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December 2012 Archive
Are you turning down work because you simply don’t have enough time or hands on-board to take it on? Thinking of hiring your first employee? Congratulations – your business is doing well! But before you advertise for a new employee, proceed with caution. Hiring staff is a commitment to the future, and should be made in the context of your long-term growth plan and whether you really want to be an employer. Here are some points to consider, plus some tips for determining whether you can afford to hire your first employee. 1. ...
by Caron_Beesley, Community Moderator on 01/02/2013 - 08:15
Are you turning down work because you simply don’t have enough time or hands on-board to take it on? Thinking of hiring your first employee? Congratulations – your business is doing well! But before you advertise for a new employee, proceed with caution. Hiring staff is a commitment to the future, and should be made in the context of your long-term growth plan and whether you really want to be an employer. Here are some points to consider, plus some tips for determining whether you can afford to hire your first employee. 1. ...
by Caron_Beesley, Community Moderator on 01/02/2013 - 08:15
Are you turning down work because you simply don’t have enough time or hands on-board to take it on? Thinking of hiring your first employee? Congratulations – your business is doing well! But before you advertise for a new employee, proceed with caution. Hiring staff is a commitment to the future, and should be made in the context of your long-term growth plan and whether you really want to be an employer. Here are some points to consider, plus some tips for determining whether you can afford to hire your first employee. 1. ...
by Caron_Beesley, Community Moderator on 01/02/2013 - 08:15
Are you turning down work because you simply don’t have enough time or hands on-board to take it on? Thinking of hiring your first employee? Congratulations – your business is doing well! But before you advertise for a new employee, proceed with caution. Hiring staff is a commitment to the future, and should be made in the context of your long-term growth plan and whether you really want to be an employer. Here are some points to consider, plus some tips for determining whether you can afford to hire your first employee. 1. ...
by Caron_Beesley, Community Moderator on 01/02/2013 - 08:15
Are you turning down work because you simply don’t have enough time or hands on-board to take it on? Thinking of hiring your first employee? Congratulations – your business is doing well! But before you advertise for a new employee, proceed with caution. Hiring staff is a commitment to the future, and should be made in the context of your long-term growth plan and whether you really want to be an employer. Here are some points to consider, plus some tips for determining whether you can afford to hire your first employee. 1. ...
by hhossfeld, Community Moderator on 01/16/2013 - 13:24
Want to secure your first million-dollar deal in 2013? Crossing that threshold will probably mean that you'll have to start selling to large corporate clients for the first time. It can be tough for small businesses, but not impossible. So what does it take? Here are some tips for upping your ante and selling to big, corporate customers. Do Your Homework Breaking into a new market or new client base requires planning. Start with identifying your new target market and then defining the value your small business can offer them. Use online...
by hhossfeld, Community Moderator on 01/16/2013 - 13:24
Want to secure your first million-dollar deal in 2013? Crossing that threshold will probably mean that you'll have to start selling to large corporate clients for the first time. It can be tough for small businesses, but not impossible. So what does it take? Here are some tips for upping your ante and selling to big, corporate customers. Do Your Homework Breaking into a new market or new client base requires planning. Start with identifying your new target market and then defining the value your small business can offer them. Use online...
by hhossfeld, Community Moderator on 01/16/2013 - 13:24
Want to secure your first million-dollar deal in 2013? Crossing that threshold will probably mean that you'll have to start selling to large corporate clients for the first time. It can be tough for small businesses, but not impossible. So what does it take? Here are some tips for upping your ante and selling to big, corporate customers. Do Your Homework Breaking into a new market or new client base requires planning. Start with identifying your new target market and then defining the value your small business can offer them. Use online...
by Caron_Beesley, Community Moderator on 12/24/2012 - 08:46
As you look forward to a new year and new business opportunities, is the health and wellness of your employees at the forefront of your 2013 business plans? According to a new study of more than 1,000 small-business owners by Humana and the National Small Business Association (NSBA), 93 percent of small businesses consider their employees’ physical and mental health to be important to their bottom line, and 54 percent say it’s “extremely important.” But despite that, only a third of respondents are...
by Caron_Beesley, Community Moderator on 12/24/2012 - 08:46
As you look forward to a new year and new business opportunities, is the health and wellness of your employees at the forefront of your 2013 business plans? According to a new study of more than 1,000 small-business owners by Humana and the National Small Business Association (NSBA), 93 percent of small businesses consider their employees’ physical and mental health to be important to their bottom line, and 54 percent say it’s “extremely important.” But despite that, only a third of respondents are...
