On Small Business - News, trends and analysis of small businesses.

Posted at 03:02 PM ET, 02/17/2012

How to seek payment from a customer in bankruptcy

By Peter E. Shapiro

Does a business have any hope of recovering payment on goods shipped to an insolvent customer?

By Peter E. Shapiro | 03:02 PM ET, 02/17/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 12:43 PM ET, 02/08/2012

Why failure shouldn’t be an option for your start-up

By Paul Mandell

An entrepreneur’s early, unwavering confidence in the business is critical to the start-up’s success. Failure simply cannot be among the list of conceivable outcomes contemplated before launch.

By Paul Mandell | 12:43 PM ET, 02/08/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 01:22 PM ET, 02/07/2012

What MBA programs lack: management training

By Rich Enos

The vast majority of MBA graduates will not use a balance sheet in the first five years after their degree, but they will almost certainly manage a team.

By Rich Enos | 01:22 PM ET, 02/07/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 06:55 PM ET, 02/03/2012

Cross agency collaboration could help small business

By Janice Hamilton

By Janice Hamilton | 06:55 PM ET, 02/03/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 06:49 PM ET, 02/03/2012

Merger would shift the balance to larger businesses

By Evelyn Graham

By Evelyn Graham | 06:49 PM ET, 02/03/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 06:36 PM ET, 02/03/2012

Merger could be win-win for SBA and small firms

By Lourdes Martin Rosa

By Lourdes Martin Rosa | 06:36 PM ET, 02/03/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 06:17 PM ET, 02/03/2012

Government action needs to target microbusinesses

By Claudia Viek

By Claudia Viek | 06:17 PM ET, 02/03/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 06:09 PM ET, 02/03/2012

Consolidation may hurt SBA mission

By Jeffrey Van Winkle

By Jeffrey Van Winkle | 06:09 PM ET, 02/03/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 01:45 PM ET, 02/03/2012

Small business lending on the rise

By Mary Ellen Biery

By many measures, both mainstream banks and alternative lending institutions are loosening their purse strings

By Mary Ellen Biery | 01:45 PM ET, 02/03/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 11:40 AM ET, 02/02/2012

Why innovation is ultimately selfish

By Paul M. Sabbah

In the mind of the business owner, innovation is not about jobs, but more about fostering a competitive advantage which can result in building equity and creating wealth

By Paul M. Sabbah | 11:40 AM ET, 02/02/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 11:22 AM ET, 02/01/2012

How a Small Business Innovation Research Grant can help you

By Sean Haggard

President Obama extended funding for the small-business research program in December, and Congress increased the amount that must be allocated to small businesses. Here’s how to get in on the money.

By Sean Haggard | 11:22 AM ET, 02/01/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 07:00 AM ET, 01/31/2012

Rep. Graves introduces bills to boost small business contracting

By J.D. Harrison

Congressman Sam Graves on Tuesday introduced legislation that would increase the amount of federal contracting

By J.D. Harrison | 07:00 AM ET, 01/31/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 05:00 AM ET, 01/31/2012

Get started ‘On’ Jan. 31: Small business hiring slows, banks remain hesitant to loan

By J.D. Harrison

Our daily blend of news, trends and tips created specifically with small businesses in mind.

By J.D. Harrison | 05:00 AM ET, 01/31/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: small business, get started on

Posted at 04:17 PM ET, 01/30/2012

Meet Georgetown’s most promising entrepreneurs

By

Georgetown University’s McDonough School of Business hosted its second annual Entrepreneurship Day on Friday, which opened with a series of panel discussions featuring successful business founders, advisers and investors. The Hoya Challenge Rocket Pitch Competition followed, in which some of the school’s most promising entrepreneurneurs were given two minutes to pitch their business plans to a crowd of judges. Scroll through to learn about their ideas and find out who took home this year’s top honors at the competition.

