According to a recent report from the Kauffman Foundation, women hold the key to growing our tired economy. Today, women comprise 46% of the workforce and 50% of all college students. When it comes to business development, however, they only account for 35% of new startup business owners. Concurrent
In thirty years, New York will have its very own island of STEM students in the middle of the East River. Cornell University is currently working hard to build a $2 billion dollar science and engineering campus that can house up to 2,500 students and 280 faculty and staff members on Roosevelt Island
House Judiciary Committee members are in the process of devising a new proposal to offer immigrants with advanced degrees in math and science the opportunity to maintain permanent residence and work freely in the United States. The Bringing and Retaining Accomplished Innovators for the Nation Act (B
Again, political leaders in Washington narrowly avoided a government shut down. This past Thursday, Congress passed a one trillion dollar spending agreement for 2012’s federal agencies. The agreed-upon legislation contains funding allocations for the Pentagon, Education Department and the Environmen
It is amazing just how accomplished young entrepreneurs can be at only 29 years old. Clara Shih is not only the CEO and founder of the online social networking company called Hearsay Social, but she is also the newest member of Starbucks's board of directors. Business Insider recently sat down with
Especially in this economy, the biggest difficultly for small businesses is selling. Most consumers are tightening their budgets and saving for the future in the face of economic uncertainty. Consequently, small businesses are struggling, and without meaningful sales, they are less likely to make ne
According to a recent Gallup poll, 64% of Americans believe big government is the largest threat to the country – only 1% below the national record high. Gallup's previous survey data, dating all the way back to 1965, has consistently indicated that Americans are more concerned about big government
Small businesses have a lot to overcome in today’s economy, but thankfully as a consequence of the recession, small business have adapted, re-strategized and now have lower-risk loan profiles. Borrowing figures are impressively up, perhaps as a result of small businesses implementing new technologic
Entrepreneurs have created innovations throughout the years that have not only made life easier and more efficient, but that have genuinely increased the quality of life for people all around the globe. This commitment to social responsibility has gone a long way to solve some of the world’s most di
Many entrepreneurs have impressive business aspirations that cannot be realized without some essential training in business foundations. The skills that can be acquired through marketing, advertising and finance courses are priceless assets to an individual looking to start a new company. While high
Entrepreneurs have the impressive ability to fall down, get back up, fall again a few more times and then take off running. Expert have stated that when small businesses fail, the owner will take a position in an industry they are familiar with. However, for a startup founder the immediate next step
December marks the return of many of our men and women in uniform. When they return, they will begin a new chapter of their lives and will require the support of their communities, the government and business leaders. Former Navy Petty Officer Ronnie Reum has experienced the support of the American
Is it in your genes to innovate? Researchers from Kings College in London and the University of Cyprus have been studying how genes might affect entrepreneurial propensities for over five years. Using molecular genetics laboratory research and insights gained from studying twins, Scott Shane and col
We know how important fourth quarter sales are for the survival of small businesses into the New Year. Faced with overbearing government regulations and economic uncertainty, mom and pop restaurants across the nation are often confronted with no choice, but to close down their establishments. Austin
Dave Lerner, from Venture Studio in association with Mashable, recently interviewed Shane Snow, co-founder of Contently, an online marketplace connecting the world's best writers with the world's best publishers, to learn how his business has been doing the past ten months. Snow explains that the bu
In the last four years, DreamIt entrepreneurs have raised over $25 million to support promising startups in America. New startups today not only need monetary support, but with the lack of entrepreneurial course study in schools, startup developers also need mentorship and guidance more than ever. T
The Campaign for Free Enterprise tries to constantly showcase the newest startups for our readers. From mobile banking to hip new firms looking to make a DJ out of you, these startups have created some impressive innovations that are transforming the way we live, while creating much needed jobs in A
According to a recent study from the Kauffman Foundation, engineering and technology firms originally established by immigrants produced $52 billion in sales and came to employ 450,000 workers in the U.S. in the year 2005 alone. The Partnership for a New American Economy also produced a report revea
American entrepreneurs are known for pushing the boundaries of innovation and creating products that improve our quality of life. The vision and values entrepreneurs have help establish the foundation for long term business success that larger firms often try to mimic. Mashable recently featured an
This past week, the great state of Texas saddled up and joined the Startup America initiative. The campaign is chaired by the inspiring Steve Case, co-founder of AOL and Chairman of the Case Foundation, in alliance with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. The campaign has three goals in mind: provide valu
Entrepreneur, Marissa Evans, says she "would not be here" if she hadn't asked for help and advice. That's a strong statement coming from a woman who recruited a technical team, launched her product at South By Southwest and went on to land $3 million in funding. Her company, Go Try It On, answers th
Forbes sat down with Clay Mathile, former CEO and owner of the Iams Company, to interview him for a feature called Passion & Perspectives of a Billionaire Entrepreneur. Mathile has met so much success in his life, and when asked what drove him to the industry he chose to build his business, he respo
The Chamber welcomes immigration reforms that would make it easier for high-skilled foreign entrepreneurs to stay and innovate here in the U.S.
