Statistics show consumer buying is low, and many small businesses are facing sluggish sales. Beginning in March, the NFIB’s small business optimism index fell three months in a row after six months of rising. And, falling sales were cited as the number one business problem by one out of four business owners, particularly in the services sector.  Only 23 percent of owners reported higher sales, while 36 percent reported lower sales. However, there are some small business sectors that are showing...

Five good reasons to launch your startup in today's economy (and two reasons to think twice). by Reed Richardson. In a still fragile business climate marked by stubbornly high foreclosure rates, uneven consumer demand, and tight credit markets, budding entrepreneurs might consider right now to be one of the worst times to start a new business. But launching a startup in the midst of ongoing economic struggles can actually be a roadmap to long-term success. According to studies by the...