State of North Dakota
Flag Seal
Nickname(s): Peace Garden State, Roughrider State, Flickertail State, Norse Dakota, The 701
Motto(s): Liberty and Union, Now and Forever, One and Inseparable
Official language(s)	English[1]
Demonym	North Dakotan
Capital	Bismarck
Largest city	Fargo
Area	Ranked 19th in the US
- Total	70,700 sq mi (183,272 km2)
- Width	210 miles (340 km)
- Length	340 miles (545 km)
- % water	2.4
- Latitude	45° 56′ N to 49° 00′ N
- Longitude	96° 33′ W to 104° 03′ W
Population	Ranked 48th in the US
- Total	(2010) 672,591
- Density	9.3/sq mi  (3.58/km2) Ranked 47th in the US
Elevation
- Highest point	White Butte[2] 3,506 ft  (1,069 m)
- Mean	1,903 ft  (580 m)
- Lowest point	Red River[2] 750 ft  (229 m)
Before statehood	Dakota Territory
Admission to Union	November 2, 1889 (39th)/td>
Governor	Jack Dalrymple (R)
Lieutenant Governor	Drew Wrigley (R)
Legislature	Legislative Assembly
- Upper house	Senate
- Lower house	House of Representatives
U.S. Senators	Kent Conrad (D) John Hoeven (R)
U.S. House delegation	Rick Berg (R) (list)
Time zones
- most of state	Central: UTC-6/-5
- southwest	Mountain: UTC-7/-6
Abbreviations	ND US-ND
Website	nd.gov

North Dakota (ⁱ /ˌnɔrθ dəkˈoʊtə/) is state located in the Midwestern region of the United States of America, along the Canadian border. North Dakota is the 19th-largest state by area in the U.S. It is also the third least populous, with 672,591 residents as of 2010.^[3] North Dakota was carved out of the Dakota Territory and admitted to the Union on November 2, 1889, simultaneously with South Dakota.

The state capital is Bismarck and the largest city is Fargo. The primary public universities are located in Grand Forks, Fargo and Dickinson. The U.S. Air Force operates Air Force Bases at Minot AFB and Grand Forks AFB.

Contents 1 Geography 1.1 Climate 2 History 3 Demographics 3.1 Population 3.1.1 Emigration 3.2 Languages 3.3 Race and ancestry 3.4 Religion 4 Culture 4.1 American Indian influence 4.2 Icelandic and Norwegian influence 4.3 Germans from Russia 4.4 Fine and performing arts 4.5 Entertainment 4.6 Popular culture 5 Economy 5.1 Agriculture 5.2 Energy 5.3 State taxes 5.4 Tourism 5.5 Medicine 6 Transportation 7 Law and government 7.1 Executive 7.2 Legislative 7.3 Judicial 7.4 Regional 7.5 Federal 7.6 Politics 8 Bismarck 9 Other Major cities 10 Education 10.1 Higher education 11 State symbols 12 Media 13 Notable North Dakotans 14 See also 15 References 16 Further reading 16.1 Primary sources 17 External links

Geography

North Dakota is considered to be in the U.S. regions known as the Upper Midwest and the Great Plains, and is sometimes referred to as being the "High Plains". The state shares the Red River of the North with Minnesota on the east; South Dakota is to the south, Montana is to the west, and the Canadian provinces of Saskatchewan and Manitoba are north. North Dakota sits essentially in the middle of North America, and in fact a stone marker in Rugby, North Dakota, identifies itself as being the "Geographic Center of the North American Continent". With 70,762 square miles (183,273 km²),^[4] North Dakota is the 19th largest state.^[5]

The western half of the state consists of the hilly Great Plains, and the northern part of the Badlands to the west of the Missouri River. The state's high point, White Butte at 3,506 feet (1,069 m), and Theodore Roosevelt National Park^[6] are located in the Badlands. The region is abundant in fossil fuels including crude oil and lignite coal. The Missouri River forms Lake Sakakawea, the third largest man-made lake in the United States, behind the Garrison Dam.^[7]

The central region of the state is divided into the Drift Prairie and the Missouri Plateau. The eastern part of the state consists of the flat Red River Valley, the bottom of glacial Lake Agassiz. Its fertile soil, drained by the meandering Red River flowing northward into Lake Winnipeg, supports a large agriculture industry.^[8] Devils Lake, the largest natural lake in the state, is also found in the east.^[9]

Eastern North Dakota is overall flat, however, there are significant hills and buttes in western North Dakota. Most of the state is covered in grassland; crops cover most of eastern North Dakota but are sparse in the center and west. Natural trees in North Dakota are found usually where there is good drainage such as the ravines and valley near the Pembina Gorge and Killdeer Mountains, the Turtle Mountains, the hills around Devil's Lake, in the dunes area of McHenry County in central North Dakota, and along the Sheyenne Valley slopes and the Sheyenne delta.

Climate

North Dakota's climate is typical of a continental climate with cold winters and hot summers. The state's location in the Upper Midwest allows it to experience some of the widest variety of weather in the United States, and each of the four seasons has its own distinct characteristics. The eastern half of the state has a humid continental climate (Köppen climate classification Dfb) with warm to hot, somewhat humid summers and cold, windy winters and the western half has a semi-arid climate (Köppen climate classification BSk) with less precipitation and less humidity but similar temperature profiles. North Dakota's highest recorded temperature is 121 °F (49 °C) at Steele on July 6, 1936 and the lowest recorded temperature is −60 °F (−51 °C) at Parshall on February 15, 1936. North Dakota is 1 of only 2 states to record their highest and lowest temperatures in the same year (the other is Utah in 1985).

Meteorological events can include rain, snow, hail, blizzards, polar fronts, tornadoes, thunderstorms, and high-velocity straight-line winds. Depending on location, average annual precipitation ranges from 14 to 22 in (360 to 560 mm).^[10]

Springtime flooding is a relatively common event in the Red River Valley, because of the river flowing north into Canada, creating ice jams. The spring melt and the eventual runoff typically begins earlier in the southern part of the valley than in the northern part.^[11] The most destructive flooding in eastern North Dakota occurred in 1997.^[12]

North Dakota is largely semi-arid; however the low temperatures and snowpack prevents the state from having a xeric character.

The American Lung Association in its 2009 "State of the Air" report ranked Fargo, North Dakota as the cleanest city in the United States, and gave the balance of the state 11 "A" ratings on air quality.^[13][14]

History

Prior to European contact, Native Americans inhabited North Dakota for thousands of years. The first European to reach the area was the French-Canadian trader La Vérendrye, who led an exploration party to Mandan villages in 1738.^[15] The trading arrangement between tribes was such that North Dakota tribes rarely dealt directly with Europeans. However, the native tribes were in sufficient contact that by the time that Lewis and Clark entered North Dakota in 1804, they were aware of the French and then Spanish claims to their territory.^[16]

Much of present-day North Dakota was included in the Louisiana Purchase of 1803. Much of acquired land was organized into Minnesota and Nebraska Territories. Dakota Territory, making up present-day North and South Dakota, along with parts of present-day Wyoming and Montana, was organized on March 2, 1861.^[17] Dakota Territory was settled sparsely until the late 19th century, when the railroads entered the region and aggressively marketed the land. A bill for statehood for North Dakota, South Dakota, Montana, and Washington titled the Enabling Act of 1889 was passed on February 22, 1889 during the administration of Grover Cleveland. After Cleveland left office, it was left to his successor, Benjamin Harrison, to sign proclamations formally admitting North and South Dakota to the Union on November 2, 1889.^[18] The rivalry between the two new states presented a dilemma of which was to be admitted first. Harrison directed Secretary of State James G. Blaine to shuffle the papers and obscure from him which he was signing first and the actual order went unrecorded. However, since North Dakota alphabetically appears before South Dakota, its proclamation was published first in the Statutes At Large. Since that day, it has become common to list the Dakotas alphabetically and thus North Dakota is usually listed as the 39th state. Apparently no one recorded which paper was signed first, thus no one knows which of the Dakotas was admitted first.^[19][20]

The corruption in the early territorial and state governments led to a wave of populism led by the Non Partisan League (usually referred to as the "NPL"), which brought social reforms in the early 20th century.^[21] The NPL, which was later incorporated into the Democratic Party, fashioned a number of laws and social reforms, some of which are still in place today, in an attempt to insulate North Dakota from the power of out-of-state banks and corporations. In addition to founding the state-owned Bank of North Dakota and North Dakota Mill and Elevator (both still in existence), reformers established a state-owned railroad line (later sold to the Soo Line Railroad). Anti-corporate laws were passed that virtually prohibited a corporation or bank from owning title to land zoned as farmland. These laws, still in force today, after having been upheld by both State and Federal courts, make it almost impossible to foreclose on farmland, as even after foreclosure, the property title cannot be held by a bank or mortgage company. Thus, virtually every farm in existence today in North Dakota is still a "family-owned" farm. As a result, CBS News has reported that the state with the highest per capita percentage of millionaires is North Dakota.^{[citation needed]}

A round of federal construction projects began in the 1950s, including the Garrison Dam and the Minot and Grand Forks Air Force bases.^[22] There was a boom in oil exploration in western North Dakota in the 1980s, as rising petroleum prices made development profitable.^[23] The original North Dakota State Capitol burned to the ground on December 28, 1930, and was replaced by a limestone faced art deco skyscraper that still stands today.^[24]

Demographics

Population

From fewer than 2,000 people in 1870, North Dakota's population grew to near 680,000 by 1930. Growth then slowed, and the population has fluctuated slightly over the past seven decades, hitting a low of 617,761 in the 1970 census, with a total of 642,200 in the 2000 census.^[25] The United States Census Bureau, as of July 1, 2008, estimated North Dakota's population at 641,481,^[26] which represents a decrease of 714, or 0.1%, since the last census in 2000.^[27] This includes a natural increase since the last census of 20,460 people (that is 67,788 births minus 47,328 deaths) and a decrease due to net migration of 17,787 people out of the state.^[27] Immigration from outside the United States resulted in a net increase of 3,323 people, and migration within the country produced a net loss of 21,110 people.^[27] The age and gender distributions approximate the national average. Besides Native Americans, North Dakota's minority groups still form a significantly smaller proportion of the population than in the nation as a whole.^[28] The center of population of North Dakota is located in Wells County, near Sykeston.^[29]

Historical populations
Census	Pop.		%±
1870	2,405		—
1880	36,909		1,434.7%
1890	190,983		417.4%
1900	319,146		67.1%
1910	577,056		80.8%
1920	646,872		12.1%
1930	680,845		5.3%
1940	641,935		−5.7%
1950	619,636		−3.5%
1960	632,446		2.1%
1970	617,761		−2.3%
1980	652,717		5.7%
1990	638,800		−2.1%
2000	642,200		0.5%
2010	672,591		4.7%
Source: 1910-2010[30]

Emigration

From 1923 through the beginning of the 21st century, North Dakota experienced a virtually constant decline in population, particularly among younger people with university degrees.^[31] One of the major causes of emigration in North Dakota results from a lack of skilled jobs for graduates. Some propose the expansion of economic development programs to create skilled and high-tech jobs, but the effectiveness of such programs has been open to debate.^[32] During the first decade of the 21st century, the population increased, in large part because of jobs in the oil industry.^{[citation needed]}

Languages

The main language of North Dakota is English. The second most common language is German, spoken by 2.5% of the population.^[33] There are very small numbers of immigrants in the state.

Race and ancestry

Most North Dakotans are of Northern European descent. The five largest ancestry groups in North Dakota are: German (46.9%) (299,774), Norwegian (30.1%) (191,983), Irish (8.2%) (52,539), English (4.9%) (31,586), and Swedish (4.8%) (30,880).

According to the 2010 Census, the racial and ethnic composition of North Dakota was as follows:</ref>http://2010.census.gov/2010census/data/>

• White: 90.0%
• Black or African American: 1.2%
• Native American: 5.4%
• Asian: 1.0%
• Pacific Islander: 0.1%
• Some other race: 0.5%
• Two or more races: 1.8%
• Hispanic or Latino (of any race): 2.0%

Religion

North Dakota has the lowest percentage of non-religious people of any state, and it also has the most churches per capita of any state.^[34][35]

A 2001 survey indicated that 35% of North Dakota's population was Lutheran, and 30% was Roman Catholic. Other religious groups represented were Methodists (7%), Baptists (6%), the Assembly of God (3%), and Jehovah's Witness (1%). Christians with unstated or other denominational affiliations, including other Protestants and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (Mormonism), totaled 3%, bringing the total Christian population to 86%. Other religions, such as Judaism, Islam, Buddhism, and Hinduism, together represented 4% of the population. There were an estimated 920 Muslims and 730 Jews in the state in 2000.^[36] Three percent of respondents answered "no religion" on the survey, and 6% declined to answer.^[34]

The largest denominations by number of adherents in 2000 were the Roman Catholic Church with 179,349; the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America with 174,554; and the Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod with 23,720.^[37]

According to the website of the LDS Church there were 6,120 Latter Day Saints in sixteen congregations in North Dakota as of 2009. There is also an LDS temple in Bismarck.^[38]

Culture

American Indian influence

North Dakota has a great number of Native Americans. Powwows (or pow-wows) are an important aspect of Native American culture. Throughout Native American history, powwows were held, usually in the spring, to rejoice on the beginning of new life. These events brought Native American tribes together for singing and dancing and allowed them to meet up with old friendships, as well as to make new ones. Many powwows also held religious significance for some tribes. Today, powwows are still a part of the Native American culture, and are attended by Native and non-Natives alike. In North Dakota, the United Tribes International Powwow, held each September in Bismarck, is one of the largest powwows in the United States.

