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September 2012 Archive
[Update: the web chats have now concluded. You can view the archive of each chat below.] October is National Women’s Small Business Month. Women-owned businesses are one of the fastest growing segments of the small business community. Today, about 30 percent of small businesses are owned by women, compared to about 5 percent in 1970. This month the SBA officials will host a series of weekly web chats, aimed at helping aspiring and established women business owners learn more about starting or expanding small businesses,...
by Stephen Morris, Community Moderator on 10/26/2012 - 15:48
[Update: the web chats have now concluded. You can view the archive of each chat below.] October is National Women’s Small Business Month. Women-owned businesses are one of the fastest growing segments of the small business community. Today, about 30 percent of small businesses are owned by women, compared to about 5 percent in 1970. This month the SBA officials will host a series of weekly web chats, aimed at helping aspiring and established women business owners learn more about starting or expanding small businesses,...
by Stephen Morris, Community Moderator on 10/26/2012 - 15:48
[Update: the web chats have now concluded. You can view the archive of each chat below.] October is National Women’s Small Business Month. Women-owned businesses are one of the fastest growing segments of the small business community. Today, about 30 percent of small businesses are owned by women, compared to about 5 percent in 1970. This month the SBA officials will host a series of weekly web chats, aimed at helping aspiring and established women business owners learn more about starting or expanding small businesses,...
by Stephen Morris, Community Moderator on 10/26/2012 - 15:48
[Update: the web chats have now concluded. You can view the archive of each chat below.] October is National Women’s Small Business Month. Women-owned businesses are one of the fastest growing segments of the small business community. Today, about 30 percent of small businesses are owned by women, compared to about 5 percent in 1970. This month the SBA officials will host a series of weekly web chats, aimed at helping aspiring and established women business owners learn more about starting or expanding small businesses,...
by Stephen Morris, Community Moderator on 10/26/2012 - 15:48
[Update: the web chats have now concluded. You can view the archive of each chat below.] October is National Women’s Small Business Month. Women-owned businesses are one of the fastest growing segments of the small business community. Today, about 30 percent of small businesses are owned by women, compared to about 5 percent in 1970. This month the SBA officials will host a series of weekly web chats, aimed at helping aspiring and established women business owners learn more about starting or expanding small businesses,...
by Stephen Morris, Community Moderator on 10/26/2012 - 15:48
[Update: the web chats have now concluded. You can view the archive of each chat below.] October is National Women’s Small Business Month. Women-owned businesses are one of the fastest growing segments of the small business community. Today, about 30 percent of small businesses are owned by women, compared to about 5 percent in 1970. This month the SBA officials will host a series of weekly web chats, aimed at helping aspiring and established women business owners learn more about starting or expanding small businesses,...
by Stephen Morris, Community Moderator on 10/26/2012 - 15:48
[Update: the web chats have now concluded. You can view the archive of each chat below.] October is National Women’s Small Business Month. Women-owned businesses are one of the fastest growing segments of the small business community. Today, about 30 percent of small businesses are owned by women, compared to about 5 percent in 1970. This month the SBA officials will host a series of weekly web chats, aimed at helping aspiring and established women business owners learn more about starting or expanding small businesses,...
by NinaSSmith, SBA Administrator on 09/27/2012 - 09:01
As Administrator of the SBA, I have the opportunity to travel around the country meeting with small business owners and entrepreneurs. As you talk to these men and women, and walk the shop floor of their facilities, you understand exactly why America’s small businesses are the economic engine of our economy and the backbone of our communities. Our goal at the SBA, and across the Administration, is making sure that more of these businesses have the tools they need to start, build and grow their operations. Over the last three...
by NinaSSmith, SBA Administrator on 09/27/2012 - 09:01
As Administrator of the SBA, I have the opportunity to travel around the country meeting with small business owners and entrepreneurs. As you talk to these men and women, and walk the shop floor of their facilities, you understand exactly why America’s small businesses are the economic engine of our economy and the backbone of our communities. Our goal at the SBA, and across the Administration, is making sure that more of these businesses have the tools they need to start, build and grow their operations. Over the last three...
by NinaSSmith, SBA Administrator on 09/27/2012 - 09:01
As Administrator of the SBA, I have the opportunity to travel around the country meeting with small business owners and entrepreneurs. As you talk to these men and women, and walk the shop floor of their facilities, you understand exactly why America’s small businesses are the economic engine of our economy and the backbone of our communities. Our goal at the SBA, and across the Administration, is making sure that more of these businesses have the tools they need to start, build and grow their operations. Over the last three...
by Caron_Beesley, Community Moderator on 09/27/2012 - 06:27
Technology moves fast these days. Sometimes it’s hard to keep pace with how it can help you be more successful in business – boosting productivity, saving money and improving collaboration. This SBA guest blog from SmallBizTrends’ Anita Campbell, 4 Ways Technology Helps you Run Your Business, offers some useful tips and recommendations on how technology can help you redesign your business processes to be more efficient and save you money. Many of the innovations Anita mentions are still rather new – tablet computers,...
by Caron_Beesley, Community Moderator on 09/27/2012 - 06:27
Technology moves fast these days. Sometimes it’s hard to keep pace with how it can help you be more successful in business – boosting productivity, saving money and improving collaboration. This SBA guest blog from SmallBizTrends’ Anita Campbell, 4 Ways Technology Helps you Run Your Business, offers some useful tips and recommendations on how technology can help you redesign your business processes to be more efficient and save you money. Many of the innovations Anita mentions are still rather new – tablet computers,...
by Caron_Beesley, Community Moderator on 09/27/2012 - 06:27
Technology moves fast these days. Sometimes it’s hard to keep pace with how it can help you be more successful in business – boosting productivity, saving money and improving collaboration. This SBA guest blog from SmallBizTrends’ Anita Campbell, 4 Ways Technology Helps you Run Your Business, offers some useful tips and recommendations on how technology can help you redesign your business processes to be more efficient and save you money. Many of the innovations Anita mentions are still rather new – tablet computers,...