By | 04:17 PM ET, 01/30/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 03:39 PM ET, 01/30/2012

India offers opportunities, but there are pitfalls to avoid

By Sheila H. Khatri

India is fertile ground for new business opportunities, but anguage barriers, contract enforcement and family-based businesses are all potential pitfalls for foreign entrepreneurs

By Sheila H. Khatri | 03:39 PM ET, 01/30/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 03:33 PM ET, 01/30/2012

What application do you use to manage updates?

By

Between Hootsuite, Tweetdeck and the countless other social-media management applications out there, it’s hard to choose. Three entrepreneurs tell us their preferred way to engage with customers in the Twitterverse.

By | 03:33 PM ET, 01/30/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 03:33 PM ET, 01/30/2012

What kind of updates go on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter and others?

By

Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Google+...another day, another social media service to update. Young entrepreneurs tell us how much you should cross-post, and which updates belong on which platform.

By | 03:33 PM ET, 01/30/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 03:33 PM ET, 01/30/2012

Can a brand be genuine on Twitter?

By

We ask young entrepreneurs, “What’s the best way for a brand to participate in a conversation within a community on Facebook or Twitter without seeming self-promotional?”

By | 03:33 PM ET, 01/30/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 10:23 AM ET, 01/30/2012

Super Bowl ad will encourage entrepreneurship

By Olga Khazan

Ad encourages viewers to ask themselves if they will be the next great small-business founder.

By Olga Khazan | 10:23 AM ET, 01/30/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 05:00 AM ET, 01/30/2012

Get started ‘On’ Jan. 30: Startup America opening state programs, Florida exporters securing record loans

By J.D. Harrison

Our daily blend of news, trends and tips created specifically with small businesses in mind.

By J.D. Harrison | 05:00 AM ET, 01/30/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: small business, get started on

Posted at 05:08 PM ET, 01/27/2012

Six intriguing health care start-up ideas

By

Start-ups in mobile health raise more than $700,000 on average, according to data from AngelList, more than food and deals companies. Here are a few unique businesses in the health space.

By | 05:08 PM ET, 01/27/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 01:55 PM ET, 01/27/2012

How a search for the cheapest price on drugs led to a business idea

By Olga Khazan

A former health insurance administrator found a way to reveal the prices of medications at nearby pharmacies.

By Olga Khazan | 01:55 PM ET, 01/27/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 01:54 PM ET, 01/27/2012

Even with risks, the cloud offers advantages for small businesses

By Erik Larson

The risks and rewards of online back-up

By Erik Larson | 01:54 PM ET, 01/27/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 05:00 AM ET, 01/27/2012

Get started ‘On’ the weekend: Economic recovery hastens, Facebook IPO reportedly coming next week

By J.D. Harrison

Our daily blend of news, trends and tips created specifically with small businesses in mind.

By J.D. Harrison | 05:00 AM ET, 01/27/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: small business, get started on

Posted at 11:12 AM ET, 01/26/2012

Is your business an archetype or a stereotype?

By Jay Ehret

Businesses can either chase the success of a larger player or break the mold entirely. Here’s how to be the latter.

By Jay Ehret | 11:12 AM ET, 01/26/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 05:00 AM ET, 01/26/2012

Get started ‘On’ Jan. 26: Federal Reserve to maintain low rates, Google faces backlash

By J.D. Harrison

Our daily blend of news, trends and tips created specifically with small businesses in mind.

By J.D. Harrison | 05:00 AM ET, 01/26/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: small business, get started on

Posted at 03:22 PM ET, 01/25/2012

Small business leaders offer mixed reviews of State of the Union

By J.D. Harrison

Small business owners and advocates had hoped to hear more specific details about the president’s plans to reform the tax code and eliminate troublesome regulations. But according to at least one employer, the president’s overarching call to close the wealth gap was exactly what business owners needed to hear.

By J.D. Harrison | 03:22 PM ET, 01/25/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: small business, state of the union, obama

Posted at 01:52 PM ET, 01/25/2012

How employers can keep their IT systems safe in this BYOD era

By Chris Knotts

These days, employees log in to office networks using their personal smart phones and laptops, so here’s how to keep your business’ network secure

By Chris Knotts | 01:52 PM ET, 01/25/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 05:00 AM ET, 01/25/2012

Get started ‘On’ Jan. 25: Obama blasts economic disparity, St. Louis beckons entrepreneurs

By J.D. Harrison

Our daily blend of news, trends and tips created specifically with small businesses in mind.

