New York SBDC Research Network

Several 2007 NAICS industries have been realigned into new 2012 industries . The 2012 NAICS also includes a comprehensive review of the manufacturing sector. This has resulted in the consolidation of over 20% of the total number of manufacturing industries from 2007. For specific examples of this change as well as other changes for 2012, see the 2012 to 2007 NAICS Concordance on the NAICS website. Alternative energy has been expanded (2012 first, then 2007) 221114 Solar Electric Power Generation 221119 Other Electric Power Generation - solar electric power generation 221115 Wind Electric Power Generation 221119 Other Electric Power Generation - wind electric power generation 221116 Geothermal Electric Power Generation 221119 Other Electric Power Generation - geothermal electric power generation 221117 Biomass Electric Power Generation 221119 Other Electric Power Generation - biomass electric power generation 221118 Other Electric Power Generation 221119 Other Electric Power Ge

From MoneyWatch : For a number of years, it appeared that teleworking was in ascendancy; more and more businesses were allowing employees to work one day a week or more from home, and data suggested that this led to increased productivity, less traffic congestion, and improved morale. Recently, though, a few large companies have done an about face. As was recently reported, Yahoo is one of the most high profile businesses to bring all of its employees in from home. If you were planning to pitch a telecommute agreement to your manager, don't worry. These could well be anomalies -- not a new trend -- and equipped with the right business case, you might be able to persuade your company to allow you to work from home one or more days a week.

To help you identify what government financing programs may be available to help you start or expand your business, use SBA's “Loans and Grants Search Tool”. Note: Although SBA does not provide grants to start or grow a business, certain grants do exist for very specific groups, organizations, or activities – such as businesses involved in scientific research and development. More from SBA .

From the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance Office of Counsel Advisory Opinion Unit The Department of Taxation and Finance received a Petition for Advisory Opinion from [the name and address redacted]. Petitioner asks whether its membership application fee and dues for business entities and individuals to become and remain members of Petitioner are subject to sales tax. Based on the facts presented, Petitioner’s membership application fee and dues are not dues of a social or athletic club and are not subject to State or local sales tax imposed by section 1105(f)(2) of the Tax Law.

Small businesses say tools such as online surveys and loyalty tracking systems are most effective at engaging existing customers, whereas daily deals and Internet ads seem more effective at attracting new customers, according to a survey from Constant Contact. The small business owners surveyed said online surveys (60%) are the top tool for engaging existing customers. Loyalty or frequent-shopper tracking systems ranked second (56%), followed by customer relationship management (CRM) tools (46%), and email marketing (45%). Read more at MarketingProfs .

From HERE : Gov. Andrew Cuomo issued an executive order Monday requiring state agencies to catalogue data and take steps to make it public on the website: open.ny.gov . The site was first announced in February. “Open.ny.gov creates unprecedented transparency across all levels of government and gives the people user-friendly access to vast quantities of information on our State,” Cuomo said in a statement. “This new website will dramatically increase public access to one of our most valuable assets—data. As it expands and evolves over time, Open.ny.gov will spark innovation, improve efficiency, promote accountability and bring the people back into government.” Thirty agencies are already participating, including the State University of New York and the Department of Health. The state Education Department is preparing to display data on the site.

IRS publications: #552 Recordkeeping for Individuals #583 Starting a Business & Keeping Records #463 Travel Entertainment, Gift, and Car Expenses IRS videos Small Business Taxpayer