SBA Turns 70

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For seven decades, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has been a driving force behind the success of countless enterprises, from America’s Main Streets to manufacturing centers and innovation hubs, helping entrepreneurs turn good ideas into thriving global small businesses.

Delivering the American dream of business ownership to more Americans – SBA has punched above its weight in advancing American innovation, competition and economic growth.

Let's raise our hands to applaud the SBA and celebrate all of its successes and successes afforded to American entrepreneurs.  When entrepreneurs succeed, our economy and our nation succeeds.

What It's Like to Shop a Local Main Street Online

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11Main.com, a new U.S.-based e-marketplace owned by Chinese e-commerce company Alibaba Group Holdings Ltd., launched yesterday (6/11/14) with hundreds (okay ... possibly a thousand or two) boutiques designed to replicate shopping a local Main Street.  We reported on this March 14, 2014.

What is the key differentiator on 11Main?  You don't sign up on your own.  11Main finds, recruits and approves stores to sell on its site.  What does that protect or ward off?  Dishonest sellers.  Ouch or maybe Cool, depending on who you are and how you look at it.

Read the entire news article:  Alibaba launches 11main.com in the U.S.

We've been reporting on Alibaba since 2005.  Review the history here, especially in view of the upcoming Alibaba IPO.