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July 2012 Archive
In my role as a franchise advisor, I’ve been able to work with a lot of really smart people over the years. I’m talking MBA’s, PhD’s-even a rocket scientist from NASA. I would guess that some of them were qualified to be members of MENSA.* But, even smart people make mistakes, and I’ve seen some real whoppers take place at various stages of the franchise buying cycle. Some of them include: · Not calling 10-15 current and former franchisees to ask about their...
by FranchiseKing, Guest Blogger on 07/31/2012 - 07:27
In my role as a franchise advisor, I’ve been able to work with a lot of really smart people over the years. I’m talking MBA’s, PhD’s-even a rocket scientist from NASA. I would guess that some of them were qualified to be members of MENSA.* But, even smart people make mistakes, and I’ve seen some real whoppers take place at various stages of the franchise buying cycle. Some of them include: · Not calling 10-15 current and former franchisees to ask about their...
by Caron_Beesley, Community Moderator on 07/30/2012 - 06:40
Cash flow is king for small businesses and the self-employed. But planning cash flow is easier said than done, especially if you’re not a numbers person. However, if you’re going to succeed in business, mastering basic cash flow projections is a must. After all, you can be a profitable business yet still have poor cash flow, simply because the cycle of cash in and out of your business isn’t synchronized. So where do you start? The first thing to know is that your projections don’t have to be – and probably never...
by Caron_Beesley, Community Moderator on 07/30/2012 - 06:40
Cash flow is king for small businesses and the self-employed. But planning cash flow is easier said than done, especially if you’re not a numbers person. However, if you’re going to succeed in business, mastering basic cash flow projections is a must. After all, you can be a profitable business yet still have poor cash flow, simply because the cycle of cash in and out of your business isn’t synchronized. So where do you start? The first thing to know is that your projections don’t have to be – and probably never...
by Caron_Beesley, Community Moderator on 07/30/2012 - 06:40
Cash flow is king for small businesses and the self-employed. But planning cash flow is easier said than done, especially if you’re not a numbers person. However, if you’re going to succeed in business, mastering basic cash flow projections is a must. After all, you can be a profitable business yet still have poor cash flow, simply because the cycle of cash in and out of your business isn’t synchronized. So where do you start? The first thing to know is that your projections don’t have to be – and probably never...
by Caron_Beesley, Community Moderator on 07/30/2012 - 06:40
Cash flow is king for small businesses and the self-employed. But planning cash flow is easier said than done, especially if you’re not a numbers person. However, if you’re going to succeed in business, mastering basic cash flow projections is a must. After all, you can be a profitable business yet still have poor cash flow, simply because the cycle of cash in and out of your business isn’t synchronized. So where do you start? The first thing to know is that your projections don’t have to be – and probably never...
by Stephen Morris, SBA Deputy Administrator on 07/27/2012 - 13:21
Over the last three years, SBA has provided small businesses owners and entrepreneurs with the tools they need to not only survive, but thrive in tough economic times. We’ve supported more than $80 billion in loans to more than 150,000 businesses in tight credit markets and worked to bring 1,000 community banks back to SBA lending. Today, we’re seeing commercial markets improve, but we know gaps still remain, especially in underserved communities. At the SBA, and across the Administration, we are committed to building...
by Stephen Morris, SBA Deputy Administrator on 07/27/2012 - 13:21
Over the last three years, SBA has provided small businesses owners and entrepreneurs with the tools they need to not only survive, but thrive in tough economic times. We’ve supported more than $80 billion in loans to more than 150,000 businesses in tight credit markets and worked to bring 1,000 community banks back to SBA lending. Today, we’re seeing commercial markets improve, but we know gaps still remain, especially in underserved communities. At the SBA, and across the Administration, we are committed to building...
by Stephen Morris, SBA Deputy Administrator on 07/27/2012 - 13:21
Over the last three years, SBA has provided small businesses owners and entrepreneurs with the tools they need to not only survive, but thrive in tough economic times. We’ve supported more than $80 billion in loans to more than 150,000 businesses in tight credit markets and worked to bring 1,000 community banks back to SBA lending. Today, we’re seeing commercial markets improve, but we know gaps still remain, especially in underserved communities. At the SBA, and across the Administration, we are committed to building...
by Stephen Morris, SBA Deputy Administrator on 07/27/2012 - 13:21
Over the last three years, SBA has provided small businesses owners and entrepreneurs with the tools they need to not only survive, but thrive in tough economic times. We’ve supported more than $80 billion in loans to more than 150,000 businesses in tight credit markets and worked to bring 1,000 community banks back to SBA lending. Today, we’re seeing commercial markets improve, but we know gaps still remain, especially in underserved communities. At the SBA, and across the Administration, we are committed to building...