By J.D. Harrison | 05:00 AM ET, 01/25/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 02:27 PM ET, 01/24/2012

Small businesses hoping for a remedy for uncertainty

By J.D. Harrison

Small business owners and advocacy groups shared with us their hopes and expectations for the president’s annual address to Congress, and while their ideas of an effective message vary, they agree that the current air of uncertainty must be addressed.

By J.D. Harrison | 02:27 PM ET, 01/24/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 08:21 AM ET, 01/24/2012

New think tank wants government to see gold in health technology

By Olga Khazan

Doctors have been slow to adopt health technology because insurers don’t reimburse for using the newfangled devices, but a new think tank aims to show how going mobile can save money in health care.

By Olga Khazan | 08:21 AM ET, 01/24/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 05:00 AM ET, 01/24/2012

Get started ‘On’ Jan. 24: Banks increase small business loans, oil prices rise on Iran threats

By J.D. Harrison

Our daily blend of news, trends and tips created specifically with small businesses in mind.

By J.D. Harrison | 05:00 AM ET, 01/24/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 08:06 AM ET, 01/23/2012

Can shared sacrifice really save the economy?

By Brian Hamilton

The economy is like a glacier, writes Sageworks CEO Brian Hamilton, and only one thing can push it back in the right direction.

By Brian Hamilton | 08:06 AM ET, 01/23/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 05:00 AM ET, 01/23/2012

Get started ‘On’ Jan. 23: Start-ups shift the online college landscape, stamp prices rise

By J.D. Harrison

Our daily blend of news, trends and tips created specifically with small businesses in mind.

By J.D. Harrison | 05:00 AM ET, 01/23/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 11:50 AM ET, 01/20/2012

How to go from cushy corporate job to the start-up life

By Vince Leung

The two things to keep in mind when turning an idea into a successful business

By Vince Leung | 11:50 AM ET, 01/20/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 08:00 AM ET, 01/20/2012

Entrepreneurship spikes around the world, but U.S. isn’t the most innovative, study finds

By Olga Khazan

Entrepreneurship is on the rise the world over, a new study finds. Denmark has the most innovative entrepreneurs.

By Olga Khazan | 08:00 AM ET, 01/20/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 08:00 AM ET, 01/20/2012

The six countries with the most innovative entrepreneurs

By

These are the six countries that have the most innovative entrepreneurs as a percentage of total entrepreneurs, according to the 2011 Global Entrepreneurship Monitor report released Thursday. To discover the data, GEM asked business owners in each of 54 economies whether their products were new to customers in the market and whether they faced competition. A new product and little competition were indicators of an innovative business.

By | 08:00 AM ET, 01/20/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 05:00 AM ET, 01/20/2012

Get started ‘On’ the weekend: SOPA/PIPA votes postponed following protests, Obama aims to boost tourism

By J.D. Harrison

Our daily blend of news, trends and tips created specifically with small businesses in mind.

By J.D. Harrison | 05:00 AM ET, 01/20/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 02:07 PM ET, 01/19/2012

Government imposes new worker-friendly policies

By David B. Ritter

New worker-friendly policies dictate changes in how employers must respond to union organizing, whistleblowers and social media use in the office.

By David B. Ritter | 02:07 PM ET, 01/19/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 09:57 AM ET, 01/19/2012

How to turn fuming customers into lifelong fans

By J.D. Harrison

Small business owners are particularly bad at handling irate customers, according to one expert. Fortunately, there are ways to not only salvage the customer relationship, but also gain a loyal advocate in the process.

By J.D. Harrison | 09:57 AM ET, 01/19/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 05:00 AM ET, 01/19/2012

Get started ‘On’ Jan. 19: Sales of small businesses picking up, U.S. losing high-tech jobs to Asia

By J.D. Harrison

Our daily blend of news, trends and tips created specifically with small businesses in mind.

