COVER STORY
Minority
Mergers
Big companies say they want to use more small,
minority-owned suppliers, but then say most of them are too small
to handle the demands of a multinational company. The solution: Arranging
partnerships and sometimes outright mergers of minority companies
ONLINE EXTRA: New
Eyes on the Prize
The numbers indicate a bright outlook for Hispanic-owned businesses
FEATURES
Broadband
Or Bust
Welcome to most of America, a maddening patchwork
of high-speed and low-speed Internet access. Despite the incessant
drone of ISP's promising ultrafast Web surfing, one-third of small
businesses can't tap into the newer services. Here's the outlook,
and how to decide which one works for you.
ONLINE EXTRA: The
Need for Speed
Who’s really ahead in the race to deliver high-speed computer access to small businesses?
businesses
DEPARTMENTS
InBox
Why women entrepreneurs are so scarce, how to
tell if your idea has legs, a 13-year-old tech ambassador from Canada,
where to find a financial angel, and more
Economy Watch
The Bankruptcy
Maelstrom
Think the rising tide of bankruptcies doesn't
affect you just because you're solvent? Think again: Some of those
deadbeats are your customers
Making an
Impression
When it comes to advertising on the internet, entrepreneurs are leading the charge
ONLINE EXTRA: It's
Gut-Check Time
The stumbling stock market and possible downturn
ahead are forcing small businesses to take hard looks at their budgets
ONLINE EXTRA: A
Year in Banking Purgatory
How my healthy company ended up on the bank's
workout list
ONLINE EXTRA: Past
Its Prime
The Golden Age of small business has begun to
wane, but that doesn't mean disaster is looming either
ONLINE EXTRA: What
Successful Entrepreneurs Sometimes Need: A Reality Check
Too much optimism leaves them open to being blindsided
when times turn tough
Currents
Credit
Crunch
Bankers continue to treat small businesses better than big ones
Rich Man's
Burden
Many entrepreneurs see billionaires as a source of inspiration
Trends
The Health
Insurance Malady
Ouch! Health-care premiums for small companies are expected to spike again this year, with prescription drugs the major culprit. The prognosis: More bleeding from the bottom line
ONLINE EXTRA:
The Health Care Crisis
Why small companies are getting hit so hard and
what you can do about it
ONLINE EXTRA:
Health-Care Misconceptions
Small-business owners need to learn more about how affordable insurance
can be
ONLINE EXTRA: Small Business Struggles (And Fails) To Keep Up with Rising Health-Care Costs
In key areas, big companies can offer employees a better deal
Life & Co.
Showtime
at Athene
If you want a gig at Colorado software maker Athene, you don't just interview for the job: You have to audition for 15 minutes on a subject of your choice
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Cover photograph by
Jan Bohm
frontier online
The Entrepreneur's Web Site
smallbiz.businessweek.com
Look for more news and advice every weekday at frontier Online
TECHNOLOGY
Read the online version of Digital Manager every Tuesday. Consult our Buyer's Guide every day
FINANCE
Look for regular updates on interest rates for small companies and venture capital
WORK
& FAMILY
Jill Hamburg Coplan and Pam Mendels balance personal and business lives, Monday and Wednesday
SMART
ANSWERS
The online version of our help column for managers of small companies every Tuesday and Thursday
DIARIES
New at frontier Online: "Asian Entrepreneur" follows former investment banker Sandy Oh as she chronicles her adventures at an Internet startup in Singapore. Look for it on Fridays
PLUS: Create your own sales leads, free online loan searches, and a start-up guide for budding entrepreneurs.
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