The holiday shopping season is in full swing, with Black Friday, Small Business Saturday and Cyber Monday all contributing to record sales. Millions took advantage of the deals on offer to shop for themselves, for friends and for family. Shopping for children can be particularly challenging, with pa
Passionate entrepreneurs are some of the world’s greatest problem solvers. However, rarely do we see a solution that is perfect from the time of its inception. Most of the time entrepreneurs have to refine time and time again until the idea is whole. In the Stanford E-Corner video below, entrepreneu
Steve Case, one of America’s best-known and most accomplished entrepreneurs and philanthropists, sat down with Forbes to discuss what do we need to do to create more hot beds of entrepreneurial activity across the country. Check out the interview with Case below and let us know your thoughts in the
Yesterday at the White House, successful young entrepreneurs from all over America came together with aspiring student entrepreneurs to share their love of business. At the meeting organized by the Young Entrepreneur Council, participants agreed on the vital importance of mentorship. Successful entr
NEW YORK, Nov. 29, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- A wide-ranging report published today offers unique insights into the mood and behavior of entrepreneurs in the United States and Europe as they grapple with economic crisis. They may be losing revenues, losing profit or even losing sleep – but they are not lo
A recent Gallup survey reveals that in 83 countries adults who have access to mentors are three times more likely to say they intend to start a business (14%) than those who do not have access to a mentor (5%). In our previous posts, we have explored the benefits of mentorship for aspiring entrepren
Brian Hamilton is the co-founder and CEO of Sageworks, a leading company that works to track privately-held firms and evaluate their financial performances. For the year 2011, Sageworks has documented significant positive growth among private firms in the United States. Hamilton's company has determ
Unless our government leaders make smart economic policy decisions our national debt will reach dangerously unsustainable levels. Our slow economic recovery only exacerbates this debt challenge. The Pew Budget Challenge is designed to see how everyday Americans would tackle the problem by offering m
American Express is again sponsoring Small Business Saturday, which is taking place this November 26th. As always, consumers have the power to decide which industries and corresponding businesses receive their monetary support, and this Saturday, companies like American Express, Facebook, Google, Tw
Huang brothers, Charles and Kai, together founded RedOctane, an American electronic entertainment company, and are the publishers of Guitar Hero. Their entrepreneurial story is an inspirational one documented in an interview conducted by Mashable contributor Bernard Moon. Guitar Hero is considered o
Vertical Measures recently released an insightful infographic detailing how small businesses can use the content on their websites to make themselves an authority in their respective industries. Website content is indexed by search engines and found by all sorts of people. To influence the public co
On November 26, American Express is asking millions of people to Shop Smallsm at their favorite local stores and help fuel the economy. The idea is simple, "When we all shop small, it will be huge." Business owners, be sure to take advantage of the fantastic promotional materials available o
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce recently hosted the Future of Entrepreneurship Education Summit, which brought together entrepreneurs, educators and government officials in Washington to present their ideas for business development, job creation, and the future of student entrepreneurship. Many experie
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce President and CEO, Tom Donohue, spoke extensively with CNBC’s Closing Bell anchor Maria Bartiromo. The Q&A covers a range of important issues we face in this country from energy security, to taxes, to stifling government regulations. In the interview, Donohue clarifies t
With Global Entrepreneurship Week underway, Inc. has featured BizBuySell’s research on entrepreneurship around the world. According to the research, the U.S. Small Business Administration Office of Advocacy has identified Denmark as the world leader in entrepreneurship based on business growth and c
According to the Fall 2011 Attitudes and Outlook Survey from engagement marketing company Constant Contact, 96% of small businesses who use social media marketing choose Facebook as their tool preference, and 86% of that bunch reflect positively on the efficacy of the social networking platform. As
With the holiday season around the corner and millions of consumers flooding their favorite stores, it is the opportune time for local businesses to hop online and mingle with potential shoppers. According to studies, engaging in social media has proven to be particularly effective for business grow
