New York SBDC Research Network

An invitation, once again, to follow the NYS SBDC on Twitter like these folks (as of 3/30/2009, 10 a.m.): Get your twitter mosaic here. *** Recent Twitter-related tweets that interested me (NOT from the nys_sbdc feed): RT @WNYT RT @nytimes: When Stars Twitter, Ghost May Be Lurking re: celebrities who use ghost writers for Twitter WSJ: Facebook Generation vs. the Fortune 500 - "Power comes from sharing information, not hoarding it" 2nd definition of twit in American Heritage Dictionary: a reproach, gibe or taunt. If newspapers are the 1st draft of history, then Twitter is the reporter's notepad.

Following last weeks' topic, this blog will also be dedicated to the Economic Stimulus Package and how the monies will impact small businesses. Below are the links to multiple articles that discuss the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) and Small Businesses. Press Release: SBA Applauds Stimulus Bill, Planning Underway For Broadest, Quickest Small Business Impact - This release highlights the SBA's key initiatives that have been impacted by ARRA, including a 90% loan guarantee, deferred payment business sabilization loans, and more. The 2009 American Recovery and Reintestment Act Tax Provisions for Individuals, Businesses, and Other Key Items of Interest - A summary of the major tax provisions that were included in the act, about halfway down the page is a section titled "Tax Provisions Affecting Businesses". BBB Explains Stimulus Package Benefits for Small-Business Owners - A summary provided by the Eastern North Carolina BBB that highlights sev

As if small business owners didn't have enough to worry about already, along comes this article that proclaims cyberthieves are targeting them more and more. Small businesses that choose to collect and store on their own credit card data for online sales are the specific target. It cites studies that show how small business owners lack the time and human resources to implement antivirus software, or utilize encryption software, or develop a cybersecurity plan in general. The article suggests not to give up online retail as a business strategy, but rather to rely on third-party vendors to collect and protect credit card information. To me, that sounds like both sound advice, as well as a time-saver.