By J.D. Harrison | 05:00 AM ET, 01/19/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 06:21 PM ET, 01/18/2012

Your take: How content creators can overcome piracy without SOPA

By Olga Khazan

Our story about content creators who support stronger piracy laws generated quite a few comments; here are some of your suggestions for how to deal in Web content without SOPA.

By Olga Khazan | 06:21 PM ET, 01/18/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 11:44 AM ET, 01/18/2012

5 ways SOPA/PIPA would impact Web start-ups

By Olga Khazan

Reddit and Wikipedia are down, and thousands of other sites have landing pages urging opposition to SOPA and PIPA. Here are some of the clearest explanations of the impact these bills would have on Web start-ups.

By Olga Khazan | 11:44 AM ET, 01/18/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 08:00 AM ET, 01/18/2012

As support for SOPA wanes, copyright issues persist

By Olga Khazan

Anti-SOPA crusaders like Alexis Ohanian say innovation, not legislation, is the answer, but many independent content creators still long for stronger anti-piracy laws

By Olga Khazan | 08:00 AM ET, 01/18/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 05:00 AM ET, 01/18/2012

Get started ‘On’ Jan. 18: Google joins anti-anti-piracy protests, Zients takes over OMB

By J.D. Harrison

Our daily blend of news, trends and tips created specifically with small businesses in mind.

By J.D. Harrison | 05:00 AM ET, 01/18/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 11:10 AM ET, 01/17/2012

Don’t invest in the next big thing

By Joe Clarke

A small business mentor explains how to avoid the “hype cycle” when investing in technology

By Joe Clarke | 11:10 AM ET, 01/17/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 12:56 AM ET, 01/17/2012

Get started ‘On’ Jan. 17: Former AOL execs make big investment, Wikipedia going dark

By J.D. Harrison

Our daily blend of news, trends and tips created specifically with small businesses in mind.

By J.D. Harrison | 12:56 AM ET, 01/17/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 09:46 AM ET, 01/16/2012

Should you pay attention to your Klout score?

By

Kloutis a service that measures online influence by analyzing a person’s reach across social networks. Should you pay attention to your Klout score? Why or why not?

By | 09:46 AM ET, 01/16/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 09:46 AM ET, 01/16/2012

Do you Tweet as yourself or as your business?

By

Young entrepreneurs tell us: When Tweeting from your business account on Twitter, do you speak as yourself or as your business?

By | 09:46 AM ET, 01/16/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 09:46 AM ET, 01/16/2012

What do you do on Google +?

By

Young entrepreneurs tell us why they use Google+ and what they like about it

By | 09:46 AM ET, 01/16/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 06:41 PM ET, 01/13/2012

Some fear small businesses could lose in agency merger

By Olga Khazan

Although they welcome Karen Mills’s promotion, some small business groups say they worry the proposed consolidation of six government agencies would drown out their voices.

By Olga Khazan | 06:41 PM ET, 01/13/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 03:27 PM ET, 01/13/2012

Small business committees, advocates hesitant to back Obama’s restructuring proposal

By J.D. Harrison

Washington’s small business advocates applaud the president’s decision to add a cabinet seat for the head of the SBA, but most are hesitant to back his broader proposal to restructure the federal government.

By J.D. Harrison | 03:27 PM ET, 01/13/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 12:21 PM ET, 01/13/2012

Obama adds cabinet seat for SBA administrator, proposes merging commerce agencies

By J.D. Harrison

The president Friday elevated the head of the Small Business Administration to cabinet-level status as part of a broad proposal to restructure and streamline part of the federal government.

By J.D. Harrison | 12:21 PM ET, 01/13/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 05:00 AM ET, 01/13/2012

Get started ‘On’ the weekend: Older Americans finding plenty of jobs, personal computer sales drop

By J.D. Harrison

Our daily blend of news, trends and tips created specifically with small businesses in mind.

