Reuters: Small Business News

U.S. small business optimism edges higher in October

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 08:10:53 -0500

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. small businesses grew slightly more optimistic last month but owners remained cautious as weak sales gave them little reason to order new stocks, a survey released on Tuesday showed.

JPMorgan to add $4 billion in small business loans

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 08:09:59 -0500

NEW YORK (Reuters) - JPMorgan Chase & Co <JPM.N is raising lending to small businesses by $4 billion this year and hiring more than 300 new bankers to cater to these businesses.

Obama plans small business forum

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 16:25:32 -0500

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The Obama administration has set a November 18 date for a small business forum to define a new initiative to boost lending to smaller firms and help reverse U.S. job losses, an administration official said on Monday.

Consumer confidence eases in November: IBD

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 12:49:22 -0500

NEW YORK (Reuters) - U.S. consumer confidence edged only slightly lower in November after a sharp drop in October, indicating that the upcoming holiday shopping season could see better consumer spending, a research group said on Tuesday.

Credit card issuer Advanta files for bankruptcy

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 14:09:52 -0500

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Advanta Corp , a large issuer of credit cards to small businesses, filed for bankruptcy protection after the recession caused many customers to default on payments.

Senate Democrats push to open healthcare debate

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 17:15:34 -0500

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Democratic leaders in the U.S. Senate said on Tuesday they hope to bring a long-delayed healthcare bill to the floor next week, kicking off a tough fight that may well spill into next year.

Misconceptions stymie women's careers: study

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 16:27:56 -0500

NEW YORK (Reuters Life!) - Women's careers are being stymied by more than a glass ceiling. Bosses believe women have more family-work conflict, which is a misconception that is holding them back, according to new research.

LinkedIn and Twitter link up

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 13:12:47 -0500

SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) - LinkedIn and Twitter have linked up. Starting immediately, users of LinkedIn and Twitter can cross-file to each other's services, by checking a box on either Twitter or LinkedIn.

Electronic Arts buys social game maker Playfish

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 17:03:57 -0500

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Electronic Arts Inc has acquired privately held Playfish for $275 million in cash plus other consideration as the maker of the "Madden NFL" series expands in the growing social gaming sector.

U.S. top court to hear business method patent case

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 13:07:41 -0500

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Software, biotech firms and others who develop new ways to do business will be watching closely on Monday as the U.S. Supreme Court hears a case that could determine if such innovations can win patent protection.