If you have trouble reading this e-mail, go to http://www.businessweek.com/smallbiz/newsletter/index.html

January 12, 2011
SmallBiz Insider Keep up-to-date with our latest offerings for entrepreneurs and small-business owners

NEWS THIS WEEK'S TOP STORY

A New Microlending Fund for Women Entrepreneurs

Kiva and skin-care company Dermalogica launch a campaign to promote microloans for women in the U.S. and overseas

Inside: This Week in SmallBiz

The microfinance model, and particularly for-profit lenders seeking returns for investors, has come under increased scrutiny in recent months in India and other developing countries. The attention on the industry hasn't hampered efforts by Kiva, a nonprofit website that connects donors with microfinance institutions, and skin-care company Dermalogica to launch a campaign to promote microloans for women in the U.S. and overseas. Take a look at our story for how it works.

Then catch analysis on the latest NFIB optimism index, which dropped for the first time in five months. And hear opposing viewpoints on the impact of health reform on small employers. Finally, check out new profiles of promising startups in our ongoing series. Enjoy.
--Nick Leiber
SEND FEEDBACK | E-MAIL A FRIEND | GET RSS | NEWSLETTERS

MORE SMALLBIZ NEWS

NFIB Optimism Index Fell in December
Confidence dropped for the first time in five months, indicating a sustained rebound will take time to develop, a survey of National Federation of Independent Business members found

U.S. EMPLOYMENT
Small Business Is Hiring, but Very Carefully
In past recessions, small businesses led the rebound. Now they're relying on part-time workers and more productivity with fewer people

NEXT LIFE
Next Life: From Hedge Funds to Oysters
Jeff Northrop left Exis Capital Management and started New York Oyster Co. to sell the harvest from his family's Connecticut oyster beds

SMART ANSWERS
Building Awareness for an Offbeat Product
First determine who your target customers are and where they buy. Then set to work getting the word out, online and otherwise

SMALLBIZ SLIDE SHOWS

America's Most Promising Startups
Meet new companies from across the country that embody the creativity and resilience common among today's entrepreneurs

SMALLBIZ SPECIAL REPORTS

ENTERPRISE
Focus On Entrepreneurs, November 2010
From Bloomberg Businessweek, a roundup of news, trends, and ideas for business owners

SMALLBIZ BUSINESS DIRECTORY

Need Help? Find experts in your area in:

Accounting

Advertising and Marketing

E-Mail Marketing

Legal Services

Public Relations

Search Engine Marketing

Web Design

Web Marketing

Web Hosting

BW MALL SPONSORED LINKS

Buy a link now!

This newsletter is a FREE service provided by BusinessWeek.com.

To sign up for other newsletters, cancel delivery, change delivery options or change your e-mail address, please go to our Newsletter Preferences page.

If you need other assistance, please contact Customer Service
or contact:

Wanda Cooper
BusinessWeek Customer Rights
Communications Data Services
1995 G Avenue
Red Oak, IA 51566
Phone: 1-800-635-1200

To learn more about how BusinessWeek.com applies this policy, you can contact our Marketing Department.

Copyright 2009-2010 by BLOOMBERG L.P. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
Terms of Use | Privacy Notice

SMART ANSWERS KAREN E. KLEIN >>

Waking Up to the Reality of Running a Coffee Shop
Passion is no substitute for careful business planning and realistic expectations in a difficult industry, says Karen Klein

SEND YOUR QUESTIONS TO KAREN >

VIEWPOINT JOHN ARENSMEYER >>

How Health Reform Benefits Small Employers
As opponents eye repeal, John Arensmeyer says insurance tax credits and state health insurance exchanges will reduce costs