Hillary Clinton Is Our True Small-Business Champion

“When my dad ran his small printing business -- he printed drapery fabrics in Chicago -- it put food on the table; it gave us a good, solid, middle-class home and lifestyle. And I don’t think it’s old-fashioned to say that’s what I want for every family that wants to work for that here in our country today.” -- Hillary Clinton [May 22, 2015]

As our 45th U.S. President, Hillary
Clinton will make America work for
everyone -- including SMBs.

Today is Super Tuesday, a critical day in the 2016 presidential campaign. More than a dozen states are voting today -- some in primaries, some in caucuses -- and the results may not be known for quite a while. A total of 1,460 delegates are up for grabs -- 865 for Democrats, 595 for Republicans.

After nearly five years, I'm jump-starting GoodBiz113 to declare my unequivocal support for Hillary Clinton. She's clearly the most qualified candidate -- from either side of the political aisle -- to fight for current and would-be small-business owners, entrepreneurs, solopreneurs, inventors, artists, writers and, well, everyone else, too. She truly cares about leveling the playing field for America's short- and long-term economic future.

In brief, here's what Hillary Clinton will do for small businesses:

* Give small businesses more access to the financing and new markets they need to grow and hire.

* Launch a national effort to cut the red tape holding small businesses and entrepreneurs back.

* Provide targeted tax relief for small businesses, and simplify tax filing.

Here are more in-depth details of how Hillary Clinton will make it easier to start and grow a small business in America:

* Unlocking access to capital. Hillary Clinton is committed to giving small businesses -- and, in particular, women- and minority-owned small businesses -- access to the financing they need to build, grow and hire. She will ease unnecessary regulatory burdens on community banks, which provide credit to small-business owners and families looking to invest in their futures. She will support innovative new financing modes, like impact investing. And she will double support for community development financial institutions and the successful State Small Business Credit Initiative [SSBCI], which offer crucial sources of support for small businesses across the country -- particularly, in underserved communities.

* Cutting red tape. It shouldn’t take longer to start a small business in the United States than it does in Canada, France or South Korea. Hillary Clinton will launch a nationwide effort to cut red tape for small businesses at every level of government. Plus, she will build a regulatory road map to help small businesses navigate the regulatory landscape and reduce compliance costs associated with federal, state and local regulation.

* Providing tax relief. America’s smallest businesses -- i.e., those with one to five employees -- spend 150 hours and $1,100 per employee to comply with federal taxes. That’s more than 20 times higher than the average for larger firms. Hillary Clinton will simplify tax filing and provide targeted tax relief for small businesses -- not the big corporations that can well afford lawyers and lobbyists.

* Tapping new markets. Every small business across America should be able to enter new markets -- whether they’re across town or across the world. Hillary Clinton will invest in the roads, bridges, ports and airports that make it easier for small businesses to reach new customers. She will defend the Export-Import Bank, a crucial financing partner for small businesses across America, and help the bank expand its small-business programs. And she will encourage innovations -- e.g., Etsy and eBay -- that are unlocking new markets through innovative, new platforms that let small businesses sell anywhere in America and the world.

* Supporting small-business owners and entrepreneurs. Hillary Clinton will work to provide incubators, mentoring and training to 50,000 entrepreneurs and small-business owners in underserved communities across the country. Plus, she will support the development of entrepreneurial skills among young people -- even kids in high school -- so they can increase both their financial and entrepreneurial literacy. These programs will help those with good ideas today become the entrepreneurs and business leaders of tomorrow.

The upshot: While other candidates speak in vague, pie-in-the-sky generalities of what they'd do in the Oval Office, Hillary Clinton has the clear vision, proven pragmatism, leadership acumen, exceptional experience and qualified leadership to hit the ground running on Friday, Jan. 20, 2017, when the 45th U.S. President is inaugurated. Together, let's make sure that happens. 
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SOURCES: Hillary for America, Wikimedia Commons [image]

Join Entrepreneurs Supporting Hillary Clinton for President!

Sens. Landrieu, Snowe Honor Entrepreneurial Spirit in America

Late yesterday, the U.S. Senate passed a resolution introduced by Senators Mary L. Landrieu [D-La., pictured] and Olympia Snowe [R-Maine], chair and ranking member of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, respectively, highlighting the critical role that small businesses play in our nation’s economy.

The President signed a proclamation declaring the week of May 15, 2011, as National Small Business Week, honoring our country’s 27.2 million small businesses, and the owners and employees of these firms.

"During National Small Business Week, we honor the nation’s small businesses and entrepreneurs who take risks and start their own businesses," said Landrieu. "It has been a challenging, exciting and, in some ways, promising two years for small businesses, but our work in Congress cannot stop.

"America’s entrepreneurs deserve the recognition of our nation and need the support of Congress to boost job creation and economic growth. As we reflect on the contribution small businesses have made to our economy, I encourage all Americans to celebrate entrepreneurs across America and take a moment to visit your town’s small businesses.”

"National Small Business Week is a time to recognize the extraordinary contributions that small businesses make to the health and vitality of our economy," Snowe noted. "With nearly 30 million small businesses nationwide -- and 150,000 in Maine alone -- these firms are the engines of our economy, and our lifeline to emerge from this economic downturn.

"I hope my colleagues in Congress will join me in celebrating small businesses every week of the year, by reflecting on the countless contributions these firms make to our nation, and focusing on initiatives that enhance -- not inhibit -- their ability to prosper, innovate and create well-paying jobs for Americans."

National Small Business Week Marks 48 Years

Every year since 1963, the President has recognized entrepreneurs by proclaiming National Small Business Week. This resolution expresses the Senate’s appreciation of the efforts and achievements on the part of small-business owners and employees, whose hard work and commitment to excellence have made these firms a key part of the economic vitality of the United States.

According to the Small Business Administration, small firms constitute 99.7 percent of all U.S. employers, and account for roughly half of the nation’s private-sector jobs.

To see the complete resolution, please click here.

SOURCES: U.S. Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, U.S. Small Business Administration
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President Obama Proclaims May 15-21 National Small Business Week 2011; Small Businesses Help Put Country Back on Track

President Barack Obama [pictured] hailed small-business owners as the backbone of the nation’s economy in his proclamation of the week of May 15-21 as National Small Business Week. The President declared those men and women to be the embodiment of America’s promise: "The idea that if you have a good idea and are willing to work hard enough, you can succeed in our country."

The President’s proclamation was issued before the U.S. Small Business Administration’s 48th annual observance of National Small Business Week in Washington, D.C. [May 18-20]. The event honors outstanding entrepreneurs from across the country, and features announcement of the 2011 National Small Business Person of the Year, who is selected from among 54 small-business award winners from 50 states, D.C., Guam, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands.

The President’s proclamation states: "Our country started as an idea, and it took hard-working, dedicated, and visionary patriots to make it a reality. A successful business starts much the same way -- ideas realized by entrepreneurs who dream of a better world and work until they see it through. From the family businesses that anchor Main Street to the high-tech startups that keep America on the cutting edge, small businesses are the backbone of our economy and the cornerstones of America’s promise.

