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June 2012 Archive
From starting and growing a business to managing operations day-to-day, one thing is certain in business – dealing with laws and regulations. Whether you are hiring your first employee, formalizing your business structure, or applying for a license, you’ll encounter a hairball of ever-changing federal, state and local rules and regulations. To help business owners unravel the hairball and get answers, SBA.gov offers a variety of helpful tools and resources. 1. Comply With Universal Business Laws Whatever your business...
by Caron_Beesley, Community Moderator on 06/28/2012 - 06:10
From starting and growing a business to managing operations day-to-day, one thing is certain in business – dealing with laws and regulations. Whether you are hiring your first employee, formalizing your business structure, or applying for a license, you’ll encounter a hairball of ever-changing federal, state and local rules and regulations. To help business owners unravel the hairball and get answers, SBA.gov offers a variety of helpful tools and resources. 1. Comply With Universal Business Laws Whatever your business...
by Caron_Beesley, Community Moderator on 06/27/2012 - 06:09
Do you know how much privacy your employees are entitled to? For example, if you feel employees are abusing their work privileges, is it legal to intercept emails or phone conversations to find out what they’re up to and confirm your suspicions? Can you ask potential job candidates for their Facebook profile log-on information? Here are some general guidelines that can help. Screening Job Candidate’s Social Media Profiles There has been plenty of coverage in the media recently about companies and public sector organizations asking...
by Caron_Beesley, Community Moderator on 06/27/2012 - 06:09
Do you know how much privacy your employees are entitled to? For example, if you feel employees are abusing their work privileges, is it legal to intercept emails or phone conversations to find out what they’re up to and confirm your suspicions? Can you ask potential job candidates for their Facebook profile log-on information? Here are some general guidelines that can help. Screening Job Candidate’s Social Media Profiles There has been plenty of coverage in the media recently about companies and public sector organizations asking...
by Caron_Beesley, Community Moderator on 06/27/2012 - 06:09
Do you know how much privacy your employees are entitled to? For example, if you feel employees are abusing their work privileges, is it legal to intercept emails or phone conversations to find out what they’re up to and confirm your suspicions? Can you ask potential job candidates for their Facebook profile log-on information? Here are some general guidelines that can help. Screening Job Candidate’s Social Media Profiles There has been plenty of coverage in the media recently about companies and public sector organizations asking...
by AshleyC, Community Moderator on 06/25/2012 - 13:25
When a friend or family member asks what you do to help small businesses, what do you say? I am always excited to explain to them that I work for the U.S. Small Business Administration in the Washington, D.C. Metropolitan District Office as a Business Development Specialist where I service and assist small businesses within the Metropolitan area to help them manage and expand their businesses, obtaining government contracts thru the 8(a) Business Development Program and guiding them thru every stage of turning their businesses and...
by AshleyC, Community Moderator on 06/25/2012 - 13:25
When a friend or family member asks what you do to help small businesses, what do you say? I am always excited to explain to them that I work for the U.S. Small Business Administration in the Washington, D.C. Metropolitan District Office as a Business Development Specialist where I service and assist small businesses within the Metropolitan area to help them manage and expand their businesses, obtaining government contracts thru the 8(a) Business Development Program and guiding them thru every stage of turning their businesses and...
by Caron_Beesley, Community Moderator on 06/25/2012 - 06:43
Do you know your business credit score? Feel unnerved about relying on your personal credit score for business transactions? As a business owner, taking steps to separate your personal and business finances is a smart strategy. Obviously, this means implementing a strategy to build good credit in your company’s name. What is Business Credit? Business credit is much like your own personal credit score – it’s a proxy for your business’ ability to repay its debts. When you start a business, this type of credit may not be...
by Caron_Beesley, Community Moderator on 06/25/2012 - 06:43
Do you know your business credit score? Feel unnerved about relying on your personal credit score for business transactions? As a business owner, taking steps to separate your personal and business finances is a smart strategy. Obviously, this means implementing a strategy to build good credit in your company’s name. What is Business Credit? Business credit is much like your own personal credit score – it’s a proxy for your business’ ability to repay its debts. When you start a business, this type of credit may not be...
by Caron_Beesley, Community Moderator on 06/25/2012 - 06:43
Do you know your business credit score? Feel unnerved about relying on your personal credit score for business transactions? As a business owner, taking steps to separate your personal and business finances is a smart strategy. Obviously, this means implementing a strategy to build good credit in your company’s name. What is Business Credit? Business credit is much like your own personal credit score – it’s a proxy for your business’ ability to repay its debts. When you start a business, this type of credit may not be...
