Will Your Global Small Business Outlast This Crisis?

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USA Today says:

"Congress will decide whether your small business lives or dies. That’s not an exaggeration. What Congress does now, in the stimulus bill agreed on by the Senate and White House (but not yet passed by the House) to combat the coronavirus outbreak, determines whether millions of small businesses, including yours, will outlast this crisis."

Business Insider says:

"What to know about the $300 billion-plus for small businesses in the stimulus bill, and how founders will be able to apply for emergency funds."

Forbes says:

"A deal was reached in the Senate early this morning to inject approximately $2 trillion dollars into the U.S. economy, after days of negotiations and two failed votes.  The third and final economic stimulus package includes funds for direct payments to individuals and financial assistance to businesses.

The provisions for small businesses total $350 billion dollars, short of the $500 billion that Speaker Nancy Pelosi detailed in the House’s version of the stimulus package yesterday.  The bill will now move to the House for approval."

The New York Times reports:

"The largest economic stimulus measure in modern history would authorize direct payments to taxpayers and loans to small businesses, and create a $500 billion corporate bailout fund."

Steve Strauss Looks at Small Business Trends of 2020

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Our good friend and colleague, Steve Strauss, is an attorney, popular speaker and the best-selling author of 17 books, including "The Small Business Bible."  Let's just say he knows a little something about the small business industry.

For USA Today, Steve provides his annual look at the top trends in business for the coming year. Caveat:

But note — this is not a prediction column, because as it turns out, I [Steve Strauss] am about as good at predictions as I am at losing weight. Instead, let’s look at what is trending in business in 2020 with the intent of helping you navigate these choppy waters. 

Have a look.  Meanwhile, you can learn more about Steve at MrAllBiz.com, get more tips at his site TheSelfEmployed, and connect with him on Twitter @SteveStrauss and on Facebook at TheSelfEmployed.

Why Globalization Is the New Buzzword

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Globalization is a current buzzword on cable news talk shows. Why?  According to USA Today, "With the U.K.'s vote to leave the European Union and a U.S. presidential candidate vowing to build a wall between the USA and America’s third-largest trading partner," that's why.

You wonder what's in store for American small businesses.

Read more:  Globalization is a small-business necessity

Exporting Is a Big Step

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By Steve Strauss, Special for USA TODAY

Q: What do you think of exporting? Generally, is it a good idea for a small business? How difficult is it to get started? How expensive? Lots of questions. Thanks. — Maggie

A: First, we need to define exactly what you mean by "exporting" because the Internet has changed it, along with just about everything else. You see, today it is much easier than ever before to sell your products to an international audience — via your website — but that differs than traditional exporting wherein you find partners and distributors overseas who agree to represent you and sell your wares.

When it comes to the traditional idea of exporting, you are looking at the proverbial good news and bad news. First the pros ...

If you want a shortcut to finding an Export Assistance Center in your area, go here instead of downloading, as Steve suggested, a PDF file.