans - 5/16/2011 - Obama's 2010 legislation to extend loan provisions to small businesses has led to increased startups.
• New health insurance initiative in place for small businesses - 5/15/2011 - New legislation provides small business owners the optional choice of offering $360 in credit towards high-deductible health coverage for its employees..
• Service company president honored with small business award - 5/15/2011 - President of Ed Jacobs and Associates becomes 13th recipient of the Small Business Person of the Year award.
• Small business grants stimulate the economy - 5/12/2011 - Small business grants offered by programs based in Jackson, Mississippi, can open new jobs and assist in damage repairs.
• Small businesses should not forgo legal advice - 5/10/2011 - Paying for a lawyer can bring an excellent return on investment for small-to-mid-sized businesses.
• Crossing borders with a small business - 5/9/2011 - The benefits far outweigh the risks of exporting for small businesses.
• Multiple polls show improvement in small business sector - 5/5/2011 - Recent reports indicate that economic uncertainty continues to haunt the small business community.
• Bank of America offers most friendly small business credit card - 5/4/2011 - Bank of America tops CardHub.com's list of most small business friendly financial institutions.
• Capital One Small Business Barometer increases 15 points in first quarter - 5/3/2011 - Small Business Barometer notes 15 point increase in optimism in first quarter of 2011.
• Small business lending sees slight increase - 5/2/2011 - Small business lending rose 12 percent year-over-year in March.
• Easing SEC regulations could make crowdsourcing viable source of small business funding - 4/27/2011 - Writer Rieva Lesonsky argues that easing SEC regulations on crowdfunding could help small businesses financing a business.
• Chase promises to boost lending to small businesses by 20 percent - 4/26/2011 - Chase announced Tuesday that it would boost 2011 small business lending to $12 billion.
• Worries abound over new food prep regulations for small businesses and farms - 4/22/2011 - FDA plans to implement new oversight regulations that have small businesses worried.
• CARD Act and business credit cards in need of serious reform - 4/20/2011 - CARD Act needs to be revised to encompass "business credit cards."
• Small businesses spend billions of hours total on tax compliance - 4/18/2011 - Small businesses are spending billions of hours on federal tax compliance.
• Younger NY firms rely more on business earnings for financing - 4/15/2011 - Sixty-three percent of NY small businesses count at least one credit product among their financial support.
• Federal Reserve Governor sees small business optimism rising - 4/14/2011 - Elizabeth Duke cites numerous surveys to back up comments on increasing small business optimism.
• Cash flow problems continue to increase among small businesses, survey says - 4/14/2011 - American Express OPEN survey finds cash flow problems to have experienced rapid growth in the past 6 months.
• Corporate tax reform could raise small business taxes by 8 percent - 4/13/2011 - Corporate tax reform is gaining ground in Congress, however, two studies are warning against it.
• Ex Im Bank extends close to $40 million to small business exporter - 4/13/2011 - One Minnesota-based small business has received nearly $40 million from Ex-Im Bank to promote its exporting sector.
• NFIB: Small business confidence falls in March, hiring increases - 4/12/2011 - The National Federation of Independent Business' Index of Small Business Optimism fell in March - the first time in months.
• Majority of small business owners contract with an outside accountant - 4/11/2011 - A new survey reveals that taxes present significant monetary and time challenge to small business owners.
• Consumer confidence would drop as result of shutdown - 4/8/2011 - Government shutdown could quickly impact the economy and consumer confidence.
• Small businesses see benefits of exporting - 4/7/2011 - Small businesses such as Osagian Canoes are following the Obama administration's lead and upping exporting efforts.
• Senator Gillibrand proposes small business help - 4/6/2011 - New York Senator Kirsten Gillibrand recently a number of initiatives to help the small business sector.
• Senate approves repeal of 1099 filing provision - 4/5/2011 - The controversial 1099 filing provision for small businesses was voted down by the Senate.
• Indiana banks post increase in small business lending - 4/4/2011 - Banks with outfits in Indiana are seeing increasing demand for small business loans.
• Unemployment rate loses 0.1 percentage point - 4/1/2011 - Statistics from the U.S. Labor Department reveal that the economy added more than 200,000 new jobs last month.
• Multi billion dollar small business lending fund sees few bank participants - 3/31/2011 - The Jobs Act's $30 billion lending fund has only seen a participation rate of 7 percent since being approved last fall.
• Survey finds sales expectations increasing among small business community - 3/31/2011 - New research from PNC finds that nearly half of small business owners expect to see higher sales this year.
• Rhode Island works with SBA to boost lending - 3/30/2011 - Rhode Island to commit to guaranteeing an additional 15 percent of SBA loans to bring their total guarantee to 90 percent.
• 'The Small Business Authority Hour' radio broadcast to discuss credit conditions - 3/29/2011 - Radio program to provide small and independent business owners with information on financing a business.
• Tax mistakes to keep an eye out for - 3/28/2011 - As the April 15 deadline for taxes gets nearer, small businesses would do well to avoid a few mistakes.
• Discover Small Business Watch: optimism falls, gas worries abound - 3/28/2011 - The Discover Small Business Watch marks a decrease in sector optimism.
• Propane can help small businesses assuage gas price problems - 3/28/2011 - Small businesses are finding ways to cut down on gas use as prices spike.
• Grameen America: helping women entrepreneurs achieve their dreams - 3/25/2011 - New documentary follows beneficiaries of Grameen America micro-financing funds.
• Hiring increasing among small businesses, survey says - 3/24/2011 - A new report from Paychex reports hiring to be increasing year-over-year.
• Reduced staffing is a top priority for small businesses - 3/18/2011 - Sage's Listening Tour asks small business owners what their concerns are.
• Small business bankruptcies continue to decline, survey says - 3/16/2011 - An Equifax survey reports that small business bankruptcies are declining nationwide.
• NYC to support immigrant business owners - 3/11/2011 - Last week, New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg announced three new steps to help immigrant-owned businesses in the city.
• Small businesses urge lawmakers to protect Durbin amendment - 3/10/2011 - Small businesses gathered in Washington, D.C., to urge lawmakers to protect measure that allows the Federal Reserve to regulate fees banks charge on debit card transactions.
• Credit unions hoping to increase small business lending to compete with big banks - 3/8/2011 - Credit unions are looking to offer small businesses greater access to credit.
• Unemployment rate drops to 8.9 percent in January - 3/4/2011 - The unemployment rate dropped by 0.1 percent in February.
• How small businesses can save gas as prices spike - 3/4/2011 - Small businesses will need to adopt strategies to keep rising gas prices from adversely affecting their bottom lines.
• Small business lending in January falls to below November levels - 3/1/2011 - Research finds that small business lending declined slightly in January.
• Discover Small Business Watch: Small business confidence takes slight hit - 2/28/2011 - Small business confidence dips slightly, according to Discover Small Business Watch.
• SBA grant program to promote exporting among small businesses - 2/25/2011 - SBA announces grants to small businesses looking to enter exporting arena.
• Commerce officials continue to tout importance of exporting - 2/25/2011 - U.S. trade officials, including Commerce Secretary Gary Locke, are continuing to extol the importance of exporting.
• Treasury to hold conference to help small businesses acquire capital - 2/23/2011 - U.S. Treasury Secretary Tim Geithner announced plans for a small business conference to be held March 22.
• Four million small businesses qualify for healthcare tax credit - 2/22/2011 - A recent report shows that four million small businesses could reap savings this tax seasons thanks to the healthcare reform act.
• Online tools for tax season - 2/21/2011 - The IRS and H&R Block offer small businesses numerous tax tools to ensure their paperwork is correct.
• Small banks have a long road of recovery ahead of them - 2/18/2011 - This week, Treasury Secretary Tim Geithner said that small banks still have a long road to recovery/
• Taxes give small businesses a few reasons to thank President Obama - 2/17/2011 - When preparing their taxes and planning for the coming year, small businesses should keep in mind a number of new tax breaks and write-offs.
• Texas Governor Perry pledges to support small businesses, keep taxes low - 2/16/2011 - Texas Governor Rick Perry continues to promise to keep taxes low for small businesses, despite a budget shortfall reaching up to $27 billion.
• Health insurance rates for Massachusetts small businesses to stay low in new year - 2/15/2011 - Massachusetts small businesses will see insurance rates stay relatively low, as providers have agreed to keep increases below 10 percent.
• MerchantCircle: Small business confidence up thanks to holiday revenues - 2/15/2011 - A new optimism report marks a 5.1 percent increase among small business owners.
• SBA funds slashed by 45 percent in new federal budget - 2/14/2011 - President Barack Obama announced on Monday that the U.S. Small Business Administration would see funds slashed by 45 percent for the fiscal year 2012.
• Office of Advocacy: Small business lending improving - 2/11/2011 - SBA's Office of Advocacy publishes study that finds lending dropped by only 6.2 percent between 2009 and 2010 for small businesses.
• Morgan Stanley announces $500 million toward small business credit - 2/10/2011 - Morgan Stanley is partnering with community banks to provide $500 million in credit to small businesses.
• Small banks' troubles could be affecting local businesses - 2/9/2011 - As small banks have increasingly failed, local businesses have found it harder to find lending.
• Women owned contract rule welcome, yet faces issues - 2/7/2011 - SBA rule aims to increase number of federal contracts awarded to women-owned firms. However, the agency is facing pressure from Congress to cut its budget.
• Sacramento receives $600,00 in first wave of federal SBA funds - 1/28/2011 - Sacramento is one of the first cities to benefit from a new wave of funding from the U.S. Small Business Administration.
• Chase gives $19 million in small business grants - 1/28/2011 - Chase announces $19 million for five Community Development Financial Institutions
• Cabinet members to travel the country to tout small business exports - 1/27/2011 - To encourage small businesses to increase exporting initiatives, members of President Barack Obama's cabinet will be traveling around the country in 2011.
• Schumer draws New York's small business attention to health credit - 1/26/2011 - New York Senator Charles Schumer is urging tax professionals to alert small businesses to healthcare credit.
• Boston Beer Company starts microloan fund to assist small businesses - 1/24/2011 - James Koch, founder and president of the Boston Beer Company, is using microloans to boost small business activity in the Northeast.
• Chevy reports dramatic growth in small business sales - 1/21/2011 - Chevy purchases by small business owners dramatically increase in the fourth quarter, potentially signaling economic growth.
• Both parties urge repeal of 1099 reporting provision - 1/21/2011 - Democrats and Republicans join together in criticism of 1099 reporting provision.
• Michigan and North Carolina first to receive funds under Treasury Department program - 1/17/2011 - Michigan and North Carolina were announced to be the first states receiving funds from the U.S. Treasury Department's State Small Business Credit Initiative.
• Small businesses benefit from new federal tax credits - 1/17/2011 - As small business owners begin to prepare their taxes for 2010, they should take note of a number of tax credits and breaks that could benefit their bottom lines.
• New FDIC hotline will allow small businesses to file complaints or concerns regarding lending practices - 1/14/2011 - In an effort to build on optimism about commercial lending, the FDIC is creating a hotline that allows borrowers to report complaints about lenders that unnecessarily restrict the availability of credit.
• Lending to increase in 2011, according to Fed and FDIC chairs - 1/14/2011 - The federal government is hopeful that lending to small businesses will increase in 2011, but cites the need for commercial lenders to step up to the plate.