by Tim Berry, Guest Blogger on 06/21/2012 - 11:04
I’ve been reminded twice in the last week about how important planning is to business, and how too many people misunderstand what a plan is supposed to do. My reminders came from two different people doing startups. Neither of them needs a business plan to show to investors. Both need business plans to figure out what steps to take and when, and how much money they need. This reminds me of these important principles of business planning that everybody should keep in mind. 1. Form follows function You’re probably aware of...
by Tim Berry, Guest Blogger on 06/21/2012 - 11:04
I’ve been reminded twice in the last week about how important planning is to business, and how too many people misunderstand what a plan is supposed to do. My reminders came from two different people doing startups. Neither of them needs a business plan to show to investors. Both need business plans to figure out what steps to take and when, and how much money they need. This reminds me of these important principles of business planning that everybody should keep in mind. 1. Form follows function You’re probably aware of...
by Caron_Beesley, Community Moderator on 06/21/2012 - 06:46
Are you a fan of TV business “makeover” or mentoring shows? Programs like Ramsay’s Kitchen Nightmares, Tabatha Takes Over, Shark Tank, or The Apprentice make for compelling viewing. Designed as pure entertainment, these shows often smack of voyeurism, like you’re watching a train wreck about to happen. But they can also offer invaluable insights to business owners – opening our eyes to some universal truths about entrepreneurship and business ownership. Not convinced? Here are some transformational learning...
by Caron_Beesley, Community Moderator on 06/21/2012 - 06:46
Are you a fan of TV business “makeover” or mentoring shows? Programs like Ramsay’s Kitchen Nightmares, Tabatha Takes Over, Shark Tank, or The Apprentice make for compelling viewing. Designed as pure entertainment, these shows often smack of voyeurism, like you’re watching a train wreck about to happen. But they can also offer invaluable insights to business owners – opening our eyes to some universal truths about entrepreneurship and business ownership. Not convinced? Here are some transformational learning...
by Caron_Beesley, Community Moderator on 06/21/2012 - 06:46
Are you a fan of TV business “makeover” or mentoring shows? Programs like Ramsay’s Kitchen Nightmares, Tabatha Takes Over, Shark Tank, or The Apprentice make for compelling viewing. Designed as pure entertainment, these shows often smack of voyeurism, like you’re watching a train wreck about to happen. But they can also offer invaluable insights to business owners – opening our eyes to some universal truths about entrepreneurship and business ownership. Not convinced? Here are some transformational learning...
by plester, Community Moderator on 01/09/2013 - 09:19
When it comes to starting a business, there’s often some confusion about the process of business name registration. How are trade names and trademarks different? Does a trade name afford any legal branding protection? Can your trade name be the same as your trademark? Simply put, a trade name is the official name under which a company does business. It is also known as a “doing business as” name, assumed name, or fictitious name. A trade name does not afford any brand name protection or provide you with unlimited rights for...
by plester, Community Moderator on 01/09/2013 - 09:19
When it comes to starting a business, there’s often some confusion about the process of business name registration. How are trade names and trademarks different? Does a trade name afford any legal branding protection? Can your trade name be the same as your trademark? Simply put, a trade name is the official name under which a company does business. It is also known as a “doing business as” name, assumed name, or fictitious name. A trade name does not afford any brand name protection or provide you with unlimited rights for...
by plester, Community Moderator on 01/09/2013 - 09:19
When it comes to starting a business, there’s often some confusion about the process of business name registration. How are trade names and trademarks different? Does a trade name afford any legal branding protection? Can your trade name be the same as your trademark? Simply put, a trade name is the official name under which a company does business. It is also known as a “doing business as” name, assumed name, or fictitious name. A trade name does not afford any brand name protection or provide you with unlimited rights for...
by BusinessCredit, Guest Blogger on 06/19/2012 - 08:28
Due to the growing difficulty in obtaining traditional business lines of credit from banks, many business owners are turning to credit cards for small businesses as their primary unsecured business lines of credit. Unfortunately, the majority is turning to the wrong sources. They end up putting their personal credit on the line and all their business credit card debts show up on their personal credit reports. This means that anytime you use your business credit cards, your personal debt/credit ratios are affected. Did you know that drawing a...