"Throughout our economic recovery, persevering small businesses have helped put our country back on track. Countless new and saved jobs have come from small businesses who took advantage of tax relief, access to capital, and other tools in the Recovery Act, the Small Business Jobs Act, and other initiatives launched by my Administration to put Americans back to work.

"To ensure the stability of our recovery, we must continue to provide new opportunities for small-business owners and the next generation of entrepreneurs, who will help us out-innovate and out-build our global competitors to win the future.

"To support high-growth businesses, my Administration has launched Startup America, an initiative that will strengthen access to capital and mentoring, while reducing barriers to growth for small businesses. Entrepreneurship is essential to the strength and resilience of our economy and our way of life. Startup America will give entrepreneurs the tools they need to build their business into the next great American company.

"To encourage innovation, we released the Strategy for American Innovation, a report outlining my Administration’s plan to harness ingenuity. This means investing in the building blocks of innovation -- like education and infrastructure -- while promoting market-based growth through tax credits and effective intellectual property laws.

"The National Export Initiative is working to open markets to American businesses and support small exporters, who increase American competitiveness abroad and create good jobs here at home. We continue to create opportunity for businesses in underserved communities through new lending initiatives, expanded access to counseling, and technical assistance.

"We are also working to provide small businesses more opportunities to compete for federal contracts. This gives federal agencies access to some of our country’s best products and services while helping these businesses grow and employ community members.

"Through these and other initiatives, we are supporting the entrepreneurs and small businesses that provide work for half of American workers, and create two out of every three new jobs.

"Small businesses embody the promise of America: that if you have a good idea and are willing to work hard enough, you can succeed in our country. This week, we honor and celebrate the individuals whose inspiration and efforts keep America strong."

The full text of the President’s National Small Business Week proclamation can be found at:
http://1.usa.gov/NSBW2011.

National Small Business Week 2011 will be highlighted with two-and-a-half days of events in Washington, D.C., at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel, where more than 100 outstanding business owners from across the country will be recognized. In addition to the State Small Business Persons of the Year, men and women involved in disaster recovery, government contracting, small-business champions, as well as SBA partners in financial and entrepreneurial development, will be honored.

Under the National Small Business Week 2011 theme of "Empowering Entrepreneurs," featured speakers include Sen. Jack Reed [D-R.I.]; Sen. Mary Landrieu [D-La.]; Valerie B. Jarrett, senior advisor to President Barack Obama; Steve Case, co-founder of AOL and chair of Startup America Partnership; Cathy Hughes, founder and chairperson of Radio One, and chair of SBA’s Council on Underserved Communities; SBA Administrator Karen Mills and SBA Deputy Administrator Marie Johns.

A complete agenda for the event is posted at http://bit.ly/AgendaNSBW. Also featured are a series of executive panel forums on Strategies for High Growth, Exporting and Social Media. The public can "attend" Small Business Week events virtually, via the SBA’s streaming video on the Web at http://bit.ly/WebcastNSBW.

Small Business Week 2011 co-sponsors include: Association of Small Business Development Companies, AT&T, AVAYA, CareerBuilder, Dun & Bradstreet, Google, International Franchise Association, Intuit, Lockheed Martin, Microsoft, National Association of Development Companies, National Association of Government Guaranteed Lenders, National Association of Small Business Investment Companies, National Association for the Self-Employed, National Small Business Association, Nomadic Display, Northrop Grumman, Office Depot, Raytheon, Sam's Club, SCORE, The Neat Company, Verio, Visa, the Wall Street Journal, and Women Impacting Public Policy.

SOURCES: U.S. Small Business Administration, The White House
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President Obama: ‘Clean Energy Will Help Us Out-Compete and Out-Innovate the Rest of the World’

Yesterday, while taping his weekly address at Allison Transmission -- a hybrid-vehicle transmission company in Indianapolis, Ind. -- President Barack Obama explained how investments in a clean-energy economy are the only solution to high gas prices over the long term.

"The clean-energy jobs at this plant are the jobs of the future -- jobs that pay well right here in America," said Obama. "And in the years ahead, it’s clean-energy companies like this one that will keep our economy growing, create new jobs, and make sure America remains the most prosperous nation in the world.

"Allison Transmission is also part of the ultimate solution to high gas prices. We know there are no quick fixes to this problem. In the short term, we’re doing everything we can to boost safe and responsible oil production here at home -- in fact, last year, American oil production reached its highest level since 2003.

"But over the long term, the only way we can avoid being held hostage to the ups and downs of oil prices, is if we reduce our dependence on oil. That means investing in clean, alternative sources of energy -- like advanced biofuels and natural gas. And that means making cars and trucks and buses that use less oil.

"Other countries know this, and they’re going all in to invest in clean-energy technologies and clean-energy jobs. But I don’t want other countries to win the competition for these technologies and these jobs. I want America to win that competition. I want America to win the future..."

To read the full transcript of President Obama's weekly address, go to: http://1.usa.gov/Transcript050711.

To view the video of the President's weekly address plus a downloadable infographic on his short- and long-term approach to high gas prices, go to: http://1.usa.gov/Video050711.

To learn what the U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy [EERE] is doing to invest in clean-energy technologies that strengthen the economy, protect the environment, and reduce dependence on foreign oil, visit: http://www.eere.energy.gov/.

GoodBiz113's Take
We're all about win-win-win-win. President Obama's pragmatic and sustainable clean-energy policy will yield wins for small businesses, consumers, the environment, and the U.S. economy.

His leadership is precisely what America needs to truly win the future. If his actions happen to inspire other countries to follow our lead, all the better.

SOURCE: U.S. Department of Energy, The White House [official photo by Pete Souza]
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In New SBA-ADP ‘America’s Best’ Video Series, Six Successful Entrepreneurs Share Keys to Success

A new video series launched today by the U.S. Small Business Administration and ADP® offers insight into the story behind the story of six successful American companies. Featuring the individuals who built their businesses from an idea to become industry leaders, the "America’s Best" series shares keys to success, best practices and lessons learned for today’s entrepreneurs.

"With this series, SBA and our partner, ADP, offer current and potential entrepreneurs a chance to hear from the people who built their big ideas into some of America’s most successful companies," said SBA Administrator Karen Mills. "These six people share their personal perspectives and insights into the challenges they faced, along with their failures and successes, while also offering an inspirational look at the resiliency behind America’s spirit of entrepreneurship."

The "America’s Best" video series is available online at www.sba.gov/AmericasBest and on www.ADP.com. The series was produced in partnership between SBA and ADP, a provider of human resource outsourcing, payroll services and benefits administration.

Told from the perspective of company founders and key executives, the "America’s Best" videos profile once-small U.S. businesses with remarkable stories of entrepreneurism, growth and success. They are part of the SBA’s ongoing effort to celebrate entrepreneurship and provide small-business owners and start-ups with relevant programs and resources to help them grow their businesses and create jobs.