by BarbaraWeltman, Guest Blogger on 12/21/2012 - 08:29
The storm that hit the East Coast of the U.S. on October 29 created devastation for individuals and businesses. Many companies were forced to remain closed for days or even longer because of damage to business facilities, employees being unable to get to work due to the failure of public transportation systems, closures of bridges and tunnels, power outages and long gas lines. Here is what companies should know about tax and financial opportunities to help recover from this storm and the lessons for everyone going forward. Tax relief The IRS...
by BarbaraWeltman, Guest Blogger on 12/21/2012 - 08:29
The storm that hit the East Coast of the U.S. on October 29 created devastation for individuals and businesses. Many companies were forced to remain closed for days or even longer because of damage to business facilities, employees being unable to get to work due to the failure of public transportation systems, closures of bridges and tunnels, power outages and long gas lines. Here is what companies should know about tax and financial opportunities to help recover from this storm and the lessons for everyone going forward. Tax relief The IRS...
by BarbaraWeltman, Guest Blogger on 12/21/2012 - 08:29
The storm that hit the East Coast of the U.S. on October 29 created devastation for individuals and businesses. Many companies were forced to remain closed for days or even longer because of damage to business facilities, employees being unable to get to work due to the failure of public transportation systems, closures of bridges and tunnels, power outages and long gas lines. Here is what companies should know about tax and financial opportunities to help recover from this storm and the lessons for everyone going forward. Tax relief The IRS...
by BarbaraWeltman, Guest Blogger on 12/21/2012 - 08:29
The storm that hit the East Coast of the U.S. on October 29 created devastation for individuals and businesses. Many companies were forced to remain closed for days or even longer because of damage to business facilities, employees being unable to get to work due to the failure of public transportation systems, closures of bridges and tunnels, power outages and long gas lines. Here is what companies should know about tax and financial opportunities to help recover from this storm and the lessons for everyone going forward. Tax relief The IRS...
by Caron_Beesley, Community Moderator on 12/20/2012 - 07:16
The federal government offers many tools to help small business owners understand their markets, but where do go to find that data, and how do you use it once you’ve got your hands on it? First, conducting market research doesn’t always have to involve hiring a research firm or commissioning focus groups; much of the information you need may be at your fingertips. This research can impact and inform all areas of your business, from where you locate your business to the color of your logo. Even a small amount of analysis can...
by Caron_Beesley, Community Moderator on 12/20/2012 - 07:16
The federal government offers many tools to help small business owners understand their markets, but where do go to find that data, and how do you use it once you’ve got your hands on it? First, conducting market research doesn’t always have to involve hiring a research firm or commissioning focus groups; much of the information you need may be at your fingertips. This research can impact and inform all areas of your business, from where you locate your business to the color of your logo. Even a small amount of analysis can...
by Caron_Beesley, Community Moderator on 12/20/2012 - 07:16
The federal government offers many tools to help small business owners understand their markets, but where do go to find that data, and how do you use it once you’ve got your hands on it? First, conducting market research doesn’t always have to involve hiring a research firm or commissioning focus groups; much of the information you need may be at your fingertips. This research can impact and inform all areas of your business, from where you locate your business to the color of your logo. Even a small amount of analysis can...
by Caron_Beesley, Community Moderator on 12/20/2012 - 07:16
The federal government offers many tools to help small business owners understand their markets, but where do go to find that data, and how do you use it once you’ve got your hands on it? First, conducting market research doesn’t always have to involve hiring a research firm or commissioning focus groups; much of the information you need may be at your fingertips. This research can impact and inform all areas of your business, from where you locate your business to the color of your logo. Even a small amount of analysis can...
by Tim Berry, Guest Blogger on 12/19/2012 - 22:12
The other day I had coffee with a former student, now in her late 20s, whose first taste of startups and entrepreneurship was in a class I used to teach at the University of Oregon. The class included—of course—a hard look at cash flow and business numbers. But she told me she had no idea how important the numbers were until she actually started her own business. “Back then, in class, it seemed like theory to me,” she said. “Like the business numbers were something that the bankers and accountants worried about,...