by BusinessCredit, Guest Blogger on 06/19/2012 - 08:28
Due to the growing difficulty in obtaining traditional business lines of credit from banks, many business owners are turning to credit cards for small businesses as their primary unsecured business lines of credit. Unfortunately, the majority is turning to the wrong sources. They end up putting their personal credit on the line and all their business credit card debts show up on their personal credit reports. This means that anytime you use your business credit cards, your personal debt/credit ratios are affected. Did you know that drawing a...
by BusinessCredit, Guest Blogger on 06/19/2012 - 08:28
Due to the growing difficulty in obtaining traditional business lines of credit from banks, many business owners are turning to credit cards for small businesses as their primary unsecured business lines of credit. Unfortunately, the majority is turning to the wrong sources. They end up putting their personal credit on the line and all their business credit card debts show up on their personal credit reports. This means that anytime you use your business credit cards, your personal debt/credit ratios are affected. Did you know that drawing a...
by Stephen Morris, Community Moderator on 06/18/2012 - 10:37
When it comes to insurance, small businesses stand to lose the most by not having adequate coverage. And while the mega-disasters like last year’s Hurricane Irene get a lot of media attention, those cataclysmic events are rare. Smaller disasters, like the neighborhood power outage or the burst pipes that leads to a business shutting down for just a couple of days, hour, can force an under-insured business to close down for good. Ten months after Hurricane Irene ravaged communities along the East Coast and Puerto Rico,...
by Stephen Morris, Community Moderator on 06/18/2012 - 10:37
When it comes to insurance, small businesses stand to lose the most by not having adequate coverage. And while the mega-disasters like last year’s Hurricane Irene get a lot of media attention, those cataclysmic events are rare. Smaller disasters, like the neighborhood power outage or the burst pipes that leads to a business shutting down for just a couple of days, hour, can force an under-insured business to close down for good. Ten months after Hurricane Irene ravaged communities along the East Coast and Puerto Rico,...
by Stephen Morris, Community Moderator on 06/18/2012 - 10:37
When it comes to insurance, small businesses stand to lose the most by not having adequate coverage. And while the mega-disasters like last year’s Hurricane Irene get a lot of media attention, those cataclysmic events are rare. Smaller disasters, like the neighborhood power outage or the burst pipes that leads to a business shutting down for just a couple of days, hour, can force an under-insured business to close down for good. Ten months after Hurricane Irene ravaged communities along the East Coast and Puerto Rico,...
by Caron_Beesley, Community Moderator on 06/18/2012 - 05:57
Applying for a business loan and securing its approval can be a lengthy process. The actual approval time varies widely depending on the type of loan, its complexity, and the borrower’s timeliness providing the necessary information. This guide from SBA can help you gather the right paperwork, whether you’re applying for an SBA loan or a regular business loan. But knowing exactly what you’re signing up for is just as important as rounding up the details and completing the paperwork accurately. If you’ve ever purchased a...
by Caron_Beesley, Community Moderator on 06/18/2012 - 05:57
Applying for a business loan and securing its approval can be a lengthy process. The actual approval time varies widely depending on the type of loan, its complexity, and the borrower’s timeliness providing the necessary information. This guide from SBA can help you gather the right paperwork, whether you’re applying for an SBA loan or a regular business loan. But knowing exactly what you’re signing up for is just as important as rounding up the details and completing the paperwork accurately. If you’ve ever purchased a...
by Rieva, Guest Blogger on 06/14/2012 - 09:57
Summer’s here and for most communities, that means the season of outdoor fairs, festivals and other events is underway. For a small business, community events like these can be a great opportunity to market your products and services to local residents and other event-goers. Here are some steps to get you started. Research what events exist in your community and nearby communities. Your options might range from local “fun runs,” chili cook-offs or classic car shows to surfing contests or music festivals that bring in...
by Rieva, Guest Blogger on 06/14/2012 - 09:57
Summer’s here and for most communities, that means the season of outdoor fairs, festivals and other events is underway. For a small business, community events like these can be a great opportunity to market your products and services to local residents and other event-goers. Here are some steps to get you started. Research what events exist in your community and nearby communities. Your options might range from local “fun runs,” chili cook-offs or classic car shows to surfing contests or music festivals that bring in...
