Small businesses that win awards for being great places to work range from hardware stores to nursing care, from car washes to tech support; in some respects, they have nothing in common.

But in other ways, they have much in common, including thriving even during tough times, treating employees as assets, paying them fairly, and listening to them.

Gladwell Ignores Most Entrepreneurs to Make Points About a Few

by Geri Stengel on Feb 2, 2010 - 9:45am

Commentary / Opinion entrepreneurs entrepreneurship Malcolm Gladwell

A recent article by Malcolm Gladwell in The New Yorker, The Sure Thing: How entrepreneurs really succeed has me steaming!

Gladwell's thesis is that entrepreneurs are not daring risk takers – they only bet on sure things, he says – and that they are predators. As an adjunct professor who teaches entrepreneurship at The New School and as a successful serial entrepreneur myself, I say that's a bunch of malarkey.

It's Not a College Degree That Counts, It's Your Experience

by Geri Stengel on Jan 28, 2010 - 9:45am

entrepreneurs Small Business small business owners

Wow! Having a college degree and an alumni network are not as important to successful entrepreneurs as everyone thought. What really counts is hard work – we knew that – experience, and your professional network. Also not so important: investor advice, alumni networks and government help.

You Can't Be Socially Responsible Without Ethical Standards

by Geri Stengel on Jan 24, 2010 - 3:09pm

business ethics corporate social responsibility entrepreneurs Social Enterprise social enterprise social entrepreneurs social responsibility

A strong sense of ethics is essential to social enterprises, corporate social responsibility, and any business, small or large, that wants the respect and loyalty of their customers. Ethics is an important part of doing well while doing good, so Ventureneer has joined forces with Business Ethics, the Magazine of Corporate Responsibility.

What does 2010 hold for small businesses? That Depends on Who You Believe.

by Geri Stengel on Jan 20, 2010 - 11:36am

Forecast / Prediction SBA small business owner

Officially, small business owners can expect good things in 2010:

The Small Business Administration has gotten more money for both staff and for loan guarantees with reduced fees.
America’s Recovery Capital (ARC) loan program will offer deferred-payment loans of up to $35,000, backed 100 percent by the SBA, to viable small businesses that need help making payments on an existing non-SBA loan.
The stimulus includes money for such thing as electronic medical records and the focus is on delivery of medical services. Consultants, IT experts, and hardware/software providers should benefit.
The Obama administration has been pressuring banks both large and small to loosen the purse strings.
There's some indication, according to Federal Reserve Board stats, that access to credit is just beginning to improve.

Faster, Cheaper Technology Is Key to Small Business Growth in 2010

by Geri Stengel on Jan 16, 2010 - 12:03pm

Small Business small business owners

It looks like my love hate relationship with my computer will only intensify in 2010. New technology and upgrades to old technology mean that more business will be conducted over the Internet. The world has become smaller, markets have become larger and being tech savvy is no longer an option for small business owners or for consumers.

Non Profit Leaders Need to be Nimble and Careful in 2010

by Geri Stengel on Jan 12, 2010 - 9:04pm

innovation non profit executive non profit leader Nonprofit

It may sound like a platitude, but sometimes those trite sayings your mother always said are true: When life gives you lemons, make lemonade. 2010 will be another tough year for non profits. Those who help themselves, work smart, and innovate will be ready to grow when funding is available.

The Power of Peers: A View From a Consummate Pro

by Geri Stengel on Jan 8, 2010 - 11:13am

peer support Small Business small business advice small business owners

Several months ago, Ventureneer undertook a survey that documented the power of peers when small business owners deal with problems. The results were clear: Everybody needs – and wants – support. While survey numbers are great, nothing drives a point home better than an example.

The Definition of Social Responsibility Needs to Encompass Both Our Business and Personal Side

by Geri Stengel on Jan 3, 2010 - 3:21pm

Commentary / Opinion corporate social responsibility definition of social responsibility How To personal social responsibility social enterprises socially responsible

The general term "social responsibility" is defined as the obligation corporations, organizations, and individuals have to society.

These days, the definition of social responsibility seems to include everything from personal health choices so you don't add to the country's health care burden to providing health care benefits to employees.

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What is a social entrepreneur?

by Geri Stengel on Dec 30, 2009 - 7:36am

Commentary / Opinion entrepreneur innovation innovative social change social entrepreneurship social responsibility what is a social entrepreneur

"What is a social entrepreneur?" Now that is a really difficult question. First, you have decide what an entrepreneur is. Then you have to decide what qualifies as social entrepreneurship.

Neither task is easy.