An interesting article from Politico suggests that technology is replacing American workers and that the number of employees small businesses start with has decreased as a consequence. However, as E.J. Reedy and Robert Litan of the Kauffman Foundation point out, “The heart of the problem is a pullba
Entrepreneurs are one of America’s greatest economic assets. Unfortunately, the process of starting a business is difficult and confusing. Although extensive federal resources and programs exist to guide entrepreneurs, finding and navigating these resources is part of the challenge. U.S. General Ser
Many startups lack the professional networks that small businesses and larger firms have. Consequently, startups that are designed to match businesses looking to hire new talent with freelance workers are sprouting up to meet the needs of both parties. Twenty-nine year old Tarek Partew is a New York
In a political maneuver, the current administration has decided to delay approval of the planned Keystone XL oil pipeline that would run from Canada to the Gulf of Mexico. In light of this decision, Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper says he must now consider selling oil directly to China instea
New research released by Civic Ventures, a think tank on boomers, suggests that more than 12 million Americans, ages 44-70, want to start small businesses or nonprofits that create jobs and/or meet community needs. If you are one of the 12 million, you may be interested in a video from FastCompany,
The Wall Street Journal has revealed the winner of its Small Business, Big Innovation competition. The winner, Quadlogic Controls Corp. of New York City thrived during the downturn by completely revamping its old business model and finding innovative ways to tap into new markets. The company not onl
Holiday sales are vitally important for the success of small businesses around the country. There are certain strategies that small businesses can initiate to better prepare for the coming business year. For example, it is important to realize that every single client is essential for the future sus
American entrepreneurs are not only known for their strategic business planning, but they are also known for their passion, ingenuity, and commitment to social responsibility. There are people around the world who cannot enjoy the same quality of life as most Americans. Startups that are passionate
Many of our country’s great businesses were started by former members of our armed forces. These are truly remarkable individuals who first gave us their service and then proceeded to give us our jobs. Paige Craig is an ex-marine, founder and CEO of a startup called Betterworks. He explains to Busin
Gen Y Capital Partners is a startup accelerator that considers its efforts 'for Gen Y by Gen Y'. The accelerator, funded by Youth Entrepreneur Council, began taking applications this past week. The firm is becoming increasingly popular as co-founder, Scott Gerber, explains, “This is about a generati
Aspiring entrepreneurs can learn a lot from the experiences of well-established, successful entrepreneurs. Brenden Mulligan is a serial entrepreneur responsible for companies like Onesheet, ArtistData, and MorningPics. He is also a prominent startup mentor, and for the past few months, he has been t
Leaders across the world are taking steps to harness the power of entrepreneurship to grow their respective economies. For years, America has been the leader in the development of entrepreneurs, but outdated immigration policies have allowed competing nations to catch up. Now, more than ever, it is
College students around the United States are perfecting their startup pitching capabilities. Entrepreneurship is catching on as a hot, new alternative to traditional employment opportunities. Entrepreneurial centers are popping up at universities to offer students access to pitch practice sessions,
Entrepreneurs are some of the most passionate people on our planet. Entrepreneur Tammy Kahn Fennell knows all about that and agrees that the hungry nature of entrepreneurs often propels them forward towards success. Fennell is the co-founder of a small development company called MarketMeSuite. The c
Many Americans dream of putting their fears aside and starting their own businesses. With a sluggish economy that won't give in, entrepreneurship is becoming an increasingly attractive career path. Lendio has recently posted a new infographic comparing employed statistics to self-employed statistics
Many experienced entrepreneurs have detailed their mistakes so that aspiring entrepreneurs know exactly what decisions they should avoid. Entrepreneurial expert, Nathan Furr, is tired of talking about his failures. Instead, he wants to focus on how he can get up-and-coming entrepreneurs to succeed.
There is still a long way to go to reduce economic uncertainty, boost job creation and grow our economy, but there is reason to remain optimistic about our economic futures. A new Gallup poll reveals that in the month of October, job market conditions improved from September’s job creation figures.