by Caron_Beesley, Community Moderator on 06/14/2012 - 06:34
Are you the person in charge of running your small company’s marketing campaigns? Ever get a sense there’s a disconnect between what the Marketing team and the Sales team are doing? Large and small businesses alike deal with this challenge on a regular basis. Marketing is busy planning and executing campaigns to generate new leads, while Sales is off pursuing its own goals and even devising its own campaigns! Successful marketing cannot happen in a silo. This is especially true for small businesses, where success hinges on...
by Caron_Beesley, Community Moderator on 06/14/2012 - 06:34
Are you the person in charge of running your small company’s marketing campaigns? Ever get a sense there’s a disconnect between what the Marketing team and the Sales team are doing? Large and small businesses alike deal with this challenge on a regular basis. Marketing is busy planning and executing campaigns to generate new leads, while Sales is off pursuing its own goals and even devising its own campaigns! Successful marketing cannot happen in a silo. This is especially true for small businesses, where success hinges on...
by plester, Community Moderator on 01/09/2013 - 09:18
Whether you’re starting a business from home or looking to move into a home office, it’s important not to overlook the fact that your business is still subject to license and permit laws. Why? One of the main reasons any business owner is required to carry a license is so that revenue can be tracked for taxation purposes. Businesses that sell taxable goods or services also need a sales tax license or permit. Licenses and permits are also used to protect the public and are required in federally regulated industries (aviation,...
by plester, Community Moderator on 01/09/2013 - 09:18
Whether you’re starting a business from home or looking to move into a home office, it’s important not to overlook the fact that your business is still subject to license and permit laws. Why? One of the main reasons any business owner is required to carry a license is so that revenue can be tracked for taxation purposes. Businesses that sell taxable goods or services also need a sales tax license or permit. Licenses and permits are also used to protect the public and are required in federally regulated industries (aviation,...
by plester, Community Moderator on 01/09/2013 - 09:18
Whether you’re starting a business from home or looking to move into a home office, it’s important not to overlook the fact that your business is still subject to license and permit laws. Why? One of the main reasons any business owner is required to carry a license is so that revenue can be tracked for taxation purposes. Businesses that sell taxable goods or services also need a sales tax license or permit. Licenses and permits are also used to protect the public and are required in federally regulated industries (aviation,...
by plester, Guest Blogger on 01/09/2013 - 09:19
Companies that have survived the economic downturn of the past several years may be in a position now to reward employees that hung in during tough times. Many workers have not had raises in years or have even seen wages and benefits cut. Before you jump to offer a raise, think about the best way to reward your staff from a tax perspective. The cost of a raise When you increase a worker’s pay, it costs the company more than the actual addition to the paycheck. The company must factor in: The employer’s share of FICA (to cover...
by plester, Guest Blogger on 01/09/2013 - 09:19
Companies that have survived the economic downturn of the past several years may be in a position now to reward employees that hung in during tough times. Many workers have not had raises in years or have even seen wages and benefits cut. Before you jump to offer a raise, think about the best way to reward your staff from a tax perspective. The cost of a raise When you increase a worker’s pay, it costs the company more than the actual addition to the paycheck. The company must factor in: The employer’s share of FICA (to cover...
by plester, Guest Blogger on 01/09/2013 - 09:19
Companies that have survived the economic downturn of the past several years may be in a position now to reward employees that hung in during tough times. Many workers have not had raises in years or have even seen wages and benefits cut. Before you jump to offer a raise, think about the best way to reward your staff from a tax perspective. The cost of a raise When you increase a worker’s pay, it costs the company more than the actual addition to the paycheck. The company must factor in: The employer’s share of FICA (to cover...
by plester, Guest Blogger on 01/09/2013 - 09:19
Companies that have survived the economic downturn of the past several years may be in a position now to reward employees that hung in during tough times. Many workers have not had raises in years or have even seen wages and benefits cut. Before you jump to offer a raise, think about the best way to reward your staff from a tax perspective. The cost of a raise When you increase a worker’s pay, it costs the company more than the actual addition to the paycheck. The company must factor in: The employer’s share of FICA (to cover...
by NinaSSmith, SBA Administrator on 06/11/2012 - 09:16
This week marks the one-year anniversary of the creation of the White House Rural Council, an Administration-wide initiative to support and strengthen America’s rural economy. And our progress over the last year is detailed in a new report released today. As part of our efforts, we are making sure that more entrepreneurs who live in rural areas have the access and opportunity they need to start, build and grow their businesses. We know innovation and entrepreneurship doesn’t just take place in New York and Silicon...
