Reuters: Small Business News

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.

Healthcare bill faces tough path in Senate

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 11:56:37 -0500

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - After a landmark win in the House of Representatives, President Barack Obama's push for healthcare reform faces a difficult path in the Senate amid divisions in his own Democratic Party on how to proceed.

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.

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.

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.

Jobless rate surges to 10.2 percent

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 11:49:48 -0500

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The U.S. jobless rate unexpectedly jumped to 10.2 percent last month, a 26-1/2-year high, adding to pressure on the Obama administration to do more to tackle unemployment even as signs of recovery mount.

Small firms more susceptible to cyber crime

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 12:43:02 -0500

-- Deborah L. Cohen covers small business for Reuters.com. She can be reached at smallbusinessbigissues@yahoo.com --

Business Books: The human brain in the workplace

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 14:10:36 -0500

NEW YORK (Reuters) - The modern workplace is an emotionally charged landscape of constant threats and unconscious fears that can addle or even destroy our brainpower, according to three recent books on neuroscience.

Renewable chemical company raises $12 million

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 15:58:30 -0500

SAN FRANCISCO (Private Equity Week) - A new generation of entrepreneurs seeking alternatives for common chemicals are finding favor with venture capitalists.

House panel approves, amends investor bill

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 13:18:11 -0500

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - A bill to boost investor protections and beef up the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission by strengthening its power and doubling its budget was approved on Wednesday by a congressional panel.