by Caron_Beesley, Community Moderator on 09/27/2012 - 06:27
Technology moves fast these days. Sometimes it’s hard to keep pace with how it can help you be more successful in business – boosting productivity, saving money and improving collaboration. This SBA guest blog from SmallBizTrends’ Anita Campbell, 4 Ways Technology Helps you Run Your Business, offers some useful tips and recommendations on how technology can help you redesign your business processes to be more efficient and save you money. Many of the innovations Anita mentions are still rather new – tablet computers,...
by Caron_Beesley, Community Moderator on 09/26/2012 - 12:14
Are you, or do you know someone, under the age of 18 who is interested in starting a business? Whether you are building the latest web app or buying and selling on eBay, young entrepreneurs face the same opportunities and challenges as their adult counterparts. But as you might expect, there are also some tax and legal considerations to bear in mind. Here are answers to some FAQs about starting a business as a minor (the definition of which varies by state). 1. Can a Minor Form an LLC or Corporation? Forming an corporation or LLC is...
by Caron_Beesley, Community Moderator on 09/26/2012 - 12:14
Are you, or do you know someone, under the age of 18 who is interested in starting a business? Whether you are building the latest web app or buying and selling on eBay, young entrepreneurs face the same opportunities and challenges as their adult counterparts. But as you might expect, there are also some tax and legal considerations to bear in mind. Here are answers to some FAQs about starting a business as a minor (the definition of which varies by state). 1. Can a Minor Form an LLC or Corporation? Forming an corporation or LLC is...
by Caron_Beesley, Community Moderator on 09/26/2012 - 12:14
Are you, or do you know someone, under the age of 18 who is interested in starting a business? Whether you are building the latest web app or buying and selling on eBay, young entrepreneurs face the same opportunities and challenges as their adult counterparts. But as you might expect, there are also some tax and legal considerations to bear in mind. Here are answers to some FAQs about starting a business as a minor (the definition of which varies by state). 1. Can a Minor Form an LLC or Corporation? Forming an corporation or LLC is...
by Caron_Beesley, Community Moderator on 09/26/2012 - 12:14
Are you, or do you know someone, under the age of 18 who is interested in starting a business? Whether you are building the latest web app or buying and selling on eBay, young entrepreneurs face the same opportunities and challenges as their adult counterparts. But as you might expect, there are also some tax and legal considerations to bear in mind. Here are answers to some FAQs about starting a business as a minor (the definition of which varies by state). 1. Can a Minor Form an LLC or Corporation? Forming an corporation or LLC is...
by kmurray, Guest Blogger on 09/26/2012 - 05:39
For years now I’ve thought of business planning in terms of the special case that I call a business plan event. The business plan event is when you have to produce a business plan for some specific business hurdle or gateway. For example, a startup looking for either angel investors or venture capital needs a business plan to give to interested potential investors. And a business applying for commercial credit needs a business plan to present to the loan officer at the bank. Some other business plan events are the sale of a business, a...
by kmurray, Guest Blogger on 09/26/2012 - 05:39
For years now I’ve thought of business planning in terms of the special case that I call a business plan event. The business plan event is when you have to produce a business plan for some specific business hurdle or gateway. For example, a startup looking for either angel investors or venture capital needs a business plan to give to interested potential investors. And a business applying for commercial credit needs a business plan to present to the loan officer at the bank. Some other business plan events are the sale of a business, a...
by kmurray, Guest Blogger on 09/26/2012 - 05:39
For years now I’ve thought of business planning in terms of the special case that I call a business plan event. The business plan event is when you have to produce a business plan for some specific business hurdle or gateway. For example, a startup looking for either angel investors or venture capital needs a business plan to give to interested potential investors. And a business applying for commercial credit needs a business plan to present to the loan officer at the bank. Some other business plan events are the sale of a business, a...
by kmurray, Guest Blogger on 09/26/2012 - 05:39
For years now I’ve thought of business planning in terms of the special case that I call a business plan event. The business plan event is when you have to produce a business plan for some specific business hurdle or gateway. For example, a startup looking for either angel investors or venture capital needs a business plan to give to interested potential investors. And a business applying for commercial credit needs a business plan to present to the loan officer at the bank. Some other business plan events are the sale of a business, a...
by Stephen Morris, SBA Administrator on 09/24/2012 - 15:26
A year ago, Vice President Biden and I visited a small manufacturer in Solon, Ohio. The company, Wrap Tite, used an SBA loan to purchase and renovate their new facility and to hire five new workers. While on the shopfloor of that plant, we announced that 13 of the nation’s largest banks had committed to increase lending for small businesses by $20 billion over the next three years. I’m pleased to announce that the 13 banks have already increased lending by more than $11 billion, putting them more than halfway to the goal in the...
by Stephen Morris, SBA Administrator on 09/24/2012 - 15:26
A year ago, Vice President Biden and I visited a small manufacturer in Solon, Ohio. The company, Wrap Tite, used an SBA loan to purchase and renovate their new facility and to hire five new workers. While on the shopfloor of that plant, we announced that 13 of the nation’s largest banks had committed to increase lending for small businesses by $20 billion over the next three years. I’m pleased to announce that the 13 banks have already increased lending by more than $11 billion, putting them more than halfway to the goal in the...
by Stephen Morris, SBA Administrator on 09/24/2012 - 15:26
A year ago, Vice President Biden and I visited a small manufacturer in Solon, Ohio. The company, Wrap Tite, used an SBA loan to purchase and renovate their new facility and to hire five new workers. While on the shopfloor of that plant, we announced that 13 of the nation’s largest banks had committed to increase lending for small businesses by $20 billion over the next three years. I’m pleased to announce that the 13 banks have already increased lending by more than $11 billion, putting them more than halfway to the goal in the...
