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	<title>BLACK ENTERPRISE &#187; Small Business</title>
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	<link>http://www.blackenterprise.com</link>
	<description>Your Ultimate Source for Wealth Creation</description>
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		<title>Cyberwise: Belated Blogger?</title>
		<link>http://www.blackenterprise.com/careers/2010/03/17/cyberwise-belated-blogger/</link>
		<comments>http://www.blackenterprise.com/careers/2010/03/17/cyberwise-belated-blogger/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 17 Mar 2010 20:34:21 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Sonya A. Donaldson</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Careers]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Careers Exclusives]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Small Business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Small Business Exclusives]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[blog]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[blogging]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.blackenterprise.com/?p=60123</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[I want to begin a blog for my event planning business, but every time I mention it, friends scoff at the idea. Am I too late to the game?]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.blackenterprise.com/careers/2010/03/17/cyberwise-belated-blogger/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Countdown to Reform?</title>
		<link>http://www.blackenterprise.com/business/2010/03/16/countdown-to-reform/</link>
		<comments>http://www.blackenterprise.com/business/2010/03/16/countdown-to-reform/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 16 Mar 2010 17:36:42 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Brittany Hutson</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Small Business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Small Business Exclusives]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[healthcare]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[healthcare costs]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[healthcare debate]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[healthcare reform]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[small business]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.blackenterprise.com/?p=64514</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[While the rush continues for  Congress to deliver a cohesive healthcare reform bill, small business owners continue to struggle with limited insurance options and high costs.  ]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.blackenterprise.com/business/2010/03/16/countdown-to-reform/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>From Tiger to Elephants, Lizards And Frogs</title>
		<link>http://www.blackenterprise.com/careers/2010/03/15/from-tiger-to-elephants-lizards-and-frogs/</link>
		<comments>http://www.blackenterprise.com/careers/2010/03/15/from-tiger-to-elephants-lizards-and-frogs/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 15 Mar 2010 18:50:23 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Marshawn Evans</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Blogs]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Careers]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Small Business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Small Business Exclusives]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Accenture]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[brand messaging]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[branding]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[crisis management]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[marketing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[personal brand]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[rebranding]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Tiger Woods]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.blackenterprise.com/?p=69247</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Accenture may have gotten lost in the “woods,” but they somehow ended up in the wild.  In their new campaign, Accenture replaced their wounded Tiger with images of elephants, fish, lizards and frogs - oh my!  As I stood at the airport looking at an elephant surfing and some leaping frogs, I was taken aback.  The job of the most in-demand, iconic global athlete on the plant was outsourced.  Tiger was replaced with a cheaper, risk-adverse form of labor - all hired from the local zoo.  ]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.blackenterprise.com/careers/2010/03/15/from-tiger-to-elephants-lizards-and-frogs/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>4</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Photos: Ten Cool Products to Give Your Business a Boost</title>
		<link>http://www.blackenterprise.com/entrepreneurs/2010/03/15/ten-cool-products-to-give-your-business-a-boost/</link>
		<comments>http://www.blackenterprise.com/entrepreneurs/2010/03/15/ten-cool-products-to-give-your-business-a-boost/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 15 Mar 2010 16:17:57 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Sonya A. Donaldson</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Lifestyle Exclusives]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Slideshows]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Small Business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Technology]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[consumer products]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Gadgets]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[office equipment]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.blackenterprise.com/?p=68515</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[A lot has been said about the benefits of social media, and it’s all true. But to keep your business from floating off into the increasingly popular “cloud,” you can’t forget the basics. Here are some products to help you stay grounded.]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.blackenterprise.com/entrepreneurs/2010/03/15/ten-cool-products-to-give-your-business-a-boost/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Downturn’s the Right Time for Expansion</title>
		<link>http://www.blackenterprise.com/entrepreneurs/2010/03/15/downturn%e2%80%99s-the-right-time-for-expansion/</link>
		<comments>http://www.blackenterprise.com/entrepreneurs/2010/03/15/downturn%e2%80%99s-the-right-time-for-expansion/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 15 Mar 2010 16:00:33 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Tamara E. Holmes</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Small Business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Small Business Exclusives]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[business growth]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[company growth]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Downturn hiring]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[expansion]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[hiring]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.blackenterprise.com/?p=64516</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Dana Smith-Rogers, owner of Spiritual Essence Yoga in Maryland, has seen the effects of the recession on her clientele. “More people are seeking ways to manage stress,” she says. Sensing an opportunity, Smith-Rogers plans to hire three contractors to teach classes and one part-time administrative assistant so “I can explore the business’ creative side,” she says.]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.blackenterprise.com/entrepreneurs/2010/03/15/downturn%e2%80%99s-the-right-time-for-expansion/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Tips From the Top of the Food Chain</title>
		<link>http://www.blackenterprise.com/entrepreneurs/2010/03/12/tips-from-the-top-of-the-food-chain/</link>
		<comments>http://www.blackenterprise.com/entrepreneurs/2010/03/12/tips-from-the-top-of-the-food-chain/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sat, 13 Mar 2010 00:58:07 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Renita Burns</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Management]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Small Business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[business connections]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[business development]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[business growth]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[business operations]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[copreneurs]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[entrepreneurship]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[entreprenurs]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[strategic business]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.blackenterprise.com/?p=68587</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Angela Cauley and Ian Blount discovered the perfect recipe for success. Mixing three tablespoons of risk, five pinches of research, and three cups of sacrifice, the couple cooked up a harmonious blend that became the main ingredient for their pièce de résistance, the Columbus-based Coalescence LLC, a food blending and repackaging company.]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.blackenterprise.com/entrepreneurs/2010/03/12/tips-from-the-top-of-the-food-chain/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>A Natural Advantage</title>
		<link>http://www.blackenterprise.com/entrepreneurs/2010/03/12/a-natural-advantage/</link>
		<comments>http://www.blackenterprise.com/entrepreneurs/2010/03/12/a-natural-advantage/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sat, 13 Mar 2010 00:23:44 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Maya Payne Smart</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Small Business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[haircare]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Haircare Industry]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Jane Carter]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Natural products]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[organic]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.blackenterprise.com/?p=68578</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Jane Carter, 43, owner of Jane Carter Solution, a line of natural haircare products sold in Whole Foods Market and The Vitamin Shoppe, says consumers have finally begun to read labels. But companies must do more than slap the words “organic” or “all-natural” on their packaging to stand out. They must engage—and educate—consumers using social [...]]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.blackenterprise.com/entrepreneurs/2010/03/12/a-natural-advantage/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Black Enterprise Entrepreneurs Conference + Expo</title>
		<link>http://www.blackenterprise.com/entrepreneurs/2010/03/04/black-enterprise-entrepreneurs-conference-expo/</link>
		<comments>http://www.blackenterprise.com/entrepreneurs/2010/03/04/black-enterprise-entrepreneurs-conference-expo/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 04 Mar 2010 23:27:00 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>B. Jahdy Lancelot</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Slideshows]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Small Business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[BE 100s]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[black business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Black Enterprise Entrepreneurs Conference]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[black entrepreneurs]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Detroit]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Entrepreneurs Conference]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[kidpreneurs]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[small business awards]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[teenpreneurs]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.blackenterprise.com/?p=65550</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[The 2010 Black Enterprise Entrepreneurs Conference &#038; Expo will be held in Atlanta, May 16-19. To get a preview of the networking and deal making in store at the nation's largest annual gathering of black entrepreneurs, check out these images of the 2009 B.E. Entrepreneurs Conference held in Detroit.]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.blackenterprise.com/entrepreneurs/2010/03/04/black-enterprise-entrepreneurs-conference-expo/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Building Paradise</title>