A powwow is complete with parades and dancers in regalia, with many dancing styles presented. It is traditional for male dancers to wear regalia decorated with beads, quills and eagle feathers; male grass dancers wear colorful fringe regalia; and male fancy dancers wear brightly colored feathers. Female dancers dance much more subtly than the male dancers. Fancy female dancers wear cloth, beaded moccasins and jewelry, while the jingle dress dancer wears a dress made of metal cones. There are intertribal dances through out the powwow, where everyone (even spectators) can take part in the dancing.

Icelandic and Norwegian influence

Around 1870 many European immigrants from Iceland and Norway settled in North Dakota's northeastern corner, especially near the Red River. Pembina housed many Icelanders when it was founded, however, almost all worked on family farms. They started Lutheran churches and schools and they greatly outnumbered other denominations in the area. This group has unique foods such as lefse and lutefisk. The continent's largest Scandinavian event, Norsk Høstfest, is celebrated each October in Minot, it celebrates Norwegian heritage. Icelandic State Park in Pembina County and an annual Icelandic festival is held every August near Mountain.

Old world folk customs persisted for decades, as in weaving, silver crafting, and wood carving. Traditional turf-roof houses are displayed in parks, this style originated in Iceland. A stave church is a landmark in Minot, North Dakota. 32.3% of Minot's total population is of Norwegian descent. 30.4% of North Dakota's total population are of Norwegian descent.

Germans from Russia

Germans who had been invited to settle in Russia grew dissatisfied and about 100,000 immigrated to the U.S. by 1900, settling primarily in North and South Dakota, Kansas and Nebraska. The south-central part of North Dakota became known as "the German-Russian triangle". By 1910, about 60,000 Germans from Russia lived in Central North Dakota. They were Catholics with a highly traditional life style and a commitment to agriculture. A famous art form by Germans from Russia are Wrought Iron Crosses used as grave stones.^[39]

Fine and performing arts

North Dakota's major fine art museums and venues include the Chester Fritz Auditorium, Empire Arts Center, the Fargo Theatre, North Dakota Museum of Art, and the Plains Art Museum. The Bismarck-Mandan Symphony Orchestra, Fargo-Moorhead Symphony Orchestra, Greater Grand Forks Symphony Orchestra, Minot Symphony Orchestra and Great Plains Harmony Chorus are full-time professional and semi-professional musical ensembles that perform concerts and offer educational programs to the community.

Entertainment

North Dakotan musicians of many genres include blues guitarist Jonny Lang, country music singer Lynn Anderson, jazz and traditional pop singer and songwriter Peggy Lee, big band leader Lawrence Welk, and pop singer Bobby Vee. The state is also home to two groups of the Indie rock genre that have become known on a national scale: GodheadSilo (originally from Fargo, but later relocated to Olympia, Washington and became signed to the Kill Rock Stars label) and June Panic (also of Fargo, signed to Secretly Canadian).

Ed Schultz is known around the country as the host of progressive talk radio show The Ed Schultz Show, and The Ed Show on MSNBC. Shadoe Stevens hosted American Top 40 from 1988 to 1995. Josh Duhamel is an Emmy Award-winning actor known for his roles in All My Children and Las Vegas.^[40] Nicole Linkletter and CariDee English were winning contestants of Cycles 5 and 7, respectively, of America's Next Top Model. Kellan Lutz has appeared in movies such as Stick It, Accepted, Prom Night, and Twilight.

Popular culture

North Dakota cuisine includes Knoephla soup: a thick, stew-like chicken soup with dumplings, lutefisk: lye-treated fish, Kuchen: a pie-like pastry, lefse: a flat bread made from riced potatoes that is eaten with butter and sugar, Fleischkuekle, a deep fried entree of ground beef covered in dough, and served with chips and a pickle in most restaurants; strudel: a dough-and-filling item that can either be made as a pastry, or a savory dish with onions or meat; and other traditional German and Norwegian dishes. North Dakota also shares concepts such as hot dishes along with other Midwestern states.

Along with having the most churches per capita of any state, North Dakota has the highest percentage of church-going population of any state.^[34][35]

Outdoor activities such as hunting and fishing are hobbies for many North Dakotans. Ice fishing and snowmobiling are also popular during the winter months. Residents of North Dakota may own or visit a cabin along a lake. Popular sport fish include walleye, perch, and northern pike.^[41]

The western terminus of the North Country National Scenic Trail is located on Lake Sakakawea where it abuts the Lewis and Clark Trail.

Economy

Agriculture is the largest industry in North Dakota, although petroleum and food processing are also major industries.^[42] The economy of North Dakota had a gross domestic product of $24 billion in 2005.^[43] The per capita income in 2006 was $33,034, ranked 29th in the nation.^[44] The three-year median household income from 2002–2004 was $39,594, ranking 37th in the U.S.^[45] North Dakota is also the only state with a state owned bank, the Bank of North Dakota in Bismarck, and a state owned flour mill, the North Dakota Mill and Elevator in Grand Forks.

As of September 2010, the state's unemployment rate is the lowest in the nation at 3.7%^[46] and it never touched 5 percent since 1987, the state with the nation's lowest unemployment rate. At end of 2010, the state per capita income was rank in 17th of the nation, the biggest increase of any state in a decade from rank 38th.^[47]

Agriculture

North Dakota's earliest industries were fur trading and agriculture. Although less than 10% of the population is employed in the agricultural sector,^[48] it remains a major part of the state's economy, ranking 9th in the nation in the value of crops and 18th in total value of agricultural products sold. North Dakota has about 90% of its land area in farms with 27.5 million acres of cropland, the third largest in the nation. Between 2002 and 2007 total cropland increased by about one million acres, the only state showing an increase. Over the same period, 1.8 million acres were shifted into soybean and corn production, the largest such shift in the United States.^[49]

The state is the largest producer in the U.S. of many cereal grains including barley (36% of U.S. crop), durum wheat (58%), hard red spring wheat (48%), oats (17%), and combined wheat of all types (15%). It is the second leading producer of buckwheat (20%). As of 2007, corn became the state's largest crop produced, although only 2% of U.S. production.^[49]

The state is the leading producer of many oilseeds including 92% of the U.S. canola crop, 94% of flax seed, 53% of sunflower seeds, 18% of safflower seeds, and 62% of mustard seed. Soybeans are also an increasingly important crop with 400,000 additional acres planted between 2002 and 2007.^[49]

North Dakota is the second leading producer of sugarbeets, grown in the Red River Valley. The state is also the largest producer of honey, dry edible peas and beans, lentils, and the third largest producer of potatoes.^[49]

North Dakota's economy is aided by nearly $1 billion in federal agricultural subsidies annually.

Energy

The energy industry is a major contributor to the economy. Lignite coal reserves in Western North Dakota are used to generate about 90% of the electricity consumed, and is also exported to nearby states.^[50] North Dakota has the second largest lignite coal production in the U.S. ^[51]

Oil was discovered near Tioga in 1951, generating 53 million barrels (8,400,000 m³) of oil a year by 1984.^[52] Recoverable oil reserves have jumped dramatically recently. The oil reserves of the Bakken Formation may hold up to 400 billion barrels (6.4×10¹⁰ m³) of oil, 25 times larger than the reserves in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.^[53][54] However, a report issued in April 2008 by the U.S. Geological Survey estimates that the oil recoverable by current technology in the Bakken formation is two orders of magnitude less, in the range of 3 billion barrels (480×10^⁶ m³) to 4.3 billion barrels (680×10^⁶ m³), with a mean of 3.65 billion barrels (580×10^⁶ m³).^[55] Western North Dakota is currently in an oil boom: the Williston, Tioga, Stanley and Minot-Burlington communities are experiencing rapid growth. As of 2010, the state has the 4th largest oil production in the U.S. of 355,000 barrels per day, more than triple 2007 production.^{[56] [57]}

The Great Plains area, which North Dakota is a part of, is called the "Saudi Arabia" of wind energy,^[58] Wind energy in North Dakota is also very cost effective because the state has large rural expanses and wind speeds seldom go below 10 mph (16 km/h).

State taxes

North Dakota has a slightly progressive income tax structure; the five brackets of state income tax rates are 2.1%, 3.92% 4.34%, 5.04%, and 5.54% as of 2004.^[59] In 2005 North Dakota ranked 22nd highest by per capita state taxes.^[60] The sales tax in North Dakota is 5% for most items.^[61] The state allows municipalities to institute local sales taxes and special local taxes, such as the 1.75% supplemental sales tax in Grand Forks.^[62] Excise taxes are levied on the purchase price or market value of aircraft registered in North Dakota. The state imposes a use tax on items purchased elsewhere but used within North Dakota. Owners of real property in North Dakota pay property tax to their county, municipality, school district, and special taxing districts.^[63]

The Tax Foundation ranks North Dakota as the state with the 30th most "business friendly" tax climate in the nation.^[64] Tax Freedom Day arrives on April 1, 10 days earlier than the national Tax Freedom Day.^[64] In 2006, North Dakota was the state with the lowest number of returns filed by taxpayers with an Adjusted Gross Income of over $1M – only 333.^[65]

Tourism

North Dakota is considered the least visited state, owing, in part, to it not having a major tourist attraction.^[66] However, it does have areas popular with visitors, including Theodore Roosevelt National Park in the western part of the state. The park often exceeds 475,000 visitors each year.^[67] Other events in the state include Norsk Høstfest in Minot, billed as North America's largest Scandinavian festival,^[68] the Medora Musical, and the North Dakota State Fair.

Medicine

North Dakota is the only US state that legally demands its pharmacies to have 51% shares owned by pharmacists.^[69]

Transportation

In March 2011, North Dakota ranked as a bottom-ten "Worst" state (tied with Montana and Texas) in the American State Litter Scorecard. North Dakota suffers from poor effectiveness and quality of its statewide public space cleanliness--mostly roadside and adjacent property litter/debris--due to overall state and related eradication standards and performance indicators.^[70]

Transportation in North Dakota is overseen by the North Dakota Department of Transportation. The major Interstate highways are Interstate 29 and Interstate 94, with I-29 and I-94 meeting at Fargo, with I-29 oriented north to south along the eastern edge of the state, and I-94 bisecting the state from east to west between Minnesota and Montana. A unique feature of the North Dakota Interstate Highway system, is that virtually all of it is paved in concrete, rather than blacktop, because of the extreme weather conditions it must endure. The largest rail systems in the state are operated by BNSF and the Canadian Pacific Railway. Many branch lines formerly used by BNSF and Canadian Pacific Railway are now operated by the Dakota, Missouri Valley and Western Railroad and the Red River Valley and Western Railroad.^[71][72]

North Dakota's principal airports are the Hector International Airport (FAR) in Fargo, Grand Forks International Airport (GFK), Bismarck Municipal Airport (BIS), and the Minot International Airport (MOT).

Amtrak's Empire Builder runs through North Dakota, making stops at Fargo (2:13 am westbound, 3:35 am eastbound), Grand Forks (4:52 am westbound, 12:57 am eastbound), Minot (around 9 am westbound and around 9:30 pm eastbound), and four other stations.^[73] It is the descendant of the famous line of the same name run by the Great Northern Railway, which was built by the tycoon James J. Hill and ran from St. Paul to Seattle. Intercity bus service is provided by Greyhound and Jefferson Lines. Public transit in North Dakota is currently limited to bus systems in the larger cities.

Law and government

As with the federal government of the United States, power in North Dakota is divided into three branches: executive, legislative, and judicial.^[74]

Executive

The executive branch is headed by the governor. The current governor is Jack Dalrymple, a Republican who took office December 7, 2010 after his predecessor, John Hoeven won his race for U.S. Senate, and resigned to prepare for that office. The current Lieutenant Governor of North Dakota is Drew Wrigley, who is also the President of the Senate. The offices of governor and lieutenant governor have four-year terms, which are next up for election in 2012. The governor has a cabinet consisting of the leaders of various state government agencies, called commissioners. The other elected constitutional offices are secretary of state, attorney general, and state auditor.

Legislative

The North Dakota Legislative Assembly is a bicameral body consisting of the Senate and the House of Representatives. The state has 47 districts. Each district has one senator and two representatives. Both senators and representatives are elected to four year terms. The state's legal code is named the North Dakota Century Code.

Judicial

North Dakota's court system has four levels. Municipal courts serve the cities, and most cases start in the district courts, which are courts of general jurisdiction. There are 42 district court judges in seven judicial districts.^[75][76] Appeals from the trial courts and challenges to certain governmental decisions are heard by the North Dakota Court of Appeals, consisting of three-judge panels. The five-justice North Dakota Supreme Court hears all appeals from the district courts and the Court of Appeals.^[77]

Regional

There are three Sioux, one Three Affiliated Tribes, and one Ojibwa reservations in North Dakota. These communities are self-governing.

