R&D credit sunset would be dark day for S.A. Nov 9, 2009
Yet despite its obvious economic benefits, the R&D credit is slated to expire in December, leaving countless small firms in the lurch, she adds. Entrepreneurs rely on tax measures to expand their ventures. (San Antonio Business Journal, TX)
Small businesses on front line in Obama's jobs fight Nov 9, 2009
After months of high-level intervention to save mega-firms like General Motors and Goldman Sachs, Obama's economic team is now looking at small firms amid discouraging indicators about their health ... com, a ratings agency, warned in a blog that small firms were still "struggling to obtain credit", and were dependent on dysfunctional financial markets ... Hoping that small firms might soon be taking on more hires, Zandi warned that "a more worrisome possibility is that firms are so... (Sydney Morning Herald -- Business)
Salary disparity widens Nov 8, 2009
Top brass in small firms see higher salary growth- Companies-The Sunday ET-Features-The Economic Times ... Top brass in small firms see higher salary growth8 Nov 2009, 0555 hrs IST, Anand Rawani & Lisa Mary Thomson, ET Bureau. (India Times)
Small businesses starting to hire Nov 8, 2009
The U.S. Small Business Administration says small firms - those with fewer than 500 employees - created nearly two-thirds of all new jobs in the economy over the last 15 years. Although Chesky says Airbnb is on a growth curve that will lead to more hiring, rising unemployment rates suggest that the small-business job engine is still running in reverse - although the layoffs seem to be slowing. (San Francisco Chronicle -- Business)
Five facts about Buy-Sell Agreements Nov 7, 2009
If history repeats itself, the Small Business Administration predicts small firms will play a significant role in leading the country s economic recovery through innovations and the creation of jobs, enterprises and entire new industries. Despite the recession, entrepreneurship continues to hold a wide appeal. (Medfield Press, MA)
A prepackaged pratfall Nov 5, 2009
Still, it is hardly cheering news for the thousands of small firms that rely on CIT and its kind for vendor financing, factoring, leasing, insurance and more. Unlike large companies, for whom bond markets have reopened, the small fry find that capital remains scarce (though demand for loans has also dropped). (The Economist)
Small firms find loans harder to get Nov 5, 2009
November 5, 2009 - 3:10PM. Update The major banks' reluctance to lend to small- and mid-sized firms has the potential to stunt the economy's recovery and leave unemployment levels high, companies say. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Business)
Small firms squeezed by banks Nov 4, 2009
November 4, 2009 - 11:28AM. Small businesses, stung by higher fees through the depths of the financial crisis, are now bracing for more expensive loans as the central bank continues to lift rates. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Business)
Businesses develop worst-case plans to prepare for H1N1 threat Nov 4, 2009
Some jobs, particularly in small firms, might not get done at all. Contract deadlines may be missed. (Albany Business Review, NY)
Survey: Small firms anticipate gains Nov 3, 2009
for free extra services. Monday, November 2, 2009, 11:52am EST. (Charlotte Business Journal, NC)
Cheap capital for small business loans Nov 3, 2009
The president directed Treasury Secretary Tim Geithner and SBA Administrator Karen Mills to gather together business owners, lenders, banking regulators and members of Congress to talk about additional steps that could boost lending to small firms. That conference needs to be held now, not in a few months, Wilkinson said. (Wichita Business Journal, KS)
Budget allocates more funds for small firms Oct 31, 2009
Web search enhanced by. Saturday October 31, 2009. (The Star Online, Malaysia -- Business)
Small firms pay more on health care, data say Oct 30, 2009
Local Search Site Search. THIS STORY HAS BEEN FORMATTED FOR EASY PRINTING. (Boston Globe)
The Pros and Cons of Cloud Computing Oct 28, 2009
On one hand, many small firms do not have the budget to invest in adequate on-site security and backup systems, leaving their business data vulnerable to theft, loss, hackers, power outages, and natural disasters, says Chad Barr, president of a Web services consulting firm in Shaker Heights, Ohio. With your company documents, and shopping cart data stored in password-protected, secure sites online, it's not necessarily a disaster if a sales rep loses a laptop or there's a break-in at your... (BusinessWeek)
