Home Community How Do I ... ? Find loans or grants Start a home-based business Register a business name Search or register a corporation Obtain a business license Get info on employment laws Bid on government contracts Get more answers Join Us on ... Twitter Facebook LinkedIn YouTube | This Week's Highlight Business.gov Makes Public Data More Accessible Through Web Services You may have heard the terms web service, API, mashup, and dataset. There has been a lot of talk about these because of the recent Open Government Directive (OGD) that the Office of Management and Budget released in December. The directive was in response to President Obama’s call for transparency and open government when he first took office in early 2009. But what does the OGD have to do with web services? And what are they anyway? Read more... Recent Articles in the Community Small Business Matters Going Beyond the Hype, Managing the Risk and Finding the Right Franchise Opportunity for You Becoming a franchisee is just as risky as starting your own independent business, if not more. Getting started is going to require quite a bit of research, planning, and due diligence to get you beyond the hype and misleading claims of franchiser marketing. With a picture of the "harsh realities" of franchise ownership in your back pocket, take the next step by building a picture your own readiness to become a franchisee. Assess potential franchise opportunities; and equip yourself with an understanding of what the law can do to ensure your interests are protected. Here is a collection of expert advice to help you on your way. Read more... Tax Law Changes for 2010 – What’s New for Your Small Business Tax laws often define and support your small business investment and growth strategies. So, it's important to take stock now, and assess how your business can comply with, and benefit from the changes that apply to the 2010 tax year. Here is a summary of the major changes in federal income tax law that can impact your business in 2010. Read more... Business Law Advisor Dress Code Policies Regardless of industry, almost all businesses with employees have some form of a dress code policy. When creating a dress code policy for your business, apply your policy equally to all employees. Unfair dress code policies are considered discriminatory and can be grounds for a lawsuit. Read more... Small Business Cents What Happens When I Default on a Business Loan? Can't pay back your loans on time? A loan default is the failure to meet the financial obligations indicated in the loan agreement that is signed by you and your lender. Here is some information about the financial repercussions of defaulting and how to make the best of the situation. Read more... The Industry Word How Do I Know If I Qualify for a Loan? The last two years have been a perfect storm of tightened credit standards and the economy negatively impacting small business P&L statements. The result… fewer businesses "qualifying" for credit. Here are a few things you MUST know if you are going to be able to break this credit strangle hold. Read more... 10 Businesses You Can Start With Little Capital Here are 10 businesses with potential for growth in 2010 and beyond that require little startup capital. In many cases they can be run out of a home office. Most require minimal equipment beyond a computer, phone, printer, a few tools, and perhaps your car or truck. You won't need advanced degrees or highly specialized training beyond what you may already have or can learn on the job. Read more... | For More Topics, Visit the Discussion Boards: | |