"Throughout its history, SBA has provided critical support to tens of thousands of start-ups and small businesses," Mills noted. "This series highlights the stories of six of those firms, and shares best practices and lessons learned that can be helpful to other entrepreneurs and small-business owners who are working every day to grow their businesses and achieve their own piece of the American dream."

"Like the SBA, ADP has a long history of supporting entrepreneurs and small businesses with a proven record of helping businesses grow," said Regina Lee, ADP’s president of Small Business Services and Major Account Services. "ADP is proud to have worked closely with the SBA to make this series of educational videos available on the Web and to honor some truly remarkable business success stories.

"We join the SBA in saluting the accomplishments of these six businesses and the entrepreneurial spirit of the people behind them, and hope that these compelling and motivating videos will inspire and inform others on the path to similar success.”

Featured companies in the "America’s Best" video series include:

* Allen Edmonds Shoe Corporation, Port Washington, Wis. -- Established in 1922, Allen Edmonds operates 32 retail stores in 17 states, and is among a small minority of companies continuing to produce the majority of their shoes domestically. Between 1979 and 1989, Allen Edmonds received SBA-guaranteed 7[a] loans totaling $2,265,000.

* Cerner Corporation, Kansas City, Mo. -- In 1979, the three founders -- Neal Patterson, Cliff Illig and Paul Gorup -- sat around a picnic table and decided to create a company. Today, Cerner Corporation is an industry leader in medical system design. In 1983, Cerner received a $200,000 7[a] loan and an SBA-licensed SBIC financing of $630,000 in 1986.

* Columbia Sportswear Company, Portland, Ore. -- Rescued from near-bankruptcy, Gert Boyle [pictured] took over operations of Columbia, started by her parents, and turned it into a
$1 billion company. The business received an SBA-backed loan for $15,000 in 1970.

* The Gymboree Corporation, San Francisco, Cal. -- Joan Barnes created Gymboree in 1976 as a place where moms and their children could play and exercise. Since then, it has become a giant corporation that includes almost 600 Gymboree retail clothing stores and nearly 300 Gymboree Play & Music centers worldwide. Over the years, the corporation received investments totaling nearly $5 million from a SBA-licensed SBIC.

* Radio One Inc. [NASDAQ: ROIA], Lanham, Md. -- Among the largest African-American-owned and operated media corporations in the United States, Radio One was started by Catherine L. Hughes in 1980. Radio One owns and/or operates 53 radio stations located in 16 urban markets in the United States. The company received investments totaling $9.5 million from SBA-licensed SBICs in the late 1990s. Hughes also received an SBA-guaranteed 7[a] loan for $600,000 in 1980.

* Ruiz Foods, Dinuba, Cal. -- Founded in 1964, Ruiz Foods is the top seller of frozen Mexican dishes in the United States. Under the brand names of El Monterey and Tornados, it produces nearly 200 frozen Mexican foods. Ruiz Foods co-founder Fred Ruiz benefited from technical assistance through SBA-affiliated SCORE counselors and also received SBA-guaranteed 7[a] loans in 1977 and 1979 totaling $275,000.

About ADP
Automatic Data Processing, Inc. [NASDAQ: ADP], with nearly $9 billion in revenues and about 550,000 clients, is one of the world’s largest providers of business outsourcing solutions.

Leveraging over 60 years of experience, ADP offers a wide range of HR, payroll, tax and benefits administration solutions from a single source. ADP is also a leading provider of integrated computing solutions to auto, truck, motorcycle, marine and recreational vehicle dealers throughout the world.

For more information about ADP, visit the company's website at www.ADP.com.

About SBA
The U.S. Small Business Administration, established in 1953, provides financial, technical and management assistance to help Americans start, run, and grow their businesses. With a portfolio of direct and guaranteed business loans and disaster loans worth more than $80 billion, SBA is the nation’s largest single financial backer of small businesses.

Last year, SBA offered management and technical assistance to more than 1.1 million small business owners. SBA also plays a major role in the government's disaster relief efforts by making low-interest recovery loans to both homeowners and businesses.

SOURCES: Automatic Data Processing, Columbia Sportswear Company [photo], U.S. Small Business Administration
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DOE's New 'America's Next Top Energy Innovator' Program Challenges Entrepreneurs to Commercialize Technologies Developed by National Laboratories

As part of the Obama Administration's Startup America Initiative, U.S. Department of Energy [DOE] Secretary Steven Chu [pictured] today announced the "America's Next Top Energy Innovator" challenge, which will give startup companies the opportunity to license groundbreaking technologies developed by the National Laboratories for $1,000 and build successful businesses.

As part of this effort, DOE is reducing both the cost and paperwork requirements for startup companies to obtain an option agreement to license some of the 15,000 patents and patent applications held by its 17 National Laboratories.

"America's entrepreneurs and innovators are the best in the world," said Secretary Chu. "Today, we're challenging them to create new businesses based on discoveries made by our world-leading National Laboratories.

"Because we've cut the upfront fees and reduced the paperwork, we'll make it easier for startup companies to succeed and create the new jobs our economy needs. Our goal is simple: unleash America's innovation machine and win the global race for the clean-energy jobs of the future."

Currently, only about 10 percent of federal patents have been licensed to be commercialized. This initiative aims to double the number of startup companies coming out of the National Laboratories.

Specifically, as part of "America's Next Top Energy Innovator":

1. On Monday, May 2, 2011, DOE will kick off the challenge by posting a streamlined template option agreement online for entrepreneurs to submit to Laboratories. Entrepreneurs must identify the technology of interest and submit a business plan to be considered for the program. Participants will have until Dec. 15 to make their submission to the Laboratory.

2. Any of the 15,000 unlicensed patents and patent applications held by the National Laboratories will be available for licensing by startup companies

3. From May 2 to Dec. 15, the Department will reduce the total upfront cost of licensing DOE patents in a specific technology to a $1,000 upfront fee for portfolios of up to three patents. This represents a savings of $10,000 to $50,000 on average in upfront fees.

4. Other license terms, such as equity and royalties, will be negotiated on a case-by-case basis, and will typically be due once the company grows and achieves wide-scale commercial success. These fees help support DOE's continuing research activities to develop new technologies.

5. DOE will simplify the licensing process and establish a standard set of terms for startups, who generally lack the resources, time or expertise to negotiate individual licensing agreements. This will significantly reduce both the time and cost required to process the license, allowing faster access to the Department's patents and enabling DOE to process more licenses in a shorter amount of time.

6. Entrepreneurs who complete the process and demonstrate progress toward executing their business plan and commercializing the technology will have the opportunity to be showcased at the 3rd Annual ARPA-E Energy Innovation Summit in 2012, which brings together leading technology startups and clean-energy investors from around the country.

In addition to these steps, DOE is making it easier for companies to use the world-leading facilities at its National Laboratories to conduct collaborative research-and-development activities.