Federal

North Dakota's United States Senators are Democrat Kent Conrad and Republican John Hoeven. The state has one at-large congressional district represented by Republican representative Rick Berg.

Federal court cases are heard in the United States District Court for the District of North Dakota, which holds court in Bismarck, Fargo, Grand Forks, and Minot. Appeals are heard by the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals based in St. Louis, Missouri.

Politics

The major political parties in North Dakota are the Democratic-NPL and the Republican Party. As of 2007^[update], the Constitution Party and the Libertarian Party are also organized parties in the state.

At the state level, the governorship has been held by the Republican Party since 1992, along with a majority of the state legislature and statewide officers. Dem-NPL showings were strong in the 2000 governor's race, and in the 2006 legislative elections, but the League has not had a major breakthrough since the administration of former state governor George Sinner.

The Republican Party presidential candidate usually carries the state; in 2004, George W. Bush won with 62.9% of the vote. Of all the Democratic presidential candidates since 1892, only Grover Cleveland, Woodrow Wilson, Franklin Roosevelt, and Lyndon Johnson received Electoral College votes from North Dakota.

On the other hand, Dem-NPL candidates for North Dakota's federal Senate and Congressional seats have won every election between 1982 and 2008, and the state's federal delegation was entirely Democratic from 1987 to 2011.

Bismarck

Bismarck, located in south-central North Dakota along the banks of the Missouri River, has been North Dakota's capital city since 1883, first as capital of the Dakota Territory, and then as state capital since 1889. Bismarck however, was not originally the first choice to be the capital of the new state. While Bismarck had served adequately as the territorial capital, it was felt by many that the state's capital city should be moved eastward since then, as now, the majority of North Dakotans lived in the eastern half of the state. To that end, Jamestown was chosen as the new capital, and the state's official records were moved to Jamestown, and stored in the then-new Stutsman County Court House, in preparation for the first session of the North Dakota Legislature. Before the legislators had a chance to gather however, a small group of civic-minded Bismarck residents, disgruntled over the loss of prestige which the impending change meant to their community, rode on horseback the 100 miles (160 km) to Jamestown in a January blizzard, broke into the court house, stole the state records, and made it back to Bismarck with them, staying just ahead of a pursuing posse. Once the records were back in Bismarck, they were essentially "held hostage", until the legislature agreed to meet in Bismarck. Faced with the "fait accompli", the legislators had no choice but to convene in Bismarck; and, as the Bismarck citizens had hoped for, once there, simply decided it was too much work to change the status quo. In an effort to extract some dignity from the situation however, the legislature refused to formally vote to establish Bismarck as the state capital city. Thus, while Bismarck remains the North Dakota state capital to this day, there is no actual statute, law or constitutional clause placing it there, although because of its convenient central location in the state the city is a perfect site for government to meet.

Bismarck's popularity and beauty attracts thousands of people from the east side of the state to the west, north and south. The state capitol building (the tallest building in the state), and biggest museum in the state, a civic center and the largest opera/ballet house in the state, the largest court room in the state, the largest zoo in the state ("Dakota Zoo") and many night clubs, churches, schools, stadiums, and university opportunities (University of Mary, Bismarck State College, United Tribes Technical College Rasmussen College and other medical, scientific, and religious related colleges) are located in Bismarck. Bismarck today is the leading provider in North Dakota of government, health care, banking, finance, nature protection, nature preservation, residential safety, recreational activities, cultural opportunity, job availability, literature, and education. Bismarck hosts the two tallest buildings in the state (possibly a third), with many parks and recreational areas, three malls and many plazas, a huge downtown area where USA presidents visited, busy traffic and very busy train traffic and an increasing amount of air-travel, and it's all located on top of rolling hills along the Missouri River. Bismarck is a "safe-haven" in North Dakota for trees, trees grow well in Bismarck because water is plentiful. Bismarck is always connected to all of North Dakota, Bismarck provides almost all radio signals and transfers data (weather predictions, news, newspaper, sporting events) to almost all of North Dakota, it does not provide this to one-fourth of North Dakota, that one-fourth is covered by Fargo. Western Montana and northern South Dakota are also covered by the city of Bismarck. Bismarck ranks second in tourism intake after Minot but tourism in Bismarck is powerful year round even during the winter. Bismarck also ranks second in largest metro area after Fargo, which continues to spread at an increasing rate, but Bismarck has no intention of spoiling the warm and happy environment it has successfully matured. Bismarck, North Dakota is the Official Safest (Large Population) City in America to Live.

Other Major cities

Bismarck's economy has skyrocketed twice: first when gold was discovered in the Black Hills and second when Garrison Dam on Lake Sakakawea was being constructed. Retail stores have flocked to the area to benefit from the cities growing population. Minot is a city in northern North Dakota is home of the North Dakota State Fair. Mandan is located a few miles west of Bismarck on the west side of the Missouri River and takes its name from the Mandan Indians that greeted Lewis and Clark. New Salem is the location of the world's largest holstein cow statue; the world's largest statue of a bison is in Jamestown. Grand Forks and Devils Lake are located in scenic areas of North Dakota. Williston is located near the confluence of the Missouri River and the Yellowstone River near Montana. Medora in the North Dakota Badlands hosts the Medora Musical every summer and is the gateway to Theodore Roosevelt National Park. Fort Yates, located along the Missouri River on the Standing Rock Indian Reservation claims to host the final resting place of Hunkpapa Lakota leader Sitting Bull (Mobridge, South Dakota also claims his gravesite).

North Dakota's most populous city is Fargo, North Dakota. North Dakota's top 12 cities are listed here in order of descending size, they are: Fargo, Bismarck, Grand Forks, Minot, West Fargo, Mandan, Dickinson, Jamestown, Williston, Wahpeton, Devils Lake, and then Valley City.

Education

Higher education

The state has 11 public colleges and universities, five tribal community colleges, and four private schools. The largest institutions are North Dakota State University and the University of North Dakota.

The higher education system consists of the following institutions:

North Dakota University System (public institutions):

• Bismarck State College in Bismarck
• Dickinson State University in Dickinson
• Lake Region State College in Devils Lake
• Mayville State University in Mayville
• Minot State University in Minot
• Dakota College at Bottineau in Bottineau
• North Dakota State University in Fargo
• North Dakota State College of Science in Wahpeton
• University of North Dakota in Grand Forks
• Valley City State University in Valley City
• Williston State College in Williston

Tribal institutions:

• Cankdeska Cikana Community College in Fort Totten
• Fort Berthold Community College in New Town
• Sitting Bull College in Fort Yates
• Turtle Mountain Community College in Belcourt
• United Tribes Technical College in Bismarck

Private institutions:

• Rasmussen College in Fargo and Bismarck
• Jamestown College in Jamestown
• University of Mary in Bismarck
• Trinity Bible College in Ellendale

State symbols

State bird: Western Meadowlark, Sturnella neglecta

State fish: Northern pike, Esox lucius

State horse: Nokota horse

State flower: Wild Prairie Rose, Rosa arkansana

State tree: American Elm, Ulmus americana

State fossil: Teredo Petrified wood

State grass: Western Wheatgrass, Pascopyrum smithii (Rydb.) A. Löve

State nicknames: Roughrider State, Flickertail State, Peace Garden State, Sioux state.

State mottos:

(Great Seal of North Dakota) Liberty and Union, Now and Forever, One and Inseparable

(Coat of Arms of North Dakota) Strength from the Soil

State slogan: Legendary

State song: North Dakota Hymn

State dance: Square Dance

State fruit: Chokecherry

State march: Flickertail March

State beverage: Milk

State art museum: North Dakota Museum of Art

State license plate: see the different types over time^[78]

"The Flickertail State" is one of North Dakota's nicknames and is derived from Richardson's Ground Squirrel (Spermophilus richardsonii), a very common animal in the region. The ground squirrel constantly flicks its tail in a distinctive manner. In 1953, legislation to make the ground squirrel the state emblem was voted down in the state legislature.^[79]

Media

North Dakota's media markets are Fargo-Grand Forks, (121st largest nationally), making up the eastern half of the state, and Minot-Bismarck (158th), making up the western half of the state.^[80] Prairie Public Television (PPTV) is a statewide public television network affiliated with PBS.

Broadcast television in North Dakota started on April 3, 1953, when KCJB-TV (now KXMC-TV) in Minot began broadcasting.^[81] There are currently 28 analog broadcast stations and 18 digital channels broadcast over North Dakota.

The state's largest newspaper is The Forum of Fargo-Moorhead. Other weekly and monthly publications (most of which are fully supported by advertising) are also available. The most prominent of these is the alternative weekly High Plains Reader, which covers Fargo and Grand Forks.

Prairie Public is a statewide radio network affiliated with National Public Radio. The state's oldest radio station, WDAY-AM, was launched on May 23, 1922.^[82] The Forum Communications owned station is still on the air, and currently broadcasts a news/talk format.

Notable North Dakotans

• James F. Buchli former NASA astronaut.
• Quentin N. Burdick former U.S. Senator, third longest-serving Senator among current members of this body.
• Warren Christopher former U.S. Secretary of State, diplomat and lawyer.
• Shannon Curfman American blues-rock guitarist and singer.
• Angie Dickinson Golden Globe-winning television and film actress.
• Josh Duhamel Emmy Award-winning actor and former male fashion model.
• Carl Ben Eielson was an aviator, bush pilot and explorer.
• CariDee English winner of Cycle 7 on America's Next Top Model. Host of Pretty Wicked.
• Louise Erdrich a Native American author of novels, poetry, and children's books.
• Virgil Hill former WBA World Cruiserweight champion and Olympic boxer.
• Chuck Klosterman a writer, journalist, critic, humorist, and essayist whose work often focuses on pop culture.
• Louis L'Amour an author of primarily Western fiction.
• Jonny Lang a Grammy-winning blues guitarist and singer.
• Peggy Lee a jazz and traditional pop singer and songwriter.
• Kellan Lutz actor who portrays Emmett Cullen in Twilight and New Moon. Former male fashion model.
• Roger Maris a right fielder in Major League Baseball and former single season home run record holder
• Phil Jackson coach for the LA Lakers.
• Helen Marshall poet and medievalist.
• Thomas McGrath, who was a poet and political activist.
• Mancur Olson, American economist.
• Alan Ritchson American Idol-3rd season participant singer, model, actor.
• Sakakawea a Shoshone woman of Lewis and Clark fame.
• Eric Sevareid a CBS news journalist.
• Ed Schultz the host of The Ed Schultz Show.
• Ann Sothern an Oscar nominated film and television actress.
• Shadoe Stevens was the host of American Top 40.
• Richard St. Clair a Harvard educated composer of modern classical music.
• Lawrence Welk a musician, accordion player, bandleader, and television impresario.
• Bobby Vee an American pop music singer.
• Richard Hieb former NASA astronaut.
• Darin Erstad MLB all-star and World Series Champion.
• Travis Hafner MLB Designated Hitter for the Cleveland Indians.
• Nicole Linkletter winner of Cycle 5 on "America's Next Top Model".
• Wiz Khalifa Hip Hop Artist
• Sam Anderson, actor.

See also

References

Further reading

• Arends, Shirley Fischer. The Central Dakota Germans: Their History, Language, and Culture. (1989). 289 pp.
• Berg, Francie M., ed. Ethnic Heritage in North Dakota. (1983). 174 pp.
• Blackorby, Edward C. Prairie Rebel: The Public Life of William Lemke (1963), radical leader in 1930s online edition
• Collins, Michael L. That Damned Cowboy: Theodore Roosevelt and the American West, 1883–1898 (1989). Teddy was a rancher here in the 1880s
• Cooper, Jerry and Smith, Glen. Citizens as Soldiers: A History of the North Dakota National Guard. (1986). 447 pp.
• Crawford, Lewis F. History of North Dakota (3 vol 1931), excellent history in vol 1; biographies in vol. 2-3
• Danbom, David B. "Our Purpose Is to Serve": The First Century of the North Dakota Agricultural Experiment Station. (1990). 237 pp.
• Eisenberg, C. G. History of the First Dakota-District of the Evangelical-Lutheran Synod of Iowa and Other States. (1982). 268 pp.
• Ginsburg, Faye D. Contested Lives: The Abortion Debate in an American Community. (1989). 315 pp. the issue in Fargo
• Hargreaves, Mary W. M. Dry Farming in the Northern Great Plains: Years of Readjustment, 1920–1990. (1993). 386 pp.
• Howard, Thomas W., ed. The North Dakota Political Tradition. (1981). 220 pp.
• Hudson, John C. Plains Country Towns. (1985). 189 pp. geographer studies small towns
• Junker, Rozanne Enerson. The Bank of North Dakota: An Experiment in State Ownership. (1989). 185 pp.
• Lamar, Howard R. Dakota Territory, 1861–1889: A Study of Frontier Politics (1956).
• Lounsberry, Clement A. Early history of North Dakota (1919) excellent history by editor of Bismark Tribune; 645pp online edition
• Lysengen, Janet Daley and Rathke, Ann M., eds. The Centennial Anthology of "North Dakota History: Journal of the Northern Plains." (1996). 526 pp. articles from state history journal covering all major topics in the state's history
• Morlan, Robert L. Political Prairie Fire: The Nonpartisan League, 1915–1922. (1955). 414 pp. NPL comes to power briefly
• Peirce, Neal R. The Great Plains States of America: People, Politics, and Power in the Nine Great Plains States (1973) excerpt and text ssearch, chapter on North Dakota
• Robinson, Elwyn B., D. Jerome Tweton, and David B. Danbom. History of North Dakota (2nd ed. 1995) standard history, by leading scholars; extensive bibliography
  • Robinson, Elwyn B. History of North Dakota (1966) First edition online
• Schneider, Mary Jane. North Dakota Indians: An Introduction. (1986). 276 pp.
• Sherman, William C. and Thorson, Playford V., eds. Plains Folk: North Dakota's Ethnic History. (1988). 419 pp.
• Sherman, William C. Prairie Mosaic: An Ethnic Atlas of Rural North Dakota. (1983). 152 pp.
• Smith, Glen H. Langer of North Dakota: A Study in Isolationism, 1940–1959. (1979). 238 pp. biography of influential conservative Senator
• Snortland, J. Signe, ed. A Traveler's Companion to North Dakota State Historic Sites. (1996). 155 pp.
• Stock, Catherine McNicol. Main Street in Crisis: The Great Depression and the Old Middle Class on the Northern Plains. (1992). 305pp. online edition
• Tauxe, Caroline S. Farms, Mines and Main Streets: Uneven Development in a Dakota County. (1993). 276 pp. coal and grain in Mercer county
• Tweton, D. Jerome and Jelliff, Theodore B. North Dakota: The Heritage of a People. (1976). 242 pp. textbook history
• Wilkins, Robert P. and Wilkins, Wynona Hutchette. North Dakota: A Bicentennial History. (1977) 218 pp. popular history
• Wishart, David J. Encyclopedia of the Great Plains (2004), many articles by scholars on many topics
• Young, Carrie. Prairie Cooks: Glorified Rice, Three-Day Buns, and Other Reminiscences. (1993). 136 pp.

