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By Marc Tracy
Just some things we think you should check out.
Amish entrepreneurs. A booming population and limited farmland have conspired to push many Amish in Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Indiana to go into business for themselves. "Though they still drive horses and buggies, remain off the power grid and wear simple, handmade clothing, some are using computers and power tools and talking on cellphones at their jobs." [NYT]
Crooked veteran entrepreneurs' non-profit. An investigation has revealed that the Veterans Corp.--a federally-chartered non-profit ostensibly dedicated to helping military veterans start their own businesses--has spent only 15% of its federal money since its 1999 inception, and only 9% of it last year, on, you know, actually helping military veterans start their own businesses. Where did the rest go? Executive salaries, lavish perks, etc. Your tax dollars at work. [WSJ]
Green still attracting green. Despite the credit crunch, generally slumping economy, and significant falloff in venture investment, capital probably will still flow to green-tech start-ups. [Inc.]
Healthcare reform probably on the way. And not just because it was one of Barack Obama's top campaign pledges. The financial crisis and economic recession will likely highlight healthcare's status as a pocketbook issue for individuals and business, prompting reform. [NFIB]
Get your customers drunk! Well, not really: we wouldn't advise that (unless you run a liquor store). But consider "A Testimonial Gathering Party" to remind your clients and customers why they like you--or, really, to get them to remind themselves. [Brand Flakes For Breakfast]
Comments (2)January 9, 2009 2:17 PM
Comments (2)
Excellent articles.
Also, small businesses should use the downturn to get lean, flexible and competitive.
They can access free resources from "The Great American Small Business Challenge," a new, non-profit organization that partners with SBA funded Small Business Development Centers.
Small Businesses can access free online software, training and support at: www.tgasbc.org
Posted by Mike | January 11, 2009 11:42 AM
Posted on January 11, 2009 11:42
Dear Mr. Tracy,
I just wanted to point you to the "other side of the story" on your recent BizBox mention of The Veterans Corporation. The new CEO had his Letter to the Editor published in the Washington Post.
The link is here: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/01/14/AR2009011403387.html
Thanks so much,
Victor
Posted by Victor | January 15, 2009 1:12 PM
Posted on January 15, 2009 13:12