by Tim Berry, Guest Blogger on 12/19/2012 - 22:12
The other day I had coffee with a former student, now in her late 20s, whose first taste of startups and entrepreneurship was in a class I used to teach at the University of Oregon. The class included—of course—a hard look at cash flow and business numbers. But she told me she had no idea how important the numbers were until she actually started her own business. “Back then, in class, it seemed like theory to me,” she said. “Like the business numbers were something that the bankers and accountants worried about,...
by Tim Berry, Guest Blogger on 12/19/2012 - 22:12
The other day I had coffee with a former student, now in her late 20s, whose first taste of startups and entrepreneurship was in a class I used to teach at the University of Oregon. The class included—of course—a hard look at cash flow and business numbers. But she told me she had no idea how important the numbers were until she actually started her own business. “Back then, in class, it seemed like theory to me,” she said. “Like the business numbers were something that the bankers and accountants worried about,...
by NinaSSmith, SBA Administrator on 12/19/2012 - 17:04
President Obama has made creating a more efficient government a top priority. As part of this effort, he has called on Federal agencies to streamline their rules and requirements through reducing paperwork burdens. At the Small Business Administration, we’ve eliminated more than a hundred of pages of paperwork from our loan applications and simplified our programs, increasing access and opportunity for America’s small businesses and entrepreneurs and saving them time. For example, we created a simpler application...
by NinaSSmith, SBA Administrator on 12/19/2012 - 17:04
President Obama has made creating a more efficient government a top priority. As part of this effort, he has called on Federal agencies to streamline their rules and requirements through reducing paperwork burdens. At the Small Business Administration, we’ve eliminated more than a hundred of pages of paperwork from our loan applications and simplified our programs, increasing access and opportunity for America’s small businesses and entrepreneurs and saving them time. For example, we created a simpler application...
by NinaSSmith, SBA Administrator on 12/19/2012 - 17:04
President Obama has made creating a more efficient government a top priority. As part of this effort, he has called on Federal agencies to streamline their rules and requirements through reducing paperwork burdens. At the Small Business Administration, we’ve eliminated more than a hundred of pages of paperwork from our loan applications and simplified our programs, increasing access and opportunity for America’s small businesses and entrepreneurs and saving them time. For example, we created a simpler application...
by Stephen Morris, Community Moderator on 12/19/2012 - 15:11
Now that 2012 is coming to a close, we are looking back at the past year here at SBA. We’ve posted a lot of articles – based on questions we receive from small business owners – but these are the top 10 topics that you liked the most (by number of views): 10. Starting a Freelance Business – How to Take Care of Legal, Tax and Contractual Paperwork 10,635 views 9. How to Set a Marketing Budget that Fits your Business Goals and Provides a High...
by Stephen Morris, Community Moderator on 12/19/2012 - 15:11
Now that 2012 is coming to a close, we are looking back at the past year here at SBA. We’ve posted a lot of articles – based on questions we receive from small business owners – but these are the top 10 topics that you liked the most (by number of views): 10. Starting a Freelance Business – How to Take Care of Legal, Tax and Contractual Paperwork 10,635 views 9. How to Set a Marketing Budget that Fits your Business Goals and Provides a High...
by Stephen Morris, Community Moderator on 12/19/2012 - 15:11
Now that 2012 is coming to a close, we are looking back at the past year here at SBA. We’ve posted a lot of articles – based on questions we receive from small business owners – but these are the top 10 topics that you liked the most (by number of views): 10. Starting a Freelance Business – How to Take Care of Legal, Tax and Contractual Paperwork 10,635 views 9. How to Set a Marketing Budget that Fits your Business Goals and Provides a High...
by Stephen Morris, Community Moderator on 12/19/2012 - 15:11
Now that 2012 is coming to a close, we are looking back at the past year here at SBA. We’ve posted a lot of articles – based on questions we receive from small business owners – but these are the top 10 topics that you liked the most (by number of views): 10. Starting a Freelance Business – How to Take Care of Legal, Tax and Contractual Paperwork 10,635 views 9. How to Set a Marketing Budget that Fits your Business Goals and Provides a High...
by Caron_Beesley, Community Moderator on 12/24/2012 - 08:47
Does your business source or manufacture all its goods in the USA? The “Made in the USA” tagline can be a powerful marketing tool, but it can also make good business sense. According to the Washington Post, manufacturing in the USA can be a smart investment, even in the face of cheaper offshore alternatives. The article, written by Los Angeles-based small business owner Nicholas Ventura, cites “Five ways ‘Made in the USA’ can cut your company’s manufacturing costs.” Ventura is co-founder of Youth...