• Illinois increases business tax by nearly 50 percent - 1/13/2011 - In a move that undoubtedly impact small business growth and economic recovery, Illinois approves a 50% spike in the corporate tax rate.
• Small business export related loans increase under Jobs Act - 1/12/2011 - The small business sector is set to benefit from SBA 7(a) export-related provisions of the September Jobs Act.
• Business sale transactions improve by 3 percent in 2010 - 1/10/2011 - Positive economic signs yield a slight increase in the number of sold businesses in 2010.
• Tax deadlines approaching and small businesses should prepare now - 1/10/2011 - Worried about the economy? Don't let larger economic concerns blind you to the demands of upcoming tax deadlines.
• Lawmakers announce plans to repeal 1099 tax reporting provision for small businesses - 1/7/2011 - Several lawmakers have announced their intentions to fight the new 1099 reporting requirements to remove unnecessary burdens from small business owners.
• Holiday spending reaches all time high, survey finds - 1/6/2011 - The 2010 holiday shopping season offers a glimmer of hope for retail small businesses looking to rebound from an otherwise gloomy year.
• SBA to allow nonprofit lenders to award guaranteed loans - 1/5/2011 - Changes in SBA lending policies loosen funding restrictions by allowing nonprofit lenders to award loans to small businesses.
• SBA lending tops $12 billion in 2010 - 1/4/2011 - The small business sector is set to receive more than $12 billion of financed capital created by September's Small Business Jobs Act.
• Small businesses less satisfied with banks - 12/30/2010 - Entrepreneurs less satisfied with banks than last year
• Small business owner gets funding from startup group - 12/30/2010 - Business organization helps entrepreneurs
• Credit reports are vital to small businesses - 12/29/2010 - Reports can have long-term effect
• Holidays are merry indeed for retailers - 12/29/2010 - Sales numbers increased from last year
• Kentucky small businesses can take advantage of tax credit - 12/29/2010 - Kentucky Small Business Investment Credit program seeks to help area entrepreneurs
• New funding for innovative small businesses, thanks to the Senate - 12/28/2010 - Funding extended through 2018 for the Small Business Innovation Research Program and the Small Business Technology Program
• Business owners less optimistic in December - 12/28/2010 - Discover Small Business Watch reveals a less positive outlook in the final month of the year
• Connecticut governor hands out new grants to small businesses - 12/28/2010 - Gov. Rell announces $500,000 in new funding
• GCS qualifies for SBA's HubZone program - 12/27/2010 - Montana research company gets new funding opportunities
• SBA's Montana head retires - 12/27/2010 - Michelle Johnson retires after nearly 4 decades in government
• Small businesses get boost in Northern California - 12/22/2010 - Small Business Development Center in Gonzales
• Small businesses encouraged to give employee incentives - 12/21/2010 - Small business expert says incentives can lead to job growth
• SBA sets up loan program for underserved communities - 12/20/2010 - Agency rolls out Community Advantage and Small Loan Advantage
• Regions Bank named top lender in Alabama and Florida - 12/17/2010 - Region Bank is named one of the nation's top SBA 504 loan program lenders.
• Small business owners benefiting from benefit packages - 12/16/2010 - Dedicated Benefit Services survey shows positive outlook
• NFIB index shows more small business confidence in November - 12/16/2010 - Index rose by 1.5 points
• Rhode Island small businesses get educational opportunity - 12/16/2010 - Rhode Island Small Business Recovery Program to offer free advice
• Connecticut entrepreneurs to get more funding opportunities - 12/15/2010 - Southeastern Connecticut Enterprise Region sets up new loan program
• Small business owners in Dallas angry at the NFL - 12/13/2010 - Entrepreneurs say league misled her
• Missouri congressman will head Small Business Committee - 12/10/2010 - Sam Graves will head committee after being approved by members of the House
• NASA to partner with small business owners - 12/10/2010 - Space agency to partner with entrepreneurs
• California assemblyman proposes tax breaks for small businesses - 12/8/2010 - Entreprenuers would get 20 percent tax credit toward worker compensation
• Index shows small businesses more positive about year to come - 12/8/2010 - Wells Fargo/Gallup Small Business Index shows more confidence during last quarter
• Huntington Bank ranks No. 1 in Ohio small business lending - 12/7/2010 - Bank lent out a total of $59 million
• California Reinvestment Coalition reports business lending down from 2007 to 2009 - 12/7/2010 - Study reveals that lending fell by $21 billion during the time period
• California businesses experience better results than same time last year - 12/6/2010 - BizBen statistics show that small businesses having better November than last year
• Employment index shows small business hiring decreased in November - 12/6/2010 - CBIZ study shows fewer small businesses hired in November
• Senate fails to repeal healthcare reform's 1099 requirement for businesses - 12/2/2010 - Senators disagree on changes to the legislation
• Small businesses saw increase in lending in November - 12/1/2010 - Thompson Rueters/PayNet Small Business Lending Index reveals 19 percent increase in borrowing
• Small business owners don't think cybersecurity is worth the cost, according to survey - 11/30/2010 - Visa and National Security Alliance survey reveals half of small business owners not worried about online security
• Small businesses added jobs in November - 11/30/2010 - Intuit index reveals a .24 percent increase in small business employment
• Entrepreneurs look forward to 2011 - 11/29/2010 - PEX Card study finds that 59 percent of small business owners plan to add employees in 2011
• SBA program gives grant to University of Wyoming - 11/24/2010 - University of Wyoming receives $100k SBA grant to expand outreach to disadvantaged Wyoming small businesses.
• NIH hosts small business forum, eyes contracts from IT entrepreneurs - 11/22/2010 - Federal agency to give funds to small businesses
• Entrepreneurs less optimistic in third quarter - 11/18/2010 - Capital One's National Small Business Barometer reveals 27 percent of entrepreneurs except business to improve
• Business to business wholesaler to help small businesses get loans - 11/17/2010 - DollarDays' website to give entrepreneurs access to loans
• Union Bank to increase small business loans - 11/17/2010 - Bank will use SBA funds to help entrepreneurs
• Obama announces National Entrepreneurship Week - 11/17/2010 - Special events taking place throughout the week to honor small business owners
• Business group says SBA and Commerce Dept. merger would spell disaster for small businesses - 11/16/2010 - American Small Business League warns against combining agencies
• Chase was top SBA lender in FY 2010 - 11/15/2010 - Bank provided loans to more than 3,300 small businesses
• SunTrust ranked No.1 in J.D. Power customer satisfaction survey - 11/15/2010 - Bank was top choice of 6,600 small business owners surveyed
• SBA creates programs for veterans - 11/11/2010 - The Entreprenuership Boot Camp for Veterans with Disabilities expands to seventh school
• Holtmeyer & Monson hands out funds to community banks - 11/10/2010 - Group will give more than 400 banks new funding
• Oklahoma Conference gives small business lending advice - 11/10/2010 - The 2010 SBIR National Conference will help entrepreneurs gain access to capital
• NFIB survey finds small business owners more confident - 11/10/2010 - Entrepreneurs are more optimistic than they have been in the past five months
• SIGA to appeal SBA decision - 11/8/2010 - Company says that SBA was wrong to revoke contract
• BofA announces lending total for 3Q - 11/5/2010 - Bank has lent $173 billion since start of 2010
• Republicans post big gains in mid terms elections, thanks to pro business stance - 11/5/2010 - Wisconsin Representative-elect Reid Ribble credits business background as one reason for victory
• Citigroup extends credit to low income communities - 11/5/2010 - Banking giant will support $60 million in loans to the Community Development Financial Institutions
• Impetus Capital announces investing program for small businesses - 11/3/2010 - The new service will also handle accounting for entrepreneurs
• Anthony Weiner touts increase in NYC small business lending - 11/3/2010 - 940 small businesses in NYC have gotten loans in 2010
• Small business employment growing, Intuit index reveals - 11/3/2010 - A total of 44,000 new jobs were created last month
• Data reveals increase in small business loans - 11/2/2010 - PayNet Index reveals a 16 percent increase in loans to small businesses
• Nearly half of small business owners expect economy to recover before year's end - 11/1/2010 - Administaff survey finds 47 percent of entrepreneurs surveyed think economy will recover by year's end
• Bank of America loaned $25.9 billion in the third quarter of 2010 - 10/29/2010 - Financial giant has lent $71.2 billion since the start of 2010
• SBA Administrator announces Small Business Jobs Act progress - 10/28/2010 - Mills says 5,000 business have received loans in first month of program
• Equifax study shows decline in small business bankruptcies - 10/27/2010 - 30,392 small businesses filed for bankruptcy in the third quarter of 2010
• Wells Fargo No.1 in SBA lending for second straight year - 10/26/2010 - Bank lent $871 million to small business in FY 2010
• Small business owners more confident - 10/25/2010 - October Index sees biggest jump in confidence since April
• NFIB supports Baker, expresses frustration with incumbent Mass. governor - 10/25/2010 - Group says current Mass. governor not looking out for small businesses
• NC Rep Etheridge touts small business aid for state's entrepreneurs - 10/25/2010 - Democrat says that businesses will get added funding for loans
• NFIB endorses Scott Walker for Wisconsin governor - 10/22/2010 - Group points to Walker's leadership in state government
• ASBL says Rep Altmire is the worst in Congress for small business - 10/22/2010 - Group says Congressman has introduced legislation that would harm small business
• Small businesses dissatisfied with banks - 10/21/2010 - JD Power and Associates finds that fewer entrepreneurs are satisfied with their banks
• Texas businesses to get funding from Small Business Jobs Act - 10/20/2010 - Rep. Henry Cuellar announces $46.53 million in added funding
• Visa gives $1 million to microlender - 10/20/2010 - Kiva.org use funds to support small businesses in the Gulf Coast
• Small businesses avoid getting legal help because of high cost - 10/19/2010 - Survey reveals majority of small business owners worry about expensive process
• NFIB endorses Pat Meehan for Representative from Pennsylvania - 10/19/2010 - Pro-business group picks Republican candidate for congress
• Ohio Congressman highlights Small Business Jobs Act - 10/19/2010 - Rep. Ryan says new legislation will help entrepreneurs
• NY Congressional race centers on small business concerns - 10/18/2010 - Republican candidate says Bush-era tax cuts are important to small business owners
• SBA lends out more than $1.5 billion in FY 2010 - 10/15/2010 - Growth capital program increased lending by 23 percent in one year
• Bank of America to hire new small business focused staff - 10/15/2010 - BofA to add 1,000 new staff members by 2012
• Fed outlines small business credit card policy - 10/14/2010 - Report says that consumer protections outlined in the Credit Card Accountability Act do not apply to small businesses
• SMBMarketer.com wins award from small business organization - 10/14/2010 - Website honored for creating easy-to-use business software
• New York Congressman touts small business tax incentives - 10/13/2010 - Rep. Maurice Hinchey says he is working with colleagues on behalf of small businesses
• Virginia Small business owners get visit from politicians - 10/11/2010 - Entrepreneurs get face-to-face meeting with lawmakers
• Treasury department announces new small business funding - 10/8/2010 - Government agency to enact $1.5 billion initiative
• Survey says small business owners in NJ fear being sued - 10/8/2010 - Three out of 10 business owners in the Garden State have been involved in litigation in the past five years
