New York SBDC Research Network

WASHINGTON— Small businesses rebuilding in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy will get both immediate and long-term help laying a foundation for economic recovery and resiliency thanks to expanded services funded by a $19 million emergency appropriation. Small businesses can take advantage of free expanded counseling, training and technical assistance from the U.S. Small Business Administration’s resource partners—the Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs), SCORE, and Women’s Business Centers (WBCs). “This is yet another example of placing proven, effective tools in the hands of America’s small business owners who are recovering from Hurricane Sandy,” said SBA Administrator Karen Mills. “SBA’s extensive resource partner network continues to play a critical role in fostering economic development in those hard-hit areas, and I’m pleased those resources will be made accessible on a broader scale to help those who need it most.” Funding was made available as part of a package appro

So says the Chamber of Commerce first quarter 2013 Small Business Outlook Study [PDF] : - 70% say their business is headed in the right direction - 79% say the US economy is in the wrong direction - 20% say they will add employees in the next two years - 44% cite economic uncertainty as the top threat to their business - 24% say the small business climate has improved the last two years - 77% say higher energy prices are an "immediate" threat to their business

From the New York Times : I remember learning in business school that business is supposed to be rational and efficient. Markets sort themselves out, supply and demand curves eventually intersect, and spreadsheets and algorithms lead to smart decision making. In my life as a loan broker, however, it often seems as if the opposite is true. Every day, as I work with small-business owners, I make decisions that are at least partially emotional. And this is particularly tough, because I know that sometimes small-business owners may take my guidance as the last word on whether they can expect to obtain capital, which may affect their dreams and livelihoods, as well as other people’s jobs. So somewhere I have to find a balance between rational decision making and my own moral compass.

From the Harvard Business Review : Moody, erratic, eccentric, and arrogant? Perhaps — but you can't just get rid of them. In fact, unless you learn to get the best out of your creative employees, you will sooner or later end up filing for bankruptcy. Conversely, if you just hire and promote people who are friendly and easy to manage, your firm will be mediocre at best. Suppressed creativity is a malign organizational tumour. Although every organization claims to care about innovation, very few are willing to do what it takes to keep their creative people happy, or at least, productive. So what are the keys to engaging and retaining creative employees? [Not that I'd agree with #5, unless Wall Street brokers were paid likewise.]

None of us like to think about a disaster hitting our business. But the reality is that it could happen. There’s nowhere in the world where we can get away from weather disasters like hurricanes, tornadoes, fires, floods and lightning storms, to name a few. Even if you do live in paradise (where is that?), there’s always the chance that your technology could decide to stop working. Ever had a panicky moment with a green screen of death on your computer? I have. It wasn’t a pretty. And if your business is home based, you could lose both your home and your business in one swoop — in a single disaster. Oh, the horror! So that means you need to be ready . Visit the Mobile Apps Gallery to find government apps and mobile websites on a variety of topics. Here are just a few of the many apps you'll find: • Tornado - If a tornado warning is issued for your location, an alarm will sound, even when the app is closed. (available for iPhone and Android) • CDC Mobile App - Ge

Sole proprietors currently can self-insure through regular health insurance companies, through Healthy New York , through organizations like the local Chamber of Commerce or another business association, or through groups like SSA ( Support Services Alliance ). Theoretically, all states will be setting up health care exchanges by 2014 to offer a variety of options, though some may opt for the federal exchange. Here’s the link to the Affordable Health Care Act as it relates to a sole proprietor with no employees . Here’s an article from the Wall Street Journal online : Q. What if I am a one-person business? A. The impact for sole-proprietors and others with no employees will be much like the impact on individuals. For people in this group, the crux of the 2014 rollout is the individual mandate, which requires all U.S. citizens and legal residents to have health coverage or pay a penalty. You, as a one-person business, would buy insurance through your state's benefits exch

A dramatic drop in U.S. exports during the 2008-2009 financial crisis and Great Recession stimulated interest in investigating the relationship between trade finance and small business exports. This research examines how and why the tightening of credit affects small firm exporters. Should you need further information, please feel free to contact Dr. Jules Lichtenstein at (202) 205-6533 or advocacy@sba.gov.