by Stephen Morris, SBA Deputy Administrator on 07/27/2012 - 13:21
Over the last three years, SBA has provided small businesses owners and entrepreneurs with the tools they need to not only survive, but thrive in tough economic times. We’ve supported more than $80 billion in loans to more than 150,000 businesses in tight credit markets and worked to bring 1,000 community banks back to SBA lending. Today, we’re seeing commercial markets improve, but we know gaps still remain, especially in underserved communities. At the SBA, and across the Administration, we are committed to building...
by Stephen Morris, SBA Deputy Administrator on 07/27/2012 - 13:21
Over the last three years, SBA has provided small businesses owners and entrepreneurs with the tools they need to not only survive, but thrive in tough economic times. We’ve supported more than $80 billion in loans to more than 150,000 businesses in tight credit markets and worked to bring 1,000 community banks back to SBA lending. Today, we’re seeing commercial markets improve, but we know gaps still remain, especially in underserved communities. At the SBA, and across the Administration, we are committed to building...
by Caron_Beesley, Community Moderator on 07/26/2012 - 06:35
Hiring new employees is an opportunity, but it’s also a huge risk. So perfecting your interviewing skills is critical. But what kind of interview questions are most effective at helping you find an employee with the right skills and experience, and the best fit for your company culture? The most successful interviews are based on facts, and these are usually best gleaned via the behavioral interview technique. As in life, actions and (in this case) past actions, speak louder than words. You can get a pretty good sense of how anyone is...
by Caron_Beesley, Community Moderator on 07/26/2012 - 06:35
Hiring new employees is an opportunity, but it’s also a huge risk. So perfecting your interviewing skills is critical. But what kind of interview questions are most effective at helping you find an employee with the right skills and experience, and the best fit for your company culture? The most successful interviews are based on facts, and these are usually best gleaned via the behavioral interview technique. As in life, actions and (in this case) past actions, speak louder than words. You can get a pretty good sense of how anyone is...
by AshleyC, SBA Official on 07/25/2012 - 09:44
SBA has just concluded the public comment period for the size rules on the SBIR program. As we had hoped, the input and comments we received on the rules were robust and included a wide range of opinions. As we now begin the process of digesting the comments and evaluating how to change the proposed rules, I’d like to take this opportunity to let people know where we go from here. Here are four things you should know about the proposed SBIR size rules: SBA was given a tight, congressionally mandated timeline. ...
by AshleyC, SBA Official on 07/25/2012 - 09:44
SBA has just concluded the public comment period for the size rules on the SBIR program. As we had hoped, the input and comments we received on the rules were robust and included a wide range of opinions. As we now begin the process of digesting the comments and evaluating how to change the proposed rules, I’d like to take this opportunity to let people know where we go from here. Here are four things you should know about the proposed SBIR size rules: SBA was given a tight, congressionally mandated timeline. ...
by AshleyC, SBA Official on 07/25/2012 - 09:44
SBA has just concluded the public comment period for the size rules on the SBIR program. As we had hoped, the input and comments we received on the rules were robust and included a wide range of opinions. As we now begin the process of digesting the comments and evaluating how to change the proposed rules, I’d like to take this opportunity to let people know where we go from here. Here are four things you should know about the proposed SBIR size rules: SBA was given a tight, congressionally mandated timeline. ...
by Caron_Beesley, Community Moderator on 07/25/2012 - 16:14
Do you think of yourself as a flexible employer or even just a nice one? According to a recent report by the California Chamber of Commerce (and covered here by OPEN Forum) – The Top 10 Things Employers Do to Get Sued – many small business owners may unintentionally be violating employment laws even as they are just trying to be flexible or nice. Much of the problem arises from the fact that state laws vary enormously. But some of these mistakes are universal and are often prohibited by federal law. The report is worth a read, but...
by Caron_Beesley, Community Moderator on 07/25/2012 - 16:14
Do you think of yourself as a flexible employer or even just a nice one? According to a recent report by the California Chamber of Commerce (and covered here by OPEN Forum) – The Top 10 Things Employers Do to Get Sued – many small business owners may unintentionally be violating employment laws even as they are just trying to be flexible or nice. Much of the problem arises from the fact that state laws vary enormously. But some of these mistakes are universal and are often prohibited by federal law. The report is worth a read, but...
by Caron_Beesley, Community Moderator on 07/25/2012 - 16:14
Do you think of yourself as a flexible employer or even just a nice one? According to a recent report by the California Chamber of Commerce (and covered here by OPEN Forum) – The Top 10 Things Employers Do to Get Sued – many small business owners may unintentionally be violating employment laws even as they are just trying to be flexible or nice. Much of the problem arises from the fact that state laws vary enormously. But some of these mistakes are universal and are often prohibited by federal law. The report is worth a read, but...
by Stephen Morris, SBA Administrator on 07/23/2012 - 16:20
Today, more than 250,000 service members are transitioning each year from the military to civilian life. These men and women are proven leaders and they have the skills and experience needed to be outstanding business leaders. Veterans over-index in entrepreneurship. One in seven veterans are self-employed or small business owners, and about one quarter of veterans say they are interested in starting or buying their own business. That’s why all across the Administration we are focused on making sure that these brave...