• BofA says it has given out nearly $4 million in grants to nonprofit lenders - 10/7/2010 - Bank gave out 40 grants to Community Development Financial Institutions and other nonprofits
• Loans for business owners in Iowa affected by storms, tornadoes tornadoes - 10/7/2010 - SBA gives area businesses favorable loan rates
• SBA touts increased loan statistics - 10/7/2010 - SBA Administrator Mills says businesses got more loans in fiscal year 2010
• GTSI investigated for accessing government's small business fund - 10/6/2010 - SBA suspends contracts to company until issue is cleared up
• Small businesses hiring, but at slower rate - 10/5/2010 - Employment index rose by 0.14 percent last month
• California bank to take advantage of Small Business Jobs Act - 10/1/2010 - Plaza Bank to fund $100 million in commercial loans
• Illinois congressmen introduces small business legislation - 9/30/2010 - Rep. Bill Foster wants to level the planning field for entrepreneurs
• Ohio small businesses to benefit from new program - 9/29/2010 - New effort seeks to reward eco-friendly small businesses
• Florida AG candidate Bondi gets endorsement of NFIB - 9/28/2010 - Top small business group backs Republican candidate
• Obama signs small business legislation - 9/28/2010 - Will give funding to community banks and tax breaks for small businesses
• Lawmakers in Ohio encourage small businesses to bid on contracts - 9/27/2010 - Columbus plans to add 14 new projects for companies to bid on
• Democrat in Illinois calls out senatorial opponent for voting against small business bill - 9/27/2010 - Giannoulias says GOP challenger not keeping promises
• SBA funds New Carolina with one of 10 new contracts - 9/27/2010 - Funds total nearly $600,000
• Congress needs to add small business protection to lending bill, ASBL says - 9/24/2010 - Chapman says federal dollars being misused
• Obama says Republicans standing in the way of small business success - 9/22/2010 - President takes GOP to task for blocking small business lending bill
• Hispanic community praises Senate's passage of small business lending bill - 9/22/2010 - U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce says passage will help Latinos in the United States
• SBA announces new pilot program for regional cluster - 9/21/2010 - "Innovative Economies" program aims to increase small business hiring
• Small businesses expect to make more sales, but few ready to hire - 9/21/2010 - Office Depot Small Business Index reveals that unemployment rate is likely to stay high for the next 6 months
• JEC study says small businesses getting fewer loans in 2010 - 9/20/2010 - Small businesses have also put a freeze on hiring
• Senate passes small business aid package - 9/17/2010 - After months of debate, legislation passed thanks to bipartisan
• SBA loans can help small business - 9/16/2010 - 504 loans through SBA's Certified Development Companies can help small businesses
• Small business lending bill takes step forward in Senate - 9/15/2010 - Thanks to support of Republican senators, all signs point to passage of legislation
• Study: Large corporations spending on small business - 9/14/2010 - Business Roundtable study reveals more large companies spend $3 on products and services from small businesses
• Maine small business group comes out against tax cuts for wealthy - 9/13/2010 - The Maine Small Business Coalition says money lost from tax cuts could be spent on small business needs
• Republican senator gives thumbs up to small business lending bill - 9/10/2010 - Republican Senator George Voinovich of Ohio will vote with Democrats
• National Small Business Association backs President Obama's bill - 9/7/2010 - Todd McCracken says that bill will help small business owners
• Obama introduces new plan to give research and development tax credit - 9/7/2010 - Bill would give small businesses $100 billion in tax exemptions
• Employment index shows bad signs for business owners - 9/3/2010 - CBIZ Small Business Index shows entrepreneurs not hiring new workers.
• ASBL president criticizes Speaker Pelosi - 9/2/2010 - Lloyd Chapman writes letter to Pelosi asking for passage of small business bill.
• 10,000 jobs lost from July to August - 9/2/2010 - Small businesses lost 6,000 employees.
• Small business owners not entitled to consumer credit card protections - 9/2/2010 - Credit CARD Act doesn't cover businesses.
• Small business owners fear double dip recession - 9/1/2010 - 86 percent of small businesses nervous about another major downturn.
• Some skeptical of SBA numbers - 8/31/2010 - Business leader says government contracts meant for small businesses went to large companies.
• Insurance important for small business, expert says - 8/30/2010 - Director of Houston Small Business Development Center says small business owners put themselves at risk without proper insurance.
• SBA says more federal contracts went to small businesses in 2009 - 8/30/2010 - Small businesses given $96.8 billion in gov't contracts in 2009.
• SBA says there are 'many problems to solve' - 8/30/2010 - Administrator Mills says SBA-backed development centers can help small business owners.
• Bank exec touts increase in small business lending - 8/27/2010 - BofA has increased lending by $9 billion from same period last year.
• SBA organizes trade conference for small business - 8/26/2010 - Meeting to assist entrepreneurs with exporting will be held in Jersey City, New Jersey.
• Majority of small businesses put off spending - 8/25/2010 - Sixty percent say they wont hire new workers in the next six months.
• Ohio attorney general reimburses more than 1,400 scammed businesses - 8/25/2010 - People can apply to get money back.
• Business group says new tax will hurt small business owners - 8/24/2010 - Kansas NFIB says "driveway tax" will hurt local economy.
• Small business owners can save money with AmEx OPEN program - 8/24/2010 - Program members can save with Hertz, HP and other companies.
• Wyoming Senator calls for repeal of health law provision - 8/24/2010 - Sen Enzi says small businesses will be hurt by healthcare reform provision.
• President Obama names new SBA Chief Counsel - 8/23/2010 - Dr. Winslow Sargeant named to new post as a recess appointment.
• Small businesses dropped most jobs in Q4 2009 - 8/20/2010 - Businesses with 50 employees or fewer accounted for 61.8 percent of jobs lost.
• A 'dating site' for small business loans - 8/18/2010 - Boefly.com matches lenders with borrowers.
• Fed says small businesses can get more lending from banks - 8/17/2010 - Despite an easing of lending standards, demand remains static.
• 40Billion.com gives micro loans, hires new executives - 8/16/2010 - Website announces $25 million in mircoloans to small businesses.
• SBA program in hot water with GAO - 8/13/2010 - Government investigators find program aimed at helping underprivileged entrepreneurs is being abused.
• More small businesses turning to microloans - 8/11/2010 - Funds from stimulus package used to loan money to small business.
• Maryland Gov O'Malley highlights job creation, introduces growth plan - 8/9/2010 - Points to 40,000 jobs that have been created since January.
• Western New York small businesses get more lending - 8/4/2010 - Lending has gone up 27 percent compared to the same time period last year.
• Small businesses meet with county commissioners to give feedback - 8/4/2010 - Small business forum in Florida focuses on how local government can help.
• Iowa Governor announces new small business funding - 8/3/2010 - Government will provide $5 million in new loans.
• Survey: Small businesses don't anticipate recovery until 2011 or later - 8/2/2010 - 78 percent of entrepreneurs said the economy was their top concern.
• Small business hiring not as rapid, according to index - 8/2/2010 - Intuit Small Business Employment Index reveals slower hiring pace for month of June.
• SBA reminds small business owners in NC of loan availability - 7/30/2010 - Businesses still suffering as a result of landslide last year.
• GOP blocks small business lending bill - 7/30/2010 - Senate Democrats frustrated by lack of progress on bill to stimulate small business loans.
• Credit Union president: We can help with credit crisis - 7/30/2010 - Advocate urges Congress to raise lending limits.
• Small businesses get help with $10 million pledge from BoA - 7/30/2010 - Banking giant says grants could help fund $100 million in loans.
• Microloans are gaining popularity with small businesses - 7/29/2010 - More small businesses than ever turning to microloan lenders.
• Small business group starts petition against new paperwork requirement - 7/29/2010 - Small Business & Entrepreneurship Council starts petition against new measures in healthcare bill.
• Small businesses negatively impacted by oil drilling ban, Senate committee says - 7/29/2010 - Ban would cost small business millions.
• Business lobbying groups silent on pending lending legislation - 7/28/2010 - U.S. Chamber of Commerce not weighing in on $30-billion lending bill.
• U.S. Senate prepares to vote on small business fund - 7/26/2010 - Small Business Lending Fund would create $30 billion in loans.
• SBA highlights small business tax credits in healthcare legislation - 7/22/2010 - Administration comes out in favor of healthcare reform.
• Minnesota small businesses affected by rail construction to receive loans - 7/21/2010 - Minnesota Council sets up fund for small businesses.
• Small businesses planning to hire - 7/21/2010 - CareerBuilder survey reveals that two-thirds of small businesses plan to hire before the end of 2010.
• Small businesses benefit from healthcare reform with tax cuts - 7/16/2010 - Many small business owners will save money thanks to new healthcare legislation.
• Republican Senators say expiration of tax cuts hurts small businesses - 7/15/2010 - GOP Senators worry about impact for small businesses.
• Fed governor: small business lending climate improving - 7/14/2010 - Fed Governor Elizabeth Duke tells CNBC small businesses having easier time gaining access to capital.
• Fed Chair: Small businesses need lending to succeed - 7/13/2010 - Bernanke tells banks they need to lend more in order to help economy recover.
• Fed data: small business loans have higher interest rates - 7/12/2010 - Small businesses are subject to tougher borrowing conditions according to the Federal Reserve.
• Fed to hold meeting on bank lending to small business - 7/8/2010 - A forum on how to increase loans to small businesses will be hosted by the Federal Reserve.
• Gillibrand urges passage of small business bill - 7/7/2010 - New York Senator Gillibrand recently highlighted pending legislation aimed at helping small businesses.
• Sam's Club to offer small business loans - 7/6/2010 - Wal-Mart subsidiary will provide up to $25,000 in loans to small business owners.
• Business for sale transactions on the rise in 2010 - 7/6/2010 - New information from BizBuySell.com shows an increase in business-for-sale transactions and cash flow multiples in the second quarter or 2010.
• New analysis looks at difference between small business owners who use credit and those who don't - 7/2/2010 - The Office of Advocacy recently studied differences between small business owners who used credit and those who did not.
• Senate to begin debate on small business bill - 6/30/2010 - The U.S. Senate will soon begin debate on a series of laws aimed to help small business owners.
• J.P. Morgan offers discounted loan rates for small businesses that hire - 6/30/2010 - J.P. Morgan Chase is offering small business owners a discount on their loan if they hire new workers.
• San Francisco business leaders split on new tax proposals - 6/30/2010 - A new proposal for San Francisco small businesses would institute a rent tax to pay for lower payroll taxes.
• Texas' budget issues threaten small business tax break - 6/30/2010 - Budget problems in the Lone Star State are threatening a small business tax break.
• Small businesses increasingly turning to unpaid internships - 6/29/2010 - Small businesses are increasingly tapping into the power of unpaid interns although regulations regarding unpaid internships make some business owners wary of the practice.
• Small business suppliers becoming tighter with credit - 6/29/2010 - Suppliers are the latest source of credit to tighten lending to small business owners.
• Experts: Small business owners often sell too late - 6/29/2010 - Small business owners who wait too long to sell their company may be reducing its selling price.
• Survey: U.S. microfinancing on the rise - 6/28/2010 - Microfinancing is becoming an increasing force in the world of small business lending.