		<link>http://www.blackenterprise.com/entrepreneurs/2010/03/01/building-paradise/</link>
		<comments>http://www.blackenterprise.com/entrepreneurs/2010/03/01/building-paradise/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 01 Mar 2010 22:04:58 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Kingsley Kanu Jr.</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Magazine]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Small Business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Small Business Exclusives]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[day spa]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[developing nation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[hospitality industry]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Motivation]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.blackenterprise.com/?p=57945</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Fleeing famine and communism in Ethiopia, Tadiwos Belete came to America in the 1980s for a chance at survival and success. With a fresh start in Boston, Belete enrolled in cosmetology school. Working his way up from assistant stylist to salon manager, Belete pooled resources with seven friends to open a hair salon.]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.blackenterprise.com/entrepreneurs/2010/03/01/building-paradise/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>No Business Without Technology</title>
		<link>http://www.blackenterprise.com/magazine/2010/03/01/no-business-without-technology/</link>
		<comments>http://www.blackenterprise.com/magazine/2010/03/01/no-business-without-technology/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 01 Mar 2010 20:28:37 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Earl G. Graves, Sr.</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Blogs]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Magazine]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Publisher's Page]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Start-Up]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[aspiring entrepreneurs]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[entrepreneurship]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[interactive media]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[magazine startups]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[start-up ideas]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Technology]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Website]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.blackenterprise.com/?p=54896</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[I received an e-mail recently from a pair of intrepid college graduates seeking my advice as they start a magazine. They laid out their idea with great enthusiasm, slathering on lots of personal compliments for good measure (works every time).]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.blackenterprise.com/magazine/2010/03/01/no-business-without-technology/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>1</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Talking Points: UNCF Colleges More Affordable Than Their Peers</title>
		<link>http://www.blackenterprise.com/entrepreneurs/2010/03/01/talking-points-uncf-colleges-more-affordable-than-their-peers/</link>
		<comments>http://www.blackenterprise.com/entrepreneurs/2010/03/01/talking-points-uncf-colleges-more-affordable-than-their-peers/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 01 Mar 2010 20:21:35 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Deborah Creighton Skinner</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Magazine]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Personal Finance]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Small Business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[financial literacy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[HBCUs]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[stimulus contracts]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[stimulus money]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Tution]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[UNCF]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.blackenterprise.com/?p=59625</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[The 39 HBCUs that are members of the UNCF cost less than comparable institutions.]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.blackenterprise.com/entrepreneurs/2010/03/01/talking-points-uncf-colleges-more-affordable-than-their-peers/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>A Tech Makeover Story</title>
		<link>http://www.blackenterprise.com/entrepreneurs/2010/03/01/a-tech-makeover-story/</link>
		<comments>http://www.blackenterprise.com/entrepreneurs/2010/03/01/a-tech-makeover-story/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 01 Mar 2010 18:43:00 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Sonya A. Donaldson</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Cover Story]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Magazine]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Magazine Features]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Small Business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Technology]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Business Technology]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[information technology]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[new products]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[technology solutions]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[technology useage]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.blackenterprise.com/?p=59197</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Last year was no cakewalk for many Americans: The fallout from the near collapse of the financial industry, the upending of the real estate market, and record-high unemployment rates were nothing to sing about. Despite the overall gloom, some entrepreneurs knew brief moments of hope, particularly those who invested in technology.]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.blackenterprise.com/entrepreneurs/2010/03/01/a-tech-makeover-story/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>2</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Positioning Yourself for an Opportunity</title>
		<link>http://www.blackenterprise.com/entrepreneurs/2010/02/25/positioning-yourself-for-an-opportunity/</link>
		<comments>http://www.blackenterprise.com/entrepreneurs/2010/02/25/positioning-yourself-for-an-opportunity/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 25 Feb 2010 19:43:48 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Karen Taylor Bass</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Blogs]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Small Business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Start-Up]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[branding]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[entrepreneurship]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[networking]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[small business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[start-ups]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[success strategies]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[success tips]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[unemployment]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.blackenterprise.com/?p=62435</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[With high unemployment, now is the time to position yourself as an authority in your field, commit to doing something different, and offer your talent/services to businesses.]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.blackenterprise.com/entrepreneurs/2010/02/25/positioning-yourself-for-an-opportunity/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>9</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Savvy Solutions: Social Media Marketing 101</title>
		<link>http://www.blackenterprise.com/entrepreneurs/2010/02/23/savvy-solutions-social-media-marketing-101/</link>
		<comments>http://www.blackenterprise.com/entrepreneurs/2010/02/23/savvy-solutions-social-media-marketing-101/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 23 Feb 2010 19:35:10 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Tennille M. Robinson</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Entrepreneurs Tools & Resources]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Small Business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[getting customers]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[marketing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[social media]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[social networking]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Web marketing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[web strategy]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.blackenterprise.com/?p=60056</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[To promote my character entertainment business I use a Website and MySpace account, and I frequently hand out fliers. Unfortunately, I’m having difficulty attracting customers. What am I doing wrong, or not doing at all?]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.blackenterprise.com/entrepreneurs/2010/02/23/savvy-solutions-social-media-marketing-101/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>2</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Is Your Brand Bold, Beautiful, &amp; Determined?</title>
		<link>http://www.blackenterprise.com/entrepreneurs/start-up/2010/02/19/is-your-brand-bold-beautiful-determined/</link>
		<comments>http://www.blackenterprise.com/entrepreneurs/start-up/2010/02/19/is-your-brand-bold-beautiful-determined/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 19 Feb 2010 21:29:36 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Karen Taylor Bass</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Blogs]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Start-Up]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Women of Power Articles]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[branding]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Career]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[inspiration]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[marketing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Motivation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Mo’Nique]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Precious]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.blackenterprise.com/?p=60309</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[How do you create the perfect brand - in life and in business? Branding is simply a consistent feeling, image, and experience desired from a product conveyed to the general public. Basically, you - the entrepreneur - are the brand. The minute someone interfaces with you, they are deciding if they should do business with your brand based on their perception of you.]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.blackenterprise.com/entrepreneurs/start-up/2010/02/19/is-your-brand-bold-beautiful-determined/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>24</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Preparing for Startup Success</title>
		<link>http://www.blackenterprise.com/entrepreneurs/2010/02/18/preparing-for-startup-success/</link>
		<comments>http://www.blackenterprise.com/entrepreneurs/2010/02/18/preparing-for-startup-success/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 18 Feb 2010 21:38:59 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Tamara E. Holmes</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Small Business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Start-Up]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[career advancement]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[entrepreneurship]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[small business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[small business resources]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[startup]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[startups]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.blackenterprise.com/?p=47008</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[While it’s clear that amassing education and experience is helpful, there’s no right way to go about it. Here are some ways to increase your knowledge base and your odds of entrepreneurial success.