McDonald’s to take wait-and-see attitude over health reform support Oct 28, 2009
McDonald s speaks up for small firms. CEO supports health overhaul, but not at franchisees expense. (Boston Globe)
Unconventional Z-Seven Fund performs Oct 27, 2009
Most are medium or small firms, including several based abroad. Examples include RPS Group, PetMedExpress and Cognizant Technology Solutions. (AZCentral -- Business)
To Beat the Recession, Reinvent Your Business Oct 25, 2009
They may be working harder for less money, but many small firms are finding ways to survive and even thrive by reinventing themselves. The ThomasNet Industrial Market Barometer, a survey of 829 manufacturing and distribution firms released this month, showed 80% of respondents were coping with the downturn by diversifying into new industries, widening sales channels, expanding overseas, and increasing online marketing. (BusinessWeek)
Stroke device startup lands National Science Foundation grant Oct 24, 2009
The highly competitive national program seeks to help small firms undertake cutting-edge scientific research that, if successful, has potential for a big payoff. About 780,000 people have strokes per year in the United States at an estimated health care cost of $62. (Sacramento Business Journal, CA)
Lee County business owners wary of Obamas loan plan Oct 24, 2009
Small firms would benefit from low rates. lruane@news-press. (The News-Press -- Business)
For Entrepreneurs, Credit Eases—a Bit Oct 23, 2009
On Oct. 21, the Obama Administration proposed raising the caps on some SBA loan programs and allowing community banks to tap federal bailout funds if the lenders can show how that money will help them boost loans to small firms. Michael Selfridge, regional manager for Northern California at Silicon Valley Bank in Santa Clara, Calif. (BusinessWeek)
Innovation Nation Oct 22, 2009
When it comes to innovation, small firms dominate. The 50 top towns in America to grow your business. (CNN -- Money)
Post staff begin national strike Oct 22, 2009
8 million small firms in the UK rely on the Royal Mail for their post. It says that every postal strike costs its members, who have up to 20 staff, 300 each. (BBC News -- UK)
Small manufacturers to bear the brunt of GST Oct 21, 2009
While it is in the interest of MSMEs to become part of the VAT chain as it is an efficient way of conducting business, the cost of compliance for very small firms that carry out jobwork for bigger manufacturers could go up substantially, says Anil Bharadwaj, secretary general of Federation of Indian Micro and Medium Enterprises. As per the draft paper, GST will have two components on the lines of the Canadian model. (India Times)
Patrick should think even bigger on aid to small business Oct 21, 2009
The Patrick administration has blocked legislation that would require state agencies to more carefully examine the cost of proposed state regulations on small firms. The bill would require that agencies estimate the costs of a proposed regulation on small businesses. (Boston Globe -- Editorial)
Patrick wants state to review health premiums for small business Oct 20, 2009
The administration will begin looking more in depth at the health care premiums charged to small businesses, partly in an effort to resolve complaints that small firms are being driven to the brink of bankruptcy by double-digit rate increases. In the insurance industry, people are going to be taking a lot of notice, said one administration official, who was not authorized to speak publicly in advance of the governor s announcement. (Boston Globe)
Italy's business clusters: Sinking together Oct 19, 2009
Grouping together in the same place is supposed to help small firms remain competitive, as management gurus such as Michael Porter have argued, since they can tap the deep local pools of skilled workers, finance and suppliers. In some cases, collective purchasing of raw materials can help reduce costs. (The Economist)
Not all government contract holders are truly small Oct 19, 2009
While the federal government is obliged to put 23 percent of all direct, or prime, contracts in the hands of small firms, it has missed that mark for the last three years ... The Small Business Administration recently reported that, nationwide, small firms received a record $93. (Republican-American)