Entrepreneurship.org has shared a wonderful resource for entrepreneurs named “What’s in your head?” Founder Interviews from Inc.’s 500/5000, 2011 Conference. One of these insightful videos features Alison Anthoine, the co-founder of a new startup called Paperlex based out of Cold Spring, New York. S
Goldman Sachs is looking to increase business opportunity for undeserved women around the world. Their program, 10,000 Women, launched in 2008 as a five-year initiative to provide business and management education to female entrepreneurs hard-pressed to find quality and affordable education in emerg
Things are looking up for the economy. In the third business quarter, startup investments bounced back to nearly pre-recession investment levels which gives us reason to remain positive about America’s economic future. During that quarter, 765 deals for U.S.-based venture companies were made with in
A recent survey has put forth a few small business trends we can expect to see in 2012. Fortunately, you still have a couple of months to arm yourselves with the skills and resources needed to be successful in the coming year. For example, more and more Americans are spending their time on social ne
This past Wednesday, a U.S. House panel came together in a bipartisan effort to back legislation that promises to make it easier for small businesses to attract investments. The legislative deal came in the form of four bills including a measure to permit investments up to $10,000 through online soc
Remember when we told you about Bloomberg Businessweek’s seventh annual entrepreneurial roundup of the top entrepreneurs age 25 or younger with the most promising businesses? Well, 5,000 readers have voted since the competition’s inception, and Bloomberg has tallied the results. These winning entrep
Sparkling Palaces is a house cleaning business founded by Amy Boggs based in Portland, OR. Boggs originally began cleaning houses to make a living and turned her transitional job into a full-fledged, lifetime business. She recently shared her story with the blog “Up and Running” and discussed the up
Yesterday, The White House outlined a new initiative created to assist America’s student population in managing their debt and to encourage them to consider entrepreneurship as a viable career option after graduation. The program, “We Can’t Wait,” will alter the federal government’s “income-based re
The process of starting a business is a tricky one to say the least. Accordingly, some degree of failure is inevitable. And while we can learn a lot from our mistakes, it is entirely more efficient to learn from other people’s mistakes. That is why Founders@Fail made it their mission to bring togeth
A new poll from Gallup reveals that 22% of the small business owners they surveyed are most likely to say complying with limiting governmental regulations is the most important problem facing them today. This worry is followed by 15% who say the most important problem is lack of confidence in the ec
Internet companies have done a lot to make our way of life more informed, efficient, and meaningful. Silicon Valley is home to many of the world’s largest tech corporations and has proven itself to be a lasting hub for tech innovations. Contemplating on its successful efforts makes us wonder, will t
Even with our struggling economy, Americans are still exercising their purchasing power. A new infographic from Hasai Social Media Strategy tells us which business sectors receive the largest fall boost and which sectors are feeling the economic hurt. Turns out motor vehicle parts are hot, but new v
What are the three major things entrepreneurs do? Carl Schramm, President and CEO of the Kauffman Foundation, explains in the Kauffman Sketchbook below that entrepreneurs importantly birth new innovations, create jobs and generate all the new net wealth in our society.
Watch the Kauffman sketchbo
Susan Wilson Solovic is the author of a new book entitled, “It’s Your Biz: The Complete Guide to Becoming Your Own Boss.” The co-founder of It’sYourBiz.com, a video news and information site for entrepreneurs, was recently interviewed by Forbes on the subject of entrepreneurship. She discusses the d
Mentorship is key to successful entrepreneurship. Mentors offer emotional support, experiential knowledge, and helpful networks when we really need them. However, finding a business mentor isn’t the easiest thing to do, because effective mentors have to be attracted to the idea of sheparding you thr
The National Chamber Foundation (NCF) and Junior Achievement (JA) survey released last month indicates that the youth of America today look forward to owning their own businesses where they once wanted to become astronauts or movie stars. According to a recent Gallup poll, 77% of schoolchildren want
How does America get more entrepreneurs? Carl Schramm, President and CEO of the Kauffman Foundation, speaks about the process of democratizing entrepreneurship. He explains,
"We have sort of a natural occurring base in our society of entrepreneurs, and that’s a cultural difference that stands in th
Young entrepreneurs are often responsible for pushing the boundaries of product and service innovation. That is why the Chamber partners with Our Time to advance the opportunities of young Americans everywhere that possess unique creativity, social awareness and innovative drive that leads to progre
New data reveals that the number of women starting technology companies has doubled over the past three years. Women 2.0 is an emerging global media company supporting promising female entrepreneurs to create sustainable, scalable and progressive ventures. The goal of the organization is to increase
Small businesses have long been considered the engine and driving force behind the American economy, with 60% to 80% of new jobs attributed to their hard work. Recent Republican presidential candidates have emphasized the importance of small businesses in their debates which has prompted journalists
Starting a business is a serious undertaking, requiring an idea, dedication, time, perseverance and capital. In this economy, many would-be entrepreneurs have regular jobs that keep a roof over their heads and mortgage payments ticking over. Indeed, the thought of starting a business on top of t
Young businesses are vital to economic prosperity. According to The Economist, companies less than five years old created 40 million net new jobs between the years 1980 and 2005. This is an impressive figure, and if current startups could keep up the same track record, we could see our economy rapid
