http://community2.business.gov/t5/Small-Business-Cents/bg-p/RecoveryBlog Small Business Cents Sat, 21 Nov 2009 10:10:45 GMT RecoveryBlog 2009-11-21T10:10:45Z http://community2.business.gov/t5/Small-Business-Cents/How-to-Claim-the-Tax-Deduction-for-Business-Use-of-Your-Home/ba-p/10159 In our earlier post – Do You Run a Business Out of Your Home? You May Qualify for Tax Deductions – we outlined the requirements for claiming the business use of the home tax deduction. Here are the basics on how qualified businesses can file these deductions. Fri, 20 Nov 2009 16:23:22 GMT http://community2.business.gov/t5/Small-Business-Cents/How-to-Claim-the-Tax-Deduction-for-Business-Use-of-Your-Home/ba-p/10159 NicoleD 2009-11-20T16:23:22Z http://community2.business.gov/t5/Small-Business-Cents/A-Bank-Alternative-FAQs-About-Credit-Unions/ba-p/10065 Banks provide many critical business services - business checking accounts,loans, financial advisors - but credit unions are another provider to consider if you run a small business. If you haven't heard of credit unions beforehand or want to learn more about how you can leverage them in your business,this blog will give you a concise overview of what credit unions are all about. Wed, 18 Nov 2009 20:53:26 GMT http://community2.business.gov/t5/Small-Business-Cents/A-Bank-Alternative-FAQs-About-Credit-Unions/ba-p/10065 ChristineL 2009-11-18T20:53:26Z http://community2.business.gov/t5/Small-Business-Cents/Death-and-Taxes-Estate-Planning-and-Trust-Terms-for-Your/ba-p/9984 Successful owners of family businesses know that it's never too early to start planning for the inevitable transfer of ownership. Although it may not seem logical to plan for succession during the prime of your career, detailed and often confusing tax laws make holding off a poor choice. Tue, 17 Nov 2009 19:35:17 GMT http://community2.business.gov/t5/Small-Business-Cents/Death-and-Taxes-Estate-Planning-and-Trust-Terms-for-Your/ba-p/9984 JamieD 2009-11-17T19:35:17Z http://community2.business.gov/t5/Small-Business-Cents/Do-You-Run-a-Business-Out-of-Your-Home-You-May-Qualify-for-Tax/ba-p/9677 A simple guide to home office tax deductions, including a requirements checklist. Thu, 12 Nov 2009 00:51:36 GMT http://community2.business.gov/t5/Small-Business-Cents/Do-You-Run-a-Business-Out-of-Your-Home-You-May-Qualify-for-Tax/ba-p/9677 NicoleD 2009-11-12T00:51:36Z http://community2.business.gov/t5/Small-Business-Cents/Online-Payment-Services/ba-p/9607 The rise in popularity of alternative online payment services such as PayPal and Bill Me Later have begun to change how consumers shop online. If you've never used one of these services, the idea may sound confusing but in reality is quite simple. Check out this quick guide to understand what these alternative payment options are, how they're used, who uses them, and if they're realistic options for your small business. Tue, 10 Nov 2009 23:42:16 GMT http://community2.business.gov/t5/Small-Business-Cents/Online-Payment-Services/ba-p/9607 JamieD 2009-11-10T23:42:16Z http://community2.business.gov/t5/Small-Business-Cents/Selecting-a-Small-Business-Accountant/ba-p/9286 Many small business owners do their finances and taxes on their own, so you may ask: why should I find an accountant? The reason: no matter what stage your small business is in, you can benefit from a having an accountant on your side. Wed, 04 Nov 2009 14:40:42 GMT http://community2.business.gov/t5/Small-Business-Cents/Selecting-a-Small-Business-Accountant/ba-p/9286 ChristineL 2009-11-04T14:40:42Z http://community2.business.gov/t5/Small-Business-Cents/Will-That-Be-Cash-or-Credit/ba-p/9242 "Cash only" businesses still exist in today's society but are they missing out? Check out this guide to the pros and cons of accepting