Entrepreneurship
White House Launches “Startup America” Initiative
Last month, the White House launched “Startup America,” a national campaign to promote high-growth entrepreneurship across the country with new initiatives to help encourage private sector investment in job-creating startups and small firms, accelerate research, and address barriers to success for entrepreneurs and small businesses. President Obama said, “Entrepreneurs embody the promise of America: the belief that if you have a good idea and are willing to work hard and see it through, you can succeed in this country. And in fulfilling this promise, entrepreneurs also play a critical role in expanding our economy and creating jobs. That’s why we’re launching. Read More.
New Law Extends Tax Relief, Reinstates Estate & Gift Tax
Key Provisions of the Tax Relief Act of 2010 Incentives for Individuals Federal Estate & Gift Taxes Incentives for Businesses On December 17, 2010, President Obama signed into law the Tax Relief, Unemployment Insurance Reauthorization and Job Creation Act of 2010 , or H.R. 4853 (hereafter, “the Act”). The bipartisan legislation extends for two additional years many of the so-called “Bush-era tax cuts” originally enacted under the Economic Growth and Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2001 (EGTRRA). Key provisions of the new law extend the individual and capital gains/dividend tax cuts for all taxpayers through 2012, enact a payroll tax cut for 2011, provide a two-year AMT patch, establish a top estate tax rate of 35 percent with an exclusion of $5. Read More.
Decrease Your Wireless Phone Bill
Although the wireless phone bill is a significant monthly expense for many companies, the bill generally receives only a routine examination. But a close reevaluation of a business’s mobile phone plan could lead to substantial savings. Diana Ransom of Entrepreneur offers this suggestion: “The mere act of calling your provider and asking about a better deal can yield improved terms and price breaks – especially these days, says Paul J. Rauseo, the managing director of George S. May, a small-business management consulting firm in Chicago. “Thanks to the downturn, carriers are trying even harder to keep your business,” he says. “They’re. Read More.
Balancing Health and Hard Work
Knowing one’s personal limits is vital to maintain a healthy work/life balance. Inc. Magazine recently did a case study on Lisa Disbrow, owner of Scout & Molly’s , a clothing boutique in Raleigh, North Carolina. After she was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, doctors told her she needed to slow down or she would do more damage to her health. What she learned in the process is valuable for any working individual and entrepreneur. “Not only was the breakneck pace to which she was accustomed becoming difficult to maintain, it was now a hazard to her health . . . “. . . Disbrow developed a. Read More.
How to Motivate Your Employees When Business Is Slow
Keeping your employees positively engaged in a down time can keep your business on track and moving forward. Sarah Needleman from the Wall Street Journal reports on a few ways to boost morale during winter months. “Oftentimes simple gestures can make a positive impact on the way employees feel about their jobs. Here’s how to let your staff know their contributions matter.”
10 Products to Expand and Complement the Home Office
Small additions to a home office can make a big difference. Inc. gives a list of ten products that can increase productivity and help with promotions. The next time you host a brainstorming session, take notes on the wall. IdeaPaint can transform any wall into a dry-erase board. Start with a coat of primer, then apply a layer of IdeaPaint. A $200 kit, available at IdeaPaint.com, contains a roller and enough paint to cover 50 square feet, for a cost of $4 per square foot. (By contrast, whiteboards usually cost $8 to $20 per square foot.) For small businesses that want to use. Read More.
