Small Talk

Some small businesses accommodate World Cup fever

A t Kilkenny House, workers are peering out of the kitchen, catching glimpses of World Cup games on the restaurant’s TV screens. At Edmunds.com, employees and their bosses are gathered in a large room to watch.Many small business owners are...... Full story

Laid-off workers who can’t find jobs start businesses

W hen Darren Drewitz was laid off in February, his first move was to start looking for another advertising agency job. He couldn’t find one. Instead, Drewitz began getting offers for freelance work. Four months later, he has become something...... Full story

Tax law may make more businesses go high-tech

Tucked away in the health care overhaul bill that became law this year was a provision that will require small business owners to keep better records of what they buy. They’ll also have to report some purchases to the government. This new law...... Full story

Companies get SBA loans after oil spill, storms

T housands of small business owners across the South are turning to the federal government for financial help following the oil spill in the Gulf and last month’s devastating tornadoes and floods. The Small Business Administration’s...... Full story

Businesses may need to get tax filing extensions

With April 15 not far off, many small business owners will get six-month extensions of the deadline to file their income tax returns. This year, the procrastinators have company as the economy makes tax issues more complicated for everyone. Changes...... Full story

Small business disaster prep includes insurance

Joyce M. Rosenberg

S mall business owners are getting some reminders this month that the forces of nature can threaten a company’s survival. And that they need to be sure their businesses are well protected against a variety of disasters. A storm in the...... Full story

Plan before your trade show

It can be a daunting experience: running your small company’s booth at a trade show for the first time.Or, trying to navigate a noisy, overcrowded exhibition hall as you look for products or services to boost your company’s sales. As...... Full story

Business owners can avoid common tax time pitfalls

Small business owners who compile their own income tax returns can find themselves falling into some common quicksand pits. The mistakes can be costly if they raise a company’s tax bill unnecessarily or subject it to penalties and...... Full story

Business travel deductions: Tempting but complex

You’re planning a vacation, and thinking about taking some time during your trip to see a client. Maybe you can get a big tax deduction? Well, maybe not. Many small business owners find the deduction for travel expenses to be one of the most...... Full story

Business entertainment deductions: Fun but complex

Taking a client out for lunch is one of the most basic business activities there is. And it’s one that can run a small business owner afoul of the IRS. There has been a tug of war for years between the government and businesses over...... Full story

Home is where your small business tax deduction is

Many people who received buyouts and severance packages last year used the money to start home-based businesses. Now, they’ll want to take tax deductions for their home offices. The deduction for using part of your home for business purposes...... Full story

Winter can chill office and cash flow

T his winter’s long cold snap has made people across the country miserable. Many small business owners are going to feel even worse when they see their heating bills. The added expense of keeping businesses warm when the temperature dives...... Full story

Entrepreneurs start companies in a recession

While much of the business world struggled with cutbacks and layoffs during 2009, many people saw opportunity. Undaunted by the recession, they started their own companies. Entrepreneurs are by and large an optimistic lot, with faith in their ideas...... Full story

Business owners are making New Year’s resolutions

Small business owners aren’t just putting together budgets and sales projections as 2010 approaches: Like the rest of us, they’re making some New Year’s resolutions. These goals aren’t about losing weight or exercising more....... Full story

It’s never too late: There’s still time for tax planning

Although there are just a few days left in 2009, small business owners still have time to squeeze in a few tax breaks. Making a last-minute equipment purchase or paying your estimated state taxes early can shave some money off your bill. A...... Full story