Small Business

Amazon can be and often is a good marketplace for small businesses, but there are competitors who game the system to cut the legs out from under a rival, resulting in that rival’s immediate suspension from Amazon—bringing a sudden halt to what is often substantial sales. Getting the problem fixed by dealing directly with a live human at Amazon is next to impossible to achieve, and victimized small businesses find their sales on the site, which may be the vast majority of their business, have come to a screeching halt.

The U. S. Department of Energy has earmarked up to $37 million in grants for small businesses to conduct energy-related research and development. Here's the DOE announcement:

Start-up professional-service businesses need customers fast, but at the same time have limited marketing funds. A few small business owners share what they found to be effective, yet low cost, marketing campaigns.

Marketing is a primary concern for new professional-services firms. A recent Kabbage^® survey showed more business owners wished they’d spent more money on marketing in years one through four in business than those who wished they’d spent more on payroll, rent, inventory and equipment combined.

The Small Business Administration has a guide on their website to create a plan to transfer ownership, sell, or close your business. They suggest that you get qualified advice and know what to do to tie up loose ends.

Are you thinking about starting a small business? SBA Administrator Linda McMahon shares her tip in this 25-second video.

Too many small business owners don't have a grasp of their financial numbers. This can't be good for business. Dave Erickson, director and certified business advisor at Angelo State University’s Small Business Development Center in Texas, tackles this head on. SBDCs, an SBA program, are found throughout the U.S.

Dave begins:

A good way to call positive attention to your small business is to write a book. If well done, it's an avenue to new and stronger connections. If you think you're up to the challenge and would enjoy the project, here are some points to consider before you get started.

As a small business owner, you might struggle to recruit loyal customers, especially in the beginning. There are many ways to market your business and products or services, but one way to achieve a connection with your community is by sharing your thoughts and experiences with them.