by NinaSSmith, SBA Administrator on 06/11/2012 - 09:16
This week marks the one-year anniversary of the creation of the White House Rural Council, an Administration-wide initiative to support and strengthen America’s rural economy. And our progress over the last year is detailed in a new report released today. As part of our efforts, we are making sure that more entrepreneurs who live in rural areas have the access and opportunity they need to start, build and grow their businesses. We know innovation and entrepreneurship doesn’t just take place in New York and Silicon...
by NinaSSmith, SBA Administrator on 06/11/2012 - 09:16
This week marks the one-year anniversary of the creation of the White House Rural Council, an Administration-wide initiative to support and strengthen America’s rural economy. And our progress over the last year is detailed in a new report released today. As part of our efforts, we are making sure that more entrepreneurs who live in rural areas have the access and opportunity they need to start, build and grow their businesses. We know innovation and entrepreneurship doesn’t just take place in New York and Silicon...
by plester, Community Moderator on 01/09/2013 - 09:19
If you are looking for capital to finance your startup or business growth, many signs suggest that lending markets are showing renewed vigor. Earlier this spring, for example, SBA Administrator Karen Mills blogged about the new signs of strength in business lending. Among the positives, Mills noted that: Thanks to the Recovery Act and the Small Business Jobs Act, SBA had a record year in FY2011, supporting more than $30 billion in small business lending across the country. The FDIC recently released data showing that banks had...
by plester, Community Moderator on 01/09/2013 - 09:19
If you are looking for capital to finance your startup or business growth, many signs suggest that lending markets are showing renewed vigor. Earlier this spring, for example, SBA Administrator Karen Mills blogged about the new signs of strength in business lending. Among the positives, Mills noted that: Thanks to the Recovery Act and the Small Business Jobs Act, SBA had a record year in FY2011, supporting more than $30 billion in small business lending across the country. The FDIC recently released data showing that banks had...
by smallbiztrends, Guest Blogger on 06/07/2012 - 14:50
One of the most popular articles in the SBA Community is “8 Tips for Keeping Your Business Blog Current, Relevant and Fresh.” It has excellent advice, but after you read it you may wonder, “So how do I come up with ideas for WHAT to write about?” Writer’s block is something that affects even the most prolific at one point or another. Maybe it’s only a temporary block -- a few hours or days -- but sometimes it can go on for weeks, months, even years. Just look at all the...
by smallbiztrends, Guest Blogger on 06/07/2012 - 14:50
One of the most popular articles in the SBA Community is “8 Tips for Keeping Your Business Blog Current, Relevant and Fresh.” It has excellent advice, but after you read it you may wonder, “So how do I come up with ideas for WHAT to write about?” Writer’s block is something that affects even the most prolific at one point or another. Maybe it’s only a temporary block -- a few hours or days -- but sometimes it can go on for weeks, months, even years. Just look at all the...
by smallbiztrends, Guest Blogger on 06/07/2012 - 14:50
One of the most popular articles in the SBA Community is “8 Tips for Keeping Your Business Blog Current, Relevant and Fresh.” It has excellent advice, but after you read it you may wonder, “So how do I come up with ideas for WHAT to write about?” Writer’s block is something that affects even the most prolific at one point or another. Maybe it’s only a temporary block -- a few hours or days -- but sometimes it can go on for weeks, months, even years. Just look at all the...
by Caron_Beesley, Community Moderator on 06/07/2012 - 18:05
One of the elements in the grand scheme of things is knowing what makes your business different from the competition. What you do with that knowledge can make or break your business. Specifically, are these differentiators clearly defined and part of your sales strategy? Can you explain the following? Why your business is different from the competition? Why your differentiators matter to your customers? People call this the “so what” factor. If you are in the B2B space, how do you help your customers...
by Caron_Beesley, Community Moderator on 06/07/2012 - 18:05
One of the elements in the grand scheme of things is knowing what makes your business different from the competition. What you do with that knowledge can make or break your business. Specifically, are these differentiators clearly defined and part of your sales strategy? Can you explain the following? Why your business is different from the competition? Why your differentiators matter to your customers? People call this the “so what” factor. If you are in the B2B space, how do you help your customers...