by Caron_Beesley, Community Moderator on 09/24/2012 - 06:10
Not sure you have enough money to start a business? Before you raid your life savings or remortgage your home, you should know about some possible alternatives. According to the Kauffmann Foundation, the average cost of starting a new business from scratch comes in at just over $30,000. Of course, the actual number depends on many factors, such as your industry, business model, and even the state where you’re located. To help you ascertain what it will cost you to start your new business, take a look at this earlier blog: How to Estimate...
by Caron_Beesley, Community Moderator on 09/24/2012 - 06:10
Not sure you have enough money to start a business? Before you raid your life savings or remortgage your home, you should know about some possible alternatives. According to the Kauffmann Foundation, the average cost of starting a new business from scratch comes in at just over $30,000. Of course, the actual number depends on many factors, such as your industry, business model, and even the state where you’re located. To help you ascertain what it will cost you to start your new business, take a look at this earlier blog: How to Estimate...
by Caron_Beesley, Community Moderator on 09/24/2012 - 06:10
Not sure you have enough money to start a business? Before you raid your life savings or remortgage your home, you should know about some possible alternatives. According to the Kauffmann Foundation, the average cost of starting a new business from scratch comes in at just over $30,000. Of course, the actual number depends on many factors, such as your industry, business model, and even the state where you’re located. To help you ascertain what it will cost you to start your new business, take a look at this earlier blog: How to Estimate...
by Stephen Morris, Community Moderator on 09/21/2012 - 13:17
Earlier this week, SBA Administrator Karen Mills and NASA Administrator Charles Bolden held a Google+ Hangout with a small business that helped NASA land the Curiosity rover on Mars. Staff from ATA Engineering joined the Hangout to explain their role in the Mars Science Laboratory and how small businesses can expand their markets by working with the Federal government. ATA Engineering, and many other technical and scientific companies like it, participate in the Small Business Innovation Research program where they receive funding to help...
by Stephen Morris, Community Moderator on 09/21/2012 - 13:17
Earlier this week, SBA Administrator Karen Mills and NASA Administrator Charles Bolden held a Google+ Hangout with a small business that helped NASA land the Curiosity rover on Mars. Staff from ATA Engineering joined the Hangout to explain their role in the Mars Science Laboratory and how small businesses can expand their markets by working with the Federal government. ATA Engineering, and many other technical and scientific companies like it, participate in the Small Business Innovation Research program where they receive funding to help...
by Stephen Morris, Community Moderator on 09/21/2012 - 13:17
Earlier this week, SBA Administrator Karen Mills and NASA Administrator Charles Bolden held a Google+ Hangout with a small business that helped NASA land the Curiosity rover on Mars. Staff from ATA Engineering joined the Hangout to explain their role in the Mars Science Laboratory and how small businesses can expand their markets by working with the Federal government. ATA Engineering, and many other technical and scientific companies like it, participate in the Small Business Innovation Research program where they receive funding to help...
by Stephen Morris, SBA Official on 09/21/2012 - 08:32
Life after 50 opens the door to many opportunities and new interests, and being retired or near retirement may give you the time, resources and experience that will allow you to be more passionate about these than you have ever been before. It may be time to find the answer to the “what’s next” question you’ve been pondering. In fact, we’re seeing a growing number of people over the age of 50 – we call them encore entrepreneurs – look to small business ownership as their next big opportunity. Think of...
by Stephen Morris, SBA Official on 09/21/2012 - 08:32
Life after 50 opens the door to many opportunities and new interests, and being retired or near retirement may give you the time, resources and experience that will allow you to be more passionate about these than you have ever been before. It may be time to find the answer to the “what’s next” question you’ve been pondering. In fact, we’re seeing a growing number of people over the age of 50 – we call them encore entrepreneurs – look to small business ownership as their next big opportunity. Think of...
by Stephen Morris, SBA Official on 09/21/2012 - 08:32
Life after 50 opens the door to many opportunities and new interests, and being retired or near retirement may give you the time, resources and experience that will allow you to be more passionate about these than you have ever been before. It may be time to find the answer to the “what’s next” question you’ve been pondering. In fact, we’re seeing a growing number of people over the age of 50 – we call them encore entrepreneurs – look to small business ownership as their next big opportunity. Think of...
by Stephen Morris, SBA Official on 09/21/2012 - 08:32
Life after 50 opens the door to many opportunities and new interests, and being retired or near retirement may give you the time, resources and experience that will allow you to be more passionate about these than you have ever been before. It may be time to find the answer to the “what’s next” question you’ve been pondering. In fact, we’re seeing a growing number of people over the age of 50 – we call them encore entrepreneurs – look to small business ownership as their next big opportunity. Think of...
by AshleyC, Community Moderator on 09/20/2012 - 15:56
When a friend or family member asks what you do to help small businesses, what do you say? SBA assists with creating and fostering of small businesses through financial, technical, and contract assistance. What’s your favorite thing about what the SBA does for small businesses? SBA leverages public and private partnerships to benefit small businesses. Is there a particular small business “success story” that comes to mind when you think about how the SBA helps people? There is no particular story that comes to...
by AshleyC, Community Moderator on 09/20/2012 - 15:56
When a friend or family member asks what you do to help small businesses, what do you say? SBA assists with creating and fostering of small businesses through financial, technical, and contract assistance. What’s your favorite thing about what the SBA does for small businesses? SBA leverages public and private partnerships to benefit small businesses. Is there a particular small business “success story” that comes to mind when you think about how the SBA helps people? There is no particular story that comes to...
by BusinessCredit, Guest Blogger on 09/20/2012 - 11:38
A small business credit card should always be the credit card you use when making business purchases. Transactions such as paying for gas in a company car, buying office supplies or taking clients out for lunch are all acceptable ways to use a small business credit card. When it comes to personal credit cards, you should not use them for business expenses. This can potentially jeopardize the protection of the corporate veil because you are co-mingling funds. Did you know corporate veil piercing is the top litigated issue in corporate law today...
