Want to be your own boss? Our experts will tell you what it takes.
Small Business Profiles
Luis Vasquez-Ajmac
President, MAYA Advertising & Communications Inc.
When Luis Vasquez-Ajmac decided to start his business, he envisioned a company that would foster social change within the Hispanic community.
• Read more of his profile.
Angelique Keenley
President, sappHiRe Consulting
It took HR consultant Angelique Keenley four months to land her first customer, but that doesn't mean she was sitting around doing nothing.
• Read more of her profile.
Atilla Kocsis
President, Digital Phenom
After 10 years of running his own technology company, Atilla Kocsis has seen his business plan change many times over.
• Read more of his profile.
Lindsay Buscher
Owner, Urban Chic
When corporate America loses its appeal, do you tough it out or move on? For Lindsay Buscher, the answer was clear.
• Read more of her profile.
Jason King
President, Turning the Page
Giving back to the community is a task many nonprofit organizations try to fulfill. Jason King and his staff take that goal very seriously.
• Read more of his profile.
Local Start-Ups
AeroView International, Bowie, Md.
Background: AeroView uses unmanned aerial vehicles to take infrared and other photographs used in precision agriculture and environmental scanning.
• Read more.
Career Track
Smaller Companies May Offer Bigger Opportunities
When Victoria, an executive assistant who lives in Germantown, starts her new job in a few weeks, she will single-handedly boost the size of the staff by more than 10 percent.
Live Online Discussions
Monday, November 28
Transcript: The Ups, Downs and In-Betweens
Tom Gardner and his brother David started The Motley Fool, a financial media company, in 1993 -- as a two-person newsletter. Now, more than 10 years later, he's sharing his experiences and insights with you.
Monday, November 28
Transcript: Women Can Do It Too
Who says you have to follow what the boys do? Elizabeth Cogswell Baskin, author of "How to Run Your Business Like a Girl" (Adams Media), offers advice to female entrepreneurs.
Monday, November 7
Transcript: What You Should Know
So many questions, but don't know where to start? Cheryl A. Mills of the Small Business Administration discusses what you should know before starting a business.
Monday, November 7
Transcript: The Basics
Norman M. Scarborough, co-author of "Essentials of Entrepreneurship and Small Business Management" (Prentice-Hall), will be online to discuss his book.
Monday, November 14
Transcript: Show Me the Money
You'll need cash to get things up and running -- and to grow. Scott Parsons, director of the financial services director of Virginia's Department of Business Assitance, will take your questions about where the funds will come from.
Friday, November 18
Transcript: Smaller Companies, Bigger Opportunities
Room for growth, more responsibility and a flexible schedule -- all perks that come with the job. Post columnist Mary Ellen Slayter discusses the benefits of working for a start-up.
Monday, November 21
Transcript: Marketing and PR
Now that you're up and running, how do you get the word out? Zeno Group Senior Vice President Heather Gartman can help you shout your story from the rooftops.
Monday, November 21
Transcript: All About Franchising
Thinking of hitching your know-how to a bigger brand through franchising? Tom Fihe, VP of franchising for Hair Cuttery, will share tips and ideas.