Previously, companies had to make an upfront payment covering the first 90 days of research work -- a requirement that was often difficult for start-ups to meet. Today, DOE is lowering the advance payment requirement to 60 days. This change will benefit all companies -- not just startups -- but could be valuable for those participating in the "America's Next Top Energy Innovator" challenge.

Entrepreneurs interested in participating can already view the available technologies on DOE's Energy Innovation Portal.

Some of the promising innovations currently available for licensing and featured on the portal include:

* Solar Energy Storage, Transportation and Conversion -- available from DOE's Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory. Researchers at Berkeley Lab have developed a system for converting solar energy to chemical energy and, subsequently, to thermal energy. The system includes a light-harvesting station, a storage station, and a thermal energy release station that enables transportation of stored energy over long distances. Here's the marketing summary.

* Grid-Friendly Appliance Controller -- available from DOE's Pacific Northwest National Laboratory. The Grid-Friendly Appliance Controller senses grid conditions by monitoring system frequency and provides automatic demand response in times of disruption. This simple computer chip can be installed in household appliances and can turn them off for a few minutes or even a few seconds to allow the grid to stabilize and prevent blackouts. Interested? Read the marketing summary.

* Growth of Lattice Matched III-V Semiconductor Materials -- available from DOE's National Renewable Energy Laboratory [NREL]. High-performance semiconductor materials have a broad range of potential applications -- including high-efficiency solar cells, solid-state lighting, and high-speed transistors. This portfolio allows for the use of low-cost, scalable, and reusable substrates to dramatically reduce production costs for these materials. Click here for the marketing summary.

* New Catalyst Can Reduce Nitrogen Oxide Emissions From Diesel Engines by 80-85% -- available from DOE's Argonne National Laboratory. The diesel DeNOx catalyst removes 80-85% of nitrogen oxide [NOx] emissions from diesel fuel combustion by converting NOx to nitrogen. With its lower expected manufacturing and installation costs, ease of use, and significant market potential, the Argonne catalyst is positioned to deliver the environmental and economical benefits needed to reduce our global industrial "footprint." Here's the technology marketing summary.

Read some recent examples [PDF - 162 kb] of established companies and startups that have commercialized DOE technologies.

Startup America is an important element of the Obama Administration's national innovation strategy. For more information about the steps announced today, plus the 15,000-plus technology opportunities currently available, visit DOE's Energy Innovation Portal.

GoodBiz113's Take
This new Department of Energy program has significant potential for propelling entrepreneurship and innovation, creating jobs, and realizing the Obama Administration's aims to promote clean energy and energy independence. America's current and would-be entrepreneurs -- and all its citizens, for that matter -- are fortunate to have someone as smart, creative and enterprising as Steven Chu at DOE's helm.

SOURCES: U.S. Department of Energy, The White House
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March 31: Free SBA Monthly Web Chat to Focus on New Contracting Program for Women-Owned Small Businesses

Are you a woman business owner seeking federal contracts? The U.S. Small Business Administration’s March Web chat will focus on a new Women-Owned Small Business [WOSB] Federal Contract Program aimed at bringing more WOSBs into the federal contracting arena.

From 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. ET on Thursday, March 31, Michele Chang [pictured], senior advisor in the SBA's Office of Government Contracting and Business Development, will host the free monthly Web chat, "SBA’s New Federal Contract Program for Women." Chang will answer questions for the full hour.

Participants can join the live Web chat by going online to www.sba.gov, and clicking on the Web chat event under "What’s New." Web chat participants may also post questions before the March 31st chat by visiting http://bit.ly/WebChatWOSB.

Federal contracts can provide women entrepreneurs with the financial oxygen they need in order to take their business to the next level. Celebrate Women’s History Month and visit http://1.usa.gov/ContractsWOSB to get information about the new contract program.

About SBA's Monthly Web Chats
SBA’s Web chat series provides small-business owners with an opportunity to discuss relevant business issues online with experts, industry leaders and successful entrepreneurs. Chat participants have direct, real-time access to the Web chats via questions they submit online in advance, and during the live session.

Participants will gain valuable information on how to participate in the program to gain increased access to government contracting opportunities.

To review archives of past Web chats, visit online at http://1.usa.gov/MonthlyWebChat.

SOURCE: U.S. Small Business Administration
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SBA Unveils New Website, Launches SBA Direct -- a Tool Delivering Personalized and Targeted Resources

As part of the U.S. Small Business Administration’s mission to ensure that small-business owners and entrepreneurs have access to accurate, timely and helpful information, SBA Administrator Karen Mills [pictured] today unveiled a newly redesigned SBA website.

The new site also features the launch of SBA Direct, a dynamic new Web tool with a variety of personalization features that will help small businesses start up, succeed and grow.

"With the launch of the new SBA.gov," said Mills, "we have reached a significant milestone in how the agency has evolved in using interactive Web tools, social media and blogs to engage with, and better meet, the needs of small-business owners.

"While the SBA website has traditionally been an information-rich site, we wanted to make it easier for small-business owners to navigate. With the new and improved SBA.gov, business owners can access the answers they need -- specific to their business profile -- in an instant. It truly presents the face of the future of SBA."

While the site features a variety of enhancements -- including a full redesign, new content and improved navigation -- the centerpiece is a dynamic new Web tool called SBA Direct.

SBA Direct allows visitors to personalize their browsing experience according to their business type, geography and needs. SBA Direct then delivers relevant and targeted information on all aspects of running a business; e.g., steps involved in getting started, business growth strategies, how to stay compliant with current laws and regulations.

SBA Direct also provides information on the available SBA programs that can help businesses succeed -- such as financial assistance; exporting and government contracting opportunities; and counseling and training.

"Transforming the SBA into a proactive, responsive and 'customer-centric' organization that better serves the needs of the nation’s more than 29 million small businesses is an exciting, yet enormous, effort," said Mills.

"We’ve made significant progress," Mills added. "The new SBA.gov is just one example among many -- including record growth capital financing, expedited loan approvals and the acceleration of disaster assistance resources and funds -- of how SBA has, and will continue, to support the growth of small businesses and job creation.”

Other new features to the website include:
* SBA’s small-business search that improves the accuracy and relevancy of search results -- saving time and frustration.
* Improved navigation that gives users one-click access to the information they need. Combined with the personalization features of SBA Direct, users no longer have to mine through pages of information to find answers.
* Integration of Business.gov content -- including a variety of guides and tools that collate information from across government agencies to help business owners comply with laws and regulations, and take advantage of government programs.
* Interactive, location-based maps that allow users to quickly find small-business resources in their area -- including local SBA offices, plus other sources of training and support.
* User-rated content gives visitors to the site-direct control in determining the most useful and relevant information to feature by small-business topic.

SBA’s commitment to using Web services to provide small businesses with greater access to the pool of government resources available began in 2006 with the launch of the award-winning Business.gov website; later, with the Business.gov Community initiative in 2009 [the first government-sponsored online community built specifically for small businesses]; and, more recently, with SBA’s own social-media presence on Twitter, Facebook and YouTube.