by BusinessCredit, Guest Blogger on 09/20/2012 - 11:38
A small business credit card should always be the credit card you use when making business purchases. Transactions such as paying for gas in a company car, buying office supplies or taking clients out for lunch are all acceptable ways to use a small business credit card. When it comes to personal credit cards, you should not use them for business expenses. This can potentially jeopardize the protection of the corporate veil because you are co-mingling funds. Did you know corporate veil piercing is the top litigated issue in corporate law today...
by BusinessCredit, Guest Blogger on 09/20/2012 - 11:38
A small business credit card should always be the credit card you use when making business purchases. Transactions such as paying for gas in a company car, buying office supplies or taking clients out for lunch are all acceptable ways to use a small business credit card. When it comes to personal credit cards, you should not use them for business expenses. This can potentially jeopardize the protection of the corporate veil because you are co-mingling funds. Did you know corporate veil piercing is the top litigated issue in corporate law today...
by BusinessCredit, Guest Blogger on 09/20/2012 - 11:38
A small business credit card should always be the credit card you use when making business purchases. Transactions such as paying for gas in a company car, buying office supplies or taking clients out for lunch are all acceptable ways to use a small business credit card. When it comes to personal credit cards, you should not use them for business expenses. This can potentially jeopardize the protection of the corporate veil because you are co-mingling funds. Did you know corporate veil piercing is the top litigated issue in corporate law today...
by Caron_Beesley, Community Moderator on 09/20/2012 - 06:24
When it comes to purchasing products as consumers, our buying behavior typically falls into two buckets: 1. Impulse purchases (e.g., that garment that caught your eye at the store) 2. Planned purchases (TVs, cars, cell phones, tablets, vacations, home renovations, etc.) The key difference between these two purchasing models is the length of the sales cycle – and it’s an important distinction for business owners to know. Why? The sales cycle for impulse purchases is obviously the shortest. While branding, marketing,...
by Caron_Beesley, Community Moderator on 09/20/2012 - 06:24
When it comes to purchasing products as consumers, our buying behavior typically falls into two buckets: 1. Impulse purchases (e.g., that garment that caught your eye at the store) 2. Planned purchases (TVs, cars, cell phones, tablets, vacations, home renovations, etc.) The key difference between these two purchasing models is the length of the sales cycle – and it’s an important distinction for business owners to know. Why? The sales cycle for impulse purchases is obviously the shortest. While branding, marketing,...
by Caron_Beesley, Community Moderator on 09/20/2012 - 06:24
When it comes to purchasing products as consumers, our buying behavior typically falls into two buckets: 1. Impulse purchases (e.g., that garment that caught your eye at the store) 2. Planned purchases (TVs, cars, cell phones, tablets, vacations, home renovations, etc.) The key difference between these two purchasing models is the length of the sales cycle – and it’s an important distinction for business owners to know. Why? The sales cycle for impulse purchases is obviously the shortest. While branding, marketing,...
by kmurray, Community Moderator on 09/19/2012 - 08:05
Do you have a military veteran, reservist or National Guard service member on your books? If so, it’s a good idea to be aware of what the law requires when it comes to handling employees who may be called to active duty – whether to a war or disaster zone. Here’s what you need to know: Know How the Law Protects Employee Rights The Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA) protects the reemployment rights of service members when they return from active duty and prohibits any form of discrimination by...
by kmurray, Community Moderator on 09/19/2012 - 08:05
Do you have a military veteran, reservist or National Guard service member on your books? If so, it’s a good idea to be aware of what the law requires when it comes to handling employees who may be called to active duty – whether to a war or disaster zone. Here’s what you need to know: Know How the Law Protects Employee Rights The Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA) protects the reemployment rights of service members when they return from active duty and prohibits any form of discrimination by...
by kmurray, Community Moderator on 09/19/2012 - 08:05
Do you have a military veteran, reservist or National Guard service member on your books? If so, it’s a good idea to be aware of what the law requires when it comes to handling employees who may be called to active duty – whether to a war or disaster zone. Here’s what you need to know: Know How the Law Protects Employee Rights The Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA) protects the reemployment rights of service members when they return from active duty and prohibits any form of discrimination by...
by jhdavis, SBA Official on 09/19/2012 - 11:15
Desde su fundación, millones de personas han arribado a los Estados Unidos con la visión de alcanzar un futuro mejor para ellas y sus familias. La historia de los Estados Unidos tiene sus raíces en la travesía de todas esas personas. El Mes Nacional de la Herencia Hispana nos brinda la oportunidad de no sólo reconocer las enormes aportaciones que los hispanoamericanos han hecho a este país, sino también de cerciorarnos de que existan políticas y programas adecuados que aseguren que dichas...
by jhdavis, SBA Official on 09/19/2012 - 11:15
Desde su fundación, millones de personas han arribado a los Estados Unidos con la visión de alcanzar un futuro mejor para ellas y sus familias. La historia de los Estados Unidos tiene sus raíces en la travesía de todas esas personas. El Mes Nacional de la Herencia Hispana nos brinda la oportunidad de no sólo reconocer las enormes aportaciones que los hispanoamericanos han hecho a este país, sino también de cerciorarnos de que existan políticas y programas adecuados que aseguren que dichas...
by jhdavis, SBA Official on 09/19/2012 - 11:15
Desde su fundación, millones de personas han arribado a los Estados Unidos con la visión de alcanzar un futuro mejor para ellas y sus familias. La historia de los Estados Unidos tiene sus raíces en la travesía de todas esas personas. El Mes Nacional de la Herencia Hispana nos brinda la oportunidad de no sólo reconocer las enormes aportaciones que los hispanoamericanos han hecho a este país, sino también de cerciorarnos de que existan políticas y programas adecuados que aseguren que dichas...