by Stephen Morris, SBA Administrator on 07/23/2012 - 16:20
Today, more than 250,000 service members are transitioning each year from the military to civilian life. These men and women are proven leaders and they have the skills and experience needed to be outstanding business leaders. Veterans over-index in entrepreneurship. One in seven veterans are self-employed or small business owners, and about one quarter of veterans say they are interested in starting or buying their own business. That’s why all across the Administration we are focused on making sure that these brave...
by Stephen Morris, SBA Administrator on 07/23/2012 - 16:20
Today, more than 250,000 service members are transitioning each year from the military to civilian life. These men and women are proven leaders and they have the skills and experience needed to be outstanding business leaders. Veterans over-index in entrepreneurship. One in seven veterans are self-employed or small business owners, and about one quarter of veterans say they are interested in starting or buying their own business. That’s why all across the Administration we are focused on making sure that these brave...
by Stephen Morris, Community Moderator on 07/23/2012 - 10:27
With small businesses that rely on agriculture facing financial hardship as a result of the worst drought to hit the United States in more than 50 years, the U.S. Department of Agriculture last week declared drought disaster areas in nearly half of the counties in the U.S. (1,430 counties out of 3,033) in 32 states. A USDA disaster declaration is different from a declaration by the U.S. Small Business Administration. As you might expect, the declaration makes assistance available to farmers and ranchers in the form of low interest...
by Stephen Morris, Community Moderator on 07/23/2012 - 10:27
With small businesses that rely on agriculture facing financial hardship as a result of the worst drought to hit the United States in more than 50 years, the U.S. Department of Agriculture last week declared drought disaster areas in nearly half of the counties in the U.S. (1,430 counties out of 3,033) in 32 states. A USDA disaster declaration is different from a declaration by the U.S. Small Business Administration. As you might expect, the declaration makes assistance available to farmers and ranchers in the form of low interest...
by Stephen Morris, Community Moderator on 07/23/2012 - 10:27
With small businesses that rely on agriculture facing financial hardship as a result of the worst drought to hit the United States in more than 50 years, the U.S. Department of Agriculture last week declared drought disaster areas in nearly half of the counties in the U.S. (1,430 counties out of 3,033) in 32 states. A USDA disaster declaration is different from a declaration by the U.S. Small Business Administration. As you might expect, the declaration makes assistance available to farmers and ranchers in the form of low interest...
by Stephen Morris, Community Moderator on 07/23/2012 - 10:27
With small businesses that rely on agriculture facing financial hardship as a result of the worst drought to hit the United States in more than 50 years, the U.S. Department of Agriculture last week declared drought disaster areas in nearly half of the counties in the U.S. (1,430 counties out of 3,033) in 32 states. A USDA disaster declaration is different from a declaration by the U.S. Small Business Administration. As you might expect, the declaration makes assistance available to farmers and ranchers in the form of low interest...
by Caron_Beesley, Community Moderator on 07/23/2012 - 05:44
Negotiation, like networking, is one of life’s necessities that you either love or hate. But it doesn’t have to be that way. Let’s face it, negotiation is almost an everyday business affair – whether you’re negotiating a new business deal, scoping out a statement of work with a client, or trying to reach consensus with a business partner, client or employee. How do your negotiations typically go? Are they calm affairs? Do you often reach a satisfactory consensus? Here are some tips for effective negotiation in...
by Caron_Beesley, Community Moderator on 07/23/2012 - 05:44
Negotiation, like networking, is one of life’s necessities that you either love or hate. But it doesn’t have to be that way. Let’s face it, negotiation is almost an everyday business affair – whether you’re negotiating a new business deal, scoping out a statement of work with a client, or trying to reach consensus with a business partner, client or employee. How do your negotiations typically go? Are they calm affairs? Do you often reach a satisfactory consensus? Here are some tips for effective negotiation in...
by Caron_Beesley, Community Moderator on 07/23/2012 - 05:44
Negotiation, like networking, is one of life’s necessities that you either love or hate. But it doesn’t have to be that way. Let’s face it, negotiation is almost an everyday business affair – whether you’re negotiating a new business deal, scoping out a statement of work with a client, or trying to reach consensus with a business partner, client or employee. How do your negotiations typically go? Are they calm affairs? Do you often reach a satisfactory consensus? Here are some tips for effective negotiation in...
by Tim Berry, Guest Blogger on 07/19/2012 - 10:33
One of the most important benefits of good business planning is strategic positioning. Especially as technology advances and markets grow constantly more narrow and more defined, positioning is vital. You can use your business plan, with regular review and revisions, to keep steering towards the right positioning. The change in segmentation and strategy is remarkable. Take television sports as an example. We started with sports programs on network television. Now we have several mainstream sports channels, and separate channels for pro...