The new SBA.gov built on these achievements and best practices as a driver for its transformation. The project is also a flagship for the agency’s Open Government Plan, with the goal of building an online presence for SBA that is transparent, participatory and collaborative.

GoodBiz113's Take
SBA's new website is a vast improvement! It's far more user-friendly and visually appealing, and provides a wealth of at-a-glance links and info for small-business owners who are often too time-pressed to do much of anything besides focus on growing or launching their enterprises.

Once again, Administrator Mills and her team have delivered on their promise to actually help current and would-be small-biz owners easily navigate funding, contracting and counseling opportunities. Oh, and the unprecedented, "one-stop-shopping" transparency re agencywide staff contacts, Recovery Act-funded opportunities, congressional testimonies, etc., is also appreciated.

Kudos to all involved in effectively designing and developing this valuable resource. It epitomizes form and function for the small-business community and our stakeholders.

See for yourself. Take the two-and-a-half-minute tour of SBA's new website here.

SOURCE: U.S. Small Business Administration
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NFIB Small-Business Optimism Index Posts Fourth Consecutive Gain

The National Federation of Independent Business Index of Small Business Optimism rose 1.5 points in November, rising to 93.2 -- the highest reading since December 2007, and the fourth consecutive monthly gain. The bad news: 93.2 is, from an historical perspective, still a recession-level reading [the average was about 100 before the recession started].

The last time the index was this low [prior to 2008] was in 1993. The recovery in the index continues to underperform all recovery periods since 1973, the start of the NFIB surveys.

"The index is trending up, but at a very slow pace," said Bill Dunkelberg, NFIB’s chief economist.

Employment
After hitting "zero" in October, the average increase in employment per firm turned positive in November. The average gain per firm was .01 workers per firm -- hardly different from zero, but it was not negative, which is good news.

Nine percent [seasonally adjusted] reported unfilled job openings -- down one point and historically very weak. This index component is a very good predictor of the unemployment rate -- and this number indicated the rate will nudge higher.

Over the next three months, nine percent plan to increase their employment [up one point], and 12 percent plan to reduce it [down one point], yielding a seasonally adjusted net four percent of owners planning to create new jobs -- a three-point gain from October after a four-point gain in September, an encouraging trend and the strongest reading since September 2008.

"Overall, job creation is likely to continue, but at a tepid pace," noted Dunkelberg.

Capital Spending and Outlook
The frequency of reported capital outlays over the past six months rose four points to 51 percent of all firms, pulling away from the recent record-low reading of 44 percent.

Of those making expenditures, 35 percent reported spending on new equipment [up three points]; 19 percent acquired vehicles [up three points]; and 12 percent improved or expanded facilities [up zero point].

Four percent acquired new buildings or land for expansion [up one point], and 12 percent spent money for new fixtures and furniture [up three points].

The percentage of owners planning capital outlays in the future rose two points to 20 percent, but is still historically quite low.

"Spending seems to be primarily in maintenance mode," said Dunkelberg. "If it breaks, replace it."

Nine percent characterized the current period as a good time to expand facilities [seasonally adjusted] -- up two points, and seven points better than earlier in the year. A net 16 percent expect business conditions to improve over the next six months -- a 31-point improvement since July, and the best reading since June 2005.

"Apparently, the future is looking brighter for more owners, although much will depend on what Congress does in the closing weeks of the year," said Dunkelberg.

Sales and Inventories
The net percent of all owners [seasonally adjusted] reporting higher nominal sales over the past three months worsened by two points to a net-negative 15 percent -- 19 points better than March 2009, but still indicative of very weak customer activity. Unadjusted, 21 percent of all owners reported higher sales [last three months, compared to prior three months -- down two points], while 33 percent reported lower sales [up two points].

The net percent of owners expecting higher real sales gained five points from October, rising to a net six percent of all owners [seasonally adjusted] -- a nice bump on top of October’s four-point gain. Not seasonally adjusted, 24 percent expect improvement over the next three months, while 37 percent expect declines.

Small-business owners continued to liquidate inventories, and weak sales trends gave little reason to order new stock. A net-negative 15 percent of all owners reported gains in inventories [more firms cut stocks than added to them, seasonally adjusted] -- only a point better than October. Unadjusted, 10 percent reported gains in inventory stocks [unchanged], but 25 percent reported inventory reductions [unchanged].

November is the 32nd negative double-digit month in a row, and the 42nd negative month in a row for inventory changes. For all firms, a net-negative three percent [down four points] reported stocks too low, and an unexpected deterioration in owner satisfaction with current stocks [compared to expectations for sales and the economy that have actually improved]. Plans to add to inventories rose four points to a net zero percent of all firms [seasonally adjusted] -- a surprise with the increased dissatisfaction with current stocks.

Inflation
Fourteen percent of the owners [unchanged] reported raising average selling prices, and 20 percent reported average price reductions [down two points]. Seasonally adjusted, the net percent of owners raising prices was a net negative four percent -- a one-point increase from October.

Still, November is the 24th consecutive month in which more owners reported cutting average selling prices than raising them -- a condition that might support concerns about deflation now worrying the Federal Reserve.

Reports of higher worker compensation continued to edge up, while reports of compensation cuts continued to fade. Six percent reported reduced worker compensation, and 13 percent reported gains.

Seasonally adjusted, a net eight percent reported raising worker compensation -- double October’s reading, and 10 points better than February’s record-low reading of negative two percent.

Earnings
Reports of positive earnings trends fell four points in November, registering a net-negative 30 percent. Still, far more owners report that earnings are deteriorating quarter-to-quarter than rising. Part of this is due to price-cutting, which is fading in frequency as the economy continues to grow. Not seasonally adjusted, 15 percent reported profits higher [unchanged], but 43 percent reported profits falling -- a three-point increase.

Of the owners reporting higher earnings, 60 percent cited stronger sales as the cause, and seven percent credited higher selling prices. For those reporting lower earnings compared to the previous three months, 56 percent cited weaker sales; five percent blamed rising labor costs; seven percent, higher materials costs; five percent, higher insurance costs; and nine percent blamed lower selling prices. Seven percent blamed higher taxes and regulatory costs.

Credit
Overall, 91 percent reported that all their credit needs were met, or that they were not interested in borrowing. Nine percent reported that not all of their credit needs were satisfied. A record 53 percent said they did not want a loan. Only four percent reported financing as their No. 1 business problem.

However, 30 percent of the owners reported that weak sales continued to be their top business problem, followed by 22 percent citing taxes, and 15 percent citing government regulations and red tape [taxes that consumes capital and time].

The historically high percent of owners who cite weak sales means that, for many owners, investments in new equipment or new workers are not likely to pay the business back. This is a major cause of the lack of credit demand observed in financial markets.