By J.D. Harrison | 05:00 AM ET, 01/13/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 02:57 PM ET, 01/12/2012

Common HR nightmares employers can avoid

By J.D. Harrison

Small business owners who overlook important HR rules leave their firms vulnerable to a host of legal troubles. One expert explains the most common pitfalls and how employers can mitigate the risks.

By J.D. Harrison | 02:57 PM ET, 01/12/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 10:58 AM ET, 01/12/2012

December retail sales mostly flat, with e-commerce a standout

By Olga Khazan

Small retailers saw gains from last year, but customers flock to online storefronts

By Olga Khazan | 10:58 AM ET, 01/12/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 05:00 AM ET, 01/12/2012

Get started ‘On’ Jan. 12: Obama planning tax changes, small business lending spikes

By J.D. Harrison

Our daily blend of news, trends and tips created specifically with small businesses in mind.

By J.D. Harrison | 05:00 AM ET, 01/12/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 01:17 PM ET, 01/11/2012

Hit with rising food costs, indie restaurant owners cope creatively

By Olga Khazan

Independent restaurant owners are coping with rising food prices by sourcing locally, changing their menus, even serving smaller portions. Here’s what you’ll be eating in 2012.

By Olga Khazan | 01:17 PM ET, 01/11/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 05:00 AM ET, 01/11/2012

Get started ‘On’ Jan. 11: Romney takes New Hampshire, small business optimism edges up

By J.D. Harrison

Our daily blend of news, trends and tips created specifically with small businesses in mind.

By J.D. Harrison | 05:00 AM ET, 01/11/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 05:16 PM ET, 01/10/2012

How a village raised a start-up

By J.D. Harrison

Marni Peters designed, perfected and marketed a unique texting accessory, but she had plenty of help from family, friends — and even friends’ families — along the way.

By J.D. Harrison | 05:16 PM ET, 01/10/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 07:30 AM ET, 01/10/2012

Small business optimism inches up, but few signs of robust growth in 2012

By Olga Khazan

Small businesses are feeling better about future sales, but we’re still in an ‘economic winter,’ the NFIB says.

By Olga Khazan | 07:30 AM ET, 01/10/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 05:00 AM ET, 01/10/2012

Get started ‘On’ Jan. 10: Consumer borrowing takes off, Obama’s chief of staff steps down

By J.D. Harrison

Our daily blend of news, trends and tips created specifically with small businesses in mind.

By J.D. Harrison | 05:00 AM ET, 01/10/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 01:20 PM ET, 01/09/2012

In Eureka Park, start-ups get a slice of CES

By Olga Khazan

This year, CES will feature start-up and early-stage exhibitors in a special zone called Eureka Park, placing them close to potential business partners and eager tech-philes.

By Olga Khazan | 01:20 PM ET, 01/09/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 01:16 PM ET, 01/09/2012

CES Eureka Park: Meet the participants

By

Nearly 100 start-ups will exhibit this year at Eureka Park, a new area of CES designed to showcase early-stage, cutting-edge technology. We took a look at some of the products and designs, and we asked several of them about their expectations for the show.

By | 01:16 PM ET, 01/09/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 05:00 AM ET, 01/09/2012

Get started ‘On’ Jan. 9: Holiday electronics sales suffer, super wealthy paying less taxes

By J.D. Harrison

Our daily blend of news, trends and tips created specifically with small businesses in mind.

By J.D. Harrison | 05:00 AM ET, 01/09/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 04:48 PM ET, 01/08/2012

How can Congress help small business owners?

By

Entrepreneurs offer practical lessons they’ve learned from running their businesses on how lawmakers can address the nation’s economic and political problems.

By | 04:48 PM ET, 01/08/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 04:44 PM ET, 01/08/2012

Authority without responsibility — only in government

By Thomas E. Secor

By Thomas E. Secor | 04:44 PM ET, 01/08/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 04:14 PM ET, 01/08/2012

Remember, lawmakers, you work for us

By Rosina Rubin

By Rosina Rubin | 04:14 PM ET, 01/08/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 03:58 PM ET, 01/08/2012

How can Congress help small businesses?

