Obama: Big banks that got big bailout bucks should step up their lending to small businesses

WASHINGTON — Big banks that got big bailout bucks should return the favor by lending more to qualified small businesses, President Barack Obama says.

Obama says banks should lend more money to small businesses to help spur recovery, create jobs

WASHINGTON — Banks should return the favor they received in their recent taxpayer-financed bailout by lending more money to small businesses, President Barack Obama said Saturday.

Small business are partying, but big events with DJs are out, simple affairs with iPods are in

NEW YORK — With Thanksgiving and the start of the holiday season weeks away, many small business owners are planning holiday parties for employees and clients despite the still wobbly economy. But the celebrations are expected to be low-key, frugal and, some say, much more fun.

Obama announces help for small businesses in effort to refocus bailout plan

LANDOVER, Md. — President Barack Obama unveiled plans Wednesday to refocus spending of the government’s $700 billion financial bailout away from Wall Street’s big financial institutions and toward small businesses on Main Street.

Obama to announce help for small businesses in effort to refocus bailout plan

LANDOVER, Md. — President Barack Obama says the government’s $700 billion financial bailout is shifting away from Wall Street giants and toward small businesses on Main Street.

President seeks to give credit financially and politically with SBA plan, Corzine fundraiser

WASHINGTON — President Barack Obama will spend part of Wednesday seeking to give credit — both financially and politically.

New breed of Home Economics focuses on careers instead of homemaking

HOUSTON — In just 40 minutes, Cafe Mirabeau would fill with hungry patrons — and every dish needed to be delectable, every plate a model of perfect presentation.

Move over Mary Kay! NJ candidate makes living selling sex toys at Tupperware-style parties

TRENTON, N.J. — A lot of small business owners run for the Legislature, but one New Jersey candidate can tout a unique entrepreneurial experience: hosting sex-toy parties.

Upper hand: Weak rental market gives small business owners leverage in talks with landlords

NEW YORK — While small businesses are still struggling in this weak economy, many are catching a break when it comes to negotiating with landlords.

Morale boost: Small business owners try talking, paying, partying to lift employee spirits

NEW YORK — As Bart Cleveland talks to employees of his ad agency, he sees the strain.

October angst: Small business owners face tax deadline with some in disarray, some can’t pay

NEW YORK — These are anxious times for some small business owners who face an Oct. 15 due date for their 2008 income tax returns. These owners got extensions of the deadline for filing their returns back in April but aren’t ready to file. Or, they can’t pay the government the money they owe.

Federal officials issue guidelines to help small businesses weather swine flu

WASHINGTON — Federal officials said Monday small business owners should be prepared to operate with fewer employees this fall as swine flu spreads across the country.

Cyber criminals increasingly target small businesses; Feds beef up private cooperation

WASHINGTON — Cyber criminals are increasingly targeting small and medium-sized businesses that don’t have the resources to keep updating their computer security, according to federal authorities.

Like consumers, small businesses are starting to get upbeat about economy

NEW YORK — Small business owners are joining consumers and investors in showing some cautious optimism about the economy.

Among the millions of jobless people, a few are also running their own businesses

PORTLAND, Ore. — Until this summer, salesman Jorge Ocampo had always been what he calls a W-2 man. Proof was the Mercedes he bought with cash. But he had always longed to be his own boss.

Time to invest? Businesses should consider retirement plans as stocks rise, tax dates near

NEW YORK — Like many investors, small business owners may be wondering if this is a good time to go into the stock market. For those with employees, the debate may extend to whether it’s the right time to set up company-sponsored retirement plans.

Tax deadlines can be planning opportunity, not bureaucratic headache, for small businesses

NEW YORK — With a pair of tax deadlines approaching, small business owners have a chance to turn some bureaucratic requirements into a planning opportunity for the rest of 2009.

You have an hour to prepare for a disaster? You can save your company’s most valuable assets

NEW YORK — There’s a brush fire bearing down on your small business. You’ve been told you have one hour to evacuate — which means you have one hour to come up with and execute a disaster preparation plan.

With credit tight, Federal Reserve extends consumer lending program through March

WASHINGTON — With banks limiting the availability of auto, student and other consumer loans, the Federal Reserve said Monday it would extend a program intended to help spur more lending at low rates.

Small businesses anxious about costs of government’s new lead-safety rules to keep kids safe

WASHINGTON — Tighter limits on the amount of lead the government allows in children’s products and a requirement for new tracking labels are stirring fear among small business owners, already hurting in a tough economy.

Phones ring, orders start flowing in _ small businesses are showing signs of recovery

NEW YORK — At one small company, the phone is ringing more often, while another is getting business again from retailers who canceled orders last year. And at an inn, reservations are coming in for the busy season.