by Caron_Beesley, Community Moderator on 12/24/2012 - 08:47
Does your business source or manufacture all its goods in the USA? The “Made in the USA” tagline can be a powerful marketing tool, but it can also make good business sense. According to the Washington Post, manufacturing in the USA can be a smart investment, even in the face of cheaper offshore alternatives. The article, written by Los Angeles-based small business owner Nicholas Ventura, cites “Five ways ‘Made in the USA’ can cut your company’s manufacturing costs.” Ventura is co-founder of Youth...
by Caron_Beesley, Community Moderator on 12/24/2012 - 08:47
Does your business source or manufacture all its goods in the USA? The “Made in the USA” tagline can be a powerful marketing tool, but it can also make good business sense. According to the Washington Post, manufacturing in the USA can be a smart investment, even in the face of cheaper offshore alternatives. The article, written by Los Angeles-based small business owner Nicholas Ventura, cites “Five ways ‘Made in the USA’ can cut your company’s manufacturing costs.” Ventura is co-founder of Youth...
by kmurray, Contributor on 12/17/2012 - 17:50
Now that 2012 is wrapping up, we have the opportunity to take a breath, evaluate where the year has taken us in relation to our business goals and create a game plan for how we will move forward towards success in the new year. A business mentor may just be the perfect means to helping you create that plan. A study by the U.S. Small Business Administration, SBA ED Resources 10-11 Impact Study Final Report, found that small business clients who had received 3 or more hours of mentoring reported higher revenues and increased business growths....
by kmurray, Contributor on 12/17/2012 - 17:50
Now that 2012 is wrapping up, we have the opportunity to take a breath, evaluate where the year has taken us in relation to our business goals and create a game plan for how we will move forward towards success in the new year. A business mentor may just be the perfect means to helping you create that plan. A study by the U.S. Small Business Administration, SBA ED Resources 10-11 Impact Study Final Report, found that small business clients who had received 3 or more hours of mentoring reported higher revenues and increased business growths....
by kmurray, Contributor on 12/17/2012 - 17:50
Now that 2012 is wrapping up, we have the opportunity to take a breath, evaluate where the year has taken us in relation to our business goals and create a game plan for how we will move forward towards success in the new year. A business mentor may just be the perfect means to helping you create that plan. A study by the U.S. Small Business Administration, SBA ED Resources 10-11 Impact Study Final Report, found that small business clients who had received 3 or more hours of mentoring reported higher revenues and increased business growths....
by kmurray, Contributor on 12/17/2012 - 17:50
Now that 2012 is wrapping up, we have the opportunity to take a breath, evaluate where the year has taken us in relation to our business goals and create a game plan for how we will move forward towards success in the new year. A business mentor may just be the perfect means to helping you create that plan. A study by the U.S. Small Business Administration, SBA ED Resources 10-11 Impact Study Final Report, found that small business clients who had received 3 or more hours of mentoring reported higher revenues and increased business growths....
by Rieva, Guest Blogger on 12/14/2012 - 00:52
Do you think it’s too late to attract holiday shoppers into your business? Whether you’re a retailer, a restaurant or a service provider such as a spa or hair salon, there are still plenty of holiday dollars to be had. The spending doesn’t stop after Christmas, either—consumers with gift cards or gift cash in their pockets are out in droves, eager to treat themselves, celebrate and splurge. How can you attract customers to your business for the holidays? Try these tactics. 1. Focus...
by Rieva, Guest Blogger on 12/14/2012 - 00:52
Do you think it’s too late to attract holiday shoppers into your business? Whether you’re a retailer, a restaurant or a service provider such as a spa or hair salon, there are still plenty of holiday dollars to be had. The spending doesn’t stop after Christmas, either—consumers with gift cards or gift cash in their pockets are out in droves, eager to treat themselves, celebrate and splurge. How can you attract customers to your business for the holidays? Try these tactics. 1. Focus...
