In the NewsStimulus Funding for SBA Loans Runs Out—AgainIn a case of legislative déjà vu, the Small Business Administration has announced that funding for two popular lending programs is on the verge of running out - again. WSJ.comIn the NewsConsumers Buy Into 'Buy Local'More groups are forming to send shoppers to home-grown independent businesses. But their impact on jobs is hard to quantify. BusinessWeek.com Management & Operations [Read Full Article]

Tips from September 24, 2009 The Small Business tips today discuss managing your finances and finding funding. Research your area's development departments, including state, county, and local. They may offer a funding program. Community banks are a good source to contact for funding. They are usually willing to help small businesses, like themselves, out. Ask your bank if there are any revolving loan funds (RLF) you can qualify for. RLFs allot funding for periods when you cannot pay. Visit the US Small Business Administration. Research their funding programs & see if you can qualify for one. Daily Overview: Finding funding is no easy task. Do your research & don't be afraid to ask for help when you need it. [Read Full Article]

  Government and Economy White House: A Bit Loose with Stimulus Success Figures It is difficult to capture the full effect of the stimulus at this early stage, but with the high bars set for success, the White House seems to be playing fast and loose with the facts in their first report on the effect of the program. Google.com/AP Will Business Forward Help Small Business? Business Forward, a Washington-based group soon to be launched by the Democratics, is dedicated to improving the business climate in the US, especially for small business. But the group prefers to remain silent on specific issues and now some are counselling caution about the... [Read Full Article]

  Government and Economy Obama's Small View of Small Business When it was released, the budget President Obama unveiled sparked a war of words all over the capital. The disagreements were so profound on a host of topics—including small business—that it’s almost as if people were looking at two entirely different documents. Reuters/Front Row Washington blog SBA's 'Goodwill' Leaves Much to be Desired Business brokers are worried that the SBA's new loan cap rule will jeopardize entrepreneurship. WashingtonPost.com Management and Financial Issues [Read Full Article]

Government and Economy Most Lawmakers Will Vote on Stimulus Sight Unseen According to Sen. Frank Lautenberg (D-NJ), none of his Senate colleagues will "have the chance" to read the entire 1,071 page final version of the $790-billion stimulus bill before it comes up for a final vote in Congress. SBA Makes it Easier to Refinance Existing Credit Lines The U.S. Small Business Administration has made a first revision to its procedural guidance governing lender participation and loan processing for the two SBA major loan guarantee programs: 7(a) and 504. [Read Full Article]

Government and Economy Small Business Still Not Sold on Stimulus Package According to entrepreneurs, owners and small business advocates, neither the $819 billion bill passed by the House, nor a similar measure coming to a vote in the Senate go far enough to bolster the small business sector. Obama Raises the Stimulus Rhetoric President Obama's soft-sell approach has not gotten him many converts to his economic stimulus plan, so he's taking a sharply partisan turn to get his message across. Stimulus Will Lead... [Read Full Article]