SOURCE: National Federation of Independent Business
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New SBA-Microsoft Technology Guide Helps Entrepreneurs Grow Their Small Businesses and Create Jobs

A new technology tool for small businesses is now available to help them grow and create jobs. The new education resource, Business Technology Simplified, helps small-business owners connect the dots between entrepreneurship and technology to give them a competitive edge.

The U.S. Small Business Administration and Microsoft, a GoodBiz113 advertiser, have teamed up to develop this free, comprehensive guide on how technology can improve the small-business owner’s chances for success. The Business Technology Simplified guidebook includes fundamentals on the importance of technology, and on how it can be used to achieve a business’s goals.

In the guidebook’s foreword, Earvin "Magic" Johnson writes about his journey in developing a multimillion-dollar company and the value of technology to remain competitive.

"Our goal as an agency is to get information, tools and services into the hands of small-business owners more quickly, so they can spend more time doing what they do best -- creating the jobs that will drive our economic recovery," said SBA Administrator Karen Mills. "This new guidebook is one more tool available to support small-business growth through access to information and resources."

Business Technology Simplified offers straightforward tips on how to use technology and innovation to make businesses work more efficiently. The guidebook incorporates relevant and practical material on simplifying work tasks; do-it-yourself marketing; cloud computing; time management; finding and cultivating customers; plus much more.

"Small businesses, which employ nearly 50 percent of the U.S. workforce, rely on trustworthy technology that is easily adaptable and scalable to support growth, and give them freedom to focus on the innovation and passion that drives their businesses," said Cindy Bates, Microsoft’s vice president of U.S. Small and Medium Business [pictured]. "We are thrilled to continue our longstanding relationship with the SBA and small businesses by providing this free resource that will arm this community with the technology know-how to safely and smartly grow their businesses in many strategic ways."

Business Technology Simplified is available in a printed format in SBA district offices and local SBA resource partners, or may be accessed online as an electronic publication and as an electronic distance learning course. The new online course has been created for self-paced access to practical guidance on applying technology to build and grow strong companies.

The Business Technology Simplified online course allows quick access by small-business owners to learn more about basic technology tools that can help their companies run more efficiently. The course features an audio guided lesson, indexed by modules, that includes information on how to use technology to save time in day-to-day tasks; how to better manage a business; mobile solutions that work; and tips on expanding customer base.

To access the course, go to www.sba.gov/training, then click "Business Technology Simplified" in the Highlighted Courses section. It is one of nearly 30 online tutorials offered by the SBA, and is available 24/7.

About SBA
The U.S. Small Business Administration is the nation’s largest financial backer of small businesses. The SBA’s programs and services help business owners start, run, and grow their businesses, and provide a range of financial, technical, and management assistance. SBA also plays a major role in the government’s disaster-relief efforts by making low-interest recovery loans to both homeowners and businesses.

For more information on SBA’s programs and services. visit http://www.sba.gov/.

About Microsoft
Founded in 1975, Microsoft is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential.

Microsoft serves millions of small and medium-sized businesses in the U.S., helping them start, grow and thrive by leveraging today’s powerful and affordable technologies. At the pillar of these technologies lies cloud computing, in which Microsoft has more than 15 years of experience. The company understands how to meet the demands of SMBs for simplicity and impact, with enterprise-grade capabilities, flexibility and affordability in a familiar environment.

For more information on Microsoft technologies for small and mid-sized businesses, visit http://www.microsoft.com/business.

SOURCES: Microsoft, U.S. Small Business Administration
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Dec. 9: SBA Web Chat to Focus on Year-End Tax Planning for Small-Business Owners

It's not too late for business owners to reduce their 2010 tax bills and plan ahead for 2011. The U.S. Small Business Administration’s December Web chat -- to be held from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. Eastern Time on Thursday, Dec. 9 -- will focus on tax preparation for small-business owners. Participants can get useful year-end tax tips and information, and learn more about tax deductions and credits that can help to reduce their taxes.

Edward S. Karl [pictured], vice president of taxation for the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants [AICPA], will host the online event, "Year-End Tax Essentials for Small-Business Owners." Chat participants can get valuable information on how to prepare now, with useful tax-savings tips and mistakes to avoid. Karl will answer questions on how to get the most out of year-end tax planning.

SBA’s Web chat series provides small-business owners with an opportunity to discuss relevant business issues online with experts, industry leaders and successful entrepreneurs. Chat participants have direct, real-time access to the Web chats via questions they submit online in advance, and during the live session.

Participants can join the live Web chat by going online to http://www.sba.gov/, and clicking "Online Business Chat." Web chat participants may also post questions before the Dec. 9 event by visiting http://web.sba.gov/livemeeting/chat.

To review archives of past Web chats, visit online at http://www.sba.gov/tools/monthlywebchat/index.html.

SOURCE: U.S. Small Business Administration
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President Obama Signs Small Business Jobs Act; Here's What's in It

"I’m thrilled to be here on what is an exciting day," said President Obama as he prepared to sign the Small Business Jobs and Credit Act of 2010 [H.R. 5297] this afternoon. With small-business owners who will receive tax breaks and better access to credit in the audience, the President explained to everybody why he has fought so long for it:

"Now this is important because small businesses produce most of the new jobs in this country," he noted. "They are the anchors of our Main Streets. They are part of the promise of America: the idea that, if you’ve got a dream and you’re willing to work hard, you can succeed.

"That’s what leads a worker to leave a job to become her own boss. That’s what propels a basement inventor to sell a new product, or an amateur chef to open a restaurant. It’s this promise that has drawn millions to our shores and made our economy the envy of the world."

The bill includes a series of small-business proposals that the President put forth earlier this year, and small businesses will start benefiting from the bill on Day 1. Among the many important provisions in the bill, 12 of the top benefits to small businesses are:

* Extension of Successful SBA Recovery Loan Provisions -- Immediately Supporting Loans to More 1,400 Small Businesses: With funds provided in the bill, SBA will begin funding new Recovery loans within a few days of the President’s signature, starting with the more than 1,400 businesses -- with loans totaling more than $730 million -- that are waiting in the Recovery Loan Queue. In total, the extension of these provisions provides the capacity to support $14 billion in loans to small businesses. The SBA Recovery loan provisions have already supported $30 billion in lending to over 70,000 small businesses.

* More Than Doubling of the Maximum Loan Size for the Largest SBA Programs: The bill also increases the maximum loan size for SBA loan programs which, in the coming weeks, will allow more small businesses to access more credit to allow them to expand and create new jobs. The bill will permanently raise the maximum size for SBA’s two largest loan programs -- increasing the maximum 7[a] and 504 loans from $2 million to $5 million, and the maximum 504 manufacturing-related loan from $4 million to $5.5 million. In addition, it will temporarily increase the maximum loan size for SBA Express loans from $350,000 to $1 million -- providing greater access to working capital loans that small businesses use to purchase new inventory and take on their next order, allowing them to create new jobs.

* A New $30 Billion Small Business Lending Fund: The bill would establish a new $30 billion Small Business Lending Fund which, by providing capital to small banks with incentives to increase small business lending, could support several multiples of that amount in new credit.