• Tax break would help small business owners buy more equipment - 6/25/2010 - Lawmakers are considering bringing back a recently-expired tax break to help companies that buy new equipment.
• Lawmakers reach agreement on debit card interchange fees - 6/25/2010 - Lawmakers have now revised an amendment that would limit the debit card swipe fees which banks charge to merchants.
• Lehigh Valley banks giving small business loans a second chance - 6/25/2010 - Several banks in Pennsylvania's Lehigh Valley are working together to help small business owners get loans.
• Small business owners say the Ithaca area is full of small business ideas - 6/24/2010 - Entrepreneurs in upstate New York say consistant funding is the only thing keeping the area from turning into a fertile area for technology startups.
• Some clean energy startups struggling to get enough funding - 6/23/2010 - Clean energy companies offer enormous growth potential. But they also need more investment to move their ideas off the drawing board.
• House passes small business loan fund - 6/23/2010 - The U.S. House of Representatives has passed a bill to create a $30-billion small business loan fund for small businesses.
• Using retirement savings for startups brings IRS scrutiny - 6/23/2010 - Small business owners who use their retirement savings to start a company are facing increased scrutiny from the IRS.
• Lack of focus can undermine the sale of a business - 6/21/2010 - Small business owners who lose focus on the day-to-day operation of their company during a sale can jeopardize the process.
• Entrepreneurs say tax issues are keeping them from family - 6/21/2010 - A new survey says many small business owners feel overwhelmed by the amount of tax paperwork they have to deal with.
• Many entrepreneurs don't understand business tax laws - 6/18/2010 - Many small business owners can be caught off-guard by the different tax laws that affect self-employed workers.
• Venture capital isn't for every small business owner - 6/17/2010 - Taking in venture capital is appealing to some small business owners, but other don't like the strings that come with it.
• Goldman Sachs provides $20 million in small business loans for Los Angeles area. - 6/17/2010 - A national program from Goldman Sachs will help fund business education and loans for entrepreneurs.
• Falling commercial real estate prices lower barriers for entrepreneurs - 6/16/2010 - Many franchisors are taking advantage of low commercial real estate prices to open multiple new storefronts.
• A growing business brings new financial hurdles - 6/15/2010 - Business owners looking to expand their business can face a completely different set of financial obstacles compared to when they first started up.
• Small businesses face higher taxes if "Edwards loophole" is removed - 6/14/2010 - A proposed bill in the House could raise taxes on some small businesses as lawmakers consider closing "the John Edwards loophole."
• Florida activates emergency loan program for small businesses affected by gulf oil spill - 6/11/2010 - Florida small business owners affect by the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico can take advantage of the state's emergency loan program.
• Small business optimism reaches highest level since 2008 - 6/9/2010 - Small business optimism has reached its highest level since September of 2008, according to the National Federation of Independent Business.
• MassChallenge to help entrepreneurs get their start - 6/9/2010 - MassChallenge - The world's largest startup competition is almost underway. It will give entrepreneurs $1 million in prize money towards their ideas.
• General Motors turns key on new venture capital firm - 6/8/2010 - Automotive startup companies could soon get funding from General Motors' new $100 million venture capital firm.
• Patience and simplicity key to getting small business investments - 6/7/2010 - Entrepreneurs need to remain patient and keep their proposals simple in order to get the funding they want.
• Federal Reserve says adding protections would restrict small business credit card use - 6/4/2010 - The Federal Reserve has advised not adding consumer protections to small business credit cards, fearing that repercussions could hurt business owners.
• Bernanke urges banks to loan to qualified small businesses - 6/3/2010 - Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke says that future job growth hinges on increased lending to small businesses.
• Maryland Governor urges increased venture capital investing - 6/2/2010 - A new tax credit program proposed by Maryland Governor Martin O'Malley hopes to create $100 million in venture capital.
• New York City entrepreneurial fund names its first small business investment - 5/29/2010 - An entrepreneurial fund created by New York City and FirstMark Capital will invest in the startup company My City Way.
• More small businesses may benefit from microlending - 5/28/2010 - The microfinance industry is setting its sights on U.S. small businesses, IndiaWest reports.
• California small businesses face double digit insurance rate hikes - 5/28/2010 - California's five largest insurers have raised their rates for small businesses by as much as 23 percent, the Los Angeles Times reports.
• Fed report on small business credit card use not yet delivered - 5/28/2010 - The Federal Reserve board did not meet its May 22 due date for a report to Congress on small business credit card usage.
• More than $0.5M in loans offered to small businesses affected by oil spill - 5/27/2010 - The SBA is helping small firms affected by the Gulf of Mexico oil spill by offering disaster loans and existing loan deferments.
• Small businesses can emerge stronger by awaiting full economic recovery - 5/27/2010 - Though it may take time for economic conditions to improve, one expert believes this delayed recovery could benefit small businesses in the long run.
• Community Bank reappointed to SBA Preferred Lenders Program - 5/27/2010 - Community Bank of Manatee has been reappointed to the SBA's Preferred Lenders Program, and it will lend to small businesses in the Tampa Bay area.
• President Obama calls for Congressional vote on small business aid - 5/27/2010 - The president is urging Congress to pass a legislative package that would help small businesses drive economic recovery.
• Is new legislation bad financial news for entrepreneurs? - 5/25/2010 - It is still uncertain how new financial regulations will affect some small businesses around the country.
• North Carolina lawmakers try to boost job creation - 5/25/2010 - The state Senate in North Carolina has approved tax breaks for small businesses to help them create and maintain jobs.
• Mass. Senate approves bill to ease small business insurance premiums - 5/24/2010 - Small businesses in Massachusetts could soon see lowered insurance premiums thanks to newly passed legislation.
• Small Business Lending Fund Act passes House committee - 5/21/2010 - A $30-billion small business lending proposal has cleared the House Financial Services Committee.
• Small business credit card hikes cause backlash - 5/20/2010 - More action from Congress may be necessary as credit card companies hike the rates of small-business cards.
• SBA opens Business Recovery Center to help entrepreneurs in Tennessee - 5/17/2010 - Struggling Tennesee small businesses get much-needed assistance from the opening of SBA Business Recovery Center.
• Millions of SMBs may benefit from healthcare tax credits - 5/17/2010 - Speaking to reporters this week, a Treasury Department representative said as many as four million small businesses could be eligible for healthcare tax credits.
• CompTIA believes small businesses could be negatively impacted by Senate bill - 5/12/2010 - The IT trade association CompTIA says a bill before the U.S. Senate could have unintended consequences for small businesses.
• EPA awards small businesses nearly $2.5M for environmental technologies - 5/12/2010 - Eleven small businesses in various environmental fields have been awarded funding from the Environmental Protection Agency.
• Obama administration offers loans to small businesses affected by Gulf of Mexico oil spill - 5/10/2010 - The government is offering loans of up to $2 million to small businesses in the Gulf of Mexico affected by the recent oil spill.
• Bank of America announces $19.4B in small and midsized business lending during first quarter - 5/6/2010 - This week, Bank of America announced $19.4 billion in lending to small and midsized businesses in the first quarter of 2010, an increase of $3 billion from the same period last year.
• Citi unveils $200M fund for small business lending in low income communities - 5/5/2010 - A $200-million dollar fund recently announced by Citi will help finance loan funds for small businesses in low-income communities.
• Newtek Business Services closes a new term loan with Capital One - 5/4/2010 - Newtek Business Services strikes a new financing deal with Capital One to support the company's SBA lending initiatives.
• Small business representatives attend contracting symposium in Washington - 4/30/2010 - A symposium was recently held in Washington state to teach small businesses about securing government contracts.
• Venture capitalists turn to 'microfunding' for entrepreneurs - 4/30/2010 - The world of venture capital is seeing a new trend of smaller investments for more entrepreneurs.
• SBE Council ranks the country's tax systems - 4/30/2010 - New ranking identifies winners and losers based on the impact of state tax systems on the small business sector.
• Benefits of healthcare tax credit still being debated - 4/29/2010 - Some small businesses owners are still unsure whether healthcare tax credits will help.
• Bank of America extends $3.4 billion to small businesses in first quarter - 4/28/2010 - Bank of America has shown strong lending in the first quarter, particularly to small businesses.
• American Small Business League: New task forces could do more harm than good - 4/28/2010 - League cites concerns over the Obama administration's track record of awarding federal contracts to large corporations.
• Small Business Committee reviews proposed SBA budget - 4/27/2010 - A hearing has been held to review the proposed budget for the U.S. Small Business Administration.
• Micro loan program for small business introduced in Michigan - 4/27/2010 - New program will provide funding for small entrepreneurs in Oakland County that are typically ignored by traditional lenders.
• St. Louis workshop provides resources to small businesses - 4/27/2010 - A workshop was recently held in St. Louis to teach small business owners about lending, exporting and government contracting.
• Colorado governor announces small business lending programs - 4/23/2010 - Colorado's state government has announced a $40 million dollar boost to small business lending.
• Small businesses could boost U.S. exports - 4/21/2010 - Small businesses could play a big role in reaching new export goals for the U.S.
• IRS mails millions of postcards to drive awareness of small business tax credit - 4/20/2010 - The IRS is sending postcards to millions of small businesses to tell them about the healthcare tax credit.
• San Diego's Seacoast Commerce Bank receives high marks from SBA - 4/20/2010 - Seacoast Commerce Bank in San Diego has been recognized by the SBA as a top provider of small business loans.
• Rep. Chris Carney announces immediate benefits of small business tax credit - 4/19/2010 - Pennsylvania congressman is pushing the tax credits of the new healthcare law to small businesses throughout the state.
• Finding loans still a challenge for small business owners - 4/19/2010 - Small business owners across the U.S. say they are unable to get the loans they need.
• Senate prepares new bill for small businesses - 4/15/2010 - Democratic senators are currently working on new legislation to aid small businesses.
• SBA announces major increase in loans to New Hampshire businesses - 4/14/2010 - The SBA has increased its lending to small businesses in New Hampshire by 91 percent.
• Economic recovery not being felt by small businesses - 4/14/2010 - As the economy begins to bounce back, small businesses say they aren't doing better.
• NFIB Index shows decline in small business optimism - 4/13/2010 - New index numbers from the NFIB show that small business owners continue to be pessimistic.
• Survey: Most small businesses have better economic outlook for 2010 - 4/12/2010 - A new survey says that a majority of small businesses have an improved view of the economy in 2010.
• SBA to overhaul its Small Business Procurement Scorecard - 4/12/2010 - The SBA will soon revise its Small Business Procurement Scorecard, introducing a letter grade system.
• NC governor announces package to aid small businesses - 4/9/2010 - North Carolina's governor has asked for the approval of a legislative package to help the state's small business owners.
• Dallas Forth Worth sees big gains for small business lending - 4/8/2010 - The Dallas-Forth Worth area has seen a major increase in lending from the Small Business Administration.
• White House campaigns to educate small businesses about Health Care Tax Credit - 4/7/2010 - The White House has launched a major effort encouraging small business owners to take advantage of the Health Care Tax Credit.
• New small business program launched to support SBA loan markets - 4/5/2010 - A new program from the White House will support markets which finance SBA loans.