]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.blackenterprise.com/entrepreneurs/2010/02/18/preparing-for-startup-success/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>8</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Blueprint for Success</title>
		<link>http://www.blackenterprise.com/entrepreneurs/2010/02/16/blueprint-for-success/</link>
		<comments>http://www.blackenterprise.com/entrepreneurs/2010/02/16/blueprint-for-success/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 16 Feb 2010 23:46:10 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Karen Taylor Bass</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Blogs]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Small Business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Women of Power Articles]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Beverly Kearney]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[career coach]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[entrepreneur]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[faith]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Mentors]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[mentorship]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[success strategies]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.blackenterprise.com/?p=59228</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[This year is a chance to be better, smarter, prouder, stronger, and take no mess.]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.blackenterprise.com/entrepreneurs/2010/02/16/blueprint-for-success/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>28</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>CDFI Small Business Lending Program Finally a Go</title>
		<link>http://www.blackenterprise.com/business/2010/02/09/cdfi-small-business-lending-program-finally-a-go/</link>
		<comments>http://www.blackenterprise.com/business/2010/02/09/cdfi-small-business-lending-program-finally-a-go/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 09 Feb 2010 19:38:36 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Joyce Jones</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Small Business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[B.E. 100s]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[B.E. Banks]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[CDFI]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[community banks]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[lending]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[small business loans]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[TARP]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Treasury Department]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Troubled Asset Relief Program]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.blackenterprise.com/?p=57019</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[The Treasury department announced last week that it will provide up to $1 billion in Troubled Asset Relief Program Funds to spur lending by Community Development Financial Institutions to businesses in the areas hardest hit by the economy.]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.blackenterprise.com/business/2010/02/09/cdfi-small-business-lending-program-finally-a-go/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>1</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>SBA Works to Strengthen Its 8(a) Program</title>
		<link>http://www.blackenterprise.com/business/2010/02/03/sba-looks-to-strengthen-its-8a-program/</link>
		<comments>http://www.blackenterprise.com/business/2010/02/03/sba-looks-to-strengthen-its-8a-program/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 03 Feb 2010 17:56:31 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Joyce Jones</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Small Business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[8(a) contracts]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[8(a) program]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[government contracts]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[mentor-protege program]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[minority business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[SBA]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[small business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[startup]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.blackenterprise.com/?p=53769</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[The Small Business Administration has conducted a comprehensive review of its 8(a) program and will announce regulation changes this summer. ]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.blackenterprise.com/business/2010/02/03/sba-looks-to-strengthen-its-8a-program/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>2</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Savvy Solutions: How to Get Paid as a Consultant</title>
		<link>http://www.blackenterprise.com/entrepreneurs/2010/02/01/savvy-solutions-how-to-get-paid-as-a-consultant/</link>
		<comments>http://www.blackenterprise.com/entrepreneurs/2010/02/01/savvy-solutions-how-to-get-paid-as-a-consultant/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 01 Feb 2010 22:00:03 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Tennille M. Robinson</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Magazine]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Small Business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[business opportunities]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[career advancement]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[consulting]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Enterprise]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[entrepreneurship]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[freelancing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[marketing]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.blackenterprise.com/?p=47925</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[I presented a marketing proposal to a company where I formerly interned. We are into our third meeting and I’ve helped them develop a number of initiatives and ideas to pursue, so far, free of charge. How do I bill consultant fees? And how much should I be compensated if they use any of my ideas?]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.blackenterprise.com/entrepreneurs/2010/02/01/savvy-solutions-how-to-get-paid-as-a-consultant/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Building Security for Business Success</title>
		<link>http://www.blackenterprise.com/entrepreneurs/2010/02/01/building-security-for-business-success/</link>
		<comments>http://www.blackenterprise.com/entrepreneurs/2010/02/01/building-security-for-business-success/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 01 Feb 2010 18:47:05 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Maya Payne Smart</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[BE Next]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Management]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Small Business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Start-Up]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[marketing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[startup]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.blackenterprise.com/?p=53982</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Mary Parker, president and CEO of All(n)1 Security, grew her company from one woman at her kitchen table to a full-service firm employing 185 security officers, technicians, and managers.]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.blackenterprise.com/entrepreneurs/2010/02/01/building-security-for-business-success/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>2</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Savvy Solutions: When It&#8217;s A Good Idea to Self-Publish</title>
		<link>http://www.blackenterprise.com/entrepreneurs/2010/02/01/savvy-solutions-when-its-a-good-idea-to-self-publish/</link>
		<comments>http://www.blackenterprise.com/entrepreneurs/2010/02/01/savvy-solutions-when-its-a-good-idea-to-self-publish/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 01 Feb 2010 18:31:40 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Tennille M. Robinson</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Entrepreneurs Tools & Resources]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Magazine]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Small Business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[book publishing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[e-publishing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[how to get published]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Self Publishing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[startup]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.blackenterprise.com/?p=46997</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[I’ve been trying to print a children’s book. I don’t want to do the traditional method of going through a publishing company. I’m looking for companies that can print books in small quantities.]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.blackenterprise.com/entrepreneurs/2010/02/01/savvy-solutions-when-its-a-good-idea-to-self-publish/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>4</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Accelerated Assistance</title>
		<link>http://www.blackenterprise.com/entrepreneurs/2010/02/01/accelerated-assistance/</link>
		<comments>http://www.blackenterprise.com/entrepreneurs/2010/02/01/accelerated-assistance/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 01 Feb 2010 18:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Margarette Burnette</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Magazine]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Small Business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Start-Up]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[business incubator]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[business plans]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Small Business Administration]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[small business resources]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[startup]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Urban League]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.blackenterprise.com/?p=44112</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[For a start up, the first few years of life are most critical. It’s a pivotal time that only a fraction of ventures have the capital, resources, and stamina to survive. Stepping in to help entrepreneurs are business incubators, which provide coaching, networking opportunities, and even affordable office space to newly minted entrepreneurs.]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.blackenterprise.com/entrepreneurs/2010/02/01/accelerated-assistance/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>From One Company to Another</title>
		<link>http://www.blackenterprise.com/entrepreneurs/2010/02/01/from-one-company-to-another/</link>
		<comments>http://www.blackenterprise.com/entrepreneurs/2010/02/01/from-one-company-to-another/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 01 Feb 2010 11:05:20 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Emerald Morrow</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Magazine]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Small Business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Women of Power Articles]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[b-to-b]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[e-commerce]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Enterprise]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[small business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[small business opportunities]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.blackenterprise.com/?p=57787</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[When sisters Eve Lane and Holly Lane-Mixon launched Zebra Lane on a shoestring budget in 2003, they knew they wanted to expand their fraternity and sorority stationery and gift business beyond the retail realm into the world of business-to-business.]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.blackenterprise.com/entrepreneurs/2010/02/01/from-one-company-to-another/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>4</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Organize Your Life</title>
		<link>http://www.blackenterprise.com/entrepreneurs/2010/02/01/organize-your-life/</link>
