Small Business Finance

AP

Ex-con Heber Nixon Jr. works for a construction company.

Ex-cons trying to leave their past behind often find it difficult to find legitimate employment. And if they can't build a new life, they are much more likely to return to a life of crime, experts say. Now the city of Philadelphia is offering businesses a $10,000 tax credit if they hire former inmates and provide them with tuition support or vocational training.

How exactly did these company founders get the financial support to start their million or in some cases billion dollar companies? Find out what steps were taken to start these successful companies.

Find out how the latest slew of legislation could affect your business in 2008.

With recession fears looming, entrepreneurs are looking for ways to better batten down the hatches. If you're worried about a recession could do to your own small business' sales, there are certain steps you can take to protect yourself.

It's time to raise your nose from the grindstone and take an overall view of your business' health. Here's what you need to examine to get a good diagnosis.

You've taken your company's temperature. Now it's time to meet with your accountant or CFO to discuss these important tax-planning issues