(J. Scott Applewhite / AP)

Obamacare’s small business exchange delayed again

Officials have announced that the employer exchange — which was supposed to be ready in October, then November — will not be functional until November 2014.

OSB HEADLINES

A cabinet seat, collecting dust

A cabinet seat, collecting dust

Nine months later, White House officials won’t say whether they are even looking for a new SBA leader.

What startups want from Congress

What startups want from Congress

Here’s what entrepreneurs say policymakers could do to help them expand their firms and create jobs.

What to get small business owners

What to get small business owners

We asked local business owners what’s on their wish lists this year.

Small firms losing health plans, too

Small firms losing health plans, too

One business owner tells lawmakers she doesn’t need a plan that covers alcohol abuse — well, for now.

Shielding small firms, at a high cost

Shielding small firms, at a high cost

A new study shows how a safeguard for small sellers could undermine online sales tax legislation.

High hopes for small shopping day

High hopes for small shopping day

Many local shopkeepers are trying to get a head start on what is shaping up to be a slow holiday season.

Hoilday cheer absent this season

Hoilday cheer absent this season

Heading into the busiest shopping season of the year, the mood on Main Street is anything but jolly.

New delay for Maryland’s exchange

New delay for Maryland’s exchange

Its employer exchange was supposed to open in October. Then January. Now, we are told it will launch in April.

THE ROUNDUP

Health plans, nixed and ditched

Health plans, nixed and ditched

A review of the biggest small-business news last week.

SMALL BUSINESS ADVICE

Don’t wait on these tax breaks

Don’t wait on these tax breaks

A look at four of the most important business tax breaks that are slated to expire at the end of the year.

How to break into gov’t contracting

How to break into gov’t contracting

One expert offers four important tips to small business owners hoping to sell to the federal government.

How to prepare for long-term growth

How to prepare for long-term growth

Don’t wait until you have a viable product on the market to start planning for its potential success.

Navigating new telemarketing rules

Navigating new telemarketing rules

Customers gave you their cell phone numbers? That no longer gives you the green light to call or text.

How to build a loyal brand

How to build a loyal brand

Brand experts discussed common problems and advised upstarts on connecting with customers.

How to survive hurricane season

How to survive hurricane season

One expert offers tips to help small business owners make sure they stay open if severe weather strikes.

Small marketing budget? No problem.

Small marketing budget? No problem.

It doesn’t cost a ton of money to start a conversation with your customers. Here’s where to begin if cash is tight.

How to count workers under Obamacare

How to count workers under Obamacare

An attorney walks through the very complicated process of counting employees under the health care law.

How to run a social enterprise

How to run a social enterprise

Here are three guiding principles to help entrepreneurs strike a balance between social priorities and profits.

OSB MEDIA GALLERIES

Businesses to start in 2013

These 10 sectors are primed for rapid growth this year.

Origins of start-up lingo

Ever wonder where the word “entrepreneur” comes from?

America’s innovation hubs

Where can you find the most high-tech professionals?

Business tips in movie quotes

Entrepreneurs explain which lines offer the best advice.

Best cities for small business

PHOTOS | See where your hometown ranks in this list of 25.

Capital Business

Our fresh take on the local business scene.

EDITOR'S CHOICE

A corner cafe, crippled by health-care uncertainty

Owner Jody Manor has big plans for his cafe and catering company, but looming health-care changes are holding him back.

Adapting on the fly to new crowdfunding laws

One crowdfunding platform is keeping close tabs on the latest SEC proposals and adjusting its business plan accordingly.

Campaign for immigration reform gains momentum

Entrepreneurs are shifting attention toward a comprehensive deal rather than the smaller, targeted proposals.