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Thursday, February 10, 2011 As of 6:46 PM EST
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Technology

'B-to-B's Struggle on Facebook
Small 'business-to-business' companies are trying their hand at marketing on sites like Facebook, but some find social media might not be the best way to connect with their target audience.

Small Talk
We answer questions on choosing a company name, creating an iPhone application and raising funds online.
Web Watch
A look at useful sites for entrepreneurs—everything from finding financing to organizing your contacts online.
Social-Media Blitz Is Sweet for Bakery
New York's Spot Dessert has been holding contests on Facebook and offering discounts to people who "like" the place—and that's just the beginning.
The Battle Against Slow Payers
Small companies are using a host of online options to make billing and payment as easy—and inescapable—as possible. Some are even trying to head off problems before they arise by checking potential clients' credit history over the Web.
Supporting Solo Entrepreneurs
Growing numbers of Americans are striking out on their own as solo entrepreneurs. And a whole industrial complex has sprung up to support them, with everything from temporary offices to online services.
How Do Entrepreneurial Couples Make It Work?

Nothing can be quite as romantic as a couple that labors together over a small business. Or quite as acrimonious.
Small Companies Look to Cloud
Entrepreneurs Seek Input From Outsiders
Sell on YouTube ... Without a Video
Expanding Overseas
Working Remotely
Finding Financing
Franchises and the Law
Monitoring the Monitors
'Perhaps, Though, a Lack of Money Isn't the Obstacle You Think It Is'
A Guide to Online Marketing Tools
Getting Customers to 'Check In' With Foursquare
Expanding Banking in India
Social Media Draws a Crowd
More

Getting Customers to 'Check In' With Foursquare
Small-business owners try the latest free marketing tools: location-based social networks such as Foursquare, Brightkite, Gowalla, Loopt, Whrrl and review heavyweight Yelp.
Baidu's CEO Pursues Growth
Robin Li, CEO of search engine Baidu, is looking to develop other revenue streams, including overseas and from ads on content pages created by Baidu or partners.
- Video: Interview With Robin Li
Social Media Draws a Crowd
As more and more advertising dollars flow into social media, some Madison Avenue firms are seeking to grab a piece of the action. But it will be a tough fight as the space is overrun with companies seeking to own the segment.
Facebook Currency Rankles Some
Facebook's new online currency has rankled some game developers who say it comes with high fees and creates competition for their own virtual payment methods.
Using Social Networking as Legal Tool
Law firms say they are turning to the Web to develop evidence for suits and market themselves to potential clients.
Using Social Media for Sales
After learning how to market themselves through tweets and status updates, some small companies are selling directly to consumers via social-networking sites.
- Vote: Is e-commerce compatible with Facebook?
Technology for the Solo Entrepreneur
These devices and software offerings make it easier than ever for freelancers to work on their own.
Curbing Cyberslacking at Work
From instant messenger to social-media sites, small-business owners have much to contend with when it comes to workplace productivity.
- Vote: How is your work computer use clocked?
With Cloud, Microsoft Ups Ante for Small Business
With the launch of Office Web Apps, the software giant offers a rival to Google Docs – and a new cloud-computing choice for business owners.
- Vote: Do you use 'cloud computing?'

WSJ Startup Calculator

Starting a business is more expensive than you might think. Have you thought through the assets you need? How about monthly expenses?

Use this startup calculator to figure out the true costs of launching a company. How much do you think it will take to open your business?

From Palo Alto Software, the makers of Business Plan Pro

With inspiration from the Better Business Bureau

Building Your Business

Audits Add Shine to Firms
Small businesses whose books are audited by a hired certified public accountant improve their chances of getting a loan than businesses with less scrutinized financial statements.
Requirements Rise for Franchise Buying
Legal Advice…on a Budget

Franchising

Curves Loses Stamina, Closes Clubs
Curves, whose 30-minute workout for women once made it among the world's fastest-growing franchises, seems to be running out of steam.
Sam's Club to Offer Loans Up to $25,000
Have It Whose Way?

Financing

For Family, Payback Sometimes Slow
Entrepreneurs have long tapped family for help in launching new businesses, but recent data suggest that friends and family may be less willing to take such a gamble on their loved ones.
Start-Ups on a Shoestring
Slow Gains In Credit For Small Business

Small Business How-To Guide

How to Decide if Entrepreneurship is Right for You
Starting a business is a lot like becoming a parent. Not only do you have to prepare for your start-up emotionally and financially, but you have to be committed to its constant needs until it's mature enough to hum along on its own. And even then (much like a child) it will always need you in some capacity, no matter how old it gets.
How to Create a Disaster Plan
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Sample Business Plans

Over 100 sample plans to help create a great business plan of your own.

From Palo Alto Software, the makers of Business Plan Pro

Business Plan Starter

Learn the fundamentals of writing a business plan.

Develop a Business Model
Define your Target Market
Identify your Competition
Refine your Message

From Palo Alto Software, the makers of Business Plan Pro

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Small Business Video

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Industry News from

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Banks, Retailers to Face Off Over Fed's Debit-Card Rule
Financial firms, at a Capitol Hill hearing Thursday, will urge lawmakers to block the Federal Reserve from moving forward on a plan to limit the debit-card processing fees banks charge retailers, the latest move in their persistent battle against the nation's merchants.
Subscriber Content Read Preview

Philip Morris Sues China-Based Websites
Philip Morris USA sued seven China-based Internet retailers for allegedly selling fake Marlboros to California consumers.
Subscriber Content Read Preview

Abercrombie & Fitch Profit Jumps
Retailer Abercrombie & Fitch's profit nearly doubled on strong sales overseas and better U.S. results.
View more in Retailing

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