Today, the U.S. Small Business Administration kicked off its 2012 e200/Emerging Leaders executive-level training initiative in 27 cities and communities. Since 2008 the e200/Emerging Leaders initiative has helped nearly 1,000 promising small business owners in underserved communities across the country sustain and grow their businesses, providing training they use to succeed and create jobs.

“Over the last few years Emerging Leaders has helped expand opportunities for many promising small businesses in underserved communities – in particular those that have been most impacted by these tough economic times,” SBA Administrator Karen Mills said. “Graduates of the program have increased their revenue, created jobs and helped drive local economic growth in their communities. Continuing with this year’s lineup of new classes builds on this success and provides even more entrepreneurs in underserved communities with the support, resources and skills to succeed.”

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Today the Office of Advocacy released the annual Small Business Profiles for the States and Territories. This is the 16th year Advocacy has published a state-by-state profile of American small business for all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and U.S. territories. The profiles are an invaluable resource for small businesses, legislators, academics, government officials, and policymakers in each state. The Washington profile uses the most recent data available to provide details about the state’s small business employment; business starts and closings; bank lending; business ownership by minorities, women, and veterans; and firm and employment change by major industry and firm size.

“Small businesses are the foundation of economic growth in Washington and in our nation” said Dr. Winslow Sargeant, Chief Counsel for Advocacy. “By supporting policies that promote innovation and entrepreneurship, we help small businesses tackle these challenging economic times. These statistics are a resource for a path to economic growth.”

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Identity theft crimes are not limited to individuals; businesses can also become victims. Better Business Bureau warns of a recent surge in business identity theft.

“Impostors hijack and exploit information from legitimate organizations to swindle unsuspecting consumers,” said Robert W.G. Andrew, CEO of BBB servingAlaska,OregonandWestern Washington.

Copycats often design similar-looking websites, advertisements and solicitations featuring real business names, logos and contact information to cheat consumers under false guise—and potentially ruin other businesses' reputations.

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Don't wait until illness or injury strike; Better Business Bureau recommends beginning the search for doctors and other medical professionals while in good health.

"Trust and patience are critical when searching for doctors," said Robert W.G. Andrew, CEO of BBB serving Alaska, Oregon and Western Washington. "Sensitive medical information should always be in competent, qualified hands."

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, there are approximately 97,820 family doctors—also known as general practitioners—operating in the United States, so finding a quality fit may seem like an overwhelming task. Save headaches by considering the following:

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Natural disasters exacted a significant financial toll on the United States in 2011.  The Insurance Information Institute reports that insured losses from a series of disasters – which included devastating spring tornadoes in the Midwest, floods in the southeast, wildfires in the southwest, and Hurricane Irene – totaled $35.9 billion.

Small businesses were hit particularly hard as many were forced to close during these disasters, causing economic injury to many that were already struggling. The factors that cause financial losses after a disaster, however, can be offset by having a recovery plan in place.

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