Self-employment is an alternative to unemployment. Yet, determining what kind of business to start, knowing how much money you will need, and what steps to take can be daunting

Now is the time to think about dusting off your old business plan as the economy improves. A business plan is required to obtain a loan or venture capital. It is uniquely designed as a sales tool to get financing.

I lost a friend last week. Innovative Bank of Oakland, Calif. is kaput. Just like with other bank failures, the regulators swooped down on the floundering bank after the stock market closed on Friday.

A new secondary market for the U.S. Small Business Administration's 504 loan program is up and running.

Buying a cash flowing business is a better, safer investment than starting one from scratch. Start now though, or you might miss a window of opportunity while values are still depressed.

CIT has been a stalwart lender for small businesses. But there are alternatives if you look for them.

Although small business, economic stimulus lending is being widely criticized, $5,000 to $25,000 is available to you if you have a reasonable credit score and meet basic underwriting criteria.