Small Business Saturday is a shopping holiday created by American Express, which encourages Americans to “shop small” on a special day in November. This day not only generates awareness of the importance of buying from local/smaller businesses, but it also helps ring in significant sales revenue tha
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Americans' pocket books have been tight for a while in the face of high unemployment and rampant uncertainty about our economic future. While these things can have the effect of incapacitating our businesse
There is always a lot of pressure on a startup founder to make sure that they get the right people involved to help execute business strategies and build a lasting value structure for the company. Creativity, passion and dedication keep a startup going, and that means business leaders must make good
Entrepreneurs are not only keenly apt at solving the world’s most challenging problems, but they also look forward to the prospect of encountering a good challenge. In fact, there should be a push for cities to start advertising their distinctive advantages alongside their distinctive problems. Work
Co-Founder of PopCap, John Vechey, talks about his business journey from entrepreneur to the founder of a large company that recently sold to Electronic Arts. In the interview video below, Inc. Magazine asks Vechey what he thought the challenges of adapting to long term growth were. He answers, “At
Bloomberg Businessweek reminds entrepreneurial spirits to vote for America’s standout entrepreneur age 25 and under. They are hosting their seventh annual roundup showcasing the talents and brilliant innovations of America’s young creators. The idea is for interested participants to vote for the bus
Congress has overwhelming voted in favor of three free trade agreements with South Korea, Columbia, and Panama. Though long awaited, this is great news for our economy and the prospect of job creation in this country. U.S. Chamber of Commerce President and CEO, Tom Donohue, was interviewed on the K
Watch as David Friedberg, CEO of The Climate Corporation (formerly WeatherBill), discusses what it was like to build his company and the challenges he faced along the way. In the video, he explains that he "never thought of [himself] as an entrepreneur." He never intended to be an entrepreneur in th
America truly needs more companies to push the boundaries of innovation and create much needed jobs in this country. Although some universities offer courses in entrepreneurship to help foster this innovation, others lack such targeted curricula. However, there are some courses that almost all unive
Steve Case, Startup America’s Chairman, believes that Washington can help boost entrepreneurship and the job creation it stimulates by reevaluating immigration policy, removing barriers that prevent companies from going public, and maximizing the accessibility of seed funding. Young, flourishing com
Inc. this week featured tips from Mellie Price, founder of Front Gate Tickets based in Austin. Her insight offers aspiring entrepreneurs advice for bringing their ideas to life. Price warns entrepreneurs not to overthink, not to be shy, not to try and please everyone, not to overreach, not to waste
The U.S. Department of State is interested in what you have to say about the Keystone XL pipeline project. White House officials intend to meet today to openly discuss and weigh the pros and cons of its adoption. The official White House announcement explains, "The purpose of the meeting is to give
Our business leaders do so much to help establish a high-quality American existence, yet they are often restricted by excessive regulations. It is undeniable that some regulations stifle business growth and deter potential entrepreneurs from pursuing dreams that will create jobs for Americans. Comm
Google Ventures has introduced YouTube Product Manager Rick Klau to its managerial mix as Partner, Startup University. Google Ventures is planning to confer as much knowledge and context as it can to its portfolio companies by way of Startup University. The goal is to provide educational services li
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Wednesday, October 5, 2011, Steven Paul Jobs, co-founder and chairman of Apple Inc., passed at the age of 56. Mashable is currently featuring Steve Jobs’s most iconic moments to remember the exceptional innov
Lately, shared work spaces have become the new "big thing." These open floor plans are cost effective, boost collaboration, offer increased flexibility on leasing and can give work-at-home entrepreneurs a nice change of scenery. Shared work spaces also lack the maintenance requirements of other, mor
First Round Capital is a venture capital firm that supports some of the most buzz-worthy startups out there today. Phineas Barnes is a principal at the firm and a previous employee of two startups. One of the startup businesses he worked for succeeded, while the other failed. The latter's failure di
The frequent challenges and learning moments on the road to becoming a successful entrepreneur is what makes the journey exciting. There are few routine moments in the day to day development of a new business, which differentiates entrepreneurship from other disciplines and career paths. The unpredi
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Everyone agrees that we should do everything possible to improve our country’s ability to grow and prosper, yet the quest for comprehensive high-skilled immigration reform has made little progress in recent year
Starbucks has come up with an interesting way to create more American jobs. Beginning November 1st, the Seattle based coffee company will ask its customers to donate $5 dollars or more on top of their purchases to advance the “Jobs for USA” program. Partnering with Opportunity Finance Network, a non
On Monday, the White House sent free trade agreements with South Korea, Colombia and Panama to Congress for approval after years of delay. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce has been calling for the passage of these free trade agreements for the past four years, emphasizing the fact that they will preserv
News that venture capitalist funding of startups has increased in recent years is a sign that innovation in America is strong. However, the number of startups going public has decreased substantially since 2001. With less startups going public, venture capitalists are making less of a return on thei
We know how important education is for an effective and productive workforce. The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development released new research pointing to the United States’ excellence in university supported research. As the chart below indicates, our research universities are giving