		<comments>http://www.blackenterprise.com/entrepreneurs/2010/02/01/organize-your-life/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 01 Feb 2010 06:45:39 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>David Hudson</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Entrepreneurs Tools & Resources]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Magazine]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Personal Technology]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Small Business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Technology]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Bento]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[BlackBerry]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[HanDBase]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[iPhone]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[smartphones]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Techwatch]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.blackenterprise.com/?p=44465</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Anyone using a smartphone already knows how great it is to have everything you want right in your pocket. Wouldn’t it be even better, though, if you could turn your device into a fully functional organizer, managing everything from employee lists to business inventory to customer information? Well, there are a couple of apps for that: Bento for iPhone and DDH Software’s HanDBase for smartphones.]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.blackenterprise.com/entrepreneurs/2010/02/01/organize-your-life/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Approach the Right Strategy With B-to-B</title>
		<link>http://www.blackenterprise.com/entrepreneurs/2010/02/01/approach-the-right-strategy-with-b-to-b/</link>
		<comments>http://www.blackenterprise.com/entrepreneurs/2010/02/01/approach-the-right-strategy-with-b-to-b/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 01 Feb 2010 05:53:58 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Emerald Morrow</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Magazine]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Management]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Small Business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[b-to-b]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[business-to-business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[corporate strategy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Enterprise]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[startup]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.blackenterprise.com/?p=53990</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[One opportunity entrepreneurs should consider when revising or creating a new business plan is making a foray into the business-to-business domain.]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.blackenterprise.com/entrepreneurs/2010/02/01/approach-the-right-strategy-with-b-to-b/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Letting Go</title>
		<link>http://www.blackenterprise.com/entrepreneurs/2010/02/01/letting-go/</link>
		<comments>http://www.blackenterprise.com/entrepreneurs/2010/02/01/letting-go/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 01 Feb 2010 05:30:03 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Maya Payne Smart</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Magazine]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Small Business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[employment]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[jobs]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[law enforcement]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Motivation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[security]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.blackenterprise.com/?p=44102</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[When corporate downsizing resulted in a job change from manufacturing supervisor to security guard, Mary Parker didn’t complain. Instead, she remained upbeat, embraced the new challenge, and quickly earned the moniker “Officer Friendly” in the building where she worked. N ow as president and CEO of ALL(n)1 Security Services (www.alln1security.com; 404-691-4915), a full-service security firm in Atlanta, Parker imparts that same commitment to compassionate security to the people she employs: eight full-time office staff and nearly 200 people in the field.]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.blackenterprise.com/entrepreneurs/2010/02/01/letting-go/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>1</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>BE Forum Explores Solutions for Economic Revival</title>
		<link>http://www.blackenterprise.com/business/2010/01/28/be-forum-explores-solutions-for-economic-revival/</link>
		<comments>http://www.blackenterprise.com/business/2010/01/28/be-forum-explores-solutions-for-economic-revival/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 29 Jan 2010 00:02:35 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Joyce Jones</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Small Business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[BE100s]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[economic policy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[economic stimulus package]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[economy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Obama administration]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[State of the Union Address]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[stimulus money]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.blackenterprise.com/?p=53591</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Black Enterprise hosted a forum to explore strategies and solutions that will ensure that African Americans will be key players in the nation’s economic revival.]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.blackenterprise.com/business/2010/01/28/be-forum-explores-solutions-for-economic-revival/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>14</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>BE, Walmart to Host Economic Forum</title>
		<link>http://www.blackenterprise.com/business/2010/01/25/be-wal-mart-to-host-economic-forum/</link>
		<comments>http://www.blackenterprise.com/business/2010/01/25/be-wal-mart-to-host-economic-forum/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 26 Jan 2010 01:17:41 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Renita Burns</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Small Business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[BE100s]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[economic policy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[economic stimulus package]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[economy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Obama administration]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[State of the Union Address]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[stimulus money]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.blackenterprise.com/?p=51917</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[As President Barack Obama unveils initiatives to bolster the middle class, create jobs and assist small business, Black Enterprise is bringing together BE100s CEOs, government officials, and economists to offer solutions to the administration.]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.blackenterprise.com/business/2010/01/25/be-wal-mart-to-host-economic-forum/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>8</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>How to Capture the Eyes (and Wallets) of Web Users</title>
		<link>http://www.blackenterprise.com/entrepreneurs/2010/01/21/how-to-capture-the-eyes-and-wallets-of-web-users/</link>
		<comments>http://www.blackenterprise.com/entrepreneurs/2010/01/21/how-to-capture-the-eyes-and-wallets-of-web-users/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 21 Jan 2010 14:41:19 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Bridget McCrea</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Small Business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Start-Up]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[online marketing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[online video]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[videography]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[web content]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Web marketing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[web strategy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[YouTube]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.blackenterprise.com/?p=49359</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[To ensure that your Web videos reach their intended audience and keep viewers engaged, here are 10 production strategies to start using right now.]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.blackenterprise.com/entrepreneurs/2010/01/21/how-to-capture-the-eyes-and-wallets-of-web-users/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>2</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>The Past Is Prologue</title>
		<link>http://www.blackenterprise.com/magazine/2010/01/01/the-past-is-prologue/</link>
		<comments>http://www.blackenterprise.com/magazine/2010/01/01/the-past-is-prologue/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 01 Jan 2010 17:14:41 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Sonya A. Donaldson</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Magazine]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Technology]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Culture]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[digital storytelling]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[synthetic interviews]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Techwatch]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.blackenterprise.com/?p=44461</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[How would you like to chat with Benjamin Franklin? Think it’s impossible? Not so, says Charles Palmer, executive director at Harrisburg University’s Center for Advanced Entertainment and Learning Technologies in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. ]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.blackenterprise.com/magazine/2010/01/01/the-past-is-prologue/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Cut Small Business Costs</title>
		<link>http://www.blackenterprise.com/entrepreneurs/2009/12/28/cut-small-business-costs/</link>
		<comments>http://www.blackenterprise.com/entrepreneurs/2009/12/28/cut-small-business-costs/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 28 Dec 2009 21:20:38 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Maya Payne Smart</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Small Business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Start-Up]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[money management]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[payroll]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[startup]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[The Polish Bar]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.blackenterprise.com/?p=46635</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Today, Tricialee Riley, 35, applies the skills she learned managing MAC stores to her New York-based beauty business, The Polish Bar.]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.blackenterprise.com/entrepreneurs/2009/12/28/cut-small-business-costs/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>1</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Start Your Business on the Right Foot For 2010</title>
		<link>http://www.blackenterprise.com/entrepreneurs/2009/12/28/start-your-business-on-the-right-foot-for-2010/</link>
		<comments>http://www.blackenterprise.com/entrepreneurs/2009/12/28/start-your-business-on-the-right-foot-for-2010/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 28 Dec 2009 20:58:45 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Denise A. Campbell</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Small Business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Start-Up]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[copyright]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[patent]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[startup]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[trademark]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.blackenterprise.com/?p=46641</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Running your own business is an exciting but challenging prospect.  In addition to wearing many hats, it's also important for small business owners to perform the necessary hygiene to maintain business ownership.  Here are several essentials from the experts to help protect your business and ideas.