Primary sources

• Benson, Bjorn; Hampsten, Elizabeth; and Sweney, Kathryn, eds. Day In, Day Out: Women's Lives in North Dakota. (1988). 326 pp.
• Maximilian, Prince of Wied. Travels in the Interior of North America in the rears 1832 to 1834 (Vols. XXII-XXIV of "Early Western Travels, 1748–1846," ed. by Reuben Gold Thwaites; 1905–1906). Maximilian spent the winter of 1833–1834 at Fort Clark.
• University of North Dakota, Bureau of Governmental Affairs, ed., A Compilation of North Dakota Political Party Platforms, 1884–1978. (1979). 388 pp.
• WPA. North Dakota: A Guide to the Northern Prairie State (2nd ed. 1950), the classic guide online edition

External links

Find more about North Dakota on Wikipedia's sister projects:
	Definitions from Wiktionary
	Images and media from Commons
	Learning resources from Wikiversity
	News stories from Wikinews
	Quotations from Wikiquote
	Source texts from Wikisource
	Textbooks from Wikibooks

• State of North Dakota official website
• North Dakota tourism website
• Energy Profile for North Dakota
• USGS real-time, geographic, and other scientific resources of North Dakota
• U.S. Census Bureau facts of North Dakota
• North Dakota State Facts - USDA
• Pictures of the Dakotas: Badlands and Theodore Roosevelt National Parks
• GhostsOfNorthDakota.com - a pictorial documentary of North Dakota "ghost towns"
• North Dakota at the Open Directory Project
• OpenStreetMap has geographic data related to North Dakota

		Canada  Saskatchewan •  Manitoba
	Montana		Minnesota
		North Dakota: Outline • Index
	Wyoming	South Dakota

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Preceded by Colorado

List of U.S. states by date of statehood Admitted on November 2, 1889 (39th)

Succeeded by South Dakota

Coordinates: 47°30′N 100°30′W / 47.5°N 100.5°W / 47.5; -100.5

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12/12/2011 09:00 AM

Tax Tip for Small Business

As 2011 winds down to a close, many small business owners are scrutinizing year-end tax deadlines in a last-ditch effort to lighten their payment to Uncle Sam come April. One of the smartest moves they can make, including the self-employed is to start a 401(k) plan before December 31st.  It’s important to note that while a few solo 401k plan providers will allow purchases for a 2011 plan through December 31st, a traditional plan for a business with employees would need to be purchased a week or two earlier. complete article

12/09/2011 09:00 AM

Tips to Identify Your Customers

In order to effectively target your customers, you need to know who and where they are. Customers come in all shapes and sizes, so how do you discern which customers are the best to target? Tips to Identify Your Customers

12/07/2011 09:00 AM

Retirement a Far Cry for Small Business Owners

Three-quarters of small business owners say so many Americans are financially unprepared for retirement it's reached crisis levels, a survey says. A survey of small business owners by Nationwide Financial indicates small businesses may add to the problem because only 19 percent of these businesses offer their employees a 401k or other employee self-funded retirement plan. complete article

12/06/2011 09:00 AM

Financial Literacy

A recent study distributed by the Employee Benefit Research Institute showed that Texans have the lowest financial literacy in the country. The survey revealed that Texans largely do not understand basic financial concepts like interest rates, mortgages, and investments. But this knowledge gap is not limited to Texas alone; it is issue throughout the United States. complete article

12/05/2011 09:00 AM

Small Businesses Should Take Stock

We know the holidays are always hectic, but it is an important time of year for your business. Not only is this the season when retailers make most of their income, it's also a good time to sit down and strategize, USA Today recommends. complete article

11/29/2011 09:00 AM

Small Business Politics

Although they are some of the busiest people in the country, small-business owners find time to get involved in the democratic process. Many of them feel they have no choice but to push back on a government that sings their praises while dipping its long arm into their coffers. Not to mention all the times they get nudged, pushed or slapped by its misguided policies.   complete article

11/28/2011 09:00 AM

Monetizing the Holiday

Because gift-giving and many other aspects of the Christmas festival involve heightened economic activity among both Christians and non-Christians, the holiday has become a significant event and a key sales period for retailers and businesses. The economic impact of Christmas is a factor that has grown steadily over the past few centuries in many regions of the world. How to Monetize Christmas some ideas! Christmas Sneakers Christmas iPhone Cases Christmas Return Address Mailing Labels Custom iPad Cases Christmas Party Invitations Christmas Web Design Elements Christmas Greeting Cards Christmas Logos

11/26/2011 09:00 AM

Small Business Saturdays

While Black Friday may be known as the busiest shopping day of the year for large retailers, independently owned boutiques are hoping the next day, Small Business Saturday, will be their busiest day of the year. Small Business Saturday is a day that is designated nationally to supporting local busineses.

11/25/2011 09:00 AM

Technology Review Sites

Technology product review sites can be a valuable resource for small businesses that need to make purchasing decisions. Sites offer expert and consumer opinions, as well as how-to information, competitive pricing locations, and the latest news on technology trends. Here is a list of technology review sites.

11/24/2011 09:00 AM

UK Small Businesses Optimistic

62 per cent of small business owners expect their revenue to increase in 2012 27 percent plan to create new jobs over next twelve months 65 percent say winning new business will be their priority over the next twelve months Britains small businesses expect to grow their profits and employee headcount over the next 12 months despite the bleak economic climate, according to a survey of 374 small businesses by Simply Business, the UKs largest business insurance broker. complete article

11/23/2011 09:00 AM

Regulatory Concerns are The Issue

Many small business owners will tell you that regulatory concerns hamper their plans to hire and expand. But according to a new survey, where they really run into difficulty is pinpointing exactly which regulations are responsible for their problems. Echoing the results of several recent studies, four out of 10 small employers (between one and 25 employees) say regulatory and legal problems are impeding the growth of their businesses, according to the latest National Small Business Poll released Tuesday by the National Federation of Independent Business. More specifically, 82 percent of them said the obstacles stemmed from government regulations. But here is the real kicker: Of those who said regulations were a major growth impediment, only 36 percent identified a specific regulation or set of regulations that was responsible for their problems.

11/16/2011 09:00 AM

Any Tips on How to Survive in a Seasonal Business?

Any tips on how to survive in a highly seasonal small business? Many retailers encounter a huge spike in business during the holidays. Seasonal businesses dedicate a large part of the year to preparing for those certain weeks or months when most of their revenue is generated. Those boom times come at a price - a struggle for financial survival throughout the remainder of the year, when business slows to a trickle. complete article

11/15/2011 09:00 AM

Problems of Fast Growing Companies

TOP PROBLEMS OF FAST-GROWTH COMPANIES •Hiring quality employees •Controlling costs •Motivating employees •Training employees •Wise use of capital

11/14/2011 09:00 AM

Prepare for Small Business Saturday

Small Business Saturday is coming up in two weeks and it's not to early to prepare for it. Experian Business Services recently listed 10 tips for preparing for the day, Nov. 26. Small Business Saturday started last year as way to encourage people to shop at local stores and to think about small businesses as an important part of their holiday shopping. Prepare for Small Business Saturday

11/12/2011 09:00 AM

Why Small Businesses Matter!

U.S. small businesses, which are responsible for almost two-thirds of new hires annually, are facing rising barriers and an increasingly hostile relationship with Washington due to federal regulations.

11/11/2011 09:00 AM

How Small Businesses Can Use Social Media

As a small business owner, it can be difficult to decide where your time is best spent, especially since your time really does equal money. Technology may make marketing and customer service easier, but it can also be more time consuming with existing, and potential, clients expecting a 24-7 social media presence, and business owners wanting to take advantage of every available opportunity to spread the word of their product or service. complete article

11/08/2011 09:00 AM

6 Tips for Building Big Brand

Here are 6 simple tactics that I have put together to help small business owners to build a BIG brand: complete article

11/10/2011 09:00 AM

Top Notch Resources for Small Businesses

This list of resources for small business leaders and entrepreneurs includes Small Business Trends and our sister site BizSugar and will supply plenty of ideas for use in your own business. Top Notch Business Recources

11/09/2011 09:00 AM

Small Businesses Leave Big Banks

Bad relationships with big banks are leading more small-business owners to switch to local banks, community banks, or credit unions. While banks such as Wells Fargo and Bank of America claim their small-business lending has increased this year, many of the banks define small businesses as those with less than $20 million in revenue.

11/08/2011 09:00 AM

Is It Too Late to Save on Taxes

As we near the end of 2011, can I do anything to make sure I do not pay more taxes for my small business than absolutely necessary? complete article

11/07/2011 09:00 AM

Small Businesses Cutting Back on Holidays

Small businesses are toning down their holiday celebrations and gifts this year, experts say. Some spent a little more in 2010 than they had during any other year of the recession, but slow growth is making them scale back again.

10/25/2011 09:00 AM

Small Business Tax Deductions

Two generous tax breaks that small business owners got during the recession are going to shrink dramatically in 2012. That makes yearend tax planning more important than usual. The changes affect the deductions for purchases of equipment. One is called the Section 179 deduction, a name taken from a provision of the Internal Revenue Code. The other is called bonus depreciation. Congress approved the breaks as an economic stimulus move — they were intended to make it easier for small businesses to expand and hire workers. Although the economy is still slow, the breaks are being scaled back. complete article

10/24/2011 09:00 AM

Interesting Small Business Statistics

October is Womens Small Business Month.  There are more than 27 million small businesses in the United States, and over 7.7 million of these businesses are owned by women. This is a 20.1% increase from 2002. Women -owned businesses, where women own 51% percent or more of the stock or equity, generated $1.2 trillion in receipts.    Women-owned businesses will account for one-third of the new jobs created by 2018.   According to the 2007 Survey of Business Owners, almost 800,000 small businesses are owned by Latinas,  more than 900,000 small businesses are owned by Black/African-American women, over 500,000 small businesses are owned by Asian-American/Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander women, and close to 15,000 small businesses are owned by American-Indian-Alaskan Native females. complete article

10/19/2011 09:00 AM

Small Business Accessibility

Researchers have just come up with a way to turn an iPad into a Braille keyboard--but until this kind of technology is on the market, it is up to business owners to make sure that their websites meet the needs of clients with special needs. According to accessibility guidelines from the U.S. government, 8 percent of Americans have a disability that affects how they can access and use websites. Among the conditions in this group, four percent are vision-related, two percent are movement-related, one percent hearing-related, and less than one percent related to learning disabilities. This means that accessibility may have more of an effect on Web sales than you may have previously thought. But what can you do to improve website accessibility for these customers? An accessible website will also be friendly to seniors--and small businesses will need increasingly to cater to them. By 2018, almost 24 percent of the population will be over 55. complete article

10/18/2011 09:00 AM

Small Business Marketing and Social Media

Social media are currently the two words on everyone business owners lips,this new phenomenon is a modern and effective method of communication which brings together businesses, organisations, people, news and hobbies. The latest ground breaking news can be spread across the world in seconds and businesses can go from zero to hero within a matter of weeks. If utilised to its full potential, social media can be the most effective marketing tool for small businesses with minimal effort and expenditure. Small Business and Social Media Marketing

10/17/2011 09:00 AM

Occupy Wall Street Effects

Occupy Boston has been in the news a lot lately, but one recent story has some Boston residents riled up and crying hypocrisy. Due to the groups presence in Dewey Square, the Greenway Mobile Food Fest, a free event featuring Bostons food trucks, local bands, and a food drive for the citys homeless, has been cancelled. Comments on the articles about the cancellation already circulating make it clear that people are angry at Occupy Boston. After all, this is not just any event -- it’s one that represents almost exactly what the Occupy movement supports: small business owners and victims of the 1%. complete article

10/08/2011 09:00 AM

Software Development and Marketing Mistakes

The following are some of the more common mistakes made by ISVs and software developers... 1. Lack Of A Plan Many software developers start out simply by writing an application to make their own lives easier, and often do not really have a plan to turn that idea into a business. But they later decide to do just that, and like any other business, a plan is necessary in order for a software company to succeed. Create a development road-map, a marketing plan, and a business plan, all of which lay out goals, feature priorities, and a time frame for accomplishing specific parts of the plan. Software Development and Marketing Mistakes

10/06/2011 09:00 AM

Fedex Helping Small Businesses

FedEx Office, an operating company of FedEx Corp. , today announced it will host a three-part Tweet Chat series featuring industry leaders addressing small business trends and issues. The series will be held over three weeks and each Tweet Chat will feature a different small business expert who will discuss important topics for entrepreneurs--including Recession Proof Your Small Business, Make Your Advertising Pay Off and Branding on a Shoestring Budget. The virtual Boost Your Small Business Tweet Chat series will take place on three consecutive Thursdays in October, and the moderator will be Brian Wharton, a former 15-year small business owner and current marketing manager for FedEx Office. To attend these sessions on Twitter, participants should follow the #fedexsmallbiz hashtag at the following times.