by Stephen Morris, SBA Administrator on 12/13/2012 - 17:58
Note: This joint blog with Secretary of Labor Hilda Solis was originally published on DOL's blog. The entrepreneurial spirit is what drives this country. In fact, small businesses and start-ups are responsible for creating two out of every three new jobs in the United States. And more than half of all working Americans own or work for a small business. That’s why helping to create an environment where more businesses are easily able to start and succeed has been an important goal for this administration. Today, our...
by Stephen Morris, SBA Administrator on 12/13/2012 - 17:58
Note: This joint blog with Secretary of Labor Hilda Solis was originally published on DOL's blog. The entrepreneurial spirit is what drives this country. In fact, small businesses and start-ups are responsible for creating two out of every three new jobs in the United States. And more than half of all working Americans own or work for a small business. That’s why helping to create an environment where more businesses are easily able to start and succeed has been an important goal for this administration. Today, our...
by Stephen Morris, SBA Administrator on 12/13/2012 - 17:58
Note: This joint blog with Secretary of Labor Hilda Solis was originally published on DOL's blog. The entrepreneurial spirit is what drives this country. In fact, small businesses and start-ups are responsible for creating two out of every three new jobs in the United States. And more than half of all working Americans own or work for a small business. That’s why helping to create an environment where more businesses are easily able to start and succeed has been an important goal for this administration. Today, our...
by Caron_Beesley, Community Moderator on 12/13/2012 - 06:50
Having a business plan is a must for small business owners, but finding the time to put pen to paper often means putting them on hold until the very last minute, such as right before that big meeting with a loan officer or bank manager. But business planning does not have to be that way. Every smart entrepreneur and business owner should already have a firm grasp of key information about their business and on what will influence the path they take and decisions they make over the course of 1-3 years. Putting this information together into a...
by Caron_Beesley, Community Moderator on 12/13/2012 - 06:50
Having a business plan is a must for small business owners, but finding the time to put pen to paper often means putting them on hold until the very last minute, such as right before that big meeting with a loan officer or bank manager. But business planning does not have to be that way. Every smart entrepreneur and business owner should already have a firm grasp of key information about their business and on what will influence the path they take and decisions they make over the course of 1-3 years. Putting this information together into a...
by Caron_Beesley, Community Moderator on 12/13/2012 - 06:50
Having a business plan is a must for small business owners, but finding the time to put pen to paper often means putting them on hold until the very last minute, such as right before that big meeting with a loan officer or bank manager. But business planning does not have to be that way. Every smart entrepreneur and business owner should already have a firm grasp of key information about their business and on what will influence the path they take and decisions they make over the course of 1-3 years. Putting this information together into a...
by Caron_Beesley, Community Moderator on 12/13/2012 - 06:50
Having a business plan is a must for small business owners, but finding the time to put pen to paper often means putting them on hold until the very last minute, such as right before that big meeting with a loan officer or bank manager. But business planning does not have to be that way. Every smart entrepreneur and business owner should already have a firm grasp of key information about their business and on what will influence the path they take and decisions they make over the course of 1-3 years. Putting this information together into a...
by Caron_Beesley, Community Moderator on 12/13/2012 - 06:50
Having a business plan is a must for small business owners, but finding the time to put pen to paper often means putting them on hold until the very last minute, such as right before that big meeting with a loan officer or bank manager. But business planning does not have to be that way. Every smart entrepreneur and business owner should already have a firm grasp of key information about their business and on what will influence the path they take and decisions they make over the course of 1-3 years. Putting this information together into a...
by BusinessCredit, Guest Blogger on 12/12/2012 - 20:07
The definition of fundable is the capability of being funded or being bankable. A company’s fundability is crucial to obtaining the necessary funds needed to operate, develop and grow a business. Unfortunately, the most common mistake business owners make is applying for financing before their company is even ready. Why not know in advance if you qualify for funding before actually applying? Instead of relying on personal credit, why not establish a fundable company that can get the financing it needs based on its own creditworthiness....
by BusinessCredit, Guest Blogger on 12/12/2012 - 20:07
The definition of fundable is the capability of being funded or being bankable. A company’s fundability is crucial to obtaining the necessary funds needed to operate, develop and grow a business. Unfortunately, the most common mistake business owners make is applying for financing before their company is even ready. Why not know in advance if you qualify for funding before actually applying? Instead of relying on personal credit, why not establish a fundable company that can get the financing it needs based on its own creditworthiness....