• Report: Little interest in loans from entrepreneurs - 4/2/2010 - New survey results from PNC show little interest in loans from small business owners.
• Obama highlights healthcare reform benefits for small businesses - 4/1/2010 - President Obama emphasized the benefits of healthcare reform for small businesses on Thursday.
• Venture competition for entrepreneurs to be held at NYU - 3/31/2010 - A venture competition to be held in New York City will aim to educate and motivate local entrepreneurs.
• SBA issues warning over fraudulent offers for loan assistance - 3/31/2010 - The SBA has warned small business owners about firms making false claims for loan assistance.
• Healthcare reform could advance small businesses in Hawaii - 3/31/2010 - Small businesses in Hawaii could see a substantial boost from healthcare reform.
• ADP report shows significant decrease in employment - 3/31/2010 - A new report from ADP shows that jobs from private U.S. employers dropped by 23,000 in March.
• California company wins $100K grant in Administaff sweepstakes - 3/31/2010 - A California company has been named the winner of a $100,000 business grant.
• Report: Small businesses spending more on search, with good results - 3/31/2010 - A quarterly report shows that small business have increased their spending on search marketing.
• American Express applies provisions of the CARD Act for its small business cards - 3/30/2010 - American Express has chosen to apply some parts of the CARD Act to its small business cards.
• New law extends SBA small business loan programs - 3/30/2010 - Recovery lending from the SBA has been extended through April by a new bill.
• Small businesses in Washington, D.C. to compete for $100K - 3/30/2010 - A small business competition in Washington, D.C. is offering $100,000 in investment capital.
• New bill could bring relief to microloan intermediaries, Women's Business Centers - 3/30/2010 - Legislation that would aid microloan intermediaries and Women's Business Centers has been introduced to the U.S. Senate.
• Recession continues its negative impact on global business - 3/30/2010 - A survey reveals that the negative impact of the recession is still being felt around the globe.
• Small business loans tough but not impossible in New York - 3/30/2010 - Experts in New York State are discussing why small businesses and banks are both making loans difficult.
• Small business owners saving cash to survive, survey says - 3/30/2010 - A survey finds that small business owners are stockpiling cash to protect their companies.
• Strict examinations hold back loans to small businesses - 3/29/2010 - Small banks say that government examiners are making it difficult to lend to small businesses.
• California symposium offers advice for small business owners - 3/26/2010 - Speakers brought their expertise to a small business expo this week.
• Small business owners unsure of healthcare reform impact - 3/26/2010 - Entrepreneurs are debating the implications of new healthcare reform legislation.
• Study: Small business owners reassured by tax break incentives - 3/25/2010 - Entrepreneurs say they're confident new incentives will help their businesses, and the economy.
• House approves bill to aid small businesses, create jobs - 3/25/2010 - A new bill approved by the House of Representatives could benefit small business owners.
• Healthcare reform and small business owners: What you should know - 3/22/2010 - The new healthcare reform bill has many implications for small business owners, but some of them won't go into effect until 2014.
• Most employers willing to invest in employee retention - 3/18/2010 - Even in financially uncertain times, employers will take precautions to make certain they retain valued employees.
• Employee input can help stablize staff, increase productivity - 3/16/2010 - Letting employees help create the environment at a business can make them feel more invested in its success.
• Merchants hesitantly anticipating recovery - 3/12/2010 - The economic climate remains uncertain for most merchants.
• Senate releases details of Recovery Act extensions - 3/11/2010 - The Senate recently extended funding for small business lending as part of a larger initiative to fight unemployment.
• February finds optimism decreasing among small business owners - 3/9/2010 - According to the National Federation of Independent Business, small firms are skeptical of signs of economic growth.
• Funding extension could be good news for small businesses - 3/5/2010 - Funds for small business lending will continue until the end of march.
• Rate of job cuts continues to slow - 3/4/2010 - Though some still face difficulty, a new report finds that job cuts are slowing and some sectors are experiencing growth.
• January sees an increase in small business lending - 3/3/2010 - Lending to small businesses increased by 4 percent in January, according to PayNet's Small Business Lending Index.
• Small business owners building cash bases to prevent demise - 3/2/2010 - Small business owners believe saving cash is the best way prevent their business from struggling as the global economy recovers.
• Utah congressman advises small businesses to seek growth, development - 3/2/2010 - A Utah congressman advised a group of small business owners in Stockton, Utah on March 1 to pursue development and growth.
• Excessive flooding leads to disaster recovering loans in Michigan - 3/1/2010 - Michigan farmers and small business owners who lost money as a result of the severe weather in the state last summer can now apply for a small business loan for up to $2 million thanks to the SBA.
• Report shows small business employment on the rise - 3/1/2010 - SMB hiring trends may be a good indication that a larger recovery is just around the corner.
• Experts: Poor sales worse small business news than lending - 2/26/2010 - Economists from J.P. Morgan believe that poor sales are more responsible for small business woes than a lack of available lending.
• CARD Act may be bad news for small business owners - 2/26/2010 - Small business owners that hoped for relief from the CARD Act are disappointed that the law will only help regulate debt for personal card holders.
• Small business tax credit not enough to encourage hiring - 2/26/2010 - Small businesses believe that the $5,000 tax credit for hiring is not adequte incentive to make new hires as they continue to struggle with payroll.
• Small businesses looking for some help need to act fast - 2/25/2010 - Companies planning to apply for ARC loans need to move quickly. The SBA expects to provide the loans through the summer, but expects to funds to expire some time in August or September.
• Intel announces $3.5 billion in grants to IT hiring - 2/25/2010 - A $3.5 billion program from Intel aims to boost IT hiring in the U.S.
• Report: Small business improving more rapidly than others - 2/23/2010 - B2B bill payment figures indicate small businesses are recovering faster than other companies in the current economy.
• Understanding goals of your business is the best way to success - 2/22/2010 - Experts cite goal clarification as a critical feature of today's most successful small business ventures.
• North Carolina small businesses receive support from governor - 2/19/2010 - North Carolina small businesses are getting some needed assistance from governor Bev Smith, who is taking steps to ensure that North Carolina entrepreneurs have an opportunity to win state contracts.
• Picking the right loan from the right bank is crucial for small businesses - 2/18/2010 - Getting a small business loan has never been more difficult than in the current challenging economic environment. Knowing how to evaluate small business loans can improve the odds of obtaining small business financing.
• Missouri treasurer announces $36 million in small business loans - 2/17/2010 - Missouri entrepreneurs should have an easier time getting a small business loan. New funding for small businesses has been allocated to assist farming businesses in the state.
• Small businesses believe the worst is over, economy on the rebound - 2/17/2010 - A new small business study suggests that entrepreneurs may have learned a few valuable business lessons from the recession. The study also finds that most small business owners believe the worst is over.
• Report: Global economy sets stage for increased small business productivity - 2/16/2010 - Entrepreneurs are going global, according to a new research report. International trade has become an important source of businesses for many small businesses, and businesses that do not engage in global trade may be missing out on a great source of revenues and profits.
• Huntington bank announces $360 million small business lending plan - 2/12/2010 - During the economic downturn, getting a small business loan has been like trying to find a needle in a haystack. Some banks, however, are proactively taking steps to give small business owners more access to capital for growth and expansion.
• Small businesses still needed to reduce unemployment rates - 2/12/2010 - Temp agencies may have temporarily reduced the unemployment rates, but SMBs still stand to turn around the economy.
• Small businesses still needed to reduce unemployment rates - 2/11/2010 - Temp agencies may have temporarily reduced the unemployment rates, but SMBs still stand to turn around the economy.
• Small business loans might come easiest from small banks - 2/10/2010 - Experts at the Huffington Post and Red, White, and Blue Press suggest that community banks are the ideal lenders for entrepreneurs.
• Balancing business and family to achieve small business success - 2/9/2010 - Striking the balance of business and pleasure is a debated issue among entrepreneurs.
• Entrepreneurs with social minded small businesses might benefit from L3C formation - 2/8/2010 - Small business owners who form an L3C might start for-profit philanthropic businesses.
• Wells Fargo survey shows small business owners cautiously optimistic about the future - 2/8/2010 - The latest Wells Fargo Survey shows SMB owners are hopeful for the future.
• Entrepreneurs may find focusing on company growth now can bring in more profits later. - 2/5/2010 - Entrepreneurs may find focusing on company growth now can bring in more profits later.
• Small businesses should gear up to enforce dress codes - 2/4/2010 - Small business owners should protect themselves against potential lawsuits with considerate dress codes.
• Female entrepreneurs to lead the U.S. to economic recovery - 2/3/2010 - Women are gaining financial savvy in the trying climate and this may lead to a number of new female small business owners.
• Obama proposes strong budget for small businesses - 2/3/2010 - The administration advocates increasing SBA funds.
• Social media direct marketing might give small business brands a boost - 2/2/2010 - A marketing experts advises tracking social connections' comments to get the most out of social media campaigns.
• Small business startup owners can confront challenging times with new measures of success - 2/2/2010 - USA Today advises small business owners to rethink how to measure success in trying times.
• 2009 tax law changes mean credit for small businesses - 1/29/2010 - Tax laws that took effect in 2009 could translate into deductions and refunds for small business owners.
• Silicon Valley venture capitalist confidence edges up - 1/28/2010 - Results of the Silicon Valley venture capitalist confidence index are steadily improving.
• Democratic bill could include $50 billion in credit for small businesses - 1/26/2010 - President Obama emphasizes his focus on the economy in advance of upcoming Democratic job bill.
• NABE survey says economic recovery is on the way - 1/26/2010 - The results of the National Association for Business Economics survey reveal a positive outlook for the coming months.
• Obama administration diverting federal contracts from small businesses, says ASBL - 1/25/2010 - General Services Administration eliminates its "small business flag" from federal contracting data.
• Better Business Bureau helps protect small businesses from security breaches - 1/21/2010 - The Better Business Bureau is launching an initiative to educate small business owners about the threat of data breaches.
• New 401(k) program shows it pays to save - 1/21/2010 - A new 401(k) program will reward small businesses that accumulate assets with reduced retirement plan fees.
• Entrepreneurs will limit hiring in 2010 - 1/20/2010 - A Kauffman Foundation study found most entrepreneurs don't expect to generate new jobs this year.
• Small business loans down $1 billion - 1/20/2010 - A report from the U.S. Treasury reveals that banks cut small business lending by more than $1 billion in November.
• Survey says small business owners optimistic in spite of the recession - 1/20/2010 - A survey from TD Bank indicates entrepreneurs have high hopes for 2010.
• Tips on making a mobile small business successful - 1/19/2010 - Business Week offers advice to entrepreneurs who want to establish virtual offices.
• Small business payment behaviors may be improving - 1/15/2010 - Small business payment behavior is stabilizing, according to a report from Cortera.
• Small businesses might get ahead by monitoring the macroeconomy - 1/15/2010 - Small business owners might get ahead in 2010 by watching macroeconomic indicators.
• Score offers entrepreneurs top tips for 2010 - 1/13/2010 - SCORE offers small business owners tips to gain a competitive edge in 2010.
• Survey finds small businesses optimistic even as the pinch of the recession lingers - 1/13/2010 - A survey from CareerBuilder suggests SMB owners are cautiously optimistic for 2010.