10/05/2011 09:00 AM

Small Business Security

The employees who help you run your small business may also be helping to destroy it. Though they usually do not mean to do any harm, employees are increasingly responsible for network security breaches, according to an article in Mondays Wall Street Journal. This is because hackers have gotten adept at breaking into company networks by exploiting well-intentioned employees. complete article

10/04/2011 09:00 AM

Small Business Lending a Dud

A Treasury Department program aimed at helping small businesses get their hands on cash ended this week -- with a thud. The Small Business Lending Fund, set up last year with $30 billion to help banks jumpstart lending, disbursed a mere $4 billion, Treasury said. And it left many rejected bankers frustrated. The news comes as small business owners complain that they cannot grow or hire because they lack access to credit. The sector has been in the spotlight as the country grapples with a sky high unemployment rate. Reasons behind the disappointing results are myriad. complete article

10/03/2011 09:00 AM

Economy and Growth

The U.S. economy is now the same size that it was before the 2007 recession, and yet we have 7 million fewer jobs. The latest data from the Department of Labor suggests that zero job growth is here to stay well into 2012. As conversations across the nation shift from how to create economic growth to how to create more jobs, many are asking: what should be done? To answer this question, we have to consider in which sectors America can achieve competitive advantage relative to emerging powerhouses such as China and India. complete article

10/01/2011 09:00 AM

Profiting from the Holidays

Take a look at these innovative companies finding ways to profit from Halloween! Halloween iPad Cases Halloween Return Address Mailing Labels Halloween Party Invitations Halloween Sneakers Pick and Print Halloween Greeting Cards Halloween iPhone Cases More Halloween Greeting Cards Halloween Web Design Elements - Photos, Logos and Templates Halloween Logo Designs Halloween PowerPoint Templates and Layouts

09/27/2011 09:00 AM

Small Business Owners Sacrifice in the Face of a Failing Economy

Small and medium-sized businesses played a key role in helping Canada move forward from the 2008-2009 recession, with many owners making personal sacrifices to help their businesses survive, according to a new report from The Canadian Federation of Independent Business. The report found that 62 per cent of business owners worked longer hours; 43 per cent cut their own salaries including one owner who had not taken a salary since July, 2009); 40 per cent took on more debt; and 37 per cent cancelled personal holidays to weather the economic storm. Just 20 per cent made no changes in their own behaviour at all. complete article

09/26/2011 09:00 AM

Facebook Marketing Tool

Sheryl Sandberg is new COO of Facebook, the same position she held at Google. Now, she is working to encourage businesses to treat each of the 750 million users as potential customers and advertise with the website. Among the benefits of a Facebook marketing campaign is that companies can target their advertising materials, narrowing demographics down to just one zip code or gender, if they wish, the news source explains. complete article

09/21/2011 09:00 AM

Tips to Get Things Accomplished

All of us start the day with every intention of completing a variety of tasks, but unfortunately many of us become distracted as the day moves on. Or even worse, we are tasked with crisis management, and at the end of the day we find that we have made little progress in whittling down the days planned tasks. As well intentioned as you may be, it seems to become a routine, and one that far too many of us fall into. Tips to Get Things Accomplished

09/20/2011 09:00 AM

Small Business Pessimism

When the country recovered from recessions in the past, small businesses were usually the first companies to start hiring. But smaller companies are so pessimistic now that they are not taking on their historical leadership position. The National Federation of Independent Business, which issues a monthly report on small business optimism, says confidence in the future of the economy crashed in August. The group's optimism index -- which it wryly called the Small Business Pessimism index -- was down for the sixth straight month. Complete Article

09/19/2011 09:00 AM

Small Business Pay For Regulations

Small businesses pay the heaviest price to comply with these rules. According to the Small Business Administration, mom-and-pop businesses pay 60 percent more to meet federal standards than larger corporations. In fact, the cost exceeds $10,500 per year, per employee. It's no surprise, then, that small businesses are extremely reluctant to hire new workers — even if they can — because of the cloud of uncertainty that billows out of Washington these days. complete article

09/15/2011 09:00 AM

IBM Lending Money to Small Businesses

IBM Corp. will provide $1 billion in financing over the next 18 months to credit-worthy small and medium businesses to help them acquire the companys new suite of advanced technologies. Announcing the financing initiative Thursday, officials at IBM headquarters in Armonk said it is aimed at helping those businesses spur innovation and drive economic growth by making credit more easily accessible and eliminating many of the cost barriers to business growth. They pointed to U.S. Small Business Administration reports that more than 50 percent of small businesses fail within their first five years due to lack of capital. complete article

09/14/2011 09:00 AM

Need Business Cards?

Need inexpensive professional looking business cards? Checkout the Business Card Designs.

09/13/2011 09:00 AM

Follow Small Business Software on Twitter

Follow @SmallBizSoft Tweets on Twitter.

09/13/2011 09:00 AM

Cyber Risks to Small Businesses

A band of thieves rents an office in the same building as a California law firm. They then use that address with a different suite number to have $70,000 worth of computers and office furniture delivered using the law firms line of credit. They load the furniture into a truck and disappear. In Pennsylvania, thieves place malware on a school districts computer system and use information gained to siphon about $700,000 from its bank accounts in 74 transactions over a two-day period. complete article

09/12/2011 09:00 AM

How Small Businesses are Coping in Declining Economy

A vast majority of the nations small business owners expressed concern about the possibility of a double-dip recession, according to the latest Citibank survey, though many also said they are successfully coping with uncertain economic conditions. According to the survey, nine out of 10 small business owners said they are concerned the nation could slip back into a recession. But 79% of small business owners said they are prepared if the economy were to experience another downturn. complete article

09/08/2011 09:00 AM

Number of Small Businesses in Decline

More than 1 million self-employed Americans are no longer in business almost four years after the last recession began, as the economy constrains entrepreneurial activity and small-business job creation. The 18-month contraction that started in December 2007 initially resulted in more would-be business owners, as the number of people who work for themselves grew to 16.3 million in July 2008 from 15.7 million at the end of 2007, according to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Since then, the total has fallen about 10 percent to 14.7 million in July, the data show. complete article

09/07/2011 09:00 AM

Social Media and Small Businesses

A pair of florists, a nutritional therapist and an aspiring coffee shop owner sat among a dozen others in a small Portland classroom on a recent evening, trying to understand a big issue. Social media. The two words are quickly becoming a necessity when it comes to running a business. Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter and a host of other social media outlets promise low-cost, targeted routes to customers. More and more companies are joining one or more social networks to learn how they work -- and how they pay. But many wonder, if likes and tweets do not lead to sales, is it all worth it? Small businesses often don't have the staff or budget to find out, leaving owners to navigate the networks themselves. complete article

09/06/2011 09:00 AM

Entrepreneurs Need to Keep Stress at Bay

There are many rewards in running your own business. But you must be aware of the tradeoffs and sacrifices that come with being in charge. Over time, the stress may take its toll on your physical and emotional health, affecting your business as well as your relations with employees, family and friends. Fortunately, there are good ways to keep business burnout at bay. First, identify responsibilities or activities that are causing the stress. What regularly causes your anxiety? Perhaps you dread mundane tasks like bookkeeping and filing reports, or having to make sales calls. You may have customers who are difficult to work with or do not pay invoices on time. And, because you are responsible for everything your business does, you may obsess about things beyond your control. complete article

09/05/2011 09:00 AM

Going Mobile With Your Small Business

Cellphones have been around for a long time and many small businesses have them. They are good for phone calls and basic text messaging. Smartphones - more powerful cellphones - were introduced to the business world more recently, and their popularity has grown exponentially ever since. Smartphones, such as BlackBerry, are used today for much more than phone calls and text messaging - small and large businesses alike rely upon them every day for everything from email and browsing the Web, organizing calendars and scheduling appointments, to editing documents and tracking orders and customer activity. They are essentially pocket-sized computers that have, arguably, led to a new generation of mobile workers, new ways of doing business and the emergence of a new type of office - the mobile office. complete article

09/02/2011 09:00 AM

Small Businesses Hit Harder By Disaster

For East Coast business owners shaken by last weeks earthquake and bracing for Hurricane Irene's onslaught, the stats are gloomy. Twenty-five percent of small businesses hit with a disaster like a flood or an earthquake never re-open. complete article

09/01/2011 09:00 AM

Class for New Small Business Owners

A new session of Entrepreneur School will launch early next month at Southwest Florida Enterprise Center, the city of Fort Myers' small-business incubator. Entrepreneur School runs one evening a week, for six consecutive weeks. It boasts more than 200 past participants. This program could be right for you if: - You are thinking about starting a business; - You are starting a business but are confused about everything you have to do; or - You own a business, but are dissatisfied with the results. complete article

08/31/2011 09:00 AM

Towns Adapting and Dropping Regulations for Small Businesses

The poor economy is prompting many cities to bend their rules to help struggling businesses. Their actions could pay off for residents as well. In Lighthouse Point, neon-lit Open signs now are tolerated in storefront windows. Downtown Boca Raton is welcoming sandwich-board business signs on sidewalks. Restaurants in Fort Lauderdale, Margate and Lauderdale-by-the-Sea now can sell alcohol at Sunday morning brunch. And in Boynton Beach, the commission in September will consider easing requirements for sidewalk cafes downtown. complete article

08/30/2011 09:00 AM

Small Business Scams

Scams that target small businesses come in a number of forms, and can leave your business vulnerable and exposed to a variety of threats. Scammers will often go to great lengths to convince businesses that their offer or request is legitimate. Many scams succeed because they look like the real thing or try to take advantage of a busy office environment. The best defence to protecting your business is by being aware of the most common scams targeting businesses, and knowing what to do if you are targeted by a scam. complete article

08/29/2011 09:00 AM

Disaster Survival Tips for Small Businesses

The devastation may seem overwhelming, but business must go on as quickly as possible. Here are some tips to consider to help your business bounce back and get up and running as quickly as possible in the wake of a disaster. 1. Have a Plan. Consider what the impact will be if power and communications are down for a day…or a week. Communicate now--proactively--with suppliers, partners, customers, or other affected parties to explain the situation, and to inform them that business may be interrupted, and you may be unable to communicate reliably, but that business will resume as quickly as possible. Disaster Survival Tips or Small Businesses

08/26/2011 09:00 AM

Business Continuity Plan

In the event of an accident or disaster, small business employees are well positioned to keep operations running smoothly while a business owner is away. Developing a business continuity plan and sharing it with employees can prepare them to properly navigate most emergency situations while the business owner is out of the office. Business Continuity Plan

08/25/2011 09:00 AM

Definition of Small May Change

A new definition of what constitutes a small business being considered by the Treasury Department is raising concerns among some closely held companies that it’s a step toward requiring them to pay corporate taxes. The proposed definition, included in an Aug. 9 Treasury report, places the upper limit for a small business at $10 million in annual gross income or deductions. Currently, there is no size limit on what constitutes a small business for purposes of tax policy discussions. complete article

08/24/2011 09:00 AM

Tech Tips for Small Businesses

Attracting new customers can be a challenge for any company, and small businesses have to work exceptionally hard to reach this goal. By using Facebook the right way, Galloway business owners can spread the word about their companies. The first thing you’ll want to do is set up a Facebook account for professional use. You probably won’t want to mix your personal and professional Facebook friends, and the easiest way to keep them separate is with a second account dedicated to professional use. Once you have created the account, take the time to fill out all of the information fields. complete article

08/24/2011 09:00 AM

Small Business Industries You Should Not Touch With A 10-Foot Pole

This economic recession has brought a plethora of business failures and it’s safe to assume that once the economy gets roaring, many of these failed businesses will come back and be very successful. However, some businesses will never recover to what it once was. History has shown this to be true.The telegraph industry was decimated by the Great Depression, ultimately getting replaced by new technology (telephone) coming out of that Depression. complete article

08/22/2011 09:00 AM

Does Every Small Business Need a Website?