by Tim Berry, Guest Blogger on 07/19/2012 - 10:33
One of the most important benefits of good business planning is strategic positioning. Especially as technology advances and markets grow constantly more narrow and more defined, positioning is vital. You can use your business plan, with regular review and revisions, to keep steering towards the right positioning. The change in segmentation and strategy is remarkable. Take television sports as an example. We started with sports programs on network television. Now we have several mainstream sports channels, and separate channels for pro...
by Tim Berry, Guest Blogger on 07/19/2012 - 10:33
One of the most important benefits of good business planning is strategic positioning. Especially as technology advances and markets grow constantly more narrow and more defined, positioning is vital. You can use your business plan, with regular review and revisions, to keep steering towards the right positioning. The change in segmentation and strategy is remarkable. Take television sports as an example. We started with sports programs on network television. Now we have several mainstream sports channels, and separate channels for pro...
by qstitt, Community Moderator on 03/07/2013 - 12:50
Social media is one of the fastest growing channels for businesses to connect with existing and potential customers. However, taking that first step or next step can be a challenge. How do you find the time for it? How do you build a following and engage with your audience? What social media platforms are the best for your business? If any of these questions have crossed your mind, you’re not alone. During this year’s National Small Business Week Conference in Washington, D.C., in May, hundreds of small business owners posed...
by qstitt, Community Moderator on 03/07/2013 - 12:50
Social media is one of the fastest growing channels for businesses to connect with existing and potential customers. However, taking that first step or next step can be a challenge. How do you find the time for it? How do you build a following and engage with your audience? What social media platforms are the best for your business? If any of these questions have crossed your mind, you’re not alone. During this year’s National Small Business Week Conference in Washington, D.C., in May, hundreds of small business owners posed...
by Stephen Morris, Guest Blogger on 07/20/2012 - 12:08
At the end of June, the U.S. Supreme Court said that the individual mandate under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act was constitutional, allowing all of the tax provisions in the law to go into effect as scheduled. Here are some of the actions you’ll have to take for your business to comply with the tax law in 2013. Some are very complicated and you probably want to work with a knowledgeable tax advisor to see how the tax rules apply to you. Note: The Affordable Care Act contains many tax benefits for small businesses that...
by Stephen Morris, Guest Blogger on 07/20/2012 - 12:08
At the end of June, the U.S. Supreme Court said that the individual mandate under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act was constitutional, allowing all of the tax provisions in the law to go into effect as scheduled. Here are some of the actions you’ll have to take for your business to comply with the tax law in 2013. Some are very complicated and you probably want to work with a knowledgeable tax advisor to see how the tax rules apply to you. Note: The Affordable Care Act contains many tax benefits for small businesses that...
by Stephen Morris, Guest Blogger on 07/20/2012 - 12:08
At the end of June, the U.S. Supreme Court said that the individual mandate under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act was constitutional, allowing all of the tax provisions in the law to go into effect as scheduled. Here are some of the actions you’ll have to take for your business to comply with the tax law in 2013. Some are very complicated and you probably want to work with a knowledgeable tax advisor to see how the tax rules apply to you. Note: The Affordable Care Act contains many tax benefits for small businesses that...
by Caron_Beesley, Community Moderator on 07/18/2012 - 06:13
If you are new to freelancing or thinking of becoming a freelancer, you’ll no doubt have lots of questions, especially about the legal and regulatory paperwork you need to obtain and manage throughout the business year. Freelancing, particularly if you are unincorporated, is one of the least paperwork-intensive forms of business ownership. Nevertheless, you are still a business and you need to be sure you have the right licenses or permits, make estimated tax payments on time, report your earnings each year, and deal with client...
by Caron_Beesley, Community Moderator on 07/18/2012 - 06:13
If you are new to freelancing or thinking of becoming a freelancer, you’ll no doubt have lots of questions, especially about the legal and regulatory paperwork you need to obtain and manage throughout the business year. Freelancing, particularly if you are unincorporated, is one of the least paperwork-intensive forms of business ownership. Nevertheless, you are still a business and you need to be sure you have the right licenses or permits, make estimated tax payments on time, report your earnings each year, and deal with client...
by Caron_Beesley, Community Moderator on 07/18/2012 - 06:13
If you are new to freelancing or thinking of becoming a freelancer, you’ll no doubt have lots of questions, especially about the legal and regulatory paperwork you need to obtain and manage throughout the business year. Freelancing, particularly if you are unincorporated, is one of the least paperwork-intensive forms of business ownership. Nevertheless, you are still a business and you need to be sure you have the right licenses or permits, make estimated tax payments on time, report your earnings each year, and deal with client...
by Caron_Beesley, Community Moderator on 07/18/2012 - 06:13
If you are new to freelancing or thinking of becoming a freelancer, you’ll no doubt have lots of questions, especially about the legal and regulatory paperwork you need to obtain and manage throughout the business year. Freelancing, particularly if you are unincorporated, is one of the least paperwork-intensive forms of business ownership. Nevertheless, you are still a business and you need to be sure you have the right licenses or permits, make estimated tax payments on time, report your earnings each year, and deal with client...