by jhdavis, SBA Official on 09/19/2012 - 11:15
Desde su fundación, millones de personas han arribado a los Estados Unidos con la visión de alcanzar un futuro mejor para ellas y sus familias. La historia de los Estados Unidos tiene sus raíces en la travesía de todas esas personas. El Mes Nacional de la Herencia Hispana nos brinda la oportunidad de no sólo reconocer las enormes aportaciones que los hispanoamericanos han hecho a este país, sino también de cerciorarnos de que existan políticas y programas adecuados que aseguren que dichas...
by jhdavis, SBA Official on 09/19/2012 - 11:15
Desde su fundación, millones de personas han arribado a los Estados Unidos con la visión de alcanzar un futuro mejor para ellas y sus familias. La historia de los Estados Unidos tiene sus raíces en la travesía de todas esas personas. El Mes Nacional de la Herencia Hispana nos brinda la oportunidad de no sólo reconocer las enormes aportaciones que los hispanoamericanos han hecho a este país, sino también de cerciorarnos de que existan políticas y programas adecuados que aseguren que dichas...
by jhdavis, SBA Official on 09/19/2012 - 11:15
Desde su fundación, millones de personas han arribado a los Estados Unidos con la visión de alcanzar un futuro mejor para ellas y sus familias. La historia de los Estados Unidos tiene sus raíces en la travesía de todas esas personas. El Mes Nacional de la Herencia Hispana nos brinda la oportunidad de no sólo reconocer las enormes aportaciones que los hispanoamericanos han hecho a este país, sino también de cerciorarnos de que existan políticas y programas adecuados que aseguren que dichas...
by Rieva, Guest Blogger on 09/18/2012 - 10:39
Have you all but given up on publicizing your small business to newspapers, TV, magazines and radio, instead focusing all your efforts on social media marketing? You could be making a big mistake. A study done this summer showed that despite the prevalence of social media, blogs and websites, Americans still find traditional media the most trustworthy source of information. Here’s what you need to know to get publicity in traditional media. 1. Find the right media outlets to target....
by Rieva, Guest Blogger on 09/18/2012 - 10:39
Have you all but given up on publicizing your small business to newspapers, TV, magazines and radio, instead focusing all your efforts on social media marketing? You could be making a big mistake. A study done this summer showed that despite the prevalence of social media, blogs and websites, Americans still find traditional media the most trustworthy source of information. Here’s what you need to know to get publicity in traditional media. 1. Find the right media outlets to target....
by NinaSSmith, SBA Official on 09/18/2012 - 10:09
From our founding, people have come to America’s shores with a vision for a better future for themselves and their families. America’s story is rooted in the journey of these individuals. And National Hispanic Heritage month is an opportunity to not only recognize the enormous contributions of Hispanic Americans but to ensure that programs and policies are in place to ensure those contributions continue. Minority-owned businesses are some of the fastest growing segments of the economy, with Hispanic-owned small businesses...
by NinaSSmith, SBA Official on 09/18/2012 - 10:09
From our founding, people have come to America’s shores with a vision for a better future for themselves and their families. America’s story is rooted in the journey of these individuals. And National Hispanic Heritage month is an opportunity to not only recognize the enormous contributions of Hispanic Americans but to ensure that programs and policies are in place to ensure those contributions continue. Minority-owned businesses are some of the fastest growing segments of the economy, with Hispanic-owned small businesses...
by NinaSSmith, SBA Official on 09/18/2012 - 10:09
From our founding, people have come to America’s shores with a vision for a better future for themselves and their families. America’s story is rooted in the journey of these individuals. And National Hispanic Heritage month is an opportunity to not only recognize the enormous contributions of Hispanic Americans but to ensure that programs and policies are in place to ensure those contributions continue. Minority-owned businesses are some of the fastest growing segments of the economy, with Hispanic-owned small businesses...
by NinaSSmith, SBA Official on 09/18/2012 - 10:09
From our founding, people have come to America’s shores with a vision for a better future for themselves and their families. America’s story is rooted in the journey of these individuals. And National Hispanic Heritage month is an opportunity to not only recognize the enormous contributions of Hispanic Americans but to ensure that programs and policies are in place to ensure those contributions continue. Minority-owned businesses are some of the fastest growing segments of the economy, with Hispanic-owned small businesses...
by NinaSSmith, SBA Official on 09/18/2012 - 10:09
From our founding, people have come to America’s shores with a vision for a better future for themselves and their families. America’s story is rooted in the journey of these individuals. And National Hispanic Heritage month is an opportunity to not only recognize the enormous contributions of Hispanic Americans but to ensure that programs and policies are in place to ensure those contributions continue. Minority-owned businesses are some of the fastest growing segments of the economy, with Hispanic-owned small businesses...
by NinaSSmith, SBA Official on 09/18/2012 - 10:09
From our founding, people have come to America’s shores with a vision for a better future for themselves and their families. America’s story is rooted in the journey of these individuals. And National Hispanic Heritage month is an opportunity to not only recognize the enormous contributions of Hispanic Americans but to ensure that programs and policies are in place to ensure those contributions continue. Minority-owned businesses are some of the fastest growing segments of the economy, with Hispanic-owned small businesses...
by Stephen Morris, Community Moderator on 09/18/2012 - 08:52
Editor's note: This post by NASA Administrator Charles Bolden was originally published on NASA's blog. Landing the Curiosity rover on Mars was a big feat for NASA, but we could not have done it without the work of small businesses. On Wednesday, Sept. 19, I'm joining Administrator Karen Mills of the Small Business Administration for a Google+ Hangout with ATA Engineering, one of the small businesses that made the Mars Science Laboratory mission landing a success. Google+ members and reporters are welcome to join the discussion from...