by BusinessCredit, Guest Blogger on 12/12/2012 - 20:07
The definition of fundable is the capability of being funded or being bankable. A company’s fundability is crucial to obtaining the necessary funds needed to operate, develop and grow a business. Unfortunately, the most common mistake business owners make is applying for financing before their company is even ready. Why not know in advance if you qualify for funding before actually applying? Instead of relying on personal credit, why not establish a fundable company that can get the financing it needs based on its own creditworthiness....
by Caron_Beesley, Community Moderator on 12/12/2012 - 06:46
Does your product do what your advertising claims it does? Perhaps you’ve invented or imported a product “that will remove even the toughest carpet stain in 10 minutes – guaranteed!” Can you stand behind that claim in a court of law? Even if you don’t realize that your claims are false, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) or your state government can take action against you for non-compliance with marketing and advertising laws. Take for example an actual case scenario (described in this FTC blog post) in which the...
by Caron_Beesley, Community Moderator on 12/12/2012 - 06:46
Does your product do what your advertising claims it does? Perhaps you’ve invented or imported a product “that will remove even the toughest carpet stain in 10 minutes – guaranteed!” Can you stand behind that claim in a court of law? Even if you don’t realize that your claims are false, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) or your state government can take action against you for non-compliance with marketing and advertising laws. Take for example an actual case scenario (described in this FTC blog post) in which the...
by Caron_Beesley, Community Moderator on 12/12/2012 - 06:46
Does your product do what your advertising claims it does? Perhaps you’ve invented or imported a product “that will remove even the toughest carpet stain in 10 minutes – guaranteed!” Can you stand behind that claim in a court of law? Even if you don’t realize that your claims are false, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) or your state government can take action against you for non-compliance with marketing and advertising laws. Take for example an actual case scenario (described in this FTC blog post) in which the...
by smallbiztrends, Guest Blogger on 12/10/2012 - 23:01
If you’re like most business owners, you are always looking for places to promote your business online. After all, you don’t have the advantage of huge brands that are household names. You have to work at getting visibility. Here is a handy checklist of 12 places to get visibility – make sure you have these covered if they apply to your business: OFFLINE PLACES Customer Receipts: Put your website URL on your receipts to build awareness and loyalty. Provide the URL to a survey (make sure the URL is short) on your website....
by Caron_Beesley, Community Moderator on 12/10/2012 - 06:54
During the season of giving thanks and giving gifts, charitable giving can make a big difference to those in need and also shine a favorable light on your small business. But what’s the best approach and how do you claim that all-important tax deduction? Here are some tips for developing a charitable giving strategy and claiming the right deduction. Giving Back is Good for Small Business Research shows that giving back is not only important to small business, but also important to your customers. According to a 2010 philanthropic...
by Caron_Beesley, Community Moderator on 12/10/2012 - 06:54
During the season of giving thanks and giving gifts, charitable giving can make a big difference to those in need and also shine a favorable light on your small business. But what’s the best approach and how do you claim that all-important tax deduction? Here are some tips for developing a charitable giving strategy and claiming the right deduction. Giving Back is Good for Small Business Research shows that giving back is not only important to small business, but also important to your customers. According to a 2010 philanthropic...
by Caron_Beesley, Community Moderator on 12/10/2012 - 06:54
During the season of giving thanks and giving gifts, charitable giving can make a big difference to those in need and also shine a favorable light on your small business. But what’s the best approach and how do you claim that all-important tax deduction? Here are some tips for developing a charitable giving strategy and claiming the right deduction. Giving Back is Good for Small Business Research shows that giving back is not only important to small business, but also important to your customers. According to a 2010 philanthropic...
by Caron_Beesley, Community Moderator on 12/10/2012 - 06:54
During the season of giving thanks and giving gifts, charitable giving can make a big difference to those in need and also shine a favorable light on your small business. But what’s the best approach and how do you claim that all-important tax deduction? Here are some tips for developing a charitable giving strategy and claiming the right deduction. Giving Back is Good for Small Business Research shows that giving back is not only important to small business, but also important to your customers. According to a 2010 philanthropic...
by ngoriel, SBA Official on 12/07/2012 - 16:00
As head of The Investment Division of the U.S. Small Business Administration, I am proud to present the results of the Small Business Investment Company Program for Fiscal Year 2012 in our Annual Report . We have achieved record success for a third year in a row, providing the capital small businesses need to fuel their growth and create jobs. This Annual Report reflects our commitment to the continued growth of the SBIC Program. With the economy still in recovery, SBA’s mission of supporting small businesses and the...