cash vs. credit. Tue, 03 Nov 2009 18:17:50 GMT http://community2.business.gov/t5/Small-Business-Cents/Will-That-Be-Cash-or-Credit/ba-p/9242 JamieD 2009-11-03T18:17:50Z http://community2.business.gov/t5/Small-Business-Cents/Merchant-Accounts-Frequently-Asked-Questions-about-Accepting/ba-p/8867 Want to accept credit and debit card payments? You'll need to set up a Merchant Account. Don't know how? Check out this guide for frequently asked questions about Merchant Accounts. Tue, 27 Oct 2009 22:21:00 GMT http://community2.business.gov/t5/Small-Business-Cents/Merchant-Accounts-Frequently-Asked-Questions-about-Accepting/ba-p/8867 JamieD 2009-10-27T22:21:00Z http://community2.business.gov/t5/Small-Business-Cents/Credit-and-Debit-Cards-To-Accept-or-Not-to-Accept/ba-p/8646 Should your business accept debit and credit cards? What are the costs and benefits? Choosing to accept debit and credit card payments is a big step but often necessary in running a successful business. It is important to be aware of all the benefits, downfalls, and laws that regulate their use. Tue, 20 Oct 2009 13:39:35 GMT http://community2.business.gov/t5/Small-Business-Cents/Credit-and-Debit-Cards-To-Accept-or-Not-to-Accept/ba-p/8646 JamieD 2009-10-20T13:39:35Z http://community2.business.gov/t5/Small-Business-Cents/Charitable-Giving-and-the-Tax-Benefits-for-Small-Businesses/ba-p/8303 Many small businesses participate in charitable giving in one form or another. If your business is considering or has participated in charitable giving, you may be entitled to tax benefits. Tue, 13 Oct 2009 15:04:11 GMT http://community2.business.gov/t5/Small-Business-Cents/Charitable-Giving-and-the-Tax-Benefits-for-Small-Businesses/ba-p/8303 JamieD 2009-10-13T15:04:11Z http://community2.business.gov/t5/Small-Business-Cents/Paying-the-Boss-4-Tips-for-Setting-Your-Own-Salary/ba-p/8019 As the owner, setting your own salary can be a tricky task, especially in markets that see highs and lows. Here are a few tips to help you successfully "pay the boss"... Tue, 06 Oct 2009 17:29:28 GMT http://community2.business.gov/t5/Small-Business-Cents/Paying-the-Boss-4-Tips-for-Setting-Your-Own-Salary/ba-p/8019 JamieD 2009-10-06T17:29:28Z http://community2.business.gov/t5/Small-Business-Cents/Considering-a-Business-Credit-Card/ba-p/7748 Many established small business owners agree that using a business credit card - rather than a personal credit card - for business purchases makes good financial sense. Here's a quick guide on what you need to know when applying for a business credit card. Tue, 29 Sep 2009 14:14:46 GMT http://community2.business.gov/t5/Small-Business-Cents/Considering-a-Business-Credit-Card/ba-p/7748 JamieD 2009-09-29T14:14:46Z http://community2.business.gov/t5/Small-Business-Cents/Gulf-Opportunity-Pilot-Loan-Program/ba-p/7674 Although Hurricanes Katrina and Rita took place several years ago, efforts to provide relief to the devastated communities still continue. In an effort to provide a program beyond the traditional realm of disaster relief, SBA implemented the Gulf Opportunity Pilot Loan Program (GO Loan Pilot). Originally implemented as a temporary program in November 2005, this program was recently extended through September 30, 2010. Fri, 25 Sep 2009 22:15:35 GMT http://community2.business.gov/t5/Small-Business-Cents/Gulf-Opportunity-Pilot-Loan-Program/ba-p/7674 JamieD 2009-09-25T22:15:35Z http://community2.business.gov/t5/Small-Business-Cents/Business-Records-Save-Money-amp-Time-by-Going-Paperless/ba-p/7515 In recent times, many business owners have cut costs and improved their operational efficiency by going paperless. If this is something you've considered or have already implemented, check out these this quick guide to going paperless. Tue, 22 Sep 2009 