Yes, you need a website. No matter the size or type of your business, if you’re trying to compete in todays tech-savvy world then you need a website in order to market yourself, gain traction in your industry and simply be found by customers. Today when someone is looking for a dry cleaner, antiques dealer, or hair salon they are going to Google. Lets face it, most people don’t even open that big yellow book that shows up on their doorstep each year. Do not have a website? Only listed in the directory sites? You are losing customers. You can start with web templates. complete article

08/06/2011 09:00 AM

Small Businesses Must Adapt or Suffer the Consequences

Small businesses tend to be more agile than large corporations, but in order to take advantage of that strength, they must be willing to adapt with changing times in order to prosper and survive. This is especially true when faced with a difficult economic climate. Small Businesses Must Adapt or Suffer the Consequences

08/04/2011 09:00 AM

Facebook for Business

The latest cat-and-mouse battle between Facebook and Google is being fought in the business world – specifically, the world of business as it appears on each company's social network. And Facebooks newest salvo, a guide to Facebook for Business, is a direct thumb of the nose against its scrambling competitor. The company unveiled Facebook for Business earlier this week, but don't be alarmed by the title – it is not a new feature or page setup on the site for businesses. Rather, Facebook for Business is a small portal that Facebook created to show companies how they can maximize their social presence on the site. Facebook for Business

08/03/2011 09:00 AM

Small Businesses Hesitant to Hire

Privately-held businesses are aggregately performing better now than at any point since the recession -- sales are growing across the board, and profit margins are increasing, too. With such objective evidence of success, privately-held businesses should be celebrating. Instead, they are cautious. The National Federation of Independent Business reports the Small Business Optimism Index, a measure combining ten factors including plans to invest, planned hiring and expected economic expansion. Small business represents 64 percent of net new jobs for the past 15 years, but -- in spite of their profits and growth -- small businesses haven't been hiring lately, according to the still-elevated unemployment rate. There is too much uncertainty for employers to take on the long-term financial risk of new employees. complete article

08/02/2011 09:00 AM

Groupon Not Appealing

A business Insider survey of 16 small business owners in San Francisco who have done business with Groupon found that more than half of of the owners would not want to do another Groupon deal. Even with just over half of the business owners not wanting to participate in another Groupon daily deal, more than 60 percent of the surveyed businesses called the deal a success. The majority of respondents offered between 70 and 80 percent off, according to charts on the website. Just under 60 percent of the surveys respondents recevied between a 25 and 50 percent revenue split with the Chicago-based Groupon. complete article

08/01/2011 09:00 AM

Small Businesses Damned

The clock is ticking to raise the national debt limit. Lawmakers have just two days left to come to an agreement before the government defaults on its loans. But one local business owner says it might not matter either way. We are basically damned if we do and damned if we do not says Daniel Nelson. Daniel Nelson, owner of small business Chocolat by Daniel in Rockford says, even if lawmakers raise the debt limit before Tuesdays deadline, our nation won't necessarily be in a better state. If we do raise the debt limit, we continue down the path we are currently on; spending, spending, spending, getting deeper in the hole, says Nelson. But if we default on our bills small businesses like Nelsons could be stuck paying higher interest rates. complete article

07/21/2011 09:00 AM

FDA Saying They Will Become for Small Business Friendly

The head of the Food and Drug Administration is pledging to work more closely with small medical technology companies, who have criticized the agency for unnecessarily slowing down approvals of new drugs and devices. FDA Commissioner Margaret Hamburg is telling business leaders in Cleveland that the agency will invite medical entrepreneurs into the agency to train scientists on how to work with small businesses.

07/20/2011 09:00 AM

Small Businesses Not Adding Employees

Two sobering business surveys, a weak June jobs report and interviews with local business owners show a continued reluctance to add new employees anytime soon.

07/19/2011 09:00 AM

Ten Apps for Small Business

Even a decade ago, most small businesses were shackled to locally installed software for their business needs. Much of the SMB was pressed to use Office for line-of-business rather than purchasing dedicated Line-of-Business solutions from vendors like Peachtree or ERP programs from Lotus and IBM. Such software was first off, expensive especially when purchasing licenses and often required knowledgeable IT staff to deploy and maintain. Programs in the Office suite were substitutes for more robust solutions: Excel for financials and bookkeeping, Publisher for desktop publishing, Front Page for creating websites and so on. With the emergence of cloud computing, however, SMBs now have vast numbers of solutions to choose from. Multi-tenancy cloud platforms from the likes of Amazon and Salesforce.com can scale to support millions of users. A small business simply can sign up for any of the wealth of cloud-based services available, and can never outgrow the service no matter how the business grows. complete article

07/18/2011 09:00 AM

Chinas Small Businesses Struggle

Chinas economy is caught in a difficult dilemma between trying to maintain growth and controlling inflation. Tougher lending policies are favoring large national and state-owned companies, while privately owned small and medium-sized enterprises are struggling or are closing down due to lack of financing. At the same time, food prices continue to soar, and the Consumer Price Index in June surged to a three-year high. complete article

07/14/2011 09:00 AM

Small Business Management

Managing a small business can be a thankless job, but if the business is at least yours there are some rewards. For years, large companies had the spotlight with better news coverage and higher salaries. Today, the coverage is all too often negative and the salaries are being cut or frozen. If you run a small business today, you are the superstar. You operate a company that could help the flagging economy and change the world. Here are some resources just for you. Small Business Management

07/07/2011 09:00 AM

Late Payments a Big Problem for Small Businesses

The Federation of Small Businesses has reported that almost three quarters of small businesses have been paid late in the last 12 months. This is a major issue for many SMEs, as they do not have the same financial buffers available to larger enterprises. This often causes a vicious circle for many, as 38% in turn are unable to pay their employers. 43 percent of those questioned are awaiting payment, while over half have been forced to write off invoices worth between £1 and £9,999. In the construction sector, 6% of businesses have had to write off payments of £35,000 or more. While the government has succeeded in their pledge to pay invoices to small firms within ten days, the survey also showed that public sector clients had paid nearly a fifth of survey respondents late. complete article

07/06/2011 09:00 AM

Veteran Small Business Loans

The U.S. Small Business Administration is reminding military veterans that it offers a loan program designed to help them start or expand their small businesses. The Patriot Express program offers SBA-guaranteed loans to small companies owned by veterans, reservists and their spouses. The loans can also be used for other business purposes including equipment purchases, inventory and capital, SBA officials said. Patriot Express loans are available in amounts up to $500,000. Since the program began in 2007, it has provided more than $633 million in SBA-guaranteed loans to 7,650 veterans. The loans are offered through SBAs network of participating lenders nationwide, agency officials said.

07/05/2011 09:00 AM

When To Pursue Defamation?

When Do You Sue for Defamation? The initial knee-jerk reaction of any business owner to a review posted on a national website that has negative content about their business is bound to be not so positive. But, initiating a lawsuit over the review is entirely different – and it may be side-stepping important steps to help resolve your customer’s problems in a less public and aggressive way. One thing is for certain: if your customer is simply expressing an opinion, or if what they are saying is simply true, a defamation lawsuit will fail. Opinions and truthful statements are protected. complete article

07/01/2011 09:00 AM

Competitive Intelligence

Some companies compete by getting into the minds of their competitors. Competitive Intelligence is the process of collecting information about competitors in a competitive environment. These tips and tricks will help marketers better understand competitive intelligence, and how to effectively compete in their marketplace. Competitive Intelligence

06/30/2011 09:00 AM

Take Advantage of Technology

With the surge in iPhones and iPads businesses are making the most of the new technology. Check out these new iPad and iPhone SpeckCases.

06/29/2011 09:00 AM

More Small Businesses Exporting

The Export-Import Bank says it is on pace to back 5,000 new small-businesses exporters by 2015, part of an administration-led effort to encourage smaller firms to pursue global markets amid weak demand at home.

06/28/2011 09:00 AM

Businesses Need Freedom

The U.S. government needs to get out of the way of business to allow for job creation, Rep. Renee Ellmers said in her partys weekly address Saturday. The freshman Republican representative is a former nurse and married to a surgeon. She said their small medical practice in Dunn, N.C., is an example of how government regulations are affecting businesses. complete article

06/27/2011 09:00 AM

Signs, Signs, Signs

You can market your small business in a lot of sexy new ways, but hold on. Do not overlook one of the most tried-and true ways to let people know about your business. I am talking about signs. The concept is hardly ground breaking, but that is why they are easily forgotten. Signs are cheap and easy, but best of all they work. Signs, Signs, Signs

06/23/2011 09:00 AM

Free Advertising for Small Businesses

You heard correct. Free advertising. If you are starting a new home-based business, advertising online is essential to your success. Advertising however, can be extremely costly. Posting ads on Free Classified sites can be a good way to start getting your name out there, learning how to position your business, and to test your ad copy. With online ads like Facebook or Google Ads, you can quickly rack up huge costs because the wrong people are clicking on your ads. When they click, you pay. If you post free classified ads, you don’t pay anything, unless you want to be showcased on a main page or at the top of your category’s listings. CLASSIFIED SITES There are several free classified sites that you can use for home business advertising. Craigslist, eBay Classifieds and Kijiji are the biggest ones I know in North America. Some others are Backpages, BOCOnline and iNetGiant, to name just a few. If you search for ‘free advertising’ or ‘free classifieds’ in your country or city you may find something different. complete article

06/22/2011 09:00 AM

Small Business is Passion

Deluxe Corp. unveiled Thursday results of a small business survey of more than 500 social-media-savvy entrepreneurs, revealing most started their businesses as a result of personal passion. The growth engine for small businesses used PartnerUp, the first online social network for small business owners and entrepreneurs, to survey a growing demographic of social media savvy self-starters. complete article

06/21/2011 09:00 AM

Small Business Pessimism

In its monthly report, entitled Small Business Economic Trends, the National Federation of Independent Businesses found that small business optimism declined for the third straight month during the month of May. The reason for that continued pessimism seems related to reports of low sales. Indeed, when asked what single problem most concerned the surveyed small business owners, poor sales was the most frequent reply. complete article

06/20/2011 09:00 AM

Are You Prepared for Retirement?

Nearly two-thirds of small business owners fear outliving their retirement money and one-third plan to work into their 70s, according to a new study. The retirement views of the nations small business owners are radically shifting, said a news release about the study conducted by the Guardian Life Small Business Research Institute. The Institute, part of Guardian Life Insurance Co., polled 1,433 small business owners who operate companies with two to 99 employees. complete article

06/18/2011 09:00 AM

Need Business Cards?

This is a great new site with business cards templates. Choose the business type and you will see an assortment of cards that can be customized to suit your business needs. See the Business Card Store for details.

06/17/2011 09:00 AM

SBA Export Business Planner

Want to increase your slice of the U.S. $1.7 trillion export pie of goods and services? The Small Business Administration has launched its Export Business Planner to help you. Contrary to conventional wisdom, the export is not just the province of corporate giants. Nearly three-quarters 70 percent of all U.S. exporters have fewer than 20 employees, the SBA said. This new, free online tool will help small businesses gauge their readiness to export and help them develop an export business plan. The Planner is downloadable PDF file that features an extensive compilation of worksheets, export research and information, including quick links to websites, video profiles, training podcasts, trade statistics, contact information to counseling resources such as SCORE and small business development centers , a list of current SBA lenders and much more. complete article

06/16/2011 09:00 AM

Facebook Ads for Small Businesses

The data reveals that Facebook ad offerings are making inroads with local merchants, which could put pressure on companies like Google and Groupon for share of local marketing budgets. Thanks to huge consumer adoption, ease-of-use, and low barrier to entry, Facebook continues to be the most popular way for merchants to market their business: 66 percent use the social network for marketing. Facebook Ads is benefitting from the social network’s high level of adoption with a 94 percent awareness rate among local merchants. Facebook Ads

06/15/2011 09:00 AM

More on Small Business Social Media

For under a thousand dollars a small business owner can create their own multimedia empire and reach their target audience. This means that they do not have to hire a public relations firm to get them booked on CNBC or profiled in a glossy magazine. They can create their own broadcasts with the help of consumer grade cameras, a few wireless microphones and a felt backdrop all for a fifth of the price that a firm might charge them for one month of consulting. The next step in the process is to flood the social media universe with your content and use it as a de-facto broadcast network for any programming you come up with. Small Business Social Media

06/14/2011 09:00 AM

Small Business Technology

Small businesses get started for all kinds of reasons—a great idea, recognition of an underserved niche, loss of a job, boredom, desire for additional income, and plain old foolhardiness. But to succeed, businesses need to get their tech right, from the very beginning. But where to begin? How do you get a web site and a .com address for your business? Are online email services likes Gmail the best option for communicating with customers? Do you need to invest in servers and computers for you and any potential employees? Do you need a wireless network? These can be daunting tech questions for starting a business, but they don't have to be. The answers all depend on the type of business you are running and your business goals. Our step-by-step guide will walk you through some of the most important early steps and give you pointers for getting started on the rest. Small Business Technology

06/13/2011 09:00 AM

No Vacation for Small Businesses

A large majority 79 percent of small business owners do not feel guilty for taking a vacation, reports the AmEx survey of 500 small business owners. But other reasons not to get away loom large:   -  Busy work schedules 37 percent and affordability 29 percent affect some owners hesitancy to take a vacation this summer.   -  Entrepreneurs are less plugged in than they were in 2008, but 68 percent still check in every day while on vacation, and 18 percent say they check in several times a day.   -  Rising gasoline costs will affect half of small business owners vacation plans, keeping them closer to home or staying home altogether.   - The uncertain economy is affecting 57 percent of small business owners vacation plans. Still, 46 percent of small business owners surveyed say they will take a summer vacation this year.

