Feds Short on Small-Business Contract Goals
The lower tallies come as big corporations are stricken from the government's small-business contracting database, officials say. Read story
Angus Loten
This Week's Economic Roundup
Business owners shrug off Wall Street's woes; back-to-school shopping sends retail sales higher. Read story
Small-Business Owners Avoid Credit Woes
Recent turmoil in the mortgage and private-equity markets has not affected borrowing activity among entrepreneurs. Read story
Employers Protest New Immigrant Background Checks
Starting next month, companies will be required to fire employees whose Social Security numbers do not match government records. Read story
This Week's Economic Roundup
Business owners report strong growth and hiring plans; gas prices drop to five-month low. Read story
Congress Closes Session with Flurry of Small-Business Bills
Lawmakers passed legislation on disaster loans, health care, and energy before their summer recess. Read story
This Week's Economic Roundup
Business owners say economy is improving; gas prices continue to slide. Read story
Risky Business: The Downside of Starting Young
Many young entrepreneurs like cutting corners and hate playing by the rules -- and that's often why they're successful. But experts warn that those same qual... Read story
The Home Maker
Bo Menkiti was tired of seeing all the boarded-up, abandoned buildings in his Washington neighborhood. So he got a real estate license, founded an agency, an... Read story
Millions of U.S. Workers Hear "You're Getting a Raise"
The first minimum wage increase in a decade took effect this week, prompting debate among business owners. Read story
This Week's Economic Roundup
Homebuilder confidence hits lowest levels since 1991; gas prices back on the rise. Read story
For Small Accessory Makers, iPhone Mania Means Big Business
The iPhone's brisk sales thus far have been a boon to companies that make cases and adapters. Read story
When Your Computer's on the Fritz, Who You Gonna Call?
Business owners say they are not receiving adequate support from technology companies and consultants, according to a new survey. Read story
This Week's Economic Roundup
Small-business owners lower expectations; gas prices rise after weeks of decline. Read story
When Opportunity Knocks with a Pink Slip in Hand
Harry Potter creator J.K. Rowling and other entrepreneurs launched successful ventures only after losing their day jobs. Who knew getting fired coul... Read story
Venture-Backed IPOs Top $4.27 Billion
More companies are going public, led by the technology sector, but mergers and acquisitions have slowed. Read story
Report Casts Doubt on Giving Small Loans to Poor Entrepreneurs
Global microfinance programs may not help reduce overall poverty in the developing world, new research shows. Read story
This Week's Economic Roundup
Small businesses responsible for majority of new jobs; service and manufacturing sectors post gains. Read story
Business Groups Say Immigration Reform "Not Going Away"
Following the collapse of a reform bill on Capitol Hill, advocates are now pushing for incremental changes. Read story
This Week's Economic Roundup
Small-business owners raise big concerns over economy; gas prices keep dropping in time for summer driving season. Read story
Around the Water Cooler, Employees Buzz about Minimum Wage
A weekly look at the latest products and services designed to help you run a better business. Read story
Senate Rejects Pro-Union Bill
The so-called card-check bill, opposed by business groups, would have made organizing unions easier. Read story
Technology Causing Generation Gap Within Family Businesses
Older and younger business owners admit conflicts over technology investments, according to a new survey. Read story
This Week's Economic Roundup
Housing market shows signs of improving; gas prices continue to slide. Read story
Inheriting the 'Entrepreneurial Spirit'
Ben Goldhirsh, the son of late Inc. founder Bernie Goldhirsh, is staking his own claim in the magazine and film industries. Read story
Supreme Court Ruling Protects Employers
Workers now have less time to file claims of unlawful employment practices, such as discriminatory pay scales. Read story
This Week's Economic Roundup
Small-business owners remain optimistic; gas prices fall for third straight week. Read story
High Gas Prices Trigger Fears for Travel Companies
Nearly half of U.S. consumers say they will scrap their summer travel plans if prices continue to climb. Read story
Business Groups Push for New Immigration Bill
Calling the bill a "work in progress," groups in Washington say they support the overall reform effort. Read story
This Week's Economic Roundup
Observers predict potential labor shortage; prices at the pump fall for second straight week. Read story
Retailers Face Threat from Organized Shoplifting Rings
A growing number of thieves are stealing large quantities of merchandise from warehouses and reselling online. Read story
Businesses Suspect Credit Card Rip-Off
A majority of small retailers say they are not treated fairly by their credit-processing firms, a new survey shows. Read story
The iPhone Economy Emerges
Consumers are eagerly waiting to get their hands on Apple's upcoming iPhone. But a number of small accessory makers are already cashing in. Read story
This Week's Economic Roundup
Small businesses fueling job growth nationwide; gas prices dip for the first time in weeks. Read story
The Great Escape
Technology has made it possible for entrepreneurs to stay connected when they're out of the office. That's also the problem. Read story
Most Entrepreneurs Forced to Crack Open Their Piggy Banks
The vast majority of start-up capital comes from self-financing and friends and family, according to new research. Read story
This Week's Economic Roundup
Bad weather cuts into retail sales; gas prices hit record high. Read story
Immigrant Startups Continue to Grow
A national study shows immigrants are launching businesses at a faster pace than native-born entrepreneurs. Read story
High Gas Prices Scare Off Shoppers
Businesses fear record-high prices at the pump will cut into overall consumer spending. Read story
Business Groups Attack Immigration Bill
Critics say the new Senate measure amounts to amnesty and will lead to higher taxes. Read story
