How small businesses can watch their bottom line more closely by Christopher Freeburn Small business owners quickly learn about the necessity, particularly in this economy, of having a well thought-out business plan, doing the right amount of market research, and keeping excellent records. Good bookkeeping and adherence to proper account forms and standards often distinguish small businesses that succeed from those that fail. Part of the importance of maintaining good financial records...

In this two-part series, we examine how to start a business without a bank loan or venture capital Part I: personal funds, home equity, credit cards By Reed Richardson Entrepreneurs contemplating a business launch in today’s tight credit markets and scuffling economic climate are often plagued by one overarching problem: How will I finance my business? For a small but growing number of small business owners, who refer to themselves as bootstrappers, the solution lies in fostering a newfound...