The creators of Smokehouse Brewpub in Minneapolis are looking to raise $175,000 for a down payment on the $800,000 loan they are attempting to acquire to open their business next May. Offering an interesting incentive, every $1,000 contributor will receive equity options and free beer for the pub’s
The economy really has dampened American spirits, but are there still reasons to be thankful? A New York Times reporter followed the story of Marvin Windows & Doors based out of Warroad, Minnesota. While their markets have been severely compromised by the economic decline, they have made a sincere c
Watch as the city of Saratoga Springs, New York unites hundreds of local organizations, businesses, and thousands of city dwellers to create the “Saratoga Lip Dub.” This video feature, produced by the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce and Modern Mix Marketing, is truly a testament to what Saratoga
A new study from the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation reveals that women-led startups have the potential to transform our current economic landscape and entrepreneurial ecosystem. Their research reveals that women create high-growth businesses at lower rates than men do potentially as a result of ge
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Chris Savage is the CEO and co-founder of an online video hosting service called Wistia, based in Somerville, Massachusetts. He recently shared his thoughts with Inc. Magazine about getting involved with
TechCrunch recently caught up with Aneesh Chopra, The United States’ Chief Technology Officer, at AT&T’s Foundry Innovation center in Palo Alto, California. Chopra was asked in the interview what America’s three major challenges were when it comes to innovation. This is such an important question at
Startup America was introduced 8 months ago to establish public-private programs that will incite small business growth and create American jobs. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce supports the Startup America Partnership which hopes to admit 100,000 promising startups with plans to hire and grow. The Par
Our economic recovery will undoubtedly be carried by the hard work and innovations of our business men and women. There are all sorts of theories for how we can get our economy back on track. The most compelling find ways to effectively tear down barriers that stand in the way of vital business inve
Yesterday, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce teamed up with Facebook Inc. and the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) to launch a new program giving away $10 million in advertising credits. This move was made in an attempt to encourage small businesses to become more socially active on the
When economic policies should be focused on promoting innovation and bolstering American businesses, we find that over-regulation continues to cause economic uncertainty and prevent new hires and investment by small business owners. It is clear that regulations, which lack common sense, have severel
On September 19th, the Entrepreneur Walk of Fame (EntWoF) was introduced to Kendall Square, in Cambridge, Massachusetts. The creators wanted to commemorate the greatest entrepreneurs of all time by immortalizing seven innovators with a star on a prominent sidewalk of the Square. EntWoF is dedicated
A new Gallup poll conducted in mid-September revealed that Americans are still disillusioned about the economy. Results show that 35% of Americans believe that the current economy is no different than it was last year. A larger percentage (42%) believe the economy is in a worse state than a year ago
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Halfaker and Associates founder, Dawn Halfaker, recently spoke at the Inc. 500|5000 Joining Forces Military Entrepreneurs Mentoring Fair event to lecture about the relationship between military culture and business
Entrepreneurship is often taken for granted as a meaningful course of study in school curriculum for younger students. Exposing entrepreneurship as a practical and viable career choice at a younger age can influence students to develop the skills they need to become successful business leaders later
New survey results released from CompTIA show that over the next 12 months small-to-midsize businesses are planning to step up their spending investments in new technology, with 1/3 of respondents intending to increase technology spending by 10% or more. Main investments are geared toward mobile and
100 Urban Entrepreneurs is a young, nonprofit organization devoted to fostering entrepreneurship among minority and low income communities in America’s largest cities. Taking off in 2010, the foundation hosts events where entrepreneurs can pitch startup ideas to judges, mingle with other aspiring en
According to a survey released this past Tuesday, an overwhelming 70% of small businesses do not plan to change their hiring plans in light of the proposed $447 billion stimulus plan, should it pass. Out of 1,648 respondents, only 11% said they would hire if the jobs plan became law. Some small busi
In an interview with Fox Business, U.S. Chamber of Commerce Senior V.P. Bill Kovacs discussed how EPA regulations are overwhelming American industries. When asked what he thinks the top regulation holding businesses back is, he pointed to the permitting process, “We did a study in March of 2010, and
Small businesses drive the American job engine, yet by encouraging the exportation of American made products, they could create many more. According to analysts, there is widespread demand for American-made products, and if small businesses could tap into those overseas markets, domestic job creatio
In 2009, Gallup conducted a study of 1,010 Americans over the age of fifteen and found that 55% of them are interested in working for themselves, while a much smaller percentage of 36% said they would prefer to work for someone else. The allure of self-employment appears to be that it affords flexib
Unpredictable economic times mean businesses are weary to seriously invest. High unemployment rates, low job creation, and meager G.D.P. figures paint a depressing economic picture for America. While most economists view recessions as short run problems in need of quick remedies, there are other eco
Entrepreneurial Spotlight of the Week: The Next Step Realty. Check out founder, Blair Brandy, as he discusses his realty company designed for recent graduates acclimatizing to a new city at Our Time's Young Entrepreneurs Event in the video below.
