| News for small and independent businesses |  |
- NFIB supports bailout though business owners dislike it
While some small-business owners are opposed to the government's bailing out Wall Street, NFIB is supporting the bailout because credit is so critical to keeping shops open. "Sometimes, businesses have to access a line of credit to meet payroll," said Tony Gagliardi, NFIB/Colorado. Still, Lisa D'Alessio, owner of a Denver liquor store, points out that the government would not bail out her business if it were at risk. KMGH-TV (Denver)
(9/30)      
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Americans hate bailout, but alternative would be costly: While many Americans are unhappy with the idea of the government bailing out the financial market, the continued withdrawal of credit for everything from small-business loans to car loans remains threatened. "No one, least of all small-business owners, is happy that this bailout is necessary," NFIB said in a statement Monday before the House rejected the bailout. "They did not create this mess. ... But they understand that their ability to access credit to grow their business, send their kids to college, and save for retirement depends upon stability in financial markets." The Christian Science Monitor
(10/1)
- Stimulus tax breaks will soon expire
Businesses have to buy new equipment or furniture soon to take advantage of tax incentives approved by Congress for this year only. The Economic Stimulus Act doubled the write-off for purchases this year and allowed an extra 50% depreciation. NYTimes.com
(9/30)
- Small stores can compete on knowledge, service
While they can't compete with big-box stores on price this Christmas season, small retailers have the advantage of knowing their customers and offering top-notch service. With a bleak shopping season on the horizon, they should consider offering affinity discounts to encourage longtime customers to spend more while keeping inventories and staffing lean. Bloomberg Businessweek
(9/23)
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- Accountant, banker offer advice on credit issues
 BusinessWeek columnist Karen E. Klein talks to Alex Grinewicz at Columbia Bank in Fair Lawn, N.J., and Nick Florio at accounting firm Citrin Cooperman in New York City about loans and interest rates. Grinewicz and Florio offer their thoughts on tighter credit standards facing small businesses seeking loans, whether refinancing makes sense and how to cope with declining profits. Bloomberg Businessweek
(9/30)
- 5 warning signs of an at-risk business
As the economy has weakened, experts say many entrepreneurs have had difficulty knowing when to walk away from their dream without losing everything they have. Hagop Bedoyan, a business law expert in Fresno, Calif., points to five warning signs that a business is at risk: sleep disorder, threat of lawsuit over failing to meet obligations, liens, chronic cash flow problems and inability to meet payroll. MSNBC
(9/26)
| Regulatory & Legal | | |
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- Small business under pressure from tighter credit
Fewer options for cash are available now than three months ago when banks began imposing tougher standards on credit for small businesses. "If you think you might have a cash crunch, you should act now," says Todd McCracken, president of the National Small Business Association. McCracken said it may be better to have cash on hand even if it means an increase in spending because of interest on borrowed funds. NYTimes.com
(9/30)
- Critics eye new SBA plan for women-owned businesses
The SBA has submitted its new proposal for its procurement program for women-owned firms, but critics say it still blocks women from competing fairly for government contracts. "This is just a Hail Mary pass by the SBA that does not reflect the will of Congress," said U.S. Women's Chamber of Commerce CEO Margot Dorfman. "The SBA has thrown out years of work to find data that they like. ... This is just a stall tactic." Government Executive
(9/30)
| NFIB News | | |
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Are you an early voter?
 This week's NFIB political poll asks whether you plan to vote early (if your state allows it) and asks your opinion about whether your vote makes a difference in the elections. Please visit www.NFIB.com/politics to take the three-question poll and immediately see how others have responded. A new slate of questions will be posted every Wednesday until Election Day.
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