by Caron_Beesley, Community Moderator on 06/07/2012 - 18:05
One of the elements in the grand scheme of things is knowing what makes your business different from the competition. What you do with that knowledge can make or break your business. Specifically, are these differentiators clearly defined and part of your sales strategy? Can you explain the following? Why your business is different from the competition? Why your differentiators matter to your customers? People call this the “so what” factor. If you are in the B2B space, how do you help your customers...
by Caron_Beesley, Community Moderator on 06/06/2012 - 06:25
Identity theft is on the rise. Impacting more than 10 million consumers each year, it also costs businesses an estimated $221 billion annually. To help combat this threat, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has just implemented new regulations designed to help prevent identity theft, known as The Red Flags Rule. If you are a small business that provides products and services to your customers and bills them later, there’s a good chance you need to comply with these new requirements. Read on to determine if the Rule applies to you and how...
by Caron_Beesley, Community Moderator on 06/06/2012 - 06:25
Identity theft is on the rise. Impacting more than 10 million consumers each year, it also costs businesses an estimated $221 billion annually. To help combat this threat, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has just implemented new regulations designed to help prevent identity theft, known as The Red Flags Rule. If you are a small business that provides products and services to your customers and bills them later, there’s a good chance you need to comply with these new requirements. Read on to determine if the Rule applies to you and how...
by kmurray, Guest Blogger on 01/03/2013 - 15:47
Are you headed towards the finish line? Are you at the point in your franchise business exploration where your yes or no decision on a particular opportunity is imminent? If so, read on… In my capacity as a franchise ownership advisor, I’ve had several clients hear variations of the following declaration from their franchise development representatives; “You are welcome to pay to have a franchise attorney look over our Franchise Disclosure Document as well as the franchise agreement, but everything in our agreement is etched...
by kmurray, Guest Blogger on 01/03/2013 - 15:47
Are you headed towards the finish line? Are you at the point in your franchise business exploration where your yes or no decision on a particular opportunity is imminent? If so, read on… In my capacity as a franchise ownership advisor, I’ve had several clients hear variations of the following declaration from their franchise development representatives; “You are welcome to pay to have a franchise attorney look over our Franchise Disclosure Document as well as the franchise agreement, but everything in our agreement is etched...
by kmurray, Guest Blogger on 01/03/2013 - 15:47
Are you headed towards the finish line? Are you at the point in your franchise business exploration where your yes or no decision on a particular opportunity is imminent? If so, read on… In my capacity as a franchise ownership advisor, I’ve had several clients hear variations of the following declaration from their franchise development representatives; “You are welcome to pay to have a franchise attorney look over our Franchise Disclosure Document as well as the franchise agreement, but everything in our agreement is etched...
by Stephen Morris, SBA Official on 06/08/2012 - 15:36
SBA prides itself on opening more doors to more dollars in every community, creating an American economy built to last. Expanding access to capital and opportunity is critical to fulfilling SBA’s mission- especially in underserved communities. Knowing that we can do more, SBA is constantly working to remain responsive to the needs of small business owners and the lenders who serve them daily. Studies have shown the importance of low dollar loans to small business formation and growth in underserved communities. However, low-dollar...
by Stephen Morris, SBA Official on 06/08/2012 - 15:36
SBA prides itself on opening more doors to more dollars in every community, creating an American economy built to last. Expanding access to capital and opportunity is critical to fulfilling SBA’s mission- especially in underserved communities. Knowing that we can do more, SBA is constantly working to remain responsive to the needs of small business owners and the lenders who serve them daily. Studies have shown the importance of low dollar loans to small business formation and growth in underserved communities. However, low-dollar...
by Stephen Morris, SBA Official on 06/08/2012 - 15:36
SBA prides itself on opening more doors to more dollars in every community, creating an American economy built to last. Expanding access to capital and opportunity is critical to fulfilling SBA’s mission- especially in underserved communities. Knowing that we can do more, SBA is constantly working to remain responsive to the needs of small business owners and the lenders who serve them daily. Studies have shown the importance of low dollar loans to small business formation and growth in underserved communities. However, low-dollar...
by Stephen Morris, SBA Official on 06/04/2012 - 14:06
If you were to ask a small business owner to identify a top priority on his or her wish list, undoubtedly they would say “to get more business!” We know that one way to get more business is to contract with the Federal government - the largest purchaser of goods and services in the world. In FY10, nearly $100 billion federal contracting dollars went to small businesses. During this year’s National Small Business Week, the Small Business Administration worked to ensure small businesses made the right connections and...
