Need to know…

• Report: Small Businesses Increases in Hiring and Sales. A new report from CareerBuilder shows that small businesses with 250 or fewer employees are reporting stronger sales and increased hiring plans. Nearly one-third said their sales increased over the last quarter, and close to half expect sales to increase over the next two quarters. Nineteen percent added full-time, permanent employees over the last two quarters, while 24% expect to do so over the next two quarters.

• IP-Intensive Companies Prove Critical to U.S. Economy. National Journal reports that in a new study, the U.S. Chamber’s Global Intellectual Property Center breaks down how much IP benefits each state in terms of the jobs, exports, and other economic benefits. The report found that IP-intensive companies created more than 55.7 million jobs, both directly and indirectly, from 2008 to 2009 and that these companies also generated $5 trillion in GDP and accounted for more than $1 trillion in exports. 

• Shale Gas Boom Helps Drop U.S. Emissions. According to the International Energy Agency, U.S. energy-related emissions of carbon dioxide, the main greenhouse gas, fell by 450 million tons over the past five years – the largest drop among all countries surveyed. The group’s chief economist attributed the fall to improvements in fuel efficiency in the transport sector and a “major shift” from coal to gas in the power sector.

• EU Urges Greece to Stay in Euro Zone. European leaders expressed determination to keep Greece in the euro zone yesterday after a summit meeting. EU leaders said that they would seek a new “growth pact” designed to stimulate their sagging economies. The decision appeared designed to counter reports that preparations are already underway for the country’s exit. Finance ministers reportedly agreed earlier this week on the need to develop national contingency plans in case Greece drops out of the common currency. Leaders have scheduled another summit for June 28 and 29, by which time leaders hope the outlines of a growth pact should be clearer.

Worth the read…

• Startup Crowd ‘Accelerators’ – The Wall Street Journal
• More Than 30% of Mortgage Borrowers Still Underwater – CNNMoney
• Study: Baby Boomer Retirements Don’t Explain Unemployment Figures – The Hill
• More Small U.S. Dairies Go Under As Milk Prices Sink Again, Feed and Fuel Costs Stay High – The Washington Post
• With a 50% Increase In Applications, The Next Y Combinator Class Will Be 80 Strong – Tech Crunch
• SBA Head Looks Beyond Loans to Help Small Business – Businessweek
• Small Business Mood Swings and the White House – Fox Business
• Life After Facebook: Private Investment Markets Regroup – Inc.