10 Ways to Avoid a Tax Audit

Firms With Collateral Gain an Edge

Collateral is helping small businesses grab the attention of banks as they begin to loosen their purse strings. But companies will need more than collateral to seal the deal.

When It's Time to Take On Help

While most businesses start out as solo enterprises, few can afford to stay that way. At some point taking on help -- whether it's temporary telecommuters or full-timers -- is vital to a young company's survival.

• Vote: Do you plan to hire in the next six months?

Small Firms Key, Bernanke Says

The U.S. economy looks to be in better shape, but a full recovery will only be achieved once small firms begin to prosper, Bernanke said.

• Vote: Are things improving for small businesses?
• FDIC Watch

Pet Franchise Seeks New Customer: The Cat Owner

DoodyCalls, a waste-removal franchisor, is looking to scoop up new business by targeting feline lovers.

Good News for Junk-Mail Senders

The U.S. Postal Service now allows marketers to send mail to every home, business and post office box on a city delivery route. Forget about exact names and addresses.

Small Businesses May Be Growing Again

It's no wonder the recovery has been so anemic, writes MarketWatch columnist Rex Nutting: The U.S. economy has been trying to run on one leg.

Small Companies Look to Cloud

A growing number of small-business owners are expected to try cloud computing services next year, hoping to trim costs and stay up and running if disaster strikes.

• Vote: Does your company use cloud computing services?

Franchise Industry Shows Glimmer of Recovery

Franchise businesses in most sectors are expected to add more store units and employees this year, according to new reports.

10 Reasons to Start a Business This Year

Here are 10 good reasons to take the plunge this January instead of procrastinating until 2012.

Business Owners Strive for a Better 2011

Entrepreneurs often resolve to enhance their business or take it to a new level. Here's how some owners are planning to meet those goals this year.

Outlook for Small Businesses in 2011

After years of gloom, the clouds could lift a little for small businesses in 2011, though improvements are expected to be only marginal.

Five Tips for Managing Your To-Do List

How entrepreneurs can turn a task list into a productive, money-making machine.

Management Flubs Made by Rookie Bosses

Supervising employees is difficult job for many business owners to master. Here's a look at leadership mistakes entrepreneurs confess to having made—and how you can avoid them.

Clean-Tech Start-Ups Eye Funding Shift

Clean-tech entrepreneurs are eyeing an expected shift in the Department of Energy's loan guarantee program from big solar and wind projects to emerging technologies, like carbon capture.