by BusinessCredit, Guest Blogger on 07/17/2012 - 10:57
We can all agree that email is another tool used for exchanging information. But when it comes to business, it plays a much greater role then many people seem to realize. Unfortunately, one of the most common mistakes business owners make is obtaining a business email account from one of the many free email services available on the Internet. While a free email services does serve a purpose, it can give a bad impression to a potential customer or even hurt your chances for obtaining credit because some creditors require a dedicated business...
by BusinessCredit, Guest Blogger on 07/17/2012 - 10:57
We can all agree that email is another tool used for exchanging information. But when it comes to business, it plays a much greater role then many people seem to realize. Unfortunately, one of the most common mistakes business owners make is obtaining a business email account from one of the many free email services available on the Internet. While a free email services does serve a purpose, it can give a bad impression to a potential customer or even hurt your chances for obtaining credit because some creditors require a dedicated business...
by BusinessCredit, Guest Blogger on 07/17/2012 - 10:57
We can all agree that email is another tool used for exchanging information. But when it comes to business, it plays a much greater role then many people seem to realize. Unfortunately, one of the most common mistakes business owners make is obtaining a business email account from one of the many free email services available on the Internet. While a free email services does serve a purpose, it can give a bad impression to a potential customer or even hurt your chances for obtaining credit because some creditors require a dedicated business...
by BusinessCredit, Guest Blogger on 07/17/2012 - 10:57
We can all agree that email is another tool used for exchanging information. But when it comes to business, it plays a much greater role then many people seem to realize. Unfortunately, one of the most common mistakes business owners make is obtaining a business email account from one of the many free email services available on the Internet. While a free email services does serve a purpose, it can give a bad impression to a potential customer or even hurt your chances for obtaining credit because some creditors require a dedicated business...
by BusinessCredit, Guest Blogger on 07/17/2012 - 10:57
We can all agree that email is another tool used for exchanging information. But when it comes to business, it plays a much greater role then many people seem to realize. Unfortunately, one of the most common mistakes business owners make is obtaining a business email account from one of the many free email services available on the Internet. While a free email services does serve a purpose, it can give a bad impression to a potential customer or even hurt your chances for obtaining credit because some creditors require a dedicated business...
by Caron_Beesley, Community Moderator on 07/16/2012 - 05:47
Got a great business idea? Already tested your product or market? All you need now is an injection of cash to help you realize your business dream? Maybe now’s the time to approach an angel investor or venture capital (VC) firm. But how can you get the attention of investors, prepare for your presentation and be sure you have all your financial models vetted and ready to share? Here is a cross-section of tips from a variety of experts who’ve sat on both sides of the table. Finding Investors If you aren’t sure where to start,...
by Caron_Beesley, Community Moderator on 07/16/2012 - 05:47
Got a great business idea? Already tested your product or market? All you need now is an injection of cash to help you realize your business dream? Maybe now’s the time to approach an angel investor or venture capital (VC) firm. But how can you get the attention of investors, prepare for your presentation and be sure you have all your financial models vetted and ready to share? Here is a cross-section of tips from a variety of experts who’ve sat on both sides of the table. Finding Investors If you aren’t sure where to start,...
by Rieva, Guest Blogger on 07/12/2012 - 10:34
Every day, like many of you (or hopefully most of you) I network—from the comfort of my home or my office. I spend a good part of my day participating in social media, posting on Facebook, LinkedIn and mostly Twitter. One of my business partners also posts our content on other social media platforms. Networking online has served me well. I’ve met lots of interesting entrepreneurs, cemented existing relationships, marketed my work and even found a few clients. But a recent trip to Delhi, India for a conference for women...
by Rieva, Guest Blogger on 07/12/2012 - 10:34
Every day, like many of you (or hopefully most of you) I network—from the comfort of my home or my office. I spend a good part of my day participating in social media, posting on Facebook, LinkedIn and mostly Twitter. One of my business partners also posts our content on other social media platforms. Networking online has served me well. I’ve met lots of interesting entrepreneurs, cemented existing relationships, marketed my work and even found a few clients. But a recent trip to Delhi, India for a conference for women...
by Rieva, Guest Blogger on 07/12/2012 - 10:34
Every day, like many of you (or hopefully most of you) I network—from the comfort of my home or my office. I spend a good part of my day participating in social media, posting on Facebook, LinkedIn and mostly Twitter. One of my business partners also posts our content on other social media platforms. Networking online has served me well. I’ve met lots of interesting entrepreneurs, cemented existing relationships, marketed my work and even found a few clients. But a recent trip to Delhi, India for a conference for women...
