SmallBusinessNewz

American Express Promotes Its 2nd Annual Small Business Saturday

As Thanksgiving approaches, so does the biggest shopping day of the year.  The madness of Black Friday brings crazy deals to retail outlets big and small, but it usually seems like the national stores get all the attention on that Friday.For the second year, the Saturday following Black Friday had been declared "Small Business Saturday."The day is sponsored by American Express, who launched the initiative in 2010 to help smaller retailers grab a piece of the biggest shopping weekend of the year.

Small Businesses Shift Focus To Growth

Small business focus has moved from survival to growth for the first time since 2006, according to the American Express Open Small Business Monitor. Six months ago, the Open Small Business Monitor indicated small businesses were doing better, due in part to streamlining operations and cutting costs over the course of the recession. Now it appears they are taking advantage of growth opportunities, looking to hire and make investments in their businesses.

Canadian Small Business Owners Growing More Cautious

Ask the average person to stay on a path that's two feet wide, and he or she should have little problem striding along.  Put that path 50 feet in the air, though, and - at best - crawling will ensue.  Similarly, Canadian small business owners seem to be playing it safe with their money until the economy improves.

Amex Launches New Tools For Small Businesses

American Express Open, the small business division of the financial services company, has launched a campaign for small businesses called "Start Booming" that features real business owners in ads."While there are certainly people who continue to find the current economy challenging, there are entrepreneurs who are not only thriving but also building a roadmap for future growth," said Julie Fajgenbaum, vice president at American Express Open.

Canadian Small Biz Index Passes Year-Ago Level

Things are looking up - at least compared to somewhat recent conditions - in Canada.  The American Express Small Business Index is at its highest level in over a year, and in terms of letter grades, that puts the situation at what many students would consider an acceptable "C."

Do You Mix Business with Pleasure?

The economy doesn't seem to be discouraging small business owners from taking vacations.