Small Business Confidence Hits 3-Year High

December 27th, 2011
Small Business Confidence Hits 3-Year High
© Grant Wickes

Small business confidence advanced in the US in February to its highest level since the beginning of the Recession, according on a report released by the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) today. According to the NFIB, while the slight uptick in confidence was a positive sign, it's still not significant enough to signify that the economy has shifted into "second-gear economic growth".

The confidence level among small business owners still remains well below the average level recorded in the pre-recession period of 2001-2007. A possible bright spot, however, is that the report shows an increase in small business hiring plans. Small companies are also reporting more unfilled job openings due to the fact that unemployed workers have less mobility now to follow jobs due to the depressed housing market.

Couple Starts Home Based Medicinal Chocolates Business

November 22nd, 2011
Couple Starts Home Based Medicinal Chocolates Business
© aechempati

Cadyn and Andrew Speziale have started a home based business to sell medicinal chocolates. The couple residing at Blue Mountain hillside outside Front Royal prepare medicinal chocolates twice a week.
They make use of cacao powder, cacao butter, coconut oil, a pinch of sea salt and a little natural sweetener such as stevia to carry on their home based business.
They said that one does not have to feel guilty about eating this chocolate. You get only joy by eating these home made chocolates.
Other useful ingredients used for making chocolates in this home based business are goji berries, hibiscus flower and holy basil leaves.

Currency Fluctuations Top Concern For Small Businesses

November 22nd, 2011
Currency Fluctuations Top Concern For Small Businesses
© Images_of_Money

Almost one-third of American small businesses depend on friends and family for international payments advice and nearly half cite currency fluctuations as a top concern for financial risk, according to a survey by American Express. "Small businesses tend to rely on friends and family, but when the financial stability and growth of your business comes into play, using a trusted international payments provider is critical," said Weinhouse, Vice President of American Express.
"Small businesses often need to fund offices overseas or manage payments to international suppliers," Weinhouse noted. "With 74 percent of small businesses believing that international trade is key to driving economic recovery, American Express can help managers and businesses navigate international payment." Gloabl small businesses lack confidence in the U.S. dollar. Concern for the stability and strength of the U.S. dollar is the top reason why confidence has decreased in international trade.