by Stephen Morris, SBA Official on 06/04/2012 - 14:06
If you were to ask a small business owner to identify a top priority on his or her wish list, undoubtedly they would say “to get more business!” We know that one way to get more business is to contract with the Federal government - the largest purchaser of goods and services in the world. In FY10, nearly $100 billion federal contracting dollars went to small businesses. During this year’s National Small Business Week, the Small Business Administration worked to ensure small businesses made the right connections and...
by Stephen Morris, SBA Official on 06/04/2012 - 14:06
If you were to ask a small business owner to identify a top priority on his or her wish list, undoubtedly they would say “to get more business!” We know that one way to get more business is to contract with the Federal government - the largest purchaser of goods and services in the world. In FY10, nearly $100 billion federal contracting dollars went to small businesses. During this year’s National Small Business Week, the Small Business Administration worked to ensure small businesses made the right connections and...
by Stephen Morris, SBA Official on 06/04/2012 - 14:06
If you were to ask a small business owner to identify a top priority on his or her wish list, undoubtedly they would say “to get more business!” We know that one way to get more business is to contract with the Federal government - the largest purchaser of goods and services in the world. In FY10, nearly $100 billion federal contracting dollars went to small businesses. During this year’s National Small Business Week, the Small Business Administration worked to ensure small businesses made the right connections and...
by nicoj, Community Moderator on 06/11/2012 - 09:17
When a disaster occurs, it’s often the misleading bit of information shared by an outsider that gins up rumors about a damaged business shutting down. Obviously, this situation undermines the company’s ability to recover. That’s one big reason why precise, effective communication – within the organization, and out to the public – is vital during an emergency. Now that the Atlantic Hurricane season has begun, it’s a good time to set up an effective crisis communications strategy. You want to...
by nicoj, Community Moderator on 06/11/2012 - 09:17
When a disaster occurs, it’s often the misleading bit of information shared by an outsider that gins up rumors about a damaged business shutting down. Obviously, this situation undermines the company’s ability to recover. That’s one big reason why precise, effective communication – within the organization, and out to the public – is vital during an emergency. Now that the Atlantic Hurricane season has begun, it’s a good time to set up an effective crisis communications strategy. You want to...
by nicoj, Community Moderator on 06/11/2012 - 09:17
When a disaster occurs, it’s often the misleading bit of information shared by an outsider that gins up rumors about a damaged business shutting down. Obviously, this situation undermines the company’s ability to recover. That’s one big reason why precise, effective communication – within the organization, and out to the public – is vital during an emergency. Now that the Atlantic Hurricane season has begun, it’s a good time to set up an effective crisis communications strategy. You want to...
by nicoj, Community Moderator on 06/04/2012 - 10:30
While weather experts NOAA are predicting a “near-normal” 2012 Atlantic hurricane season, last year’s Hurricane Irene is a reminder of the erratic and devastating nature of tropical storms. The six-month season, which began June 1, typically peaks between August and October, notwithstanding the two named storms in the last weeks of May. Now is a good time to put a disaster preparedness plan in place to protect your employees and your business. SBA and Agility Recovery Solutions recently hosted a free webinar giving tips...
How to Set a Marketing Budget that Fits your Business Goals and Provides a High Return on Investment
by plester, Community Moderator on 01/09/2013 - 09:19
Whether you run a small business or a multi-million dollar corporation, marketing is essential to your profitability and growth. Yet many small businesses don’t allocate enough money to marketing or, worse, spend it haphazardly. I recently got to know a business that was investing heavily in developing a hip, niche product to add to its already very cool product line. Seemed like a sure winner. However, it quickly became apparent that product development had occurred in a silo, while sales and marketing were off doing their own thing....
How to Set a Marketing Budget that Fits your Business Goals and Provides a High Return on Investment
by plester, Community Moderator on 01/09/2013 - 09:19
Whether you run a small business or a multi-million dollar corporation, marketing is essential to your profitability and growth. Yet many small businesses don’t allocate enough money to marketing or, worse, spend it haphazardly. I recently got to know a business that was investing heavily in developing a hip, niche product to add to its already very cool product line. Seemed like a sure winner. However, it quickly became apparent that product development had occurred in a silo, while sales and marketing were off doing their own thing....
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by Caron_Beesley, Community Moderator on 06/28/2012 - 06:10