By Olga Khazan

We ask entrepreneurs to offer practical lessons they’ve learned from running their businesses on how lawmakers can address the nation’s economic and political problems.

By Olga Khazan | 03:58 PM ET, 01/08/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 05:04 PM ET, 01/06/2012

Women picking up the pace in economic recovery

By J.D. Harrison

Ever since the economy bottomed out several years ago, men have been leading the (painfully slow) recovery while women’s job growth lagged far behind. But that’s beginning to change.

By J.D. Harrison | 05:04 PM ET, 01/06/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 03:25 PM ET, 01/06/2012

Lack of interest and aptitude keeps students out of STEM majors

By Olga Khazan

Studies show non-STEM students lack math skills and an interest in the sciences.

By Olga Khazan | 03:25 PM ET, 01/06/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 05:00 AM ET, 01/06/2012

Get started ‘On’ the weekend: Unemployment rate and small biz hiring dipped in December

By J.D. Harrison

Our daily blend of news, trends and tips created specifically with small businesses in mind.

By J.D. Harrison | 05:00 AM ET, 01/06/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 06:05 PM ET, 01/05/2012

What start-up recruiters look for in job applicants

By Olga Khazan

At a recent job fair for start-ups in Washington, recruiters said they wanted candidates with a tolerance for risk and enthusiasm for the freespirited start-up culture.

By Olga Khazan | 06:05 PM ET, 01/05/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 04:22 PM ET, 01/05/2012

The three keys to building a new brand

By J.D. Harrison

Robert Sprague has helped shape the identity of several Fortune 500 companies over the last quarter century, and he says new business owners often overlook three critical components of brand building.

By J.D. Harrison | 04:22 PM ET, 01/05/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 02:05 PM ET, 01/05/2012

What you need to know about employee handbooks

By Thomas A. Cox

A properly designed and distributed employee handbook with an acknowledgement of receipt is primarily a business tool that will reduce the risk of liability for the company.

By Thomas A. Cox | 02:05 PM ET, 01/05/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 02:00 PM ET, 01/05/2012

Shifting from growth to profit mode

By Paul Mandell

In their development small businesses will confront whether to keep growing or to focus on building profits. Choosing between growth and profit requires a different analysis for every company.

By Paul Mandell | 02:00 PM ET, 01/05/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 05:00 AM ET, 01/05/2012

Get started ‘On’ Jan. 5: Yahoo names chief executive; SBA launches new tool for Native Americans

By J.D. Harrison

Our daily blend of news, trends and tips created specifically with small businesses in mind.

By J.D. Harrison | 05:00 AM ET, 01/05/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 05:00 AM ET, 01/04/2012

Get started ‘On’ Jan. 4: Romney, Santorum take Iowa, Federal Reserve alters forecast policy

By J.D. Harrison

Our daily blend of news, trends and tips created specifically with small businesses in mind.

By J.D. Harrison | 05:00 AM ET, 01/04/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 06:13 PM ET, 01/03/2012

Small employers plan to up hiring, wages in 2012

By J.D. Harrison

Half of small business owners plan to hire new employees in the coming year, and even more expect to increase wages, according to new payroll data.

By J.D. Harrison | 06:13 PM ET, 01/03/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 04:00 PM ET, 01/03/2012

Late IPO activity not enough to salvage a lackluster 2011

By J.D. Harrison

Venture-backed initial public offerings picked up some much-needed momentum in the waning months of 2011, but not enough to make up for a down year on the markets.

By J.D. Harrison | 04:00 PM ET, 01/03/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 05:00 AM ET, 01/03/2012

Get started ‘On’ Jan. 3: Small business lending hits 4-year high, GOP primaries kicking off in Iowa

By J.D. Harrison

Our daily blend of news, trends and tips created specifically with small businesses in mind.

By J.D. Harrison | 05:00 AM ET, 01/03/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

On Small Business: February, 2012