* An Initiative to Strengthen Innovative State Small Business Programs -- Supporting Over $15 Billion in Lending: The bill will support at least $15 billion in small-business lending through a new state Small Business Credit Initiative, strengthening state small-business programs that leverage private-sector lenders to extend additional credit -- many of which have been forced to cut back due to budget cuts.

* Eight New Small Business Tax Cuts -- Effective Today, Providing Immediate Incentives to Invest: The President had already signed into law eight small-business tax cuts. Today, he is signing into law another eight new tax cuts that go into effect immediately.

* Zero Taxes on Capital Gains from Key Small Business Investments: Under the Recovery Act, 75 percent of capital gains on key small-business investments this year were excluded from taxes. The Small Business Jobs Act temporarily puts in place for the rest of 2010 a provision called for by the President: elimination of all capital gains taxes on these investments if held for five years. Over one million small businesses are eligible to receive investments this year that, if held for five years or longer, could be completely excluded from any capital gains taxation.

* Extension and Expansion of Small Businesses’ Ability to Immediately Expense Capital Investments: The bill increases for 2010 and 2011 the amount of investments that businesses would be eligible to immediately write off to $500,000, while raising the level of investments at which the write-off phases out to $2 million. Prior to the passage of the bill, the expensing limit would have been $250,000 this year, and only $25,000 next year. This provision means that 4.5 million small businesses and individuals will be able to make new business investments today and know that they will earn a larger break on their taxes for this year.

* Extension of 50% Bonus Depreciation: The bill extends -- as the President proposed in his budget -- a Recovery Act provision for 50 percent "bonus depreciation" through 2010, providing two million businesses, large and small, with the ability to make new investments today and know they can receive a tax cut for this year by accelerating the rate at which they deduct capital expenditures.

* A New Deduction of Health Insurance Costs for Self-Employed: The bill allows two million self-employed to know that, on their taxes for this year, they can get a deduction for the cost of health insurance for themselves and their family members in calculating their self-employment taxes. This provision is estimated to provide over $1.9 billion in tax cuts for these entrepreneurs.

* Tax Relief and Simplification for Cell Phone Deductions: The bill changes rules, so that the use of cell phones can be deducted without burdensome extra documentation -- making it easier for virtually every small business in America to receive deductions that they are entitled to, beginning on their taxes for this year.

* An Increase in the Deduction for Entrepreneurs’ Start-Up Expenses: The bill temporarily increases the amount of start-up expenditures that entrepreneurs can deduct from their taxes for this year from $5,000 to $10,000 [with a phase-out threshold of $60,000 in expenditures], offering an immediate incentive for someone with a new business idea to invest in starting up a new small business today.

* A Five-Year Carryback of General Business Credits: The bill would allow certain small businesses to "carry back" their general business credits to offset five years of taxes -- providing them with a break on their taxes for this year, while also allowing these credits to offset the Alternative Minimum Tax, reducing taxes for these small businesses.

* Limitations on Penalties for Errors in Tax Reporting That Disproportionately Affect Small Business: The bill would change, beginning this year, the penalty for failing to report certain tax transactions from a fixed dollar amount -- which was criticized for imposing a disproportionately large penalty on small businesses in certain circumstances -- to a percentage of the tax benefits from the transaction.

GoodBiz113's Take: After months of stall tactics -- by too many mean-spirited, just-say-no House Republicans who don't want this country to succeed under President Obama's Administration, regardless of how logical its proposed policies are -- the Small Business Jobs and Credit Act of 2010 is finally in place. Here's to moving forward -- for current and would-be small-business owners and the greater good... Cheers!

SOURCES: Internal Revenue Service, Library of Congress, U.S. Small Business Administration, The White House
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House Passes Small-Business Capital Bill; Initiative Would Reinvigorate Investment in Small Businesses

Yesterday, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Small Business Lending Fund Act of 2010, H.R. 5297, by a vote of 241-182. The legislation will aid small businesses in securing capital through new community bank incentives, support for state lending initiatives, and by opening venture-capital markets to small businesses.

"Today, under the leadership of Speaker Pelosi, Majority Leader Hoyer, Chairman Frank, Chairman Levin and Chairwoman Velázquez, the House of Representatives took strong action to help continue moving our nation's economic recovery forward," declared U.S. Treasury Secretary Tim Geithner. "At a time when too many small businesses are struggling to find access to the credit they need to hire and expand, this legislation will help ensure that Main Street entrepreneurs are better positioned to create new jobs and invest in their local communities."

The legislation passed by the House includes two key lending initiatives put forward by the Administration:

1] A Small Business Lending Fund that will provide small banks with capital and incentives to extend more credit; and

2] A State Small Business Credit Initiative to support innovative state small business programs -- many of which have been threatened by budget shortfalls.

"The lending initiatives passed today, along with the elimination of capital-gains taxes on small business investments approved by the House earlier this week, will help make certain that small businesses can play a critical role in building and sustaining our nation's economic recovery," Geithner added. "The Administration urges the Senate to take swift action on a package of measures to support small businesses, and looks forward to working closely with Congress as they move to finalize this legislation."

Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez [D-N.Y., pictured], chairwoman of the House Committee on Small Business, was pleased by yesterday's development. "As our most prolific job creators, small businesses will be central to the recovery of the U.S. economy," she said. "However, for entrepreneurs to expand and create jobs, they need access to financing. The measure we approved will make both credit and equity capital available for small firms."

While the legislation would establish a new $30 billion lending fund for community banks -- which proponents say would provide $300 billion in lending to entrepreneurs -- key changes were made during debate of the bill to ensure Main Street businesses benefit from the legislation:

* Rep. Glenn Nye [D-Va.] authored safeguards in the bill that will require banks to substantially boost their small-business lending to qualify for funds; and

* To further assist small firms, language prepared by Rep. Kurt Schrader [D-Ore.] would establish a new borrower assistance program, providing additional funds to small businesses who take out loans. The funds can be used at the entrepreneur's discretion to reduce their interest rates, defer their loan or cover monthly payments.

"Since the onset of the financial crisis, much has been done to shore up our nation's banks, but entrepreneurs' needs have gone unmet," Velázquez said. "These amendments will make sure that small businesses benefit from the current proposal, and I thank Mr. Nye and Mr. Schrader for offering them."

With the capital markets evolving, small businesses are increasingly looking beyond debt financing to equity capital to meet their financing needs. While entrepreneurs have traditionally used assets like real estate to secure loans, more and more business owners today seek financing based on their strengths; e.g., scientific expertise, research technologies, and potential for commercialization. For these firms, investment capital is a better financing solution.

To account for these economic changes, the legislation contains provisions aimed at reinvigorating investment in small start-ups. By establishing a new Small Business Early-Stage Investment Program, funds from the SBA will be paired with private capital to invest in small start-ups.

