Cover Story
Doing the NumbersVC funding had another fruitful year, nurturing young and established companies alike.
Features
The Money MarketFrom banks to VCs, there's plenty of cash out there for entrepreneurs. But that doesn't mean the road to finding financing has gotten any shorter or smoother.
Forward
Almost FamousFirm FoundationTwo entrepreneurs build a cosmetics empire based on flawless faces and celebrity clients.
Biz TravelLofty LodgingsA new class of airy, open and affordable hotels is springing up.
BooksIt's All in Your HeadFree your mind to find new business models.
Forward FeaturesIn on the ActionMeet the new entrants to the action-sports retail market.
Beyond BiometricWould you embed security chips in your employees?
Fund DoBusiness borrowers and individual lenders come together on this new site.
Bird's-Eye ViewMake maps a part of your marketing plan.
Rest in PeaceDeath becomes creative for funeral entrepreneurs.
Pay It ForwardNew payment technologies make spending safer and easier.
Stop, Thief!Brand pirates now fake SMB products. Are you getting hurt?
InsightsCivil ServicePosition your company to get government contracts.
Point/CounterpointTroubled WatersIt's been a year of scandal, criticism and change at the SBA.
WheelsA Little Pick-Me-UpConsider a small truck for all your light-load needs.
Innovation
Hot TrendRobotic RetailWill high-end vending machines push the right buttons with consumers?
Innovation BuzzLike a Kid AgainCan thinking like a child help your business?
Innovation SnapshotReaching New HeightsThese roofing specialists are growing their business by focusing on the environment.
Whats NextMoving PicturesForget boring billboards--internet-connected signage is grabbing consumers' attention in a whole new way.
Lead
Global VillageExport with EaseA free online filing system makes your mandatory paperwork a breeze.
Lead BuzzRunning for CoverShould you eliminate health coverage entirely or limit it to a few key employees?
Lead SnapshotWant It All?It's not that you shouldn't dream big; you just need to know when to pull in the reins.
LegalThe OutsidersHow far does your workers' compensation stretch?
Smart MovesPushing ButtonsAre more features what your customers really want? Try to make your product do too much, and it may end up doing nothing at all.
Staff SmartsRelative WorthIs it possible to fire a family member without inciting a feud?
Money
Dollar SignsMutual BenefitsAn employee stock ownership plan lets you take some cash out of your company while giving your workers a stake in the business.
FundsAway From HomeProperty isn't the only kind of real estate investment.
InsuranceHonesty PaysInsurance fraud is not only a crime-it's costly, too.
Money BuzzStudy PlansTax rules, funding tuition bills and more.
Money SnapshotMilitary MightA powerful ally is helping this software company grow into a force to be reckoned with.
Personal FinancePulled UnderSince expectations for mutual funds can be artificially sunny, consider using index funds to stay afloat.
Raising MoneyLondon CallingThe London stock exchange is courting American entrepreneurs for its small-cap market. Are you a perfect match?
Rich ReturnsBenefit from Boom and BustHow to profit in a fluctuating economy.
Tax TalkNow C ThisIRS rules limit the tax benefits of C corporations.
Sell
Net SalesWhat's in a Name?What you don't know can hurt you online, so keep a close eye on your brand to make sure your company appears in its best light.
Real DealChill OutManaging your stress makes you a better deal-maker.
Retail RegisterOrganized CrimeStop shoplifting gangs from hurting your shop.
Sales SuccessStep Right UpRunning low on motivation? It happens to the best of us. These 6 tips will help you get moving in the right direction.
Sell BuzzTech it up a NotchUsing technology to service clients and to keep in touch on the road.
Sell SnapshotCandid CameraIntegrating a webcam into his site has helped this scuba retailer reel in extra sales.
TacticsHit the Sweet SpotIf you're marketing to other business owners, you need to offer the 7 things they want most--and learn how you can deliver them.
StartUps
Biz 101Circle of FriendsHiring your friends can pay off for your business--if you do it right.
Bit by BitFund your startup with pieces of your finished product.
Sell WellNervous about selling? Getting started is easier than you think.
Biz UGirls ClubToday's college women are gearing up to be tomorrow's entrepreneurs.
eBay EntrepreneurStar TreatmentMake your eBay business shine by offering stellar customer service.
OpportunitiesOf Mice and MenPesky critters crawling and the military calling put this franchisee in a bind.
Double DippingLife is sweet for a vice president of sales by day and chocolate fountain franchisee by night.
Smart IdeasSmart Ideas 07/06Cell phone covers, bachelor party adventure trips and more.
StartUp FeaturesYou Can Do It!Despite some bumps in the road, these 5 entrepreneurs created thriving businesses. Learn from their challenges to help keep your company on the right track.
Fresh PicksWhich food franchises will be flying off the shelves in the near future? Ones that offer fast, healthy and fresh options.
Success CoachWhat Do You Know?Chances are, not everything. Luckily, the unknown is full of opportunity.
What's Your Problem?How to Attract an AudienceHow to attract people to your seminars.
Tech
Buyer's GuideSmall PackagesThey may be little, but these smartphones pack plenty of features.
ConnectionsLaunch SequenceFeel the need for speed? Cellular broadband is ready for liftoff.
Digital EdgeAnalyze ThisInput, output, expenses, taxes... what does it all mean? With Peachtree's latest editions, you can start making the numbers work for you.
Net ProfitsIt's a WrapWant strong sales all year? Use your site to tap into the gift market.
Buddy UpTalking avatars are a friendly way to connect with site visitors.
Tech BuzzRemote ControlThe growing popularity of telework.
Juice CaboosePower backup for your business.
Tech SnapshotCommunity ServiceGiving power to the people has helped this pair build a thriving e-commerce site.
WirelessMeans to An "N"It's not official yet, but you can get faster Wi-Fi now.