by ngoriel, SBA Official on 12/07/2012 - 16:00
As head of The Investment Division of the U.S. Small Business Administration, I am proud to present the results of the Small Business Investment Company Program for Fiscal Year 2012 in our Annual Report . We have achieved record success for a third year in a row, providing the capital small businesses need to fuel their growth and create jobs. This Annual Report reflects our commitment to the continued growth of the SBIC Program. With the economy still in recovery, SBA’s mission of supporting small businesses and the...
by ngoriel, SBA Official on 12/07/2012 - 16:00
As head of The Investment Division of the U.S. Small Business Administration, I am proud to present the results of the Small Business Investment Company Program for Fiscal Year 2012 in our Annual Report . We have achieved record success for a third year in a row, providing the capital small businesses need to fuel their growth and create jobs. This Annual Report reflects our commitment to the continued growth of the SBIC Program. With the economy still in recovery, SBA’s mission of supporting small businesses and the...
by Stephen Morris, SBA Official on 12/19/2012 - 17:25
Update: The filing deadline for New York is now January 28, 2013. Update 2: The filing deadline for New Jersey is now January 30, 2013 and the filing deadline for Rhode Island is January 28, 2013. So far the U.S. Small Business Administration has approved more than $150 million in disaster loans to about 2,500 homeowners, renters and businesses in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut and Rhode Island who are recovering from Hurricane Sandy. Yet while we’ve sent out more than 360,000 applications, about 22,000 have been returned to SBA...
by Stephen Morris, SBA Official on 12/19/2012 - 17:25
Update: The filing deadline for New York is now January 28, 2013. Update 2: The filing deadline for New Jersey is now January 30, 2013 and the filing deadline for Rhode Island is January 28, 2013. So far the U.S. Small Business Administration has approved more than $150 million in disaster loans to about 2,500 homeowners, renters and businesses in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut and Rhode Island who are recovering from Hurricane Sandy. Yet while we’ve sent out more than 360,000 applications, about 22,000 have been returned to SBA...
by Stephen Morris, SBA Official on 12/19/2012 - 17:25
Update: The filing deadline for New York is now January 28, 2013. Update 2: The filing deadline for New Jersey is now January 30, 2013 and the filing deadline for Rhode Island is January 28, 2013. So far the U.S. Small Business Administration has approved more than $150 million in disaster loans to about 2,500 homeowners, renters and businesses in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut and Rhode Island who are recovering from Hurricane Sandy. Yet while we’ve sent out more than 360,000 applications, about 22,000 have been returned to SBA...
by Caron_Beesley, Community Moderator on 12/06/2012 - 06:44
Are you thinking of breaking into the federal government contracting marketplace in 2013? This lucrative market is worth nearly $100 billion in sales to small businesses each year, but selling to the government is quite different than selling to the commercial sector. For example, the government applies standardized procedures to buy products and services it needs from suppliers that meet certain qualifications. But how agencies across the government actually make those purchases (or “contracts” them) can vary enormously....
by Caron_Beesley, Community Moderator on 12/06/2012 - 06:44
Are you thinking of breaking into the federal government contracting marketplace in 2013? This lucrative market is worth nearly $100 billion in sales to small businesses each year, but selling to the government is quite different than selling to the commercial sector. For example, the government applies standardized procedures to buy products and services it needs from suppliers that meet certain qualifications. But how agencies across the government actually make those purchases (or “contracts” them) can vary enormously....
by Stephen Morris, Community Moderator on 12/05/2012 - 15:18
You can count on it, just like clockwork: when a new federal program or interface or system is put in place, someone is going to try to squeeze some extra cash out of people who want to use it. Here at SBA HQ, we’ve heard recently of attempts to do just that to people who want to register their small businesses in the new SAM database. SAM stands for System for Award Management. SAM, which is being developed in phases – the first was released in July 2012 – is changing the way you do business by...
by Stephen Morris, Community Moderator on 12/05/2012 - 15:18
You can count on it, just like clockwork: when a new federal program or interface or system is put in place, someone is going to try to squeeze some extra cash out of people who want to use it. Here at SBA HQ, we’ve heard recently of attempts to do just that to people who want to register their small businesses in the new SAM database. SAM stands for System for Award Management. SAM, which is being developed in phases – the first was released in July 2012 – is changing the way you do business by...