by AshleyC, SBA Official on 07/12/2012 - 09:22
Our mission in the Office of Veterans Business Development is to support the men and women who have returned home from active duty and are interested in starting or purchasing their own business. Veterans already over-index in entrepreneurship. Nine percent of all U.S. firms are owned by veterans. More than 2.4 million veteran-owned businesses employ more than 5.75 million individuals. So we know that providing greater access and opportunity to these veteran-owned small businesses will strengthen the American economy...
by AshleyC, SBA Official on 07/12/2012 - 09:22
Our mission in the Office of Veterans Business Development is to support the men and women who have returned home from active duty and are interested in starting or purchasing their own business. Veterans already over-index in entrepreneurship. Nine percent of all U.S. firms are owned by veterans. More than 2.4 million veteran-owned businesses employ more than 5.75 million individuals. So we know that providing greater access and opportunity to these veteran-owned small businesses will strengthen the American economy...
by AshleyC, SBA Official on 07/12/2012 - 09:22
Our mission in the Office of Veterans Business Development is to support the men and women who have returned home from active duty and are interested in starting or purchasing their own business. Veterans already over-index in entrepreneurship. Nine percent of all U.S. firms are owned by veterans. More than 2.4 million veteran-owned businesses employ more than 5.75 million individuals. So we know that providing greater access and opportunity to these veteran-owned small businesses will strengthen the American economy...
by Caron_Beesley, Community Moderator on 07/12/2012 - 06:21
If you run a home-based business, you probably are an object of envy for your family, friends and neighbors. “You’re so lucky!” or “I wish I could work from home” are probably familiar phrases to you. Whether your hours are 9-5, or 6-3, the home can be a low-cost haven of productivity and efficiency, giving you the opportunity to balance the demands of work and life without the pressures of a commute or the costs of a commercial lease. Home business owners also tend to be more successful than their counterparts....
by Caron_Beesley, Community Moderator on 07/12/2012 - 06:21
If you run a home-based business, you probably are an object of envy for your family, friends and neighbors. “You’re so lucky!” or “I wish I could work from home” are probably familiar phrases to you. Whether your hours are 9-5, or 6-3, the home can be a low-cost haven of productivity and efficiency, giving you the opportunity to balance the demands of work and life without the pressures of a commute or the costs of a commercial lease. Home business owners also tend to be more successful than their counterparts....
by ngoriel, SBA Official on 07/11/2012 - 18:01
The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Programs have funded great companies like Qualcomm, Genzyme, and iRobot in their earliest days. These federal programs are what help our entrepreneurs grow, succeed and create jobs, and the Obama Administration has made its success a priority. The good news is, the program was reauthorized for six years by Congress and signed into law by President Obama at the end of 2011. Since then, the Small Business Administration has...
by ngoriel, SBA Official on 07/11/2012 - 18:01
The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Programs have funded great companies like Qualcomm, Genzyme, and iRobot in their earliest days. These federal programs are what help our entrepreneurs grow, succeed and create jobs, and the Obama Administration has made its success a priority. The good news is, the program was reauthorized for six years by Congress and signed into law by President Obama at the end of 2011. Since then, the Small Business Administration has...
by Caron_Beesley, Community Moderator on 07/11/2012 - 06:09
You’ve probably heard about the controversy surrounding employers asking job applicants for their Facebook user names and passwords as part of the background check process. It sounds shocking, but it happens – particularly among law enforcement entities – but even among private sector employers who feel they have a reason to go that extra step to weed out potentially undesirable employees. Unethical as it may seem, what does the law say about this? Led by the state of Maryland, which became the first state to ban employers...
by Caron_Beesley, Community Moderator on 07/11/2012 - 06:09
You’ve probably heard about the controversy surrounding employers asking job applicants for their Facebook user names and passwords as part of the background check process. It sounds shocking, but it happens – particularly among law enforcement entities – but even among private sector employers who feel they have a reason to go that extra step to weed out potentially undesirable employees. Unethical as it may seem, what does the law say about this? Led by the state of Maryland, which became the first state to ban employers...
by Caron_Beesley, Community Moderator on 07/11/2012 - 06:09
You’ve probably heard about the controversy surrounding employers asking job applicants for their Facebook user names and passwords as part of the background check process. It sounds shocking, but it happens – particularly among law enforcement entities – but even among private sector employers who feel they have a reason to go that extra step to weed out potentially undesirable employees. Unethical as it may seem, what does the law say about this? Led by the state of Maryland, which became the first state to ban employers...
by ngoriel, SBA Deputy Administrator on 07/09/2012 - 20:25
On Thursday, SBA and the White House, in conjunction with the Delta Regional Authority and the Appalachian Regional Commission, will host the Oxford, Mississippi Rural Economic Forum, connecting entrepreneurs and business owners with resources, programs and services to start or a grow a business. The Oxford Rural Economic Forum, the eighth of a multi-city series, will cover topics like the Small Business Investment Company program which helped put more than $400 million in investment capital directly into the hands of high growth...