by Stephen Morris, Community Moderator on 09/18/2012 - 08:52
Editor's note: This post by NASA Administrator Charles Bolden was originally published on NASA's blog. Landing the Curiosity rover on Mars was a big feat for NASA, but we could not have done it without the work of small businesses. On Wednesday, Sept. 19, I'm joining Administrator Karen Mills of the Small Business Administration for a Google+ Hangout with ATA Engineering, one of the small businesses that made the Mars Science Laboratory mission landing a success. Google+ members and reporters are welcome to join the discussion from...
by Stephen Morris, Community Moderator on 09/18/2012 - 08:52
Editor's note: This post by NASA Administrator Charles Bolden was originally published on NASA's blog. Landing the Curiosity rover on Mars was a big feat for NASA, but we could not have done it without the work of small businesses. On Wednesday, Sept. 19, I'm joining Administrator Karen Mills of the Small Business Administration for a Google+ Hangout with ATA Engineering, one of the small businesses that made the Mars Science Laboratory mission landing a success. Google+ members and reporters are welcome to join the discussion from...
by Stephen Morris, Community Moderator on 09/18/2012 - 08:52
Editor's note: This post by NASA Administrator Charles Bolden was originally published on NASA's blog. Landing the Curiosity rover on Mars was a big feat for NASA, but we could not have done it without the work of small businesses. On Wednesday, Sept. 19, I'm joining Administrator Karen Mills of the Small Business Administration for a Google+ Hangout with ATA Engineering, one of the small businesses that made the Mars Science Laboratory mission landing a success. Google+ members and reporters are welcome to join the discussion from...
by Caron_Beesley, Community Moderator on 09/18/2012 - 12:51
Have questions about small business taxes? Need a quick tutorial in any aspect of business taxes? Perhaps all you want is a reminder of key tax dates and deadlines? IRS.gov is a resource-rich site home to numerous online tools designed specifically for small business owners and the self-employed. Whether you are looking for answers or just need to improve your financial literacy, IRS.gov has a lot to offer. Here’s a quick look at some of what’s available from IRS.gov. 1. IRS Virtual Tax Workshop for New Small Businesses The IRS...
by Caron_Beesley, Community Moderator on 09/18/2012 - 12:51
Have questions about small business taxes? Need a quick tutorial in any aspect of business taxes? Perhaps all you want is a reminder of key tax dates and deadlines? IRS.gov is a resource-rich site home to numerous online tools designed specifically for small business owners and the self-employed. Whether you are looking for answers or just need to improve your financial literacy, IRS.gov has a lot to offer. Here’s a quick look at some of what’s available from IRS.gov. 1. IRS Virtual Tax Workshop for New Small Businesses The IRS...
by Caron_Beesley, Community Moderator on 09/18/2012 - 12:51
Have questions about small business taxes? Need a quick tutorial in any aspect of business taxes? Perhaps all you want is a reminder of key tax dates and deadlines? IRS.gov is a resource-rich site home to numerous online tools designed specifically for small business owners and the self-employed. Whether you are looking for answers or just need to improve your financial literacy, IRS.gov has a lot to offer. Here’s a quick look at some of what’s available from IRS.gov. 1. IRS Virtual Tax Workshop for New Small Businesses The IRS...
by Caron_Beesley, Community Moderator on 09/13/2012 - 07:51
According to Kauffman Foundation, young entrepreneurship in the U.S. is on the rise, with the 20-34 age group comprising 29 percent of the total new entrepreneurship activity in 2011. Entrepreneurship can be an exciting adventure, and for the young it can be easier than you might think. The barriers – including cost of entry –are low, (working at home, online, etc.), and younger people are often unconstrained by the commitments of family and marriage. And of course, there are inspiring role models from big names like Facebook...
by Caron_Beesley, Community Moderator on 09/13/2012 - 07:51
According to Kauffman Foundation, young entrepreneurship in the U.S. is on the rise, with the 20-34 age group comprising 29 percent of the total new entrepreneurship activity in 2011. Entrepreneurship can be an exciting adventure, and for the young it can be easier than you might think. The barriers – including cost of entry –are low, (working at home, online, etc.), and younger people are often unconstrained by the commitments of family and marriage. And of course, there are inspiring role models from big names like Facebook...
by Caron_Beesley, Community Moderator on 09/13/2012 - 07:51
According to Kauffman Foundation, young entrepreneurship in the U.S. is on the rise, with the 20-34 age group comprising 29 percent of the total new entrepreneurship activity in 2011. Entrepreneurship can be an exciting adventure, and for the young it can be easier than you might think. The barriers – including cost of entry –are low, (working at home, online, etc.), and younger people are often unconstrained by the commitments of family and marriage. And of course, there are inspiring role models from big names like Facebook...
by Stephen Morris, SBA Official on 09/13/2012 - 09:46
A new focus on environmental responsibility is making it easier for small businesses and entrepreneurs to “make a difference.” There’s not only a huge variety of organic and eco-friendly products on retail store shelves to help Americans protect our ecosystem, but there are also vast new opportunities open to entrepreneurs who can provide green products to consumers. This is more than a passing fad. This is big business for environmentally minded entrepreneurs. You can make your business greener and develop products and...
by Stephen Morris, SBA Official on 09/13/2012 - 09:46
A new focus on environmental responsibility is making it easier for small businesses and entrepreneurs to “make a difference.” There’s not only a huge variety of organic and eco-friendly products on retail store shelves to help Americans protect our ecosystem, but there are also vast new opportunities open to entrepreneurs who can provide green products to consumers. This is more than a passing fad. This is big business for environmentally minded entrepreneurs. You can make your business greener and develop products and...
by Stephen Morris, SBA Official on 09/13/2012 - 09:46
A new focus on environmental responsibility is making it easier for small businesses and entrepreneurs to “make a difference.” There’s not only a huge variety of organic and eco-friendly products on retail store shelves to help Americans protect our ecosystem, but there are also vast new opportunities open to entrepreneurs who can provide green products to consumers. This is more than a passing fad. This is big business for environmentally minded entrepreneurs. You can make your business greener and develop products and...