• Planning might reduce small business owners' stress - 1/12/2010 - The Wall Street Journal offers entrepreneurs who are under pressure some tips on managing their businesses and stress-levels.
• Small business owners ended 2009 downbeat - 1/12/2010 - The most recent optimism index from the National Federation of Independent Business reveals small business owners enter the new year with little hope.
• Small business owners' optimism is up, but concerns remain - 1/11/2010 - The American City Business Journals survey reveals entrepreneur optimism is up for 2010.
• Small business owners might organize their way to success in 2010 - 1/11/2010 - A new survey from MARC Research for Office Dept reveals that cluttered offices contribute to SMB financial setbacks.
• Small business owners share 2010 tips - 1/8/2010 - The Discover Small Business Watch recently released tips for and from entrepreneurs.
• Women Entrepreneurs' Small Business Boot Camp might kick start revenue this year - 1/8/2010 - The sixth annual Women Entrepreneurs' Small Business Boot Camp will take place in Scottsdale this February.
• New EPA policy overlooks small businesses - 1/8/2010 - The EPA failed to convene a panel of SMBs to review their revised Clean Air Act.
• Kauffman Foundation awards 2010's promising young entrepreneurial scholars - 1/7/2010 - This week, the Kauffman Foundation announced 2010's recipients of the Kauffman Emerging Scholars Program fellowships. The program recognizes the achievements of students who are making significant contributions to research in entrepreneurship - and whose studies could offer useful news to small business owners.
• Obama urges banks to increase small business lending for 2010 - 1/6/2010 - Many major banks pledge to review rejected SMB loan applications and increase lending in 2010.
• Survey offers entrepreneurs marketing tips from consumers - 1/6/2010 - A new survey shows which forms of media some consumers value.
• Small businesses offer glimmer of hope in unemployment report - 1/6/2010 - ADP has released their latest report on national unemployment.
• Americans' job satisfaction plummets - 1/5/2010 - A survey reveals that Americans' job satisfaction has reached an all-time low.
• New loan opportunities for New England small businesses - 1/5/2010 - New England SMBs will receive loans totaling $850 million from Webster Bank in 2010.
• Small businesses can save energy and cash - 1/5/2010 - The Environmental Leader offers tips on saving energy at the office.
• Cross MediaWorks offers 2010 platform media predictions - 1/4/2010 - Cross MediaWorks suggests SMB owners focus their advertisement spending on television.
• Small business lending off to a slow start this year - 1/4/2010 - Small- and medium-sized business delinquencies at the end of 2009 might make it tough to find loans in 2010.
• Small business owners beware: Staff need boundaries with social media - 1/4/2010 - Small business owners should be aware of the potential pitfalls of social media.
• Small businesses and the public unite against federal cap and trade system - 12/31/2009 - An NFIB survey shows that SMB owners and voters think a federal cap-and-trade system will hurt the economy.
• SBA disaster loan deadline set - 12/30/2009 - The deadline for SBA disaster relief loans to small businesses is fast approaching.
• Small business will increase email marketing in 2010 - 12/30/2009 - A Vertical Response Survey shows SMBs will increase email and social media marketing in 2010.
• Online Shopping gave SMB sales a boost - 12/29/2009 - Online shopping reached unprecedented heights this holiday.
• Small businesses still struggle with loans - 12/29/2009 - A recent NFIB report indicates that SMB owners are finding it increasingly harder to get loans.
• Study shows small businesses kept confident in December - 12/28/2009 - Discover's Small Business Watch for December revealed that SMB owners are gaining confidence in the economy.
• Entrepreneurship proves one of the hottest research topics for 2009 - 12/21/2009 - The Kauffman Foundation's most in-demand reports for 2009 revolved around entrepreneurship.
• SBA Recovery Act funds extended - 12/21/2009 - The Senate voted to extend SBA Recovery Act funds.
• White House meeting results could help small banks assist SMBs - 12/21/2009 - Obama and community bank executives will discuss easier access to government capital toward SMB lending.
• Senator Brown supports SMB's increased access to credit - 12/21/2009 - New legislation, supported by Senator Brown, would increase SMB access to credit.
• SMBs with outstanding service come out on top - 12/18/2009 - The SBCA awards exemplar SMBs.
• Women will power SMBs of tomorrow, institute says - 12/17/2009 - The Guardian Life Small Business Research Institute predicts female SMB owners will generate new jobs.
• Funds could spur more than $18 billion in SBA lending - 12/16/2009 - The U.S. Senate Committee on Small Business has requested funds be allocated for SBA Recovery Act lending programs.
• Online contest rewards savvy SMBs - 12/16/2009 - Network Solutions online contest offers SMBs prizes for sharing tips through social media.
• Increasing educational opportunities for entrepreneurs - 12/16/2009 - Wachovia will help start a Wells Fargo Entrepreneurship Center.
• House of Representative to vote on jobs bill providing SMB loans - 12/16/2009 - The House of Representatives will vote on a bill to help SMBs get loans.
• Increased assistance for minority SMBs proposed - 12/15/2009 - Government officials have proposed reform to a minority SMB program that accounts for inflation.
• Workplace climate affects productivity - 12/15/2009 - Workplace temperature influences productivity, survey says.
• CIT helps SMBs get more loans for less - 12/14/2009 - CIT Group will boost SMB lending.
• JPMorgan continues support for SMB lending - 12/14/2009 - JPMorgan Chase will increase its efforts in SMB lending in 2010.
• Bank of America will increase SMB lending in 2010 - 12/14/2009 - Bank of America will increase SMB lending by at least $5 billion in 2010.
• Legislation could bolster SMB international trade - 12/14/2009 - Proposed legislation could help American SMBs expand overseas exports.
• SMB optimism down, reports NFIB - 12/9/2009 - The NFIB's SMB Economic Trends Index reveals that entrepreneurs still feel the full impacts of the recession.
• Young workers follow (and breed) success - 12/8/2009 - The Office of Advocacy offers SMB owners insight on the migration patterns of educated, young workers.
• Portfolio to offer online resources for SMBs - 12/8/2009 - The American City of Business Journals is re-launching Portfolio.com to offer SMB owners strategies in a trying market.
• SBA will provide disaster relief for Midwestern SMBs - 12/7/2009 - The SBA will offer Midwest SMBs disaster relief loans.
• Pritzker offers SMB owners advice - 12/7/2009 - Venture capitalist Pritzker urges SMB owners to draw on unexpected resources in trying times.
• SMBs can become a Google and consumer Favorite Place - 12/7/2009 - Google's latest innovation could bolster consumers' confidence in SMBs.
• Author says entrepreneurs live long - 12/4/2009 - Author James Randel explains why entrepreneurs have long life expectancies.
• Study reveals consumers' inconsistent behavior and see saw economy - 12/3/2009 - A report from BizBen.com reveals economic inconsistencies that shouldn't leave SMB owners discouraged.
• Congress pushes for job creation bills - 12/3/2009 - Congress hopes their proposed job-creation bill will relieve unemployment rates.
• Kauffman Foundation president offers strategies to boost entrepreneurship - 12/3/2009 - Kauffman Foundation president Schramm will participate in the upcoming White House forum on jobs.
• ADP reports SMB employment losses are declining - 12/2/2009 - The ADP Small Business Report recently released data on November employment rates.
• Survey says the recessions is not over for Midwestern SMBs - 12/2/2009 - A Huntington Bank survey reveals that many Midwestern SMB owners feel the recession is far from over.
• SBE Council released 'SMB Survival index 2009' - 12/2/2009 - The SBE Council released its Small Business Survival Index 2009, ranking states according to SMB-friendly policies.
• North Boston rewards entrepreneurs - 12/2/2009 - The North of Boston Business Plan Competition will reward startup business owners for potential job creation.
• New Power Woman Business Center empowers female entrepreneurs - 12/2/2009 - Power Media Group will start a Power Woman Business Center.
• Mills set to discuss SMBs and the economy - 11/30/2009 - SBA administrator Mills will discuss the Administration's support of SMBs.
• Discover Small Business Watch reports SMB confidence down - 11/30/2009 - The Discover Small Business Watch index fell 12 points in November.
• Unreliable data makes SMBs a mystery to economists - 11/25/2009 - Faulty economic formulas leave experts with little gauge on the state of SMBs.
• NASA brings SMBs to the space age - 11/24/2009 - America's space program, NASA, is investing in small businesses. NASA has awarded 368 small business innovation projects a combined value of $33.5 million.
• Funding helps SMBs make the world green - 11/24/2009 - U.S. Department of Energy funds SMB's technology projects.
• Health reforms could help SMBs - 11/23/2009 - Health care reforms could lower SMB coverage costs.
• Engendered entrepreneur statistics - 11/23/2009 - New reports reveal gender divides among SMB owners.
• Study reveals SMB confidence and borrowing up - 11/23/2009 - A PayNet study reveals SMB owners are borrowing again.
• SMB sales and optimism are up - 11/20/2009 - An Adminstaff report reveals SMB owners are gaining confidence - and revenue - this quarter.
• NYC SMBs debate paid sick leave bill - 11/19/2009 - Intro No 1059 would require NYC SMBs to give workers nine paid sick days.
• On Deck Capital and NUL make SMB loans easy - 11/19/2009 - On Deck Capital and the National Urban League will offer entrepreneurs direct access to loans.
• TARP proposal could help SMB job creation - 11/19/2009 - The ALF-CIO will ask that TARP funds provide credit to SMBs.
• Big bank partnership could payoff for SMB owners - 11/18/2009 - Goldman Sachs and Buffett devote millions to assisting SMB owners.
• All star entrepreneurs offer advice to the next generation of SMB leaders - 11/18/2009 - Global Entrepreneurship Week offers mentors to young entrepreneurs.
• SMB owners hoping to hire get creative - 11/17/2009 - SMBs may struggle to create new jobs and to get through a surplus of applications.
• SMBs remain optimistic about the future - 11/17/2009 - MerchantCircle's latest survey reveals SMB owners expect to survive the recession.
• SMB holiday festivities get plain but personal - 11/17/2009 - SMBs will party in the face of the recession this holiday.
• Young Americans make the cut in GSEA Global finals - 11/16/2009 - Young American entrepreneurs give a strong showing in this year's GSEA Global finals.
• Technology conference could mean more health care options for SMBs - 11/16/2009 - A Kauffman Foundation conference will address how technological innovation could rein in the nation's escalating health care costs.
• Downsizing office space may prevent downsizing staff - 11/13/2009 - Moving to smaller offices while workers telecommute may be the latest SMB trend.
• SMBs lack a unified stance on public healthcare, study finds - 11/12/2009 - Results of a Vertical Response survey reveal SMBs have mixed responses to public health care.
• A strong showing for Global Entrepreneur Week 2009 - 11/11/2009 - This year's Global Entrepreneur Week could prepare future SMB leaders of tomorrow.
• New virtual office opportunities for SMBs - 11/11/2009 - AT&T and Regus team up to provide workspace solutions to SMBs.
• SBA: Service disabled veterans can be the job creators of tomorrow - 11/11/2009 - The SBA's Office of Veteran Business Development is expanding its entrepreneurship training for veterans.
• New loans for SMBs could create more jobs - 11/10/2009 - JPMorgan Chase is raising small business lending by $4 billion.