by ngoriel, SBA Deputy Administrator on 07/09/2012 - 20:25
On Thursday, SBA and the White House, in conjunction with the Delta Regional Authority and the Appalachian Regional Commission, will host the Oxford, Mississippi Rural Economic Forum, connecting entrepreneurs and business owners with resources, programs and services to start or a grow a business. The Oxford Rural Economic Forum, the eighth of a multi-city series, will cover topics like the Small Business Investment Company program which helped put more than $400 million in investment capital directly into the hands of high growth...
by Caron_Beesley, Community Moderator on 11/05/2012 - 13:46
Small businesses are known for their philanthropic gestures. In fact, surveys suggest that 75 percent of small firms donate to charities each year, averaging a contribution of six percent of their profits. Women-owned businesses tend to donate an average of 10 percent of profits, and those with the highest revenues are, not surprisingly, the most generous. (Source) Contributing to a worthwhile cause has many benefits beyond the act of goodwill itself. It gives local business owners an opportunity to embed themselves in the community and...
by Caron_Beesley, Community Moderator on 11/05/2012 - 13:46
Small businesses are known for their philanthropic gestures. In fact, surveys suggest that 75 percent of small firms donate to charities each year, averaging a contribution of six percent of their profits. Women-owned businesses tend to donate an average of 10 percent of profits, and those with the highest revenues are, not surprisingly, the most generous. (Source) Contributing to a worthwhile cause has many benefits beyond the act of goodwill itself. It gives local business owners an opportunity to embed themselves in the community and...
by Caron_Beesley, Community Moderator on 11/05/2012 - 13:46
Small businesses are known for their philanthropic gestures. In fact, surveys suggest that 75 percent of small firms donate to charities each year, averaging a contribution of six percent of their profits. Women-owned businesses tend to donate an average of 10 percent of profits, and those with the highest revenues are, not surprisingly, the most generous. (Source) Contributing to a worthwhile cause has many benefits beyond the act of goodwill itself. It gives local business owners an opportunity to embed themselves in the community and...
by Caron_Beesley, Community Moderator on 11/05/2012 - 13:46
Small businesses are known for their philanthropic gestures. In fact, surveys suggest that 75 percent of small firms donate to charities each year, averaging a contribution of six percent of their profits. Women-owned businesses tend to donate an average of 10 percent of profits, and those with the highest revenues are, not surprisingly, the most generous. (Source) Contributing to a worthwhile cause has many benefits beyond the act of goodwill itself. It gives local business owners an opportunity to embed themselves in the community and...
by Stephen Morris, Community Moderator on 07/05/2012 - 13:35
“Cash is King,” the old axiom goes, and it is true both in personal and business finance. Whether you are the proud owner of an active, successful company, or just taking the first steps toward your dream business, financing your venture takes center stage. While the nation’s economy is slowly but surely recovering from the Great Recession, many businesses are still in a financial bind that makes it difficult for them to grow and create more jobs. Does this scenario sound familiar: Accounts payable mounting, new projects on...
by Stephen Morris, Community Moderator on 07/05/2012 - 13:35
“Cash is King,” the old axiom goes, and it is true both in personal and business finance. Whether you are the proud owner of an active, successful company, or just taking the first steps toward your dream business, financing your venture takes center stage. While the nation’s economy is slowly but surely recovering from the Great Recession, many businesses are still in a financial bind that makes it difficult for them to grow and create more jobs. Does this scenario sound familiar: Accounts payable mounting, new projects on...
by smallbiztrends, Guest Blogger on 07/05/2012 - 12:03
One of the questions I’m frequently asked is how to get more traffic to your company website. I always mention blogging as a key technique, of course. You set up a blog as a section of your website. You publish compelling content on the blog. People come to the blog to read it. While on your blog they can learn more about your company, and may jump over to other sections of your site to check out your products and/or services. And if they are impressed by your content, they may share it with their circles of influence, leading to more...
by smallbiztrends, Guest Blogger on 07/05/2012 - 12:03
One of the questions I’m frequently asked is how to get more traffic to your company website. I always mention blogging as a key technique, of course. You set up a blog as a section of your website. You publish compelling content on the blog. People come to the blog to read it. While on your blog they can learn more about your company, and may jump over to other sections of your site to check out your products and/or services. And if they are impressed by your content, they may share it with their circles of influence, leading to more...
by Caron_Beesley, Community Moderator on 07/05/2012 - 06:48
Starting a retail or service business? Looking to form relationships with wholesale suppliers? There are currently 300,000 companies in the U.S. wholesale distribution industry, so as you can imagine, finding and forming trusted relationships with wholesalers takes time and research. Here are some tips for finding wholesalers, and best practices for entering into agreements with them. 1. The Wholesale Business The wholesale industry is large and highly fragmented, with 50 of the largest distributors generating 25 percent of industry...