Architects not looking for bailout, but financing needs to be offered Oct 17, 2009
Architecture firms in general, and especially small firms, rely heavily on short-term lines of credit to finance their operations. As banks have restricted lending, it has become increasingly difficult for firms to continue to make payroll and fulfill benefit obligations for their employees, let alone expand and pursue new projects. (Tampa Bay Business Journal, FL)
Five-step check for nano safety Oct 16, 2009
Twitter and Facebook aid small firms. MOST READ. (Yahoo News -- Nanotechnology)
There is continued opportunity for innovation here: Narayan Murthy Oct 16, 2009
Has Infosys been engaged in any projects to help start-ups or small firms with its software expertise. Not in India. (India Times)
Bear Stearns charges 'ridiculous' Oct 16, 2009
Page last updated at 10:23 GMT, Thursday, 15 October 2009 11:23 UK. Bear Stearns charges 'ridiculous. (BBC News -- Business)
Bunny boilers - Stockholm 'burning rabbits to produce heat' Oct 16, 2009
Page last updated at 17:03 GMT, Thursday, 15 October 2009 18:03 UK. Swedes divided over bunny biofuel. (BBC News -- Europe)
Europe's shame Oct 16, 2009
Page last updated at 12:56 GMT, Thursday, 15 October 2009 13:56 UK. New lives for Bulgaria's abandoned children. (BBC News -- Europe)
Green spaces 'improve health' Oct 16, 2009
Page last updated at 14:19 GMT, Thursday, 15 October 2009 15:19 UK. Green spaces 'improve health. (BBC News -- Health)
Foetal kick charts 'inaccurate' Oct 16, 2009
Page last updated at 00:33 GMT, Friday, 16 October 2009 01:33 UK. Foetal kick charts 'inaccurate. (BBC News -- Health)
Dow hits 10,000 - just as it did in 1999 Oct 16, 2009
" Based on money flowing into and out of mutual funds, we know that individuals invest the most near market peaks and withdraw the most during troughs, Malkiel says. Likewise, professional investors tend to have the biggest percentage of their portfolios in cash (meaning they're afraid of the stocks) near market bottoms and the smallest percentage in cash near market tops. The problem with buy and hold is that a lot of people thought it meant "set it and forget it," says Fran Kinniry, a... (San Francisco Chronicle)
Social firms Oct 16, 2009
Twitter and Facebook aid small firms. By Claire Prentice New York. (BBC News -- Americas)
CAIR spent $160,000 to silence talk host Michael Savage... Oct 15, 2009
The report noted that it's much easier to get the attention of large corporations rather than small firms or franchises, because large corporations like AT&T have a reputation at stake and "don't want to be associated with anything that might seem controversial.". The CAIR memo said, however, companies that are endorsed or directly promoted by Savage on the air, such as Life Lock or Swiss America, are "an absolute no" for targeting. (The Drudge Report)
Dow hits 10,000 - just as it did in 1999 Oct 15, 2009
" Based on money flowing into and out of mutual funds, we know that individuals invest the most near market peaks and withdraw the most during troughs, Malkiel says. Likewise, professional investors tend to have the biggest percentage of their portfolios in cash (meaning they're afraid of the stocks) near market bottoms and the smallest percentage in cash near market tops. The problem with buy and hold is that a lot of people thought it meant "set it and forget it," says Fran Kinniry, a... (San Francisco Chronicle -- Business)
Web-based health insurance portals get Senate committee nod Oct 15, 2009
Small firms would have access to Small Business Health Options Program exchanges, also Web portals, that would make it easier to purchase and compare coverage for their employees. The goal with the Web portals is to increase competition and availability of plans in the marketplace, the committee said. (FCW.com)
Laid-off older workers face biases in job search Oct 15, 2009
com, and linked up with other small firms to get some strength in numbers when bidding for projects. Networking is crucial for older job seekers, especially building contacts outside their age group, say experts. (MSNBC -- Business)
Prince Harry leads Diana tributes Oct 14, 2009
RBS seeks to attract small firms. Fraud fugitive in Facebook trap. (Yahoo News -- Princess Diana)
RBS seeks to attract small firms Oct 14, 2009
