(KAREN BLEIER / AFP/Getty Images)
Dear Washington: A 2014 wish list from business owners
We asked entrepreneurs across the country to tell us what they want most from policymakers in the new year.
THE LATEST NEWS
OSB HEADLINES
Small employers ho-hum on 2014
Heading into the new year, the mood on Main Street is tepid, with many still discouraged about the economy.
An Obamacare fix for some firms
In six states, employers could not access tax credits in the health law. Officials have a fix — for two of them.
ACA rules take effect at midnight
After a series of tweaks and delays, here are the rules for employers that actually take effect on Wednesday.
The year’s top small-business stories
Obamacare, regulations and the government shutdown made it a roller coaster year for many firms.
Small firms, financed by slot machines
In Maryland, a new loan program is using casino revenue to help local businesses get off the ground.
Some help for small contractors
A couple bills crafted by the House Small Business Committee found their way into the defense budget.
Main Street lending on the mend
It’s still tough these days to get a commerical loan — but not as tough as it was at the start of the year.
The science behind the first hire
A new study attempts to determine which businesses are most likely to make the leap to become employers.
SMALL BUSINESS ADVICE
How to choose the right capital
Credit cards, bank loans, private equity — with so many options, which one is right for your company?
Small contractors, be a PEST
One federal contractor offers some pointers to firms hoping to break into the procurement business.
Xenophobia: A branding hurdle
A Sikh-American entrepreneur details how he turned his heritage into an asset, rather than something to hide.
A small-business guide to giving back
You don’t need a corporate charity arm to do a lot of good this holiday season. Here are a few tips.
Do you need an HR department?
It’s not generally the most popular department in the company. Here’s how to change that perception.
Common holiday marketing mistakes
A social media ace walks us through some of the most common mistakes small retailers make this time of year.
Shutdown shakes up tax season
One expert says small business owners should start planning now for next year’s odd tax season.
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
Here are four important tips for small business owners hoping to start selling to the federal government.
OSB MEDIA GALLERIES
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.
Elsewhere in Business
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AT&T gets rolling on IP transition trials -
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Washington area tech companies to show off their gadgets at International CES -
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2014 will answer this huge question about the economy
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