by Caron_Beesley, Community Moderator on 07/05/2012 - 06:48
Starting a retail or service business? Looking to form relationships with wholesale suppliers? There are currently 300,000 companies in the U.S. wholesale distribution industry, so as you can imagine, finding and forming trusted relationships with wholesalers takes time and research. Here are some tips for finding wholesalers, and best practices for entering into agreements with them. 1. The Wholesale Business The wholesale industry is large and highly fragmented, with 50 of the largest distributors generating 25 percent of industry...
by kmurray, Guest Blogger on 01/03/2013 - 15:46
Is it possible to find a legitimate franchise opportunity that only requires a few hours a week to run? And, if you do find a part-time franchise, can you make enough money for it to be worth your up-front investment, and of course, your time? Let’s find out. First off, it’s important for you to be able to distinguish a true franchise-type of business, from a non-franchise business. In most cases, franchise ownership offers: · A proven business system that’s easy to replicate...
by kmurray, Guest Blogger on 01/03/2013 - 15:46
Is it possible to find a legitimate franchise opportunity that only requires a few hours a week to run? And, if you do find a part-time franchise, can you make enough money for it to be worth your up-front investment, and of course, your time? Let’s find out. First off, it’s important for you to be able to distinguish a true franchise-type of business, from a non-franchise business. In most cases, franchise ownership offers: · A proven business system that’s easy to replicate...
by NinaSSmith, SBA Official on 07/03/2012 - 10:01
Small business procurement is one of the largest and most important programs for small businesses across the federal government. In FY2011 the federal government awarded more than $91.5 billion in federal contracts to small businesses, which represented 21.65 percent of small business eligible federal contract dollars. During the first three years of the Obama Administration, the federal government awarded $286.3 billion or 22.07 percent in federal contracting dollars to small businesses. This is a $32 billion increase...
by NinaSSmith, SBA Official on 07/03/2012 - 10:01
Small business procurement is one of the largest and most important programs for small businesses across the federal government. In FY2011 the federal government awarded more than $91.5 billion in federal contracts to small businesses, which represented 21.65 percent of small business eligible federal contract dollars. During the first three years of the Obama Administration, the federal government awarded $286.3 billion or 22.07 percent in federal contracting dollars to small businesses. This is a $32 billion increase...
by NinaSSmith, SBA Official on 07/03/2012 - 10:01
Small business procurement is one of the largest and most important programs for small businesses across the federal government. In FY2011 the federal government awarded more than $91.5 billion in federal contracts to small businesses, which represented 21.65 percent of small business eligible federal contract dollars. During the first three years of the Obama Administration, the federal government awarded $286.3 billion or 22.07 percent in federal contracting dollars to small businesses. This is a $32 billion increase...
by Caron_Beesley, Community Moderator on 07/03/2012 - 06:48
Whether you’re looking to diversify your product line or leverage cheaper-made merchandise, selling imported goods in the U.S. can be an important ingredient in small business success. Interestingly enough, importing doesn’t always necessarily cannibalize the economy here at home. Research from the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco (cited in this USA Today article) suggests that for every dollar spent on a Chinese-made item, 55 cents goes to U.S. businesses for services such as marketing and sales. So Americans are...
by Caron_Beesley, Community Moderator on 07/03/2012 - 06:48
Whether you’re looking to diversify your product line or leverage cheaper-made merchandise, selling imported goods in the U.S. can be an important ingredient in small business success. Interestingly enough, importing doesn’t always necessarily cannibalize the economy here at home. Research from the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco (cited in this USA Today article) suggests that for every dollar spent on a Chinese-made item, 55 cents goes to U.S. businesses for services such as marketing and sales. So Americans are...
by Caron_Beesley, Community Moderator on 07/02/2012 - 06:41
Have you considered dispensing with your cash register or offering more flexible payment options for your customers? If you’ve ever purchased anything from an Apple store, you’ll recall that they don’t have a single cash register on the premises. Instead, all payment transactions are conducted by Apple’s employees using mobile devices. But Apple isn’t the only one in on the act. More and more small business owners are turning to mobile payment platforms on site and on the road. And with smartphone use at an all-...
by Caron_Beesley, Community Moderator on 07/02/2012 - 06:41
Have you considered dispensing with your cash register or offering more flexible payment options for your customers? If you’ve ever purchased anything from an Apple store, you’ll recall that they don’t have a single cash register on the premises. Instead, all payment transactions are conducted by Apple’s employees using mobile devices. But Apple isn’t the only one in on the act. More and more small business owners are turning to mobile payment platforms on site and on the road. And with smartphone use at an all-...
by Caron_Beesley, Community Moderator on 07/02/2012 - 06:41
Have you considered dispensing with your cash register or offering more flexible payment options for your customers? If you’ve ever purchased anything from an Apple store, you’ll recall that they don’t have a single cash register on the premises. Instead, all payment transactions are conducted by Apple’s employees using mobile devices. But Apple isn’t the only one in on the act. More and more small business owners are turning to mobile payment platforms on site and on the road. And with smartphone use at an all-...
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by FranchiseKing, Guest Blogger on 07/31/2012 - 07:27