Both are on track to meet mortgage lending targets, but they say targets for small firms are tougher because companies are looking to clear debts in the recession. However the Treasury is understood to believe that the pricing of loans rather than a lack of demand is holding the banks back. (BBC News -- UK)
Watching and waiting, but for what exactly? Oct 14, 2009
In terms of share-price performance, huge, well-respected companies like Wal-Mart and Procter & Gamble both Dow components fell behind small firms that several months ago looked to be "on the brink of bankruptcy.". 1. (MSNBC -- Business)
* Premier Wu promises better environment for small firms Oct 13, 2009
Premier Wu promises better environment for small firms. By Shih Hsiu-chuan STAFF REPORTER Tuesday, Oct 13, 2009, Page 4. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World)
Nashville market for business sales growing stronger Oct 13, 2009
Boosts in lending, outlook spurs interest in small firms. Nashville Business Journal - by Staff Writer. (Nashville Business Journal, TN)
Geniuses Creating Jobs Get the New York Treatment: Amity Shlaes Oct 13, 2009
Small firms, even those of four employees or fewer, are a focus, since small businesses create an outsized share of jobs. A recently published incentives bible, Nudge, by and , outlines the theory: our nations choice architects, politicians and policy makers, might construct clever incentives that lure individuals to do whats best for all. (Bloomberg -- Columnists)
Dow 10,000: Just Another Number? Oct 13, 2009
In terms of share-price performance, huge, well-respected companies like () and () both Dow components fell behind small firms that several months ago looked to be "on the brink of bankruptcy.". There are some on Wall Street who believe investors' enthusiasm for riskier, lower quality stocks could be waning, particularly after the eye-popping gains of the last seven months. (BusinessWeek)
Kan Wants BOJ to Consider `Severe' Corporate Funding When Setting Policy Oct 11, 2009
The data showed that small firms are staying afloat, with failures at companies with less than 100 million yen ($1. 1 million) in liabilities declining 8 percent. (Bloomberg -- Japan)
Sen. Landrieu: Health reform could create 10 million new jobs Oct 10, 2009
"Nationwide, small firms will spend $156 billion on health premiums this year," Landrieu ... "Nationwide, small firms will spend $156 billion on health premiums this year," Landrieu wrote in an op-ed in the Wall Street Journal ... "In place of those high premiums, small business owners could employ 10 million additional workersBY TruthfulTerry on 10/09/2009 at 12:0110,000,000 X $50,000.00/year (If we could find that many qualified individuals) = $500,000,000,00 0.00 per year. That is alot of tax... (TheHill.com)
Japan Risks Undermining Banks With Loans Repayment Moratorium, Gomi Says Oct 8, 2009
Japans newly appointed financial services minister, plans to submit legislation next month that would allow ailing small firms to postpone loan repayments for up to three years ... Providing low-interest loans to small firms through state-owned financial institutions in cooperation with private banks and continuing guarantees for certain credits should be considered, he said. (Bloomberg -- Japan)
Venture forth on a dragon's back Oct 8, 2009
HBD is a venture capital business that was started by entrepreneur billionaire Mark Shuttleworth to assist small firms with funding, mentoring and marketing ... Last month the company launched an online facility that enables interested small firms to determine if they qualify for capital injection. (Business Report, South Africa)
Support for Japan PM high but headaches ahead Oct 5, 2009
That was a possible reflection of turmoil sparked by the head of one ruling bloc partner with his proposal for a loan moratorium for small firms. ID:nT137543. (AlertNet)
Obama as fund-raiser, booster Oct 2, 2009
The president said health care reform would help states by reducing costs to families and businesses, including start-ups, and small firms that are the most entrepreneurial and create a big share of jobs. We can t afford a health insurance system that hampers America s economy in the 21st century, he said. (Boston Globe)
Keeping Them Honest: Health Insurance Oct 2, 2009