• SMBs remain optimistic in trying times - 11/10/2009 - The National Federation of Independent Business' most recent survey reveals a growth in the SMB optimism index.
• SMBs may benefit from IT revenue declines - 11/10/2009 - Hewlett-Packard released a line of products specifically designed for SMBs.
• Experts advise implementing new customer acquisition strategies - 11/9/2009 - The Alternative Board released a report with strategies for small businesses in a period of economic recovery.
• Small business owners say holiday gifts are still worth giving - 11/9/2009 - Many small businesses plan on giving customers holiday gifts amidst economic hard times.
• BLS: Efficiency soars as productivity increases, costs fall - 11/6/2009 - The BLS released new findings on increasing productivity and decreasing costs for the third quarter of 2009.
• American Small Business League: Obama 'short change' - 11/6/2009 - Failure to end the diversion of federal small business contracts to large corporations is identified as a major concern for U.S. small businesses.
• 'Help Wanted' may become an obsolete term for small business owners - 11/5/2009 - SMB owners are reluctant to hire new employees in spite of rising application rates, a survey from George S. May International found.
• Iowa small business owner asks Senator for healthcare reform - 11/4/2009 - Democratic Senators Harkin and Landrieu talk up healthcare reform.
• Obama administration hopes to boost small business lending - 11/2/2009 - TARP funds may help smaller banks begin lending again.
• Small Business Lender CIT Group Files for Chapter 11 - 11/2/2009 - Bankruptcy means $2.3 billion in federal bailout money won't be paid back.
• Obama pitches healthcare reform to small business owners - 10/30/2009 - Obama says 90 percent of small businesses will be exempt from health insurance mandates.
• SBA report says small businesses benefit from healthcare reform - 10/26/2009 - A report from the Obama administration says millions of small businesses can't afford health insurance for their employees.
• Obama pledges increased limits on small business loans - 10/23/2009 - Small businesses can get loans up to $5 million.
• Warner says it's time for a small business bailout - 10/16/2009 - Warner said TARP helped Wall Street, not Main Street.
• Landrieu hosting small business outreach conference - 10/16/2009 - Landrieu offering advice on small business financing programs.
• Bankers association offers small business loan tips - 10/13/2009 - Small businesses should talk to bankers about loan repayment plans.
• Trade agency seeks to boost small business exports - 10/6/2009 - U.S. plans to investigate ways to increase small business exports.
• Obama says healthcare reform will aid small businesses - 10/5/2009 - The President says small business owners would benefit from his healthcare reform proposals.
• Unemployment rate rises to 9.8% despite spending, income gains - 10/2/2009 - Despite gains in personal spending and income, the unemployment rate rose to 9.8 percent in September.
• Small business owners cautiously optimistic about their performance - 10/1/2009 - Small business owners reported higher optimism levels in terms of their own companies, and slightly improved outlooks for the economy as a whole.
• Interest rates to remain low despite economic improvements - 10/1/2009 - Despite signs of economic recovery - including slowed declines in GDP and unemployment - the Federal Reserve has decided to hold on to low interest rates.
• Entrepreneurs yet to see green shoots, survey finds - 9/24/2009 - Entrepreneurs are still wary of the much-hyped recovery, with more than two-thirds of survey respondents believing that the recession will last one to two more years.
• SBA to raise cap for goodwill financing guarantees - 9/22/2009 - The SBA plans to lessen its restrictions on goodwill financing starting October 1.
• Office Depot and Verizon to offer small business discounts - 9/21/2009 - In the latest example of SMB-focused promotions, Office Depot and Verizon have partnered to offer small businesses a discount on office supplies.
• Small businesses should not expect merry holiday retail season, Deloitte reports - 9/21/2009 - Retail sales for this year's holiday shopping season are expected to be flat compared to the previous year, Deloitte projected.
• Let's make a deal: businesses barter during slow economic times - 9/18/2009 - Small business owners use bartering as a way to gain important benefits for their companies.
• Experts say rising unemployment trends may continue - 9/18/2009 - Unemployment is up. But the good news is that it may improve the crop of job candidates for small business hiring vacancies.
• Small business owners show highest optimism in two years, but some still struggling - 9/18/2009 - Small business owners are increasingly optimistic, though many are still struggling and the majority does not believe the worst is over.
• Global business owners becoming more optimistic, though still cautious - 9/17/2009 - Business owners across the world seem to be growing more optimistic about the economic recovery, according to a recent survey.
• Baucus health care plan a mixed blessing for small business - 9/16/2009 - New healthcare law would result in both burdens and benefits to the small business sector.
• Small business owners see light at the end of the tunnel - 9/16/2009 - According to a recent survey, U.S. small business owners are choosing to remain positive about their company's prospects.
• Ecommerce sales slump, but future looks bright - 9/14/2009 - Online retail sales are down, but they'll be back.
• With employee recognition, make it personal - 9/14/2009 - More personal recognition programs can help boost morale, productivity, and employer-employee communication.
• Goods producing small businesses struggle to keep up with service sector - 9/11/2009 - Small businesses in the goods-producing sector have been hit particularly hard by the recession, a recent data analysis revealed.
• Consumer confidence drives growth in the Discover Spending Monitor - 9/11/2009 - Despite continued discretionary spending cuts, improved consumer optimism and confidence caused the Discover U.S. Spending Monitor to rebound in August.
• Small businesses optimistic, meeting performance goals - 9/11/2009 - Small business owners are optimistic about economic recovery and meeting - or exceeding - performance expectations for 2009, according to the Business Confidence Survey from Administaff.
• Credit card losses decline in July, reversing almost two years of increases - 9/9/2009 - Credit card losses decreased in July, following two years of almost continual increases, Standard & Poor's reported.
• Job losses continue at slower pace, unemployment rate increases to 9.7% - 9/5/2009 - Job losses rose in August - but at a slower pace than in recent months - although the unemployment rate increased by 0.3 points to 9.7 percent.
• Business productivity sees largest increase since 2003 - 9/4/2009 - The second quarter saw an increase of 6.6 percent in nonfarm business productivity, the largest increase since 2003.
• Small business confidence at highest level in 18 months, survey says - 8/31/2009 - The August Small Business Watch from Discover reported the highest small business confidence index level since February 2008.
• Consumers still cautious about economy, women more so than men - 8/27/2009 - Consumers continue to remain cautious about the economy and cut back on spending, a survey found.
• Real GDP declines in second quarter, but improves over first quarter - 8/27/2009 - The second quarter's real GDP results stayed consistent with original estimates of a 1 percent decrease, an improvement over last quarter's 6.4 percent decline.
• 2Q sees lower credit card delinquency rates, borrower debt - 8/27/2009 - The latest report from TransUnion found that credit card delinquency rates and borrower debt decreased in the second quarter compared to the first.
• SMB owners not confident about health care understanding, ability to pay - 8/27/2009 - Many small business owners are confused and concerned about employee health care and its implications, a recent survey found.
• Ten year budget deficit increases by $2 trillion, 2009 deficit decreases - 8/25/2009 - The government downwardly revised the 2009 budget deficit projections, but increased the 10-year deficit projection by $2 trillion, the OMB reported Tuesday.
• Consumer credit card debt decreases in July - 8/24/2009 - Credit card charge-off rates and delinquency rates fell in July, Moody's reported.
• Preparation, research can help speed up small business loan approval process - 8/24/2009 - To speed up the ARRA loan application process, small business owners are advised to have all their paperwork well-prepared, and to do their research about lenders.
• Leading economic index improves for fourth consecutive month - 8/21/2009 - The Conference Board leading economic index rose for the fourth consecutive month, indicating that the economy may be starting to recover.
• Small business bankruptcies up 81% from last year - 8/20/2009 - Small business bankruptcies rose 81 percent between June 2008 and June 2009, Equifax reported.
• Retailers report lower 2Q sales before back to school season - 8/19/2009 - Declining sales among major retailers suggests that consumer spending has continued to remain depressed.
• Credit lending standards start to ease, Federal Reserve reports - 8/18/2009 - Fewer banks are tightening lending standards, the Federal Reserve announced, suggesting a possible end to the credit crunch.
• More businesses reversing salary and benefit cuts, survey says - 8/14/2009 - Businesses are beginning to reverse their cost cutting measures such as salary freezes and reductions, a new survey found.
• Consumers spend more in July - 8/13/2009 - The Deloitte Consumer Spending Index rose in July, fueled by improved performance in initial unemployment claims, real wages and the tax burden.
• Jobless claims rise last week despite decreased layoff levels in June - 8/13/2009 - Although hiring rates are at a record low and jobless claims continue to increase, the weekly unemployment rate and monthly layoff levels provide glimmers of hope.
• Federal Reserve announces economy is 'leveling out' - 8/12/2009 - The Federal Reserve tentatively announced that the economy is starting to stabilize, indicating that recovery may be on the horizon.
• SMB optimism slips as owners look ahead to next six months - 8/12/2009 - Small business owners were slightly less optimistic in July, largely due to poor expectations for the nation's economic outlook in the next six months.
• Despite skepticism about stimulus, Americans growing more optimistic - 8/11/2009 - Though generally more optimistic about the economy, Americans are conflicted about the success of the government's stimulus plan.
• Government reports further job losses, slightly lower unemployment rate - 8/7/2009 - The economy shed 247,000 jobs in July while the unemployment rate decreased 0.1 points to 9.4 percent, the Bureau of Labor announced.
• SMBs make lemonade from lemons use recession to become more efficient - 8/7/2009 - Two-thirds of small businesses have used the economic downturn to focus on making their businesses more efficient than before, according to a recent Network Solutions survey.
• Job losses mount, but at slowest rate since October 2008 - 8/7/2009 - Job losses grew again between June and July, though at the slowest rate since October 2008, reported ADP.
• Global executives optimistic about battered but resilient economy - 8/7/2009 - Global executives are increasingly optimistic about their company's future profits, though still waiting patiently for the "battered but resilient" economy to rebound.
• Small businesses increasing or maintaining employment, compensation levels - 8/7/2009 - Small businesses are reporting plans to maintain or increase employment and compensation levels, hinting at the first signs of economic recovery.
• Discount is the name of the game this back to school shopping season - 8/3/2009 - Small businesses are advised to focus on discounts and promotions this back-to-school shopping season, as a recent survey found that consumers plan to spend significantly less this year.
• Real GDP sees substantial improvement in Q2 - 8/3/2009 - News of improvements in the nation's real GDP was tempered with disappointing readings for personal saving and spending behavior.
• House of Representatives increases payroll cutoff for proposed healthcare tax - 8/3/2009 - The House of Representatives just increased the payroll cutoff determining which small businesses are required to provide healthcare or pay a penalty tax.
• Well prepared applications ease SMB access to credit - 7/30/2009 - Small businesses should plan ahead when preparing to access credit, experts say.
• Recession may benefit, not inhibit, small business expansion plans - 7/29/2009 - Though it seems counterintuitive, a recession may be one of the best times for small businesses to expand.
• Small business confidence rises in July - 7/29/2009 - Small business confidence rose in July, as SMB owners reported more optimism about the economy and their budgets.
• Small businesses pay more for health insurance, report says - 7/28/2009 - A new government report found that small businesses pay up to 18 percent more for health insurance than big businesses, but many are not convinced that the proposed reform will help.