]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.blackenterprise.com/entrepreneurs/2009/12/28/start-your-business-on-the-right-foot-for-2010/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>4</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Reinvent Your Business</title>
		<link>http://www.blackenterprise.com/entrepreneurs/2009/12/28/reinvent-your-business/</link>
		<comments>http://www.blackenterprise.com/entrepreneurs/2009/12/28/reinvent-your-business/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 28 Dec 2009 19:53:44 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Tamara E. Holmes</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Small Business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Start-Up]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[BCT Partners]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Lawrence Hibbert]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[marketing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Randal Pinkett]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[startup]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.blackenterprise.com/?p=46624</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Randal D. Pinkett and Lawrence M. Hibbert watched their educational training firm MBS Educational Services and Training succumb to the 2001 recession, but they regrouped to form BCT Partners, a management, policy, and technology consulting firm that made nearly $2 million in 2008. Here’s what Pinkett and Hibbert learned about surviving a crisis. ]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.blackenterprise.com/entrepreneurs/2009/12/28/reinvent-your-business/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>1</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Hide &amp; Seek</title>
		<link>http://www.blackenterprise.com/entrepreneurs/2009/12/23/hide-seek-2/</link>
		<comments>http://www.blackenterprise.com/entrepreneurs/2009/12/23/hide-seek-2/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 23 Dec 2009 17:43:39 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Maya Payne Smart</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Small Business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[accounting]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[accounts payable]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[money management]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[payroll]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.blackenterprise.com/?p=46752</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[“Cash is always king,” says entrepreneur Robert L. Wallace. “If you have cash, it doesn’t matter what is happening in the economy or in the industry, you’ll still be able to weather the storm.”]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.blackenterprise.com/entrepreneurs/2009/12/23/hide-seek-2/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Rev Up Your Startup</title>
		<link>http://www.blackenterprise.com/entrepreneurs/2009/12/22/rev-up-your-startup/</link>
		<comments>http://www.blackenterprise.com/entrepreneurs/2009/12/22/rev-up-your-startup/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 22 Dec 2009 19:03:34 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Brittany Hutson</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Small Business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Start-Up]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[business incubator]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[money management]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[startup]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.blackenterprise.com/?p=46508</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Here are five tips on how to find a reputable incubator that can give your startup some tools for success.]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.blackenterprise.com/entrepreneurs/2009/12/22/rev-up-your-startup/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>1</slash:comments>
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		<item>
		<title>A View to a Killer Business Model</title>
		<link>http://www.blackenterprise.com/entrepreneurs/2009/12/21/a-view-to-a-killer-business-model-2/</link>
		<comments>http://www.blackenterprise.com/entrepreneurs/2009/12/21/a-view-to-a-killer-business-model-2/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 21 Dec 2009 21:08:21 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Sonya A. Donaldson</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Small Business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Start-Up]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Technology]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[career advancement]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Gen2Media]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[startup]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Techwatch]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.blackenterprise.com/?p=46273</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[In the last three years, Web 2.0 technologies have brought innovations to the entrepreneurial and small business markets that have enabled creativity, productivity, growth opportunities, and, yes, fun. We’ve watched as Facebook morphed from an Ivy League hangout into a social networking site with growing business functionality; and we’ve seen burgeoning business moguls take advantage of audio tools to launch radio shows that complement their businesses. No question, then, Web 2.0 is moving fast. So what’s the next step? Well, if you’ve passed around or commented on any of the thousands of user-generated videos online, then you might have an inkling.]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.blackenterprise.com/entrepreneurs/2009/12/21/a-view-to-a-killer-business-model-2/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Knowledge-Sharing is King</title>
		<link>http://www.blackenterprise.com/entrepreneurs/entrepreneurs-tools-resources/2009/12/21/knowledge-sharing-is-king/</link>
		<comments>http://www.blackenterprise.com/entrepreneurs/entrepreneurs-tools-resources/2009/12/21/knowledge-sharing-is-king/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 21 Dec 2009 15:29:48 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Sonya A. Donaldson</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Entrepreneurs Tools & Resources]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[business connections]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[knowledge networking]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[social networking]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.blackenterprise.com/?p=41162</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[There is no question that social networking sites have begun to reshape the business landscape. What started out as a way for like-minded folks to meet and former colleagues and classmates to reconnect has morphed into a tech phenomenon. The next step? Knowledge networking, says Robyn Ward, vice president for business development at Docstoc (www.docstoc.com), a social networking site for professionals looking to create, upload, and share documents.]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.blackenterprise.com/entrepreneurs/entrepreneurs-tools-resources/2009/12/21/knowledge-sharing-is-king/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>BE Next 2009: Where Are They Now?</title>
		<link>http://www.blackenterprise.com/entrepreneurs/2009/12/18/be-next-2009-where-are-they-now/</link>
		<comments>http://www.blackenterprise.com/entrepreneurs/2009/12/18/be-next-2009-where-are-they-now/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 18 Dec 2009 15:15:07 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Renita Burns</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[BE Next]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Small Business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Barackawear Inc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Elohim Cleaning Contractors]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Julius Erving III]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Sirena Moore]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.blackenterprise.com/?p=45579</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[In January 2009, Black Enterprise launched BE Next, introducing the world to the new face of business. What have they been up to since the story ran?]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.blackenterprise.com/entrepreneurs/2009/12/18/be-next-2009-where-are-they-now/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Secure Your Most Valuable Asset: Your Brand</title>
		<link>http://www.blackenterprise.com/entrepreneurs/2009/12/17/secure-your-most-valuable-asset-your-brand/</link>
		<comments>http://www.blackenterprise.com/entrepreneurs/2009/12/17/secure-your-most-valuable-asset-your-brand/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 17 Dec 2009 18:12:15 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Denise A. Campbell</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Small Business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[copyrights]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[patent]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[trademark]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.blackenterprise.com/?p=45590</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[When Homer Bair and his partner, Susan Kreitman, conceptualized a T-shirt and screen-printing venture on a beach in Jamaica, they had little inkling of its potential for international success.  They collaborated with a group of Caribbean artists and, in 1987 created Cooyah Clothing. But, despite its cultural origins, Cooyah was a hard sell in Jamaica. To help them break into the local market, Homer’s brother Nigel stepped in. What ensued was reminiscent of the biblical saga of Cain and Abel. ]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.blackenterprise.com/entrepreneurs/2009/12/17/secure-your-most-valuable-asset-your-brand/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>1</slash:comments>
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		<item>
		<title>Tweak Your Social Media Strategy</title>
		<link>http://www.blackenterprise.com/entrepreneurs/2009/12/15/the-art-of-social-media-strategy/</link>
		<comments>http://www.blackenterprise.com/entrepreneurs/2009/12/15/the-art-of-social-media-strategy/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 15 Dec 2009 20:29:32 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Tamara E. Holmes</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Small Business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Internet commerce]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[marketing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[social networking]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Twitter]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.blackenterprise.com/?p=44344</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[For business owners hoping to cash in on social media, consistency is the key. “Think of a leaky kitchen faucet that drips slowly and consistently,” says Jamila White, the E-Commerce Diva. “It’s so powerful that over time it can wear through porcelain.” White offers four tips to keep in mind in making social media mean something for your business.]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.blackenterprise.com/entrepreneurs/2009/12/15/the-art-of-social-media-strategy/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Location, Location, Location</title>
		<link>http://www.blackenterprise.com/entrepreneurs/2009/12/10/location-location-location-2/</link>