by Stephen Morris, Community Moderator on 12/05/2012 - 15:18
You can count on it, just like clockwork: when a new federal program or interface or system is put in place, someone is going to try to squeeze some extra cash out of people who want to use it. Here at SBA HQ, we’ve heard recently of attempts to do just that to people who want to register their small businesses in the new SAM database. SAM stands for System for Award Management. SAM, which is being developed in phases – the first was released in July 2012 – is changing the way you do business by...
by kmurray, Guest Blogger on 12/05/2012 - 10:14
A significant number of the people that I’ve provided franchise advice to over the years have insisted on looking at franchises that have a recognizable brand name. I understand why they start their franchise business searches with “the brand” in mind, but do you? You will if you read this post. Definition of a brand Legendary marketer Seth Godin* has a great definition: A brand is the set of expectations, memories, stories and relationships that, taken together, account for a consumer’s decision to choose one product...
by kmurray, Guest Blogger on 12/05/2012 - 10:14
A significant number of the people that I’ve provided franchise advice to over the years have insisted on looking at franchises that have a recognizable brand name. I understand why they start their franchise business searches with “the brand” in mind, but do you? You will if you read this post. Definition of a brand Legendary marketer Seth Godin* has a great definition: A brand is the set of expectations, memories, stories and relationships that, taken together, account for a consumer’s decision to choose one product...
by kmurray, Guest Blogger on 12/05/2012 - 10:14
A significant number of the people that I’ve provided franchise advice to over the years have insisted on looking at franchises that have a recognizable brand name. I understand why they start their franchise business searches with “the brand” in mind, but do you? You will if you read this post. Definition of a brand Legendary marketer Seth Godin* has a great definition: A brand is the set of expectations, memories, stories and relationships that, taken together, account for a consumer’s decision to choose one product...
by Caron_Beesley, Community Moderator on 12/05/2012 - 07:38
The holidays tend to complicate small business payrolls, what with employees looking to earn a little extra cash and owners needing coverage for extended hours or shifts. But not all employers must pay overtime and not all employees are eligible. Confused? Here’s what you need to know about your obligations as a business owner when it comes to overtime pay. When is Overtime Due? Under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), both full- and part-time employees have equal rights concerning overtime pay (enforced by the Department of...
by Caron_Beesley, Community Moderator on 12/05/2012 - 07:38
The holidays tend to complicate small business payrolls, what with employees looking to earn a little extra cash and owners needing coverage for extended hours or shifts. But not all employers must pay overtime and not all employees are eligible. Confused? Here’s what you need to know about your obligations as a business owner when it comes to overtime pay. When is Overtime Due? Under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), both full- and part-time employees have equal rights concerning overtime pay (enforced by the Department of...
by Caron_Beesley, Community Moderator on 12/05/2012 - 07:38
The holidays tend to complicate small business payrolls, what with employees looking to earn a little extra cash and owners needing coverage for extended hours or shifts. But not all employers must pay overtime and not all employees are eligible. Confused? Here’s what you need to know about your obligations as a business owner when it comes to overtime pay. When is Overtime Due? Under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), both full- and part-time employees have equal rights concerning overtime pay (enforced by the Department of...
by Caron_Beesley, Community Moderator on 12/03/2012 - 09:52
The holiday season is crunch time for all of us – whether you’ve got gifts to buy or gifts to sell. If you’re a small business owner facing the busy holiday shopping and dining days ahead, here are some last-minute tips to help you maximize your holiday sales. Fine Tune your Holiday Online Campaign ‘Tis the season of countless email offers, but there are still last-minute steps you can take to stand out from the crowd. Here are a few tips for an effective “holiday countdown” online marketing campaign:...
by Caron_Beesley, Community Moderator on 12/03/2012 - 09:52
The holiday season is crunch time for all of us – whether you’ve got gifts to buy or gifts to sell. If you’re a small business owner facing the busy holiday shopping and dining days ahead, here are some last-minute tips to help you maximize your holiday sales. Fine Tune your Holiday Online Campaign ‘Tis the season of countless email offers, but there are still last-minute steps you can take to stand out from the crowd. Here are a few tips for an effective “holiday countdown” online marketing campaign:...
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by Caron_Beesley, Community Moderator on 01/02/2013 - 08:15