"In a world where revolutionary new products are conceived in dorm rooms and companies are born in garages, we need new ways of meeting businesses' capital needs," Velázquez noted. "The Small Business Early-Stage Investment Program recognizes this fundamental shift, taking steps to meet the capital needs of new businesses and helping them create jobs."

GoodBiz113's Take
This critical legislation is just the stimulus that U.S. small businesses need in order expand and create even more jobs for our nation's economic recovery. Kudos to Rep. Velázquez and her colleagues for propelling such far-reaching policy.

SOURCES: Community Development Venture Capital Alliance [CDVCA], Library of Congress, OpenCongress, U.S. Department of the Treasury, U.S. House Committee on Small Business, The White House
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Google's Economic Impact on U.S. Businesses in 2009: $54 Billion

This morning, in honor of National Small Business Week, Google officials were in Washington, D.C., to unveil a first-time-ever report detailing the company's economic impact in all 50 states. The company's total contribution: a whopping $54 billion.

As GoodBiz113 reported earlier this month ["Google, SBA Launch 'Tools for Online Success' Partnership"], Google has partnered with the U.S. Small Business Administration in a big way to help America's small businesses grow. This report shows that the innovative tech company has helped hundreds of businesses in every U.S. state move closer to achieving their financial goals.

"People think of Google first and foremost as a search engine, but it’s also an engine of economic growth," blogs Claire Hughes Johnson, vice president of Google's Global Online Sales [pictured]. "In our report, we’re announcing that, in 2009, we generated a total of $54 billion of economic activity for American businesses, website publishers and non-profits.

"Over the years, people have asked us whether we could quantify our economic impact on a state level, and we’re pleased to do that for the first time with this report, which you can download at google.com/economicimpact.

"In a time of tighter budgets and a slow economic recovery, we’re glad to support so many small businesses and entrepreneurs across the country by helping them find new customers more efficiently and monetize their websites through targeted advertising...

"The report is filled with really wonderful stories about the direct economic impact that AdWords, AdSense, Google Grants and our search engine have across the country. These are the stories of entrepreneurs across the country growing their businesses with Google. And, this morning, Googlers are hosting events in 10 other cities across the country -- Atlanta, Austin, Boston, Chicago, Detroit, New York, Oakland, Portland [Ore.], Raleigh and Seattle -- to help share those stories. Ladies and gentlemen, start your economic engines!"

To download a copy of the report and/or find a clickable map to see Google's economic impact in your state, go to http://www.google.com/economicimpact/.

To view a video of Ms. Johnson and Hal Varian, Google's chief economist, discussing specifics about how the company compiled numbers for its eye-opening report, go to: http://bit.ly/GoogleImpact2009.

SOURCE: Google Inc.
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President Obama Proclaims National Small Business Week 2010, Highlights Small-Business Growth and Job Creation

Calling small business the backbone of the nation’s economy, President Barack Obama [pictured] stressed his Administration’s commitment "to helping small businesses drive our economy toward recovery and long-term growth" in his proclamation of the week of May 23-29 as National Small Business Week.

The President’s proclamation was issued yesterday, prior to the U.S. Small Business Administration’s 47th annual observance of National Small Business Week in Washington, D.C. [May 23-25]. The event honors the nation’s most outstanding entrepreneurs, and features the announcement of the National Small Business Person of the Year for 2010 from among the 53 state small-business winners, including the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and Guam.

President Obama will meet with Small Business Week 2010 award winners at the White House on Tuesday, May 25.

"Small-business owners embody the spirit of entrepreneurship and strong work ethic that lie at the heart of the American dream," President Obama proclaimed. "They are the backbone of our Nation's economy, they employ tens of millions of workers, and, in the past 15 years, they have created the majority of new private-sector jobs. During Small Business Week, we reaffirm our support for America's small businesses and celebrate the proud tradition of private enterprise they represent.

"Our Nation is still emerging from one of the worst recessions in our history, and small businesses were among the hardest hit. From mom-and-pop stores to high-tech start-ups, countless small businesses have been forced to lay off employees or shut their doors entirely. In these difficult times, we must do all we can to help these firms recover from the recession and put Americans back to work. Our Government cannot guarantee a company's success, but it can help create market conditions that allow small businesses to thrive.

"My Administration is committed to helping small businesses drive our economy toward recovery and long-term growth. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act has supported billions of dollars in loans and federal contracts for small businesses across the country. The Affordable Care Act makes it easier for small-business owners to provide health insurance to their employees, and gives entrepreneurs the security they need to innovate and take risks. We have also enacted new tax cuts and tax credits for small firms. Still, we must do more to empower these companies.

"In this year's State of the Union Address, I proposed creating a $30 billion lending fund to help increase the flow of credit to small businesses, and I call on the Congress to pass this legislation quickly. My Administration is also working to extend and enhance Small Business Administration programs that have helped small-business owners acquire loans and hire workers.

"This week, we celebrate the role of entrepreneurs and small businesses in our national life. They are the engine of our prosperity and a proud reflection of our character. A healthy small-business sector will give us vibrant communities, cutting-edge technology, and an American economy that can compete and win in the 21st century."

National Small Business Week 2010 will begin with two-and-a-half days of events in Washington, D.C., at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel, where more than 100 outstanding business owners from across the country will be recognized. In addition to the State Small Business Persons of the Year, men and women involved in disaster recovery, government contracting, small-business champions, as well as SBA partners in financial and entrepreneurial development, will be honored.

A keynote address by SBA Administrator Karen Mills will highlight Monday morning’s agenda, followed by Mills hosting a town hall meeting entitled "Small Business: Driving America’s Economy." Also featured are a series of executive panel forums on innovation, exporting and social media.

Among the featured speakers confirmed are The Honorable Janet Napolitano, Secretary of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, and The Honorable RayLaHood, Secretary of Transportation. A list of other outstanding speakers -- including prominent business leaders, CEOs and politicos -- are listed with the week's full agenda at http://www.nationalsmallbusinessweek.com/.

The public can "attend" Small Business Week events virtually, via the SBA’s streaming video on the Web at http://www.NationalSmallBusinessWeek.com/.

Small Business Week 2010 sponsors and co-sponsors include: Sam’s Club, Visa, Ford, ADP, Raytheon, Cbeyond, UPS, Intuit, Google, eBay, AT&T, Northrop Grumman, Lockheed Martin, D&B, Verio, Nomadic Display, ASBDC, NADCO, NAGGL, NASE, NSBA, WIPP and SCORE.

The full text of President Obama’s Small Business Week proclamation can be found at: http://bit.ly/Proclamation2010.

To learn about Small Business Week events in your area, go to: http://bit.ly/SmallBizRegion.

To view highlights of National Small Business Week 2009 events, visit: http://bit.ly/SmallBizWeek2009.

To stay informed about SBA's efforts to simultaneously promote entrepreneurship and economic recovery, bookmark the following URL: http://bit.ly/RecoverySBA.

SOURCES: U.S. Small Business Administration, The White House
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