Jul 2: Insurance costs are killing small firms -- but many entrepreneurs are ideologically opposed to government-backed health coverage. Jul 2: Obama's plan to digitize America's health records in five years faces many hurdles including cost, but experts say it will ultimately save billions. (CNN -- Money)
13 U.S. law-firm mergers in 3rd quarter Oct 2, 2009
Brennan explains that law firms are not looking to assume the risks inherent with big mergers right now and are instead scooping up small firms or groups of lateral partners with portable business. There were 25 law firm mergers and acquisitions reported in the first quarter of 2009. (Denver Business Journal, CO)
Small cos are investing in smart technologies to stay ahead Oct 2, 2009
Companies like Sage now have to work closely with small firms to understand their IT needs and offer relevant and cost-effective solutions. The analysis includes looking internally to decide whether the company is ready for such applications, whether it has the right kind of people to run these applications, whether it needs the applications at all and if so what are the important applications needed to help improve productivity. (India Times)
U.S. saw 13 law firm combinations in Q3 Oct 2, 2009
Brennan explained that law firms are not looking to assume the risks inherent with big mergers right now, and are instead scooping up small firms or groups of lateral partners with portable business. Two mergers took place in Florida. (South Florida Business Journal, FL)
Tipping point Oct 1, 2009
The Federation of Small Businesses added that closing the loophole would also level the playing field between big and small firms. "Big businesses have been using this loophole to keep their own costs down, which abuses their customers' trust when they give tips in good faith," the group added. (BBC News -- UK)
The stage is set for Merkel to try again Oct 1, 2009
It needs small firms that concentrate as much on design and marketing as on precision engineering; more flexible employment rules to create jobs as fast as it axes old ones; a financial sector that can deliver plenty of capital to entrepreneurs; a retail sector that gets Germans shopping again; and a tax system that rewards work and success, instead of punishing it. The world views Germany as intensively conservative, wedded to its social market model. (Business Report, South Africa)
Germany's Merkel earns mandate for change Sep 30, 2009
On Monday, Mario Ohoven, head of Germany's federal association of medium-sized companies, told Reuters that, "Angela Merkel and Guido Westerwelle are the dream couple for German mid-sized companies." Mr. Westerwelle has long pushed reforms to make it easier for small firms to lay off workers arguing current policies cause firms not to hire. Change. (Christian Science Monitor -- World)
Of 2007-08 Board of Education BudgetBoard Interviews Bidders on Special Audit Sep 30, 2009
Michaud and Accavallo, James George and Robert E. King are relatively small firms while Kostin Ruffkess has 120 employees. The fact that Koskin Ruffkess representative, Joe Centofanti, had written a policy and procedures manual on special activities that he makes available to clients appeared to impress some finance board members. (Voices, CT)
Tech.view: If Skype should fall Sep 26, 2009
That can be a serious concern for small firms and home users who lack the professional means to protect themselves. Another worry has been the way anyone can join Skype s network without proof of identity. (The Economist)
Agency looks for ideas to clean up space junk Sep 26, 2009
The DARPA solicitation so far has attracted interest from 11 firms, including prime aerospace contractor Boeing, NASA's Space Science and Technology Center at Marshall Space Flight Center in Alabama, and several small firms. "The is becoming more pronounced and more important," said B.J. Austin, president of Indiana-based In Space. (MSNBC -- Technology)
UK retirement age challenge fails Sep 26, 2009
" Stephen Alambritis, of the Federation of Small Businesses, said that employees taking cases to tribunals would have been extremely costly to small firms. "It is important that a default mechanism is put in place to ensure that it does not all end up tears at employment tribunal," he said. Adam Marshall, director of policy at the British Chambers of Commerce, said: "Employees already have the right to request to postpone their retirement, and we believe the existing rules allow for the fairest... (BBC News -- Europe)