Congress recently authorized a significant reconstruction of the national patent system, soon-to-be signed into law by the President. The Leahy-Smith America Invents Act is said to consolidate patent processes in such a way that a valuable number jobs will be created in America. Business insider rev
Babson College’s Undergraduate school has done it again; distinctly setting itself apart from other colleges and universities by coming in 1st for the 15th consecutive year by the U.S. News World & Report for entrepreneurship. Babson’s triumphant position in business education is seeing itself compe
All business is not the same business. There are very distinct organizational paths for entrepreneurs, and governmental policies appealing to entrepreneurship should be tailored to these differences and resources should be distributed according to each unique ecosystem. While all individuals who sta
Small businesses employ over half of the private workforce and are responsible for a large majority of all new jobs created in America. Owners and entrepreneurs contribute an impressive number of cutting-edge patents and are of monumental importance to the American economy. Currently, small business
Entrepreneurs do not go into business knowing everything about their future business plans. There are vital mistakes that take place along the way that teach valuable lessons and help appropriately adjust or pivot business models. In order to be successful, entrepreneurs must admit their mistakes, i
Businesses begin with an idea, which eventually turns into a well thought out plan detailing an entrepreneurs vision for the birth, development and growth of their startup. As we discussed in a previous post, initial business strategies are not necessarily comprehensive. As entrepreneurs move along
Entrepreneurial Spotlight of the Week: Invite Media. Check out founder, Zach Weinberg, as he discusses his enterprise software company focused on display advertising at Our Time’s Young Entrepreneurs Event.
Americans cannot help but feel anxious watching job growth come to a complete hault in the month of August and witnessing unemployment rates linger at or above nine percent. The President addressed a joint session of Congress yesterday to discuss potential solutions and to reveal his administration'
Data from EMSI’s Complete 2011.3 dataset developed an interactive graphic powered by Tableau which illustrates job growth (red) and recession (blue) for all U.S. counties from years 2006 to 2011. By clicking on a county you can even view a percentage breakdown by industry. The U.S. Chamber of Commer
Increasing domestic energy production will not only make the United States less dependent on foreign energy resources, but will also improve our economy and establish close to a million jobs over the next seven years. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce offered a plan to open up offshore resources, expand
FIRST LEGO League students are gearing up to put on their thinking caps and contemplate the issue of food contamination for September’s National Food Safety Education Month. The League is a not-for-profit, created by founder Dean Kamen, and was established to support young minds in the fields of sci
Effective marketing can take your business from zero to hero. In the face of fierce competition, small businesses really need to stand out in order to remain relevant. Unique and diversified marketing strategies can help small businesses succeed by creating demand for their particular products. Busi
The job creation conversation has spiked as the president prepares to address a joint session of Congress on Thursday. Administration officials say the speech will address infrastructure spending; housing aid, including an expanded refinance program and new measures to assist the unemployed. Speedin
It’s old news that small businesses are having a difficult time maintaining their budgets. With government regulations and banks restricting cash flow, small businesses are having difficulty hiring new employees and purchasing additional product for their daily operations. All the buzz around recent
On September 4, 1998, one of America’s most innovative tech companies came into being. Google founders, Larry Page and Sergey Brin, initially wanted to create a search engine called BackRub, two years prior to the innovation of Google Inc. They ditched the original idea for a misspelling of the word
With limited job opportunities these days, small businesses need to make sure that if they do have room to hire, they're doing it right. Proactive, innovative employees are the best bet for long term success. Interns can be a great investment, if you can afford the resources to train them. Taking on
Gene Gray is the president of Innovative IDM, a company started in 2000 to sell goods and services to factories with automated processes. In the video below, he talks about how a small company of 90 employees had to make sacrifices across the board to make ends meet. His story offers motivation for
In a previous post, we discussed just how important small businesses are to this country. They create 60-80 percent of all new jobs. The better we can support them, the more jobs we can create. Our political leaders have been talking about ways to help motivate the growth of small businesses, perhap
It is often said that entrepreneurs make their own luck, and that certainly seems true when we witness successful entrepreneurial pursuits in times of economic hardship. We value the hard work American entrepreneurs do for this country in establishing wealth and job opportunities. Entrepreneurship i
[caption id="" align="alignleft" width="243" caption="Courtesy of Reason Magazine"][/caption]
A recent Reason-Rupe poll revealed that the majority of Americans believe reducing government spending is the way to restore the economy. There are many potential theories that attempt to justify their c
Brilliant ideas do not have to be the product of a select few. Companies can harness the unique creative talent of their employees to eventually build great strategies from the ground up. That means more time should be set aside for focusing on employee innovation. Successful attempts might include
There is only so much talking about the U.S. and global economy politicians can do. It is important that political leaders become the keepers of their economic promises. Unrelenting political back-and-forth coupled with procrastination is only prolonging job creation in this country. Undoubtedly, it
Economists at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln have been working to develop a State Entrepreneurship Index (SEI) that explains the intersection of business opportunity, formation, and development in every state. The SEI is a great indication of which state conditions are best for business innovati
Enabling your employees’ imaginations can not only make them feel more valued at your company, but it can also contribute to the creation of new and effective business strategies. Getting these ideas can assist business leaders in gaining essential insights on how to reform or tweak their business m
On August 25th, Capitol One Small Business revealed the conclusions of a Small Business Barometer survey it put out for the second quarter of 2011. The survey samples small businesses all over the United States and determines their current financial pulse as well as their projections for the coming
Entrepreneurial Spotlight of the Week: Justin.TV’s co-founders Michael Seibel & Justin Kan explain what it was like to start their business and revise their business model in response to consumer feedback. Check out this video and let us know what you think of their young business.