by Stephen Morris, SBA Official on 09/13/2012 - 09:46
A new focus on environmental responsibility is making it easier for small businesses and entrepreneurs to “make a difference.” There’s not only a huge variety of organic and eco-friendly products on retail store shelves to help Americans protect our ecosystem, but there are also vast new opportunities open to entrepreneurs who can provide green products to consumers. This is more than a passing fad. This is big business for environmentally minded entrepreneurs. You can make your business greener and develop products and...
by BarbaraWeltman, Guest Blogger on 09/12/2012 - 08:42
Every year, countless businesses across the country experience hurricanes, blizzards, power outages, fires, tornados, and other events that can temporarily disrupt activities and, in some cases, put them out of business. For instance, in *2010, there were 98,000 fires to nonresidential structures, resulting in $2.6 billion in property damage. Hopefully, business owners are smart enough to carry adequate insurance to offset their property losses and have business recovery plans that enable them to function again. But despite all the planning,...
by BarbaraWeltman, Guest Blogger on 09/12/2012 - 08:42
Every year, countless businesses across the country experience hurricanes, blizzards, power outages, fires, tornados, and other events that can temporarily disrupt activities and, in some cases, put them out of business. For instance, in *2010, there were 98,000 fires to nonresidential structures, resulting in $2.6 billion in property damage. Hopefully, business owners are smart enough to carry adequate insurance to offset their property losses and have business recovery plans that enable them to function again. But despite all the planning,...
by BarbaraWeltman, Guest Blogger on 09/12/2012 - 08:42
Every year, countless businesses across the country experience hurricanes, blizzards, power outages, fires, tornados, and other events that can temporarily disrupt activities and, in some cases, put them out of business. For instance, in *2010, there were 98,000 fires to nonresidential structures, resulting in $2.6 billion in property damage. Hopefully, business owners are smart enough to carry adequate insurance to offset their property losses and have business recovery plans that enable them to function again. But despite all the planning,...
by BarbaraWeltman, Guest Blogger on 09/12/2012 - 08:42
Every year, countless businesses across the country experience hurricanes, blizzards, power outages, fires, tornados, and other events that can temporarily disrupt activities and, in some cases, put them out of business. For instance, in *2010, there were 98,000 fires to nonresidential structures, resulting in $2.6 billion in property damage. Hopefully, business owners are smart enough to carry adequate insurance to offset their property losses and have business recovery plans that enable them to function again. But despite all the planning,...
by BarbaraWeltman, Guest Blogger on 09/12/2012 - 08:42
Every year, countless businesses across the country experience hurricanes, blizzards, power outages, fires, tornados, and other events that can temporarily disrupt activities and, in some cases, put them out of business. For instance, in *2010, there were 98,000 fires to nonresidential structures, resulting in $2.6 billion in property damage. Hopefully, business owners are smart enough to carry adequate insurance to offset their property losses and have business recovery plans that enable them to function again. But despite all the planning,...
by Caron_Beesley, Community Moderator on 09/12/2012 - 03:15
Non-compete agreements are commonplace in the workplace, particularly in specialist industries. However, their enforceability varies from state-to-state. California, for example, prohibits them entirely. But non-competes can also come into play when you sell your business, particularly if you have plans to stay in the same industry. These agreements protect the new business owner against you opening a similar business for a certain amount of time, usually in the same geographic area. So what’s a serial entrepreneur to do? If you have a...
by Caron_Beesley, Community Moderator on 09/12/2012 - 03:15
Non-compete agreements are commonplace in the workplace, particularly in specialist industries. However, their enforceability varies from state-to-state. California, for example, prohibits them entirely. But non-competes can also come into play when you sell your business, particularly if you have plans to stay in the same industry. These agreements protect the new business owner against you opening a similar business for a certain amount of time, usually in the same geographic area. So what’s a serial entrepreneur to do? If you have a...
by Caron_Beesley, Community Moderator on 09/12/2012 - 03:15
Non-compete agreements are commonplace in the workplace, particularly in specialist industries. However, their enforceability varies from state-to-state. California, for example, prohibits them entirely. But non-competes can also come into play when you sell your business, particularly if you have plans to stay in the same industry. These agreements protect the new business owner against you opening a similar business for a certain amount of time, usually in the same geographic area. So what’s a serial entrepreneur to do? If you have a...
by jhdavis, SBA Official on 09/11/2012 - 12:14
In today's challenging economic environment, where small businesses create two out of every three net new jobs in the U.S., help for small businesses is more critical than ever before. A key foundation of success in business is to leverage data analysis to discover insights and make smarter decisions. Delivering these types of services online provides the greatest opportunity to reach the most businesses. That's why SBA has made available SizeUp, an online small business support service that can deliver customized business analysis to...
by Caron_Beesley, Community Moderator on 09/10/2012 - 04:11
Is business travel critical to your small business success – but hurting your cash flow? According to a recent travel trends survey by American Airlines, 93 percent of small and medium-sized business travel managers surveyed said that face-to-face meetings are either crucial or helpful to the success of their business. But what about the costs of business travel? According to a similar survey last year, American Airlines found that small businesses typically allocate between 10 and 24 percent of their overall annual budget to travel...
by Caron_Beesley, Community Moderator on 09/10/2012 - 04:11
Is business travel critical to your small business success – but hurting your cash flow? According to a recent travel trends survey by American Airlines, 93 percent of small and medium-sized business travel managers surveyed said that face-to-face meetings are either crucial or helpful to the success of their business. But what about the costs of business travel? According to a similar survey last year, American Airlines found that small businesses typically allocate between 10 and 24 percent of their overall annual budget to travel...
by smallbiztrends, Guest Blogger on 09/06/2012 - 10:42
Small businesses and big brands have used a variety of ways to grow their networks on sites like Facebook. Using images and videos to engage followers, running contests, offering discounts in exchange for Liking a page and engaging in active discussion are all some ways that businesses have built their followings on Facebook. Unfortunately, not all strategies are worthwhile or even permitted. It’s a dirty little secret that some businesses have resorted to “buying Likes” of their business Pages. But that could...