• Small businesses still in trouble as credit crunch continues - 7/22/2009 - Small businesses are having a harder time accessing credit, as SBA 7(a) loans are harder to come by.
• No right answer for small business owners - 7/22/2009 - A recent study suggests that making a decision between two unattractive options will likely cast the decision-maker in a negative light, no matter what they choose.
• The recession may be near an end or even past it - 7/20/2009 - The steadily improving performance of the Leading Economic Index and other Conference Board data suggests that an end to the recession is near, or may have already happened.
• Internet is a valuable tool for job searchers, SMB recruiters - 7/17/2009 - A recent survey found that job searching and related activities are among the top uses of the internet for the 69 percent of American adults who are considered online economic users.
• Economy shows signs of recovery as GDP, corporate profits, consumer spending improve - 7/16/2009 - Recently released data from the Bureau of Economic Analysis found improvement in the country's GDP, DPI, consumer spending and corporate profits - pointing toward the beginning of economic recovery.
• Small business owners cutting costs but thinking positively - 7/15/2009 - Despite having to resort to cost-cutting practices, many small businesses view their company's recent performance positively and are somewhat optimistic about economic recovery.
• GDP and consumer expenditure look promising, despite unemployment and savings rate - 7/15/2009 - Despite poor predictions for unemployment and savings rates, the nation's GDP and consumer expenditure are expected to rebound by 2010.
• Though not expecting recovery, Americans more confident in government, savings - 7/15/2009 - Though consumers do not expect the recession to end anytime soon, job loss concerns and the savings rate have held steady while government confidence improved.
• Small business lender collapse would likely exacerbate credit crisis, delay economic recovery - 7/14/2009 - The possible collapse of CIT Group, one of the nation's largest small business lenders, threatens the financial well-being of small businesses as well as the general economic recovery.
• Information Overload Awareness Day to draw attention to billion dollar problem - 7/13/2009 - Information Overload Awareness Day will attempt to draw attention to the problem that costs the U.S. economy $900 billion per year.
• Treasury officials discuss small business bailout, sources say - 7/13/2009 - A new bailout program focused on small businesses is being discussed by treasury officials, one which will be financed by TARP funds.
• Investors and shareholders selling illiquid assets, private company securities in new marketplaces - 7/9/2009 - A new trend of illiquid asset marketplaces has emerged to address the venture capital liquidity crisis.
• The consumer trend worth $42.6 billion - 7/9/2009 - Consumers who spend $50 per month at local, independently owned businesses can generate $42.6 billion in revenue, making a huge difference to small businesses struggling through the recession.
• Small businesses in entertainment, tourism likely to see slower business this month - 7/8/2009 - The latest Discover U.S. Spending Monitor revealed that 51 percent of consumers plan to scale back their discretionary spending, a 2 percent increase from the previous month.
• Access to short term credit not affected by credit crunch or stimulus, businesses report - 7/2/2009 - Despite the largest federal stimulus to date and a widespread credit crunch, a majority of businesses report no change in their ability to access short-term credit.
• Small business salaries decrease in June, hiring and optimism increase - 7/2/2009 - The SurePayroll Small Business Scorecard indicated that small business salaries decreased in June, but hiring and optimism increased.
• Number of independent contractors, small business dependence, on the rise - 7/1/2009 - Small businesses are becoming more dependent on the freelance work of independent contractors, as the recession pushes more laid off workers into self-employment.
• Small businesses holding on to high cash balances, using conservative investment strategies - 7/1/2009 - Many small businesses are reacting to the credit crunch and volatile market by stockpiling cash and using more conservative investment strategies, a trend which may delay the nation's economic recovery.
• Job losses inch downward, but less than expected - 7/1/2009 - ADP reported fewer job losses in June than in recent months, but more than expected.
• SMBs can cut costs effectively during recession - 7/1/2009 - By making smart decisions, small businesses can make it through the tough times.
• Investors are more confident in economy, consumers less - 6/30/2009 - The CBOE Volatility Index and the Conference Board Consumer Confidence Survey released conflicting results Tuesday, indicating increased investor confidence but decreased consumer confidence.
• Advice for SMBs on cutting costs to stay afloat - 6/30/2009 - According to the experts, basic cost-cutting strategies are essential in helping SMBs survive a down economy.
• SBA launches loan initiative for military small business owners - 6/30/2009 - The SBA launched the Patriot Express Pilot Loan Initiative, offering loans of up to $500,000 to service members, veterans and military spouses looking to expand or establish their small businesses.
• Intuit holds Twitter town hall featuring tips, discussions on SMB access to capital - 6/30/2009 - Intuit held a Twitter town hall on Tuesday to address small business owners' increasing concerns about access to capital and loans.
• Survey: Small business optimism up, cash flow concerns decrease - 6/29/2009 - Small business confidence has increased this month while cash flow concerns have decreased, according to the most recent Discover Small Business Watch.
• Study: SMBs could lose $2.4 trillion in healthcare costs if system is not changed - 6/26/2009 - A recent analysis from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology projects that healthcare will cost SMBs $2.4 trillion in healthcare costs - plus thousands of jobs - if the system is left unreformed.
• Cautious consumers still cutting back despite increased confidence - 6/25/2009 - Consumers are continuing to cut back on spending, despite slightly increased confidence levels.
• SBA unveils changes to 504 loan program, allowing many SMBs to expand - 6/25/2009 - The SBA unveiled new changes to the 504 loan program, allowing expanding SMBs to refinance.
• Small businesses in Alabama qualify for SBA disaster loans - 6/23/2009 - Following President Obama's recent declaration of a federal disaster in Alabama, many small businesses qualify for disaster loans from the Small Business Association.
• Job seekers feel employment market is improving - 6/23/2009 - New report may be a good sign for SMBs as more workers feel confident they can find a job.
• SMBs feel businesses will grow in 2009 - 6/19/2009 - Seven out of 10 entrepreneurs feel their businesses will increase by the end of the year.
• Michigan SMBs feel economy is ready to turn around - 6/15/2009 - The percentage of companies that expect to see improvements by the end of the year jumped from 11 percent to 21 percent.
• Site sets up microloan pilot program in U.S. - 6/11/2009 - Kiva.org has traditionally helped SMBs in developing countries but says the program can help U.S. business owners as well.
• Workers looking for more flexible schedules during the summer - 6/11/2009 - Employees are looking to work their schedule around good weather and cut out early on Fridays.
• NFIB survey finds business optimism is up - 6/9/2009 - It is the second month in a row that the index has risen, giving hope that the economy is turning around.
• Consumers plan to increase spending, carefully - 6/9/2009 - Report finds that almost half say they will increase spending on travel.
• Many SMBs fear cutting back on 401(k) matching - 6/8/2009 - Most small businesses reported that they offer the retirement plan as a benefit for employees, not a way to attract talent.
• Small business bankruptcy on the rise - 6/8/2009 - Areas hardest hit by economy are also seeing small businesses shutter.
• Kentucky SMBs still eligible for disaster loans - 6/4/2009 - Small businesses affected by drought and high winds last year may still be able to get loans of up to $2 million.
• SMBs can see healthcare benefits from wellness programs - 6/3/2009 - One company says its wellness program incorporates many online-based tools to help employees stay healthy.
• Small business loan delinquency drops in April - 6/2/2009 - While delinquencies fell last month they are still higher than a year ago.
• Easing the heath care stress - 6/2/2009 - A Massachusetts legislation aims to help small business owners pay for health insurance.
• SMBs not covered under credit card bill - 5/29/2009 - Small businesses using company cards will not get the advantages placed in recently signed credit card legislation.
• Congressman proposes tax deferment for small businesses - 5/29/2009 - If passed, the legislation would allow SMBs to defer payment for one year to invest in their business.
• SBA to help the auto industry - 5/29/2009 - New financing program should also boost the economy.
• GM bankruptcy could hurt small businesses - 5/28/2009 - Dozens of small businesses that supply the automaker could face bankruptcy themselves.
• Report finds SMB loans rose in 2008 - 5/28/2009 - Although the value of loans grew, it was at a slower pace than previous year.
• New bill would give more federal contracts to SMBs - 5/28/2009 - Subsidiaries of large corporations would no longer be considered small businesses.
• Some small businesses see benefits in the recession - 5/27/2009 - In helping large corporations cut costs, some SMBs are seeing business growth.
• Consumer Confidence rises for second straight month - 5/26/2009 - Index could be a good sign for small businesses and the overall economy.
• SMBs facing tough health care decisions - 5/26/2009 - With revenues falling and costs rising many small businesses are forced to drop health insurance for employees.
• Survey finds SMB optimism drops 10 points - 5/26/2009 - After three months of gains, small business optimism falls.
• SMBs need credit card protection - 5/22/2009 - Senators advocate for small businesses to benefit from the Credit Card Act.
• Disaster loans awarded - 5/22/2009 - Over $1 million in SBA funds are awarded to those in need.
• Latest loan to boost economy - 5/20/2009 - Small businesses will further benefit from Recovery Act assistance.
• Chamber of Commerce, Sam's Club join forces - 5/13/2009 - The two organizations say the venture will help reduce costs for SMBs.
• NFIB reports renewed small business optimism - 5/12/2009 - The National Federation of Independent Business index provides good news for small businesses.
• More SMBs using credit cards but cite worsening terms - 5/11/2009 - A new report finds 59 percent of entrepreneurs use credit cards for business.
• SMBs losing lines of credit - 5/11/2009 - Changes in credit scores are affecting some small business clients of JPMorgan Chase.
• Small business hiring increases, salaries drop - 5/5/2009 - Although small businesses are increasing their hiring, salaries are going in the opposite direction.
• How small businesses navigate the economy - 5/5/2009 - A new survey provides insight into how small businesses are continuing operations while making cutbacks.
• SMBs may benefit from recession - 5/4/2009 - The businesses that can survive the current economic state may see increased sales because of a lack of competition.
• Sam's Club tries to lure in SMBs with cost comparisons - 4/30/2009 - Sam's Club, the second-largest US membership warehouse club, is working closely with small business owners to help them identify ways to lower costs.
• Microloan program lacks applicants - 4/30/2009 - Everybody's talking about the small business credit crunch. However, D.C. officials have been surprised to see few applicants apply for business loans available via a new small business microloan program.
• Entrepreneurs may still see funding from private investors - 4/29/2009 - In this tough economy, entrepreneurs are struggling to raise money. Capital for early-stage companies, however, is starting to flow again.
• Small business groups criticize Obama's first 100 days - 4/29/2009 - As he completes his first 100 days in office, President Barack Obama remains popular with American citizens, but one watchdog organization thinks Obama isn't doing right by small business owners.
• Microloans are an option for SMBs - 4/27/2009 - Startup businesses that need to raise money are finding that applying for microloans can be a great way to access business capital.
• SMBs find it hard to sell their businesses - 4/27/2009 - It's a difficult time to own a business, but selling a business is proving to be even more difficult.
• Small business owners cutting their own pay to make ends meet - 4/24/2009 - Small business owners taking pay cuts? In this down economy, many entrepreneurs are opting to give themselves pay cuts, rather than layoff employees.
• SMBs say recession makes them better business owners - 4/23/2009 - A report from American Express OPEN finds that small business owners have a never-say-die spirit.
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