		<comments>http://www.blackenterprise.com/entrepreneurs/2009/12/10/location-location-location-2/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 10 Dec 2009 20:45:54 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Marcia Wade Talbert</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Small Business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[marketing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Real Estate]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[startup]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.blackenterprise.com/?p=44002</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Finding the right location for your small business may seem as simple as finding a place you can afford. Whether it’s a kiosk, storefront, mall store, high-profile flagship, or suburban stand-alone, not every location is suitable for every business. But before you make a commitment, make sure you are aware of the advantages and disadvantages of leasing one type of location over another.]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.blackenterprise.com/entrepreneurs/2009/12/10/location-location-location-2/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Beyond Our Borders</title>
		<link>http://www.blackenterprise.com/entrepreneurs/2009/12/08/beyond-our-borders-2/</link>
		<comments>http://www.blackenterprise.com/entrepreneurs/2009/12/08/beyond-our-borders-2/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 08 Dec 2009 22:54:38 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Annya Lott</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Small Business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[career advancement]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[global commerce]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[international business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[relocation]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.blackenterprise.com/?p=43832</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[It’s clear we no longer live in an American-centric society but in a global economy. Now, more than ever, African American professionals and entrepreneurs need to assume a global focus.]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.blackenterprise.com/entrepreneurs/2009/12/08/beyond-our-borders-2/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>1</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Carrying the Load Together</title>
		<link>http://www.blackenterprise.com/entrepreneurs/2009/12/08/carrying-the-load-together/</link>
		<comments>http://www.blackenterprise.com/entrepreneurs/2009/12/08/carrying-the-load-together/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 08 Dec 2009 22:16:28 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Marcia Wade Talbert</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Small Business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[cooperatives]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[marketing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[National Cooperative Business Association]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[startup]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.blackenterprise.com/?p=43992</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[During periods of economic uncertainty, people tend to find ways to band together and minimize their fixed costs. Cooperative purchasing is like carpooling for small businesses. When you combine purchasing power with other businesses that have similar economic interests you reduce costs and your money goes farther.]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.blackenterprise.com/entrepreneurs/2009/12/08/carrying-the-load-together/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Transforming Web Traffic into Foot Traffic</title>
		<link>http://www.blackenterprise.com/entrepreneurs/2009/12/07/transforming-web-traffic-into-foot-traffic/</link>
		<comments>http://www.blackenterprise.com/entrepreneurs/2009/12/07/transforming-web-traffic-into-foot-traffic/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 07 Dec 2009 19:15:03 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Bridget McCrea</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Small Business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Internet]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[marketing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[social networking]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Web commerce]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.blackenterprise.com/?p=43659</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[It’s the holy grail for bricks-and-mortar businesses with a Web presence: The online prospect who checked out your Website comes into your physical location for a closer look at your products and services. The time and money invested in Web marketing pays off when an order is placed, and the cybersurfer officially becomes a “customer.”]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.blackenterprise.com/entrepreneurs/2009/12/07/transforming-web-traffic-into-foot-traffic/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>2</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Tech Tools for Entrepreneurs</title>
		<link>http://www.blackenterprise.com/entrepreneurs/2009/12/04/tech-tools-for-entrepreneurs/</link>
		<comments>http://www.blackenterprise.com/entrepreneurs/2009/12/04/tech-tools-for-entrepreneurs/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 04 Dec 2009 22:33:00 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Marcia Wade Talbert</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Small Business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Technology]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Internet]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[startup]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[telecommunications]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Web]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.blackenterprise.com/?p=43675</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[As the Internet has become a fundamental resource for many small businesses, there are more tools available to give users on-demand access to virtualized resources that can help them operate on a smaller budget and appear more professional.]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.blackenterprise.com/entrepreneurs/2009/12/04/tech-tools-for-entrepreneurs/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>2</slash:comments>
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		<item>
		<title>Quick Tips: What to Ask Yourself Before Applying for Financing</title>
		<link>http://www.blackenterprise.com/entrepreneurs/2009/12/03/quick-tips-what-to-ask-yourself-before-applying-for-financing/</link>
		<comments>http://www.blackenterprise.com/entrepreneurs/2009/12/03/quick-tips-what-to-ask-yourself-before-applying-for-financing/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 03 Dec 2009 20:22:31 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Renita Burns</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Small Business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[angel capital]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Investing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[JumpStart Inc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[loans]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[venture capital]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.blackenterprise.com/?p=43567</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[While most business owners are at least familiar with some common forms of financing – angel and venture capital – and not so common – factoring – how can you tell if the form of financing is right for you?]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.blackenterprise.com/entrepreneurs/2009/12/03/quick-tips-what-to-ask-yourself-before-applying-for-financing/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>1</slash:comments>
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		<item>
		<title>Hunting Season</title>
		<link>http://www.blackenterprise.com/entrepreneurs/2009/12/01/hunting-season/</link>
		<comments>http://www.blackenterprise.com/entrepreneurs/2009/12/01/hunting-season/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 01 Dec 2009 18:33:27 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Brittany Hutson</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[BE Next]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Magazine]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Small Business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[recovery funds]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[small business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[stimulus money]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.blackenterprise.com/?p=42826</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[As the economy continues to struggle, the federal government is working to dole out procurement dollars to eager and able small businesses. The U.S. government is the world’s largest buyer of products and services. And this year, the central government entity aimed to spend upward of $600 billion in stimulus money on products and services. Here are five ways to make sure your small business isn’t left behind. But move fast; Recovery Act funds are expected to last only until Sept. 30, 2010.]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.blackenterprise.com/entrepreneurs/2009/12/01/hunting-season/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Do You NO?</title>
		<link>http://www.blackenterprise.com/entrepreneurs/2009/12/01/do-you-no/</link>
		<comments>http://www.blackenterprise.com/entrepreneurs/2009/12/01/do-you-no/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 01 Dec 2009 17:50:57 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Letita M. Aaron</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[BE Next]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Magazine]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Small Business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[New Orleans]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Noyo Designs]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[streetwear line]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[T-shirts]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.blackenterprise.com/?p=42824</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Ten years ago, New Orleans resident Ayo Y. Scott and three college friends each put in $35 and launched a small T-shirt company just for fun. “The only thing was, “I was doing everything, and I got tired of that.”]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.blackenterprise.com/entrepreneurs/2009/12/01/do-you-no/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>1</slash:comments>
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		<item>
		<title>Failing Forward</title>
		<link>http://www.blackenterprise.com/entrepreneurs/2009/12/01/failing-forward/</link>
		<comments>http://www.blackenterprise.com/entrepreneurs/2009/12/01/failing-forward/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 01 Dec 2009 17:43:35 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Tamara E. Holmes</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Small Business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[career advancement]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[consulting]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Technology]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.blackenterprise.com/?p=42822</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Every recession has its casualties. But if the story of Newark, New Jersey-based BCT Partners (www.bctpartners.com) is any indication, the collapse of a company can also spark something greater.]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.blackenterprise.com/entrepreneurs/2009/12/01/failing-forward/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>From Blogging to Business</title>
		<link>http://www.blackenterprise.com/entrepreneurs/2009/11/30/from-blogging-to-business/</link>
