New York SBDC Research Network

U.S. business spending on new and used structures and equipment rose 4.5 percent, from $1,423.6 billion in 2012 to $1,488.2 billion in 2013, according to the latest economic data released today by the U.S. Census Bureau. These findings come from the 2013  Annual Capital Expenditures Survey , which provides statistics on capital spending for new and used structures and equipment by U.S. nonfarm businesses with and without paid employees. This survey, conducted annually since 1994, is an integral part of the federal government’s effort to improve and supplement ongoing statistical economic programs.

No doubt, there are probably quite a few regulatory and administrative items on your new business checklist – getting a permit, registering your business name and more (check out these 10 steps to starting a business for a useful reference point). One of the key requirements for most new businesses (or businesses that are restructuring) is obtaining an Employer Identification Number, or EIN, from the IRS. Here’s what you need to know about EINs and how to go about getting one for your business. An EIN is a unique nine-digit number that identifies your business for tax purposes. Think of it as the business equivalent of a social security number (although it shouldn’t be used in place of it). As a business owner, you’ll need an EIN to open a business bank account, apply for business licenses and file your tax returns. It’s a good idea to apply for one as soon as you start planning your business. This will ensure there are no delays in getting the appropriate licenses or financing

From SmallBusinessNewz : No matter how small or "old fashioned" a small business is, it is vital that the owners stay informed of technology advancements because it impacts consumer behavior. A few of the technology trends to keep track of in the coming year Internet of Things. Wi-Fi technology will soon take everyday items like appliances, TV sets, and more through the next wave in connectedness: The Internet of Things, or IoT . The general concept is that all of these IoT-enabled will create a "smart" network all on their own by pinging off of each other.

The Office of Advocacy released Small Business Profiles for the States and Territories, the annual snapshots of state-level small business activity. The profiles report on the number of small firms, employment, and owner demographics. They also list each state’s top small business industries by number of firms and number of employees. The profiles cover the 50 states, the District of Columbia, and the United States. They also provide limited information on the U.S. territories. In addition to the profiles, detailed state data is available on Advocacy’s website. To access the book of all small business profiles or any of the individual states, visit www.sba.gov/advocacy/small-business-profiles-states-and-territories-2014 . For more information about the Office of Advocacy, visit our website at www.sba.gov/advocacy or telephone (202) 205-6533. 

Find MANY informational links to ACA program , including: Affordable Care Act Legal Guidance and Other Resources Health Care Tax Tips, Flyers, Publications, Trifolds and Additional Materials YouTube Videos, Podcasts and Webinars Social Media News Releases Fact Sheets Legal Guidance – Announcements Legal Guidance – Regulations and Treasury Decisions Legal Guidance – Notices, Revenue Procedures and Revenue Rulings

 The U.S. Department of Labor announced a proposal to clarify federal contractors' requirements to prohibit sex discrimination. The recommended changes would revise the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs' guidelines to align with laws, court decisions and societal changes since they were originally issued in 1970. "Our sex discrimination guidelines are woefully out of date and don't reflect established law or the reality of modern workplaces," said OFCCP Director  Patricia A. Shiu . "We owe it to the working women of America — and their families — to fix this regulatory anachronism so there is no confusion about how federal contractors must comply with their equal opportunity obligations."

Small Business Taxes: The Virtual Workshop was designed to help the new business owner, understand and meet federal tax obligations. This workshop is constructed so that the first three lessons... What You Need to Know about Federal Taxes and Your New Business, What You Need to Know about Schedule C and Other Small Business Taxes and Tax Forms; And How to File and Pay Your Taxes Electronically are for everyone, no matter what kind of business you have or whether you have employees. Then, in What You Need to Know When You Run Your Business Out of Your Home and How to Set Up a Retirement Plan for You and Your Employees, there will be discussed some information that may be relevant to you now-- or that may become relevant once your business has become established. The final four lessons... What You Need to Know about Federal Taxes when Hiring Employees or Independent Contractors, How to Manage Payroll so You Withhold the Correct Amount from Employees, How to Make Tax Deposits and F