by smallbiztrends, Guest Blogger on 09/06/2012 - 10:42
Small businesses and big brands have used a variety of ways to grow their networks on sites like Facebook. Using images and videos to engage followers, running contests, offering discounts in exchange for Liking a page and engaging in active discussion are all some ways that businesses have built their followings on Facebook. Unfortunately, not all strategies are worthwhile or even permitted. It’s a dirty little secret that some businesses have resorted to “buying Likes” of their business Pages. But that could...
by Caron_Beesley, Community Moderator on 09/06/2012 - 06:49
Does your business ebb and flow with the seasons? Looking to hire extra staff for the up and coming holiday season, or find that you wished you’d hired temporary workers this past summer? Whatever your plans, hiring seasonal workers involves following a few rules of the road. Many of the laws and regulations that apply to full-time employees also apply to seasonal or part-time employees. Here’s what you need to know as you plan your seasonal workforce: Labor Laws Still Apply Laws that cover harassment, discrimination, and...
by Caron_Beesley, Community Moderator on 09/06/2012 - 06:49
Does your business ebb and flow with the seasons? Looking to hire extra staff for the up and coming holiday season, or find that you wished you’d hired temporary workers this past summer? Whatever your plans, hiring seasonal workers involves following a few rules of the road. Many of the laws and regulations that apply to full-time employees also apply to seasonal or part-time employees. Here’s what you need to know as you plan your seasonal workforce: Labor Laws Still Apply Laws that cover harassment, discrimination, and...
by Caron_Beesley, Community Moderator on 09/06/2012 - 06:49
Does your business ebb and flow with the seasons? Looking to hire extra staff for the up and coming holiday season, or find that you wished you’d hired temporary workers this past summer? Whatever your plans, hiring seasonal workers involves following a few rules of the road. Many of the laws and regulations that apply to full-time employees also apply to seasonal or part-time employees. Here’s what you need to know as you plan your seasonal workforce: Labor Laws Still Apply Laws that cover harassment, discrimination, and...
by Caron_Beesley, Community Moderator on 09/05/2012 - 06:39
Got a great idea for a business? Wondering if you can patent it before someone else comes up with something similar? Technically, you can’t patent an idea for a business – for example, if you have a unique idea for an online store or a new chain of themed restaurants. However, you may be able to protect and patent a method of doing business – if it meets very specific criteria and requirements. Here’s what you need to know about what patent protection can do for your business, and about other intellectual property...
by Caron_Beesley, Community Moderator on 09/05/2012 - 06:39
Got a great idea for a business? Wondering if you can patent it before someone else comes up with something similar? Technically, you can’t patent an idea for a business – for example, if you have a unique idea for an online store or a new chain of themed restaurants. However, you may be able to protect and patent a method of doing business – if it meets very specific criteria and requirements. Here’s what you need to know about what patent protection can do for your business, and about other intellectual property...
by Caron_Beesley, Community Moderator on 09/05/2012 - 06:39
Got a great idea for a business? Wondering if you can patent it before someone else comes up with something similar? Technically, you can’t patent an idea for a business – for example, if you have a unique idea for an online store or a new chain of themed restaurants. However, you may be able to protect and patent a method of doing business – if it meets very specific criteria and requirements. Here’s what you need to know about what patent protection can do for your business, and about other intellectual property...
by kmurray, Guest Blogger on 01/03/2013 - 15:45
If you’re thinking about becoming your own boss, and the business model of franchising sounds attractive, there are several things you need to do before you even look at a franchise business opportunity. Even though you probably can’t wait to jump in that nice, warm franchise opportunity pool, I want you to force yourself to hold back. Read my tips below first; they’ll help you prepare for your jump. 1. Talk To Your Family If you think for one minute that becoming the owner of a business will...
by kmurray, Guest Blogger on 01/03/2013 - 15:45
If you’re thinking about becoming your own boss, and the business model of franchising sounds attractive, there are several things you need to do before you even look at a franchise business opportunity. Even though you probably can’t wait to jump in that nice, warm franchise opportunity pool, I want you to force yourself to hold back. Read my tips below first; they’ll help you prepare for your jump. 1. Talk To Your Family If you think for one minute that becoming the owner of a business will...
by Caron_Beesley, Community Moderator on 09/04/2012 - 06:40
If you’re a freelancer, independent contractor or consultant, scaling your business can be a challenge. After all, it’s just you. Business development and finding new clients takes time and effort, and there’s no guarantee you’ll secure the rate, volume of work or long-term relationship you need to sustain your business. For many freelancers, success and more income come from nurturing and deepening relationships they already have. Here are some ways you can do this: 1. Make Yourself Indispensable There’s a...
by Caron_Beesley, Community Moderator on 09/04/2012 - 06:40
If you’re a freelancer, independent contractor or consultant, scaling your business can be a challenge. After all, it’s just you. Business development and finding new clients takes time and effort, and there’s no guarantee you’ll secure the rate, volume of work or long-term relationship you need to sustain your business. For many freelancers, success and more income come from nurturing and deepening relationships they already have. Here are some ways you can do this: 1. Make Yourself Indispensable There’s a...
by Caron_Beesley, Community Moderator on 09/04/2012 - 06:40
If you’re a freelancer, independent contractor or consultant, scaling your business can be a challenge. After all, it’s just you. Business development and finding new clients takes time and effort, and there’s no guarantee you’ll secure the rate, volume of work or long-term relationship you need to sustain your business. For many freelancers, success and more income come from nurturing and deepening relationships they already have. Here are some ways you can do this: 1. Make Yourself Indispensable There’s a...
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by Stephen Morris, Community Moderator on 10/26/2012 - 15:48