		<comments>http://www.blackenterprise.com/entrepreneurs/2009/11/30/from-blogging-to-business/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 30 Nov 2009 21:06:27 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Renita Burns</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Small Business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Women of Power Articles]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[blogging]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[marketing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[social media]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Web commerce]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.blackenterprise.com/?p=43434</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[For Angela Benton, a layoff two years ago gave her the opportunity to explore a new pastime that quickly blossomed into a thriving career. Noticing a void in the blogosphere, Benton started Black Web 2.0, a site that analyzes emerging Web trends as they relate to African Americans. She has since parlayed her brainchild into consultant work, speaking engagements, and other branding opportunities.]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.blackenterprise.com/entrepreneurs/2009/11/30/from-blogging-to-business/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>5</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Nerjyzing Diversity in the Video Gaming Industry</title>
		<link>http://www.blackenterprise.com/entrepreneurs/2009/11/20/nerjyzing-diversity-in-the-video-gaming-industry/</link>
		<comments>http://www.blackenterprise.com/entrepreneurs/2009/11/20/nerjyzing-diversity-in-the-video-gaming-industry/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 20 Nov 2009 19:41:45 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Marcia Wade Talbert</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Small Business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Women of Power Articles]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Diversity]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Nerjyzed Entertainment Inc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[startups]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[video gaming]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.blackenterprise.com/?p=43143</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Some people sit and watch on the sidelines, while others play the game. Jacqueline S. Beauchamp plays the game. Not satisfied with the dearth of diversity in the video gaming industry, Beauchamp started Nerjyzed Entertainment Inc.]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.blackenterprise.com/entrepreneurs/2009/11/20/nerjyzing-diversity-in-the-video-gaming-industry/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>6</slash:comments>
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		<item>
		<title>Global Entrepreneurship Week Kicks Off</title>
		<link>http://www.blackenterprise.com/entrepreneurs/2009/11/17/global-entrepreneurship-weeks-kicks-off/</link>
		<comments>http://www.blackenterprise.com/entrepreneurs/2009/11/17/global-entrepreneurship-weeks-kicks-off/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 17 Nov 2009 19:29:35 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Renita Burns</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Small Business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[global commerce]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[New York Stock Exchange]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[small business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Snoop Dogg]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.blackenterprise.com/?p=42980</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Entrepreneurs from around the world gathered Monday to kick off the Global Entrepreneurship Week. With 88 participating countries and a thousand partners including universities, government agencies, and corporate sponsors, Global Entrepreneurship Week is aimed at teaching youth entrepreneurship, connecting current business owners and spurring innovation.]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.blackenterprise.com/entrepreneurs/2009/11/17/global-entrepreneurship-weeks-kicks-off/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Making the Right Moves on the Net</title>
		<link>http://www.blackenterprise.com/entrepreneurs/2009/11/17/making-the-right-moves-on-the-net-2/</link>
		<comments>http://www.blackenterprise.com/entrepreneurs/2009/11/17/making-the-right-moves-on-the-net-2/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 17 Nov 2009 17:26:34 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Tamara E. Holmes</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Small Business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[e-commerce]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[social networking]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[startup]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.blackenterprise.com/?p=41114</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[When Candi Carter launched a line of educational DVDs for children in March, she had to deal with a problem that’s all too common for entrepreneurs—a lack of cash. 
]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.blackenterprise.com/entrepreneurs/2009/11/17/making-the-right-moves-on-the-net-2/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Pop-Up Stores Provide Lucrative Alternative For Small Businesses</title>
		<link>http://www.blackenterprise.com/entrepreneurs/2009/11/12/pop-up-stores-provide-lucrative-alternative-for-small-businesses/</link>
		<comments>http://www.blackenterprise.com/entrepreneurs/2009/11/12/pop-up-stores-provide-lucrative-alternative-for-small-businesses/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 12 Nov 2009 14:37:58 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Marcia Wade Talbert</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Small Business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[leasing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[marketing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[retail]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[startup]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.blackenterprise.com/?p=42798</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Savvy entrepreneurs and larger retailers are opening up temporary stores, or “pop-ups” in empty storefronts, simultaneously boosting their brand and bottom line. The stores can last anywhere from a few days to a few months. And with the U.S. retail vacancy rate at 7.6%, for the third quarter of 2009, compared with 6.4% for the third quarter of 2008, according CoStar Group, Inc.-- and the holidays just around the corner-- now might be the best time to take advantage of the weak commercial real estate market.]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.blackenterprise.com/entrepreneurs/2009/11/12/pop-up-stores-provide-lucrative-alternative-for-small-businesses/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>1</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Eight Tips to Ward off Employee Theft</title>
		<link>http://www.blackenterprise.com/entrepreneurs/2009/11/11/eight-tips-to-ward-off-employee-theft/</link>
		<comments>http://www.blackenterprise.com/entrepreneurs/2009/11/11/eight-tips-to-ward-off-employee-theft/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 11 Nov 2009 15:08:23 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Marcia Wade Talbert</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Small Business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[fraud]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[theft]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.blackenterprise.com/?p=42754</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Since the beginning of the recession not only has fraudulent activity increased, but the amount of money lost to fraud has increased as well. ]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.blackenterprise.com/entrepreneurs/2009/11/11/eight-tips-to-ward-off-employee-theft/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>1</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Shaking Things Up</title>
		<link>http://www.blackenterprise.com/entrepreneurs/2009/11/09/shaking-things-up/</link>
		<comments>http://www.blackenterprise.com/entrepreneurs/2009/11/09/shaking-things-up/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 09 Nov 2009 16:19:13 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Bridget McCrea</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Small Business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[marketing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[niche]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[startup]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.blackenterprise.com/?p=42647</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[With the economic downturn persisting and companies continuing to tighten their belts, it seems that now would be the worst time to put effort and money into exploring new markets and niches. Quite the contrary.]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.blackenterprise.com/entrepreneurs/2009/11/09/shaking-things-up/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>1</slash:comments>
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		<item>
		<title>Five Ways to Reach Mature Consumers</title>
		<link>http://www.blackenterprise.com/entrepreneurs/2009/11/02/five-ways-to-reach-mature-consumers/</link>
		<comments>http://www.blackenterprise.com/entrepreneurs/2009/11/02/five-ways-to-reach-mature-consumers/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 02 Nov 2009 15:16:40 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Bridget McCrea</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Small Business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[baby boomers]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Generation X]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Generation Y]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[marketing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[seniors]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.blackenterprise.com/?p=42301</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Companies spend a lot of time studying up on baby boomers, Generation X and Generation Y, knowing that these younger generations make up the bulk of their consumers. Through a mix of offline and online advertising and marketing techniques, companies come up with campaigns designed to reach these consumers and keep them coming back for more.]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.blackenterprise.com/entrepreneurs/2009/11/02/five-ways-to-reach-mature-consumers/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>2</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Ready, Set, Grow</title>
		<link>http://www.blackenterprise.com/entrepreneurs/2009/11/01/ready-set-grow/</link>
		<comments>http://www.blackenterprise.com/entrepreneurs/2009/11/01/ready-set-grow/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sun, 01 Nov 2009 20:25:59 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Tennille M. Robinson</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[BE Next]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Small Business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Internet commerce]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[marketing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[startup]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Wildchild Nation]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.blackenterprise.com/?p=40850</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[We all know that entrepreneurs rock to the beat of a different drummer. That’s how most got through this hard-hitting year. As the economy goes into recovery, some business owners are looking to turn the volume up on their efforts, to move beyond mere survival and grow their venture. To ensure longevity, their efforts need to be organized, thorough, and realistic.