16:01:49 GMT http://community2.business.gov/t5/Small-Business-Cents/Business-Records-Save-Money-amp-Time-by-Going-Paperless/ba-p/7515 JamieD 2009-09-22T16:01:49Z http://community2.business.gov/t5/Small-Business-Cents/I-Need-Money-Where-do-I-get-it/ba-p/7284 Each day, the Loans, Grants, and Taxes forum is filled with posts asking for general help in finding money for small businesses. The type of business and financing need varies, but the bottom line remains the same - business owners need money and they're looking for as much guidance as possible in getting it. Well this week you're in luck because we're dedicating this article making sure you know what we know... Tue, 15 Sep 2009 18:42:49 GMT http://community2.business.gov/t5/Small-Business-Cents/I-Need-Money-Where-do-I-get-it/ba-p/7284 JamieD 2009-09-15T18:42:49Z http://community2.business.gov/t5/Small-Business-Cents/Equipment-Leasing-Weighing-the-Pros-and-Cons/ba-p/7018 Most business owners work to save as much money as possible during the startup of their business. While it may be easy to do without certain luxuries, there are some unavoidable costs that have to be paid one way or another. Acquiring the equipment necessary to run your business is one of those costs. Although leasing is not right for everyone, it is a good alternative to buying equipment, and in some situations it can a be just what your business needs to succeed. Tue, 08 Sep 2009 21:51:06 GMT http://community2.business.gov/t5/Small-Business-Cents/Equipment-Leasing-Weighing-the-Pros-and-Cons/ba-p/7018 NicoleD 2009-09-08T21:51:06Z http://community2.business.gov/t5/Small-Business-Cents/Selecting-the-Right-Bank-for-Your-Small-Business/ba-p/6644 Choosing a bank for your business can be an overwhelming and frustrating process, but it can also have a big impact on your success. Whether you find yourself having too many choices or not enough, it's important make an effort to find the bank that makes the most sense for your business. Tue, 01 Sep 2009 16:08:44 GMT http://community2.business.gov/t5/Small-Business-Cents/Selecting-the-Right-Bank-for-Your-Small-Business/ba-p/6644 JamieD 2009-09-01T16:08:44Z http://community2.business.gov/t5/Small-Business-Cents/Additional-Stimulus-Funds-and-New-Lenders-for-SBA-s-Microloan/ba-p/6302 On August 19th SBA issued a press release announcing the addition of funding to the Microloan Program through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA, also known as the economic stimulus package) Tue, 25 Aug 2009 15:11:01 GMT http://community2.business.gov/t5/Small-Business-Cents/Additional-Stimulus-Funds-and-New-Lenders-for-SBA-s-Microloan/ba-p/6302 JamieD 2009-08-25T15:11:01Z http://community2.business.gov/t5/Small-Business-Cents/The-Six-Steps-to-Buying-A-Bankrupt-Business/ba-p/6043 During difficult economic times, it's not uncommon to see a business forced to file for bankruptcy. True to the phrase, "one man's trash is another man's treasure" a change in ownership may breathe new life into a failing business. Wed, 19 Aug 2009 00:37:16 GMT http://community2.business.gov/t5/Small-Business-Cents/The-Six-Steps-to-Buying-A-Bankrupt-Business/ba-p/6043 NicoleD 2009-08-19T00:37:16Z http://community2.business.gov/t5/Small-Business-Cents/Bookkeeping-Basics-for-Small-Business/ba-p/5703 Whether you keep your books on paper, through computer software, or hire an accountant or bookkeeping expert, proper bookkeeping practices are important to the operation and survival of any business. To help business owners have a better understanding of smart bookkeeping practices, we've compiled a quick guide on the basics. Tue, 11 Aug 2009 17:23:30 GMT http://community2.business.gov/t5/Small-Business-Cents/Bookkeeping-Basics-for-Small-Business/ba-p/5703 JamieD 2009-08-11T17:23:30Z