Yesterday, Steve Jobs resigned as CEO from Apple Inc. As one of the most groundbreaking entrepreneurs in our country, he has affluently contributed to the American economy by continually challenging our tech markets and establishing an overwhelming number of jobs. His career is a testament to the in
Small businesses are not seeing profits nearly as high as they did in the last year. The economic slump has caused small businesses to stop hiring and to spend more time considering alternative marketing strategies to advance their position. Optimism is also at a considerable low, with businesses co
Twice a year, Y-Combinator invests in a large number of promising startups. On Tuesday, the organization showcased 63 new startups to investors and journalistic media. The summer 2011 class is considered the largest class to date, and the first of two demo days revealed eager entrepreneurs who held
Promising statistics from the Federal Reserve’s monthly report, measuring real industrial production output, indicate that the manufacturing sector is back on a positive growth path. Free enterprise is essential for continued industrial growth and job creation in our country.
Professor Mark J. P
[caption id="" align="alignleft" width="288" caption="Courtesy of Infomen"][/caption]In a world where business is so highly accessible from our smart phones and laptops, one might think that location was no longer as important in determining a company's success. However, it turns out that startups w
Creating unique logos can help set your business apart from others, develop the kind of feel for your business, and hopefully pique the interest of potential investors. The five businesses in the feature below talk about the process of developing their logos and how essential it was for the success
The process of product development alone can break the bank for some entrepreneurs. Bill Shultz, a notable orthopedic surgery equipment salesman, has invested about $2 million on research and clinical trials for a posture correcting garment. Five years after filing a patent for the idea, he is final
Coming up with a unique, quality product is one important aspect of creating a meaningful startup. However, formulating relationships is also critical in maintaining success. Networking has become as important, if not more important, than determining an entrepreneur’s ideal market. Keeping your Face
Young entrepreneurs are incredibly valuable to a struggling economy. Neil Blumenthal, co-founder of Warby Parker, journeyed to Capitol Hill to espouse that very sentiment. His talk supported small businesses and emphasized the importance of politicians getting out of the way of necessary economic ch
Google+ is an emerging social network powerhouse, with over 20 million users already. It has created a platform that combines the worlds of Facebook, Twitter, and Skype. It is recommended as a good place to showcase your business, because it allows you the ability to create a public identity wit
The best entrepreneurs not only have the ability to move in and out of changing circumstances, but they also have untouchable focus when executing a plan. Devotion to a singular plan, however, may be detrimental to the development of a well-functioning business. Finding a successful business mod
New opportunities for commercial space travel are surfacing as a result of developing contractual relationships between NASA and various spaceflight companies. These contracts also bring increased opportunity for research, experimentation, and the fostering of new space technologies. Hope for commer
Many entrepreneurs are deterred from the marketplace by the thought of failure. However, failure does not necessarily mean the end of business as we know it. Small mistakes teach entrepreneurs important lessons. These mistakes are essential to the business development process and are vital for long
For at least the next two years, the Federal Reserve intends to keep interest rates near zero. As a result, interest rates will plausibly increase for small businesses and consumer loans. Current unstable market conditions in the wake of economic downgrade mean banks assume larger risks with small b
Companies want and need to hire new talent, however, they are faced with difficult obstacles that dissuade them from making necessary dips into our unemployment pool. Uncertainty surrounding potential tax increases, mandated employer health care coverage, international trade agreements, and environm
Editor’s Note: This post by Marty Regalia originally appeared in ChamberPost, the official blog of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.
Revisions to the GDP report over the past 3 years paint a significantly worse picture with a deeper recession and a more anemic recovery than originally thought. The re