06/12/2011 12:00 PM

Small Businesses Get Social

More than 600 million people are on Facebook, including at least 150 million Americans, or one in two adults. Twitter recently topped 300 million accounts. Small-business owners are trying to capitalize on social media to promote their businesses and broadcast messages. Kerpen offers the following five tips for small-business owners venturing into social-media networking. complete article

06/09/2011 09:00 AM

Small Businesses Embrace the Cloud

Entrepreneurs and small businesses have led the way in cloud storage adoption and still comprise the largest faction of cloud users, but this is quickly changing. Larger companies are following suit, investing more in cloud technology to meet their business infrastructure needs in today’s global, distributed business environment. Businesses have always had the need to store, share and back up data. Traditionally, this was done with on-site physical file servers, tape backups, file transfer protocol - FTP and virtual private network - VPN systems. While these methods offer high speed and performance, they are expensive and increasingly impractical and cumbersome in todays collaborative business world. complete article

06/08/2011 09:00 AM

Blogs are Standard for Small Businesses

Building a blog is no longer an option for most businesses. If you doubt it, just look at some of the figures below. In the first link we see an oft repeated idea that blogging is dead. It might be better to say that blogging is not cutting edge anymore. It is becoming mainstream. And, particularly when it comes to small business, it is becoming clear they are now standard equipment. Blogs are Standard for Businesses

06/07/2011 09:00 AM

Small Business Influencers

The Small Business Influencer initiative honors contributors who have made a significant impact on the North American small business market. Nominate a Small Business Influencer.

06/06/2011 09:00 AM

Small Businesses Save Time and Money

Computer programs designed for smartphones and tablets save small businesses more than a billion hours and $17.6 billion a year, according to a new report from the Small Business and Entrepreneurship Council. The study, Saving Time and Money with Mobile Apps: a Small Business Apportunity, looks at the growth of cell phone and other mobile technologies and why small businesses are using mobile applications to solve key business challenges. Nearly half of small businesses use smartphones compared to a fifth  of the general consumer market. Owners and their employees are using mobile apps to squeeze more productivity from their work week, reducing overhead costs, increasing revenues and sales-related activities, improving competitiveness and even allowing firms to add jobs. complete article

06/01/2010 09:00 AM

Benefits of Shopping Online

Why buy online? Why not buy online? Have you ever considered the pros and cons to shopping at a retail store vs shopping online? Lets take a look at the advantages and disadvantages of purchasing online... Advantages Of Shopping Online... 1. Saves Time If you already know what you are looking for, shopping online can save you a significant amount of time. With just a few clicks of the mouse, you can place your order and move on to other things. Benefits of Shopping Online

05/31/2011 09:00 AM

Small Business Marketing

Total marketing spending by U.S. small businesses will expand in 2012, as an increased number of firms invests in advertising and promotional activities. According to New York-based Access Markets InternationalPartners, Inc., overall spending is expected to grow 4% rebounding from 2010 recessionary lows. These findings from AMIs 2010 - 2011 U.S. Small Business Marketing Activity and Spending Study reveal that apart from social media marketing, which is estimated to grow a considerable 35%, most marketing categories are still slowly rebounding from the economic downturn. complete article

05/30/2011 09:00 AM

Small Business Tax Headache

Taxes always give small-business owners a big headache. Today, we hear there is more pain coming their way. In Charge colleague Laura Saunders writes in an article that the Internal Revenue Service, which is moving aggressively to collect more taxes from small businesses, is now seeking small companies software files. The IRS is telling some businesses already under audit that they must turn over records kept in popular software progams, such as Intuit Inc.s QuickBooks or Sage Groups Peachtree, according to the article. Small-business groups are pushing back, saying the IRS should realize that they are not big firms with elaborate accounting systems or lots of tax professionals on staff Ȓ and that they ca n not easily turn over very specific files. Instead, to comply with the IRS requests, many small businesses must turn over complete electronic records Ȓ and there is no telling what the IRS might do with that, they complain. complete article

05/20/2011 09:00 AM

What Is a Good Way to Build Small Business Knowledge?

Few people begin building a small business with full knowledge of the skills required for success.Even those with extensive business experience or education still need to bring themselves up to date on the effective use of new technology, employee management, business development and financing. Fortunately, the range of small-business-oriented learning opportunities and training programs has never been broader for experienced and novice entrepreneurs. Seeking help is simply smart. No business owner can be adept at every aspect of operating successfully. Plus, conditions change rapidly, so keeping yourself informed is vital to long-term success. complete article

05/19/2011 09:00 AM

Small Business Development Center

Starting or running a small business is not an easy task. Many times, as consumers we do not see the trials and tribulations that small business owners go through. We miss the sacrifices they make to their families in order to provide a living for themselves and their employees. This week is dedicated to them and their commitment to making their communities and companies better. During the last couple of years, the business world has seen great turmoil. Small Business Development Center

05/18/2011 09:00 AM

Office Depot Helping Businesses in Disaster Area

The Office Depot Foundation, the nonprofit charitable giving arm of the office supplies giant Office Depot, announced Friday that it is offering a number of programs and services to help the families and small businesses affected by the recent tornadoes in the Southeast. The Foundation has teamed up with the National Disaster Help Desk for Business  to provide information and facilitate aid to businesses located in the tornado disaster areas. Businesses needing assistance with relief and recovery efforts can call the Help Desk toll-free 24 hours a day, as well as email and reach out on Twitter. Office Depot Helping Businesses in Disaster Area

05/17/2011 09:00 AM

Taking Stock of Your Small Business

The midpoint of the year is a great time to take stock of your companys progress, though, and make plans for what you want to accomplish by the end of 2011. Taking summer classes at a local business school or college can help keep you on track with those goals -- or inspire you to set some new ones. Taking Stock of Your Small Business

05/16/2011 09:00 AM

Retirement Plans for Small Businesses

If you have no employees other than your spouse or a partner, you can establish an owner-only 401k, also known as an individual 401k. This plan offers many of the same advantages of a traditional 401k: a range of investment options, tax-deductible contributions and the opportunity for tax-deferred earnings growth. You may even be able to choose a Roth option for your 401k, which allows you to make after-tax contributions that have the opportunity to grow tax free. complete article

05/15/2011 09:00 AM

SEC Small Business Committee

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission is forming a small-business committee to review fundraising rules for small private firms that critics say hinder access to capital and are stunting economic growth. complete article

05/06/2011 09:00 AM

Small Business Week - May 16-20th

This year, National Small Business Week, May 16 through 20, will again shine the spotlight on entrepreneurs and independent business owners.

05/05/2011 09:00 AM

Best Banks for Small Businesses

Wells Fargo, HSBC and U.S. Bank are the worst credit card companies for small business, according to a recent study by Card Hub. The study rated each of the top 10 credit card issuers in the U.S. in terms of both its transparency and the extent to which it has voluntarily extended the new credit card laws protections to its business credit cards. Bank of America, the study says, was the only major issuer to apply all of the major protections implemented by the law—the Credit CARD Act of 2009—and is therefore the best credit card company for small business owners. complete article

05/04/2011 09:00 AM

Small Businesses Lagging In Technology

Telestra says small business is dragging its feet on take-up of new technology, with thousands of firms still not using computers or mobile phones. More than one in ten businesses with less than 20 employees operate without even a desktop PC, according to a study commissioned by Telstra. Telstra says the survey of 500 business decision makers found nearly one-quarter did not use a standard mobile phone, while 45 per cent did not have smart phones. Around half of the businesses surveyed did not have a website or use online transactions in their business, Telstra said. complete article

05/03/2011 09:00 AM

Small Business Market Survey

he Small Business Authority with a portfolio of over 100,000 business accounts, announced recently the findings of its SB Authority Market Sentiment Survey, a monthly window into the concerns of independent business owners. Based on a poll of approximately 1,200 respondents, one of the key findings from Aprils survey was small business owners apparent lack of e-Commerce initiatives. complete article

05/02/2011 09:00 AM

Things to Know Before You Start A Business

Mention starting a small business and conventional wisdom will tell you that you should write a business plan first. Generally every small business needs a plan, but there are a few steps that should be taken before you invest any time writing one. A small amount of time spent considering what it will be like to start and own a business can help you avoid major mistakes and pay big dividends later. Know your personal goals. Decide what you want out of life and then build a business that supports those plans. Take time to think about the entrepreneurial lifestyle and how it fits in with your personal and family lifestyle. One definition of an entrepreneur is someone who is willing to assume the responsibility, risk and rewards of starting and operating a business. Does that describe you and does it fit with the kind of life you want to live? complete article

04/26/2011 09:00 AM

Business Opportunities in the South

Ten of the nations top 20 markets for small business are in the South, according to the report. The rankings were derived from a formula that considered such factors as local concentrations of small business, population growth and employment gains or losses. complete article

04/25/2011 09:00 AM

Small Businesses Fret Over Food-Safety Rules

When Congress revamped food-safety laws last year, small farmers and food producers won a victory when they were excluded from many of the new rules. Now, as the Food and Drug Administration implements the new Food Safety Modernization Act, the small businesses are hoping they are not snagged by the new rules anyway. The legislation, which updates 100-year-old food-safety regulations, does not apply to meat, eggs or dairy products, which are regulated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. complete article

04/19/2011 09:00 AM

Wi-Fi and Small Businesess

Small-business owners on the go appreciate access to the free Wi-Fi networks popping up almost everywhere. They are not alone: According to a recent poll conducted by Wakefield Research and the Wi-Fi Alliance, 32 percent of respondents said they have tried to get on a Wi-Fi network that was not their own. The Better Business Bureau, along with the Federal Trade Commission urges all people - business owners and their customers - to take precautions before using a Wi-Fi hotspot. Wi-Fi Security Tips

04/18/2011 09:00 AM

Teaching Children About Small Businesses

One very good way is to participate in Lemonade Day on Sunday, May 1. This is a free communitywide program dedicated to teaching children how to start, own and operate small businesses through the time-honored act of building and running a lemonade stand. Lemonade Day pairs an adult with a child and provides free materials and support, thanks to local sponsors who recognize the significant benefits of teaching youth business skills early. Imperial Sugar, as a longtime company in Texas, and BBVA Compass continue to be the leaders in supporting Lemonade Day. Lemonade Stands

04/12/2011 09:00 AM

Employing Family Members

For an increasing number of entrepreneurs, employing a family member has been a boost to business, new research shows. According to a recent survey of 1,000 small-business owners conducted by specialty insurance firm Hiscox, 21 percent employ a family member. Of those who do, 94 percent said the family hire benefits their business. When asked about the reasons for employing family members, 57 percent said it had to do with trust, followed by 45 percent who cited reliability as an advantage. An additional 44 percent also said they were confident that their family members would work hard.

04/11/2011 09:00 AM

Shutdown Averted Small Businesses Unconcerned

Many small business owners support a government shutdown and believe that it will have little effect on them, according to a new study. The study from Pepperdine University’s Graziadio School of Business and Management reports that 48 percent of small private business owners and those who lend to small businesses said they supported a government shutdown. Thirty-nine percent said they opposed a shutdown. The survey also showed 62.4% of supporters said they would support a shutdown even if it lasted a month or more.

04/07/2011 09:00 AM

Question and Answer Websites

Question and answer websites have popped up all over the Internet. These interactive sites are designed to connect individuals, and help them get answers to questions. We have compiled a list of some of the more popular Question & Answers websites... Question and Answer Websites

04/06/2011 09:00 AM

Small Business Primer

The new guide, called the ADA Update: A Primer for Small Business, describes how the ADA applies to employees and customers in situations many small businesses encounter every day. It includes recent changes and clarifications that went into effect on March 15th of this year.

04/05/2011 09:00 AM

Mobility Key to Small Business Success

The workplace is changing. Gone are the days when people in your organization needed only a computer and a desk to do their jobs. Now, they may need that computer, but they do not always need that desk. Instead, they need smartphones, tablets, and other mobile devices that help them perform the days tasks wherever they are. This is particularly the case for small businesses, according to a study from wireless carrier AT&T. The Small Business Technology Poll, which surveyed 2,000 respondents, reveals how small business are making use of smartphone apps. While some organizations are readily embracing cloud-based and software-as-a-service mobile solutions, an equal number admit to having no idea what such solutions are all about.

04/04/2011 09:00 AM

Number of Women Owned Businesses Increasing

recent report from American Express OPEN, called the State of Women-Owned Businesses Report, is showing that small business startup news has never been better for women. According to the study, the number of women-owned businesses has increased from 5.4 million in 1997 to 8.1 million in 2011. Furthermore, revenue generated by these firms is expected to grow to approximately $1.2 billion this year.

