Yesterday the federal government offered a new online resource for citizens and businesses dealing with the economic downturn. EconomicRecovery.gov presents in one place the various tools for assistance provided by the White House, Small Business Administration, Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, and the departments of Treasury, Commerce, Agriculture, Labor, and Housing & Urban Development.

Topics include loan programs and training/mentoring for small businesses, overseas business growth, job opportunities for workers, foreclosure prevention, and several others.

Meanwhile, Commerce Secretary Carlos M. Gutierrez was online to take questions from the public about the new website and the fed's actions, in general, to control the economic crisis. You can see the Q&A here.

We're collecting information for our website about various business-led efforts to minimize damage in communities and help people in need – let us know your company's story.