04/01/2011 09:00 AM

Five Signs You Need a Marketing Makeover

Your business is rolling along and you think your brand strategy is working. But is it? Are your marketing messages and materials driving the results you need? If not, it might be time for a marketing makeover. Five Signs You Need a Marketing Makeover

04/01/2011 09:00 AM

Great PowerPoint Presentation Tips

When speaking at a conference or a seminar, it is important that your presentation convey professionalism. A PowerPoint presentation can be used to visually represent your material. The presentation should be polished and consistent throughout. The visual presentation should supplement your speech, not distract or detract from your oral presentation. Rarely should PowerPoint be used without an accompanying explanation of the slides. Here are a few tips for making your PowerPoint presentation better and more professional... Great PowerPoint Presentation Tips

03/30/2011 09:00 AM

Small Businesses At Risk For Cyber Attacks

Small-business owners may think they will not be targeted by cyber criminals the way a big company or military contractor might, so it is natural to become lax about cyber security. That is the mindset a local program wants to change by raising awareness and educating entrepreneurs that they are also vulnerable to cyber attacks. complete article

03/28/2011 09:00 AM

Tips for Internet Connectivity While Traveling

Assuming you can get a connection, here are some time-saving tips I have come up with, along with others that fellow Gadlingers suggested to keep me from pulling my hair out at the local Internet cafe. complete article

03/23/2011 09:00 AM

Twitequitte

Philosophies regarding social media networks, such as Twitter, can vary greatly. But similar to email, an unspoken etiquette has emerged for these social websites as well. The etiquette for these social sites does not consist of hard and fast rules, but is simply a list of guidelines for posting. The following is a set of Twitter etiquette guidelines, but can also be applied to other social networks... Twitequitte

03/22/2011 09:00 AM

Small Businesses Thrive on Social Media

Nearly three-quarters 72 percent of small companies indicated they use mobile apps in their day-to-day business operations, according to the AT&T Small Business Technology Poll. Furthermore, 38 percent of these respondents said that either they could not survive or it would be a major challenge to survive without these apps. complete article

03/21/2011 09:00 AM

How To Increase Sales For Your Small Business By Potty Training Your Child

My wife and I put it off for as long as we could. Our friends teased us about it. We had visions of the both of us crouched over on our hands and knees scrubbing the floors all day. Potty training was the one aspect of parenthood that my wife and I absolutely dreaded. Unfortunately, we had to bite the bullet sooner than we wanted to because our preschool forced us to take action. In order for our daughter to advance to the next class level, she had to be potty trained or be held back with the younger kids. And to make things worse, we recently had brand new carpets installed. Yet in many ways, what instigated my wife and I to start our business and to potty train our daughter were very similar. Some external event forced us to take action and we came out of the experience more confident and more knowledgeable as a result. How To Increase Sales For Your Small Business By Potty Training Your Child

03/18/2011 09:00 AM

SBA May Increase the Size of a Small Business

The proposal, published Wednesday in The Federal Register and available for public comment, looks to expand the revenue-based size definition of small businesses in 36 industries. The changes would allow some 9,450 additional companies close to exceeding the size threshold for their respective industry keep small-business status and access to federal assistance programs and contracts, according to the SBA. complete article

03/16/2011 09:00 AM

Credit and Debit Card Fees on Small Businesses

There is a firestorm in Washington right now over an issue that's complex but has major implications for the 471,000 small businesses in Tennessee, particularly those that accept credit and debit cards for payment. The issue also matters to anyone who is employed by a small business, has a loved one who is, or who ever patronizes small merchants. That is a lot of us. Last year, when Congress passed financial reforms, it attempted to fix a quirk in the behind-the-scenes marketplace of processing debit-card transactions. The quirk has rendered big banks free from competitive forces that otherwise would discourage or prevent them from gouging small merchants with astonishing fees each time a debit card is swiped. Over the past decade, these fees have risen faster than health-care costs and today bear no resemblance to what it costs big banks to process those transactions. The Federal Reserve estimates that actual cost to be around 4 cents, but debit swipe fees charged to small merchants average 44 cents. complete article

03/15/2011 09:00 AM

1099 Repeal

The House of Representatives passed the Small Business Paperwork Mandate Elimination Act of 2011 by a 314-112 vote. The bill would repeal the expanded Form 1099 information reporting requirements mandated by last years health care legislation. It would also repeal the new 1099 reporting requirements imposed on taxpayers who receive rental income. 1099 Repeal

03/14/2011 09:00 AM

Top 10 Affordable Small Business Marketing Ideas

You are a small business, so you does not have a hundred grand in cash sitting around to market your small business. Trouble is, without letting the consuming public know about your products and services, you may as  well shut your doors and go fishing. The fish will know you are there because you will make sure they see your flashy lures and smell your tempting bait. We could learn a thing or two from those fish. If you want customers, you need to get their attention and then give them what they want. It does not have to cost a fortune either. complete article

03/10/2011 09:00 AM

How Social Media Can Help You Market Your Business

Less than 1% of small business owners in the UK connect with clients using social media so that means that a whopping 99% are missing out on an opportunity for online marketing of their small business. Traditionally the small business was trusted by consumers and social media is the modern way of building and keeping that trust going. The majority of people that buy from small businesses buy from the person behind the small business so as the business owner it is up to you to build and maintain a relationship with existing and potential clients. When you are considering your offline marketing strategy you should also be considering your online marketing strategy, the internet is here to stay so you might as well learn to use it to your advantage. Social Media and Marketing

03/08/2011 09:00 AM

5 Mistakes Your Website is Making

Mistakes on your website result in lost sales and lost customers. Your website is making at least four out of five of these mistakes right now. 1.Not understanding the problem. Everyone who comes to your website has a problem that needs fixing. Showing them that you understand their problem convinces them to stay longer. complete article

03/07/2011 09:00 AM

Need a Logo Design?

Check out the logo designs for a new look for your business.

03/03/2011 09:00 AM

Pros and Cons for Web Templates

Small retail businesses who are making the move to an online presence may feel overwhelmed by the process of creating a website. Web templates can often help make the process less painful for a small business. To assist webmasters in the template vs custom design decision, we have outlined the pros and cons to each... Pros and Cons to Using Web Templates

03/02/2011 09:00 AM

Small Business Tax Tips

Tax season is upon us, which means it is time to start pulling out records and paying the government. While no one enjoys this process, it is possible to make it a little bit friendlier on your pocketbook. With these five tips and a little work, you can master the art of small business tax deductions. complete article

03/01/2011 09:00 AM

Pirated Software a Risk for Small Businesses

Small and medium-sized companies may be overlooking potential business risks from using unlicensed software, which may add up to as much as $40,000 in damages a year, the latest study done for Microsoft by the International Data Corporation, or IDC, suggests. Small and medium-sized businesses are accustomed to linking the use of pirated software with exclusively legal responsibility, which, though relatively rare, can be quite harsh in Russia (fines and possible imprisonment), but they often overlook the financial losses they may incur from using such software. complete article

02/28/2011 09:00 AM

Small Business Legal Tips

Though the legal side of your business may not necessarily involve making money or expanding your client or customer base, mistakes can certainly cost you money thus threatening even a profitable business if the errors are particularly costly. Here is the latest from around the Web of legal tips you may want to consider to protect your small business today and in the future. Small Business Legal Tips

02/23/2011 09:00 AM

Fine Points of S Corporations

Since 1997, S corporations have been the most popular form of corporate tax return filed with the IRS. Over 3 million U.S. companies that are defined as small businesses elect S corporation status on IRS Form 2553 instead of filing their income tax returns as standard C corporations. There are many benefits to S corporation tax treatment. Like standard C corporations, S corporations shield owners personal assets from unpaid debts, provided they are not personally guaranteed and other business liabilities. With the exception of taxes on certain capital gains and passive income, an S corporation  is exempt from federal income tax. This means that most S corporation profits and losses are  passed through to the individual shareholders, just like a sole proprietorship. S Corporations

02/22/2011 09:00 AM

New Social Media Rules

Social media is coming into its own as a tool for networking and marketing in small business and larger brands a like. Beginning with blogs and moving into the rapidly expanding worlds of Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and more there is a lot to learn AND a lot to be gained, so log on and enjoy! First, avoid these social media mistakes.

02/21/2011 09:00 AM

The Best and Worst States for Small-Business Taxes

High corporate income taxes or sales taxes can be a huge challenge for small businesses, depending on where they are located. So where does your state stack up? Location, location, location: It is not only important when it comes to where you live or where you set up shop -- it affects the taxes you pay on business profits, the sales taxes your customers pay and the property taxes you pay on your facilities directly as a property owner or indirectly through rent. So how does your location compare with other states?

02/16/2011 09:00 AM

How to Submit Podcast to iTunes

Here are some helpful tips regarding how to get your podcasts listed in the iTunes Music Store... iTunes Compatibility In order to have your podcast included in the iTunes Music Store, you must first add the iTunes extension to your RSS feed. How to Submit Podcast to iTunes

02/15/2011 09:00 AM

Turn Your Hobby Into a Business

Each year thousands of Americans take the leap to starting a business to leverage their expertise and passion for a particular interest or hobby. Here are some tips for turning your hobby into a business from FindLaw.com: Get free help. Trial and error is an essential part of the entrepreneurial experience. Tapping the experience of seasoned business professionals can help you avoid mistakes, and provide you perspective in times of stress. Write a business plan. A business plan gives you and others a clear idea of your goals, the processes you will implement to achieve those goals and how you will measure your success. complete article

02/14/2011 09:00 AM

Protecting You and Your Assets

One of the main reasons any entrepreneur chooses to incorporate his or her business is to protect or shield the founders and corporate officers’ personal assets including cars, homes, savings accounts, vacation homes, etc. from potential unpaid business debts, liability issues and other costly business dealings. This protection, as it is typically called is a corporate veil, and is designed to safeguard the things you have already worked so hard to earn as your business grows and flourishes. What you need to make sure you understand is that the corporate veil remains in effective only if the corporation remains in good standing by meeting all of its corporate duties as described in your incorporation documents and state requirements. complete article

02/11/2011 09:00 AM

Free Press Release Submissions

Huge list of 72 Free Press Release Submission Sites.

02/10/2011 09:00 AM

Small Businesses Should Export

If you want to find customers, I have got a number for you to remember: 95. That is the percentage of all the world's customers who live outside the United States. Yes, the largest market is outside our borders, and you need to look beyond the border as well to get a piece of this huge market. Fortunately, small business owners can get help to take the financial risk out of exporting. complete article

02/09/2011 09:00 AM

Small Business Branding

What is your brand? Branding in small business can be the key to success. When marketing globally or locally, branding sets you apart. But there is much more to establishing a brand for yourself or your business than might at first meet the eye. In a world of infinite choices, it is one of the most important ways you can distinguish your business or yourself as an entrepreneur. Let the following roundup be your guide to the art and science branding for your small business. Small Business Branding

02/08/2011 09:00 AM

Survey Evaluates Small Business Hiring

The Wells Fargo-Gallup Small Business Index survey also found a split in whether those small businesses were hiring as many employees as they needed and a variety of reasons influencing why businesses decided not to hire workers. Conducted in November, the poll showed that 48 percent of small businesses that hired brought on the number of employees they needed, with another 9 percent hiring more than was immediately necessary. On the flip side, 42 percent of the hiring businesses took on fewer workers than desired. Those businesses cited worries about cash flow and a lack of qualified candidates as among the reasons they decided to not hire as much.

02/07/2011 09:00 AM

IRS Publishes More Info for Small Businesses on Healthcare

The Internal Revenue Service has released final guidance for small employers eligible to claim the new small business health care tax credit for the 2010 tax year.  Included in the release is a one-page form and instructions small employers will use to claim the credit for the 2010 tax year. New Form 8941, Credit for Small Employer Health Insurance Premiums, and newly revised Form 990-T are now available on IRS.gov. The IRS also posted on its website the instructions to Form 8941 and Notice 2010-82 , both of which are designed to help small employers correctly figure and claim the credit.

02/04/2011 09:00 AM

Professional PowerPoint Layouts

Need to do a professional PowerPoint Presentation? Check out these professional PowerPoint Backgrounds and Layouts.

02/03/2011 09:00 AM

25 Predictions for Small Businesses This Spring

Here, 25 small business owners share their spring predictions with BusinessNewsDaily.

02/02/2011 09:00 AM

Resolve to Grow Your Business

10 Tips For Growing Your Business 1. Manage Accounts Receivable Be courteous, but firm with customers. Most small businesses do not have the cash flow that allows the luxury of providing lines of credit to their customers. Track accounts receivables closely, and follow-up on past due accounts. Resolve to Grow Your Business

02/01/2011 09:00 AM

Have You Considered Exporting?

Top U.S. trade officials plan to spread out across the country this year to recruit small-business owners in the administrations effort to double exports by 2015. A year after President Barack Obama announced the export initiative to help tackle stubbornly high unemployment, the administration is trying to reach out to the group of business owners that account for nearly two-thirds of job creation but less than a third of total goods sold abroad. Government to Urge Exporting

01/31/2011 09:00 AM

4 Biggest Mistakes Small Businesses Make With Social Media

Hate to disappoint, but Facebook, Twitter, blogs and other social media tools are not magical. They are communication tools an