]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.blackenterprise.com/entrepreneurs/2009/11/01/ready-set-grow/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Is Twitter a Fad or a Solid Business Tool?</title>
		<link>http://www.blackenterprise.com/entrepreneurs/entrepreneurs-tools-resources/2009/11/01/is-twitter-a-fad-or-a-solid-business-tool/</link>
		<comments>http://www.blackenterprise.com/entrepreneurs/entrepreneurs-tools-resources/2009/11/01/is-twitter-a-fad-or-a-solid-business-tool/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sun, 01 Nov 2009 15:33:39 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Sandra Beckwith</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Entrepreneurs Tools & Resources]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[microblogging]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Twitter]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Twitterberry]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.blackenterprise.com/?p=41165</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Businesses large and small are all atwitter about Twitter, a free service that lets users share short messages with many people via computer or cell phone. Twitter involves micro-blogging with “tweets” of 140 characters or less, but its use is similar to instant messaging or news alerts.]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.blackenterprise.com/entrepreneurs/entrepreneurs-tools-resources/2009/11/01/is-twitter-a-fad-or-a-solid-business-tool/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Young Entrepreneurs Take Front Seat Navigating Road to Success</title>
		<link>http://www.blackenterprise.com/entrepreneurs/2009/10/30/young-entrepreneurs-take-front-seat-navigating-road-to-success/</link>
		<comments>http://www.blackenterprise.com/entrepreneurs/2009/10/30/young-entrepreneurs-take-front-seat-navigating-road-to-success/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 30 Oct 2009 19:18:09 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Renita Burns</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Small Business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[business strategy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[startup]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[teens]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.blackenterprise.com/?p=42169</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[With a penchant for making money and a grasp of their life’s passions, these young money savvy students successfully run burgeoning businesses. Check out who they are and what they do.]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.blackenterprise.com/entrepreneurs/2009/10/30/young-entrepreneurs-take-front-seat-navigating-road-to-success/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>2</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Teen Tips for Entrepreneurship</title>
		<link>http://www.blackenterprise.com/entrepreneurs/2009/10/29/teen-tips-for-entrepreneurship/</link>
		<comments>http://www.blackenterprise.com/entrepreneurs/2009/10/29/teen-tips-for-entrepreneurship/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 29 Oct 2009 15:11:54 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Marcia Wade Talbert</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Small Business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[advice]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[startup]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[teens]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.blackenterprise.com/?p=42122</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[In this, the third article of a four- part series about youth entrepreneurship, three teens tell the stories of how they started businesses and learned how to find fun while financing their futures.]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.blackenterprise.com/entrepreneurs/2009/10/29/teen-tips-for-entrepreneurship/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>3</slash:comments>
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		<item>
		<title>Lesson Plans for Young Entrepreneurs</title>
		<link>http://www.blackenterprise.com/entrepreneurs/2009/10/28/lesson-plans-for-young-entrepreneurs/</link>
		<comments>http://www.blackenterprise.com/entrepreneurs/2009/10/28/lesson-plans-for-young-entrepreneurs/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 28 Oct 2009 22:24:37 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Marcia Wade Talbert</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Small Business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Education]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[startup]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[teens]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.blackenterprise.com/?p=42084</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[In part two of BlackEnterprise.com’s four-part series on youth entrepreneurship, we’ll be looking at resources for parents and teachers on the basics of entrepreneurship. There are a number of tools available, from Web-based and online activities to classroom simulations, for educators and parents to get students thinking like an entrepreneur.]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.blackenterprise.com/entrepreneurs/2009/10/28/lesson-plans-for-young-entrepreneurs/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>3</slash:comments>
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		<item>
		<title>Obama Announces Plans to Boost Small Business Lending</title>
		<link>http://www.blackenterprise.com/entrepreneurs/2009/10/28/obama-announces-plans-to-boost-small-business-lending/</link>
		<comments>http://www.blackenterprise.com/entrepreneurs/2009/10/28/obama-announces-plans-to-boost-small-business-lending/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 28 Oct 2009 15:14:10 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Joyce Jones</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Small Business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Barack Obama]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[small business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[TARP]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Treasury Department]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.blackenterprise.com/?p=42050</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Flanked by thousands of boxes of paper records stored by Metropolitan Archives, a Maryland-based business that used an Small Business Administration loan last year to buy its building, Obama said, “There’s still too little credit flowing to our small businesses,” that need financing to stay open or to grow.]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.blackenterprise.com/entrepreneurs/2009/10/28/obama-announces-plans-to-boost-small-business-lending/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>1</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Youth Use Entrepreneurship as a Pathway to Success</title>
		<link>http://www.blackenterprise.com/entrepreneurs/2009/10/27/youth-use-entrepreneurship-as-a-pathway-to-succeed/</link>
		<comments>http://www.blackenterprise.com/entrepreneurs/2009/10/27/youth-use-entrepreneurship-as-a-pathway-to-succeed/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 27 Oct 2009 21:39:17 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Marcia Wade Talbert</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Small Business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[startup]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[teen]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Teenpreneur]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.blackenterprise.com/?p=42018</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Running a successful business is not an easy feat no matter what your age. Yet there are teenagers, like Kalief Rollins, the winner of the 2009 National Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge, who were able to benefit from business start-up education and learn not only the value of a dollar, but how to claim the value of his life.]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.blackenterprise.com/entrepreneurs/2009/10/27/youth-use-entrepreneurship-as-a-pathway-to-succeed/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>3</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>An App a Day</title>
		<link>http://www.blackenterprise.com/entrepreneurs/2009/10/20/an-app-a-day/</link>
		<comments>http://www.blackenterprise.com/entrepreneurs/2009/10/20/an-app-a-day/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 20 Oct 2009 17:52:10 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Benice Atufunwa</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Small Business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[applications]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[iPhone]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[money management]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.blackenterprise.com/?p=40613</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Here are seven noteworthy applications you may want to phone a friend about.]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.blackenterprise.com/entrepreneurs/2009/10/20/an-app-a-day/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Dare to Take a Chance</title>
		<link>http://www.blackenterprise.com/entrepreneurs/2009/10/16/dare-to-take-a-chance/</link>
		<comments>http://www.blackenterprise.com/entrepreneurs/2009/10/16/dare-to-take-a-chance/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 16 Oct 2009 14:08:32 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Tamara E. Holmes</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Small Business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[marketing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[startup]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Waterlicious]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.blackenterprise.com/?p=41334</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[One executive with Waterlicious, a Marina Del Rey, California-based water manufacturer found an unconventional way to gain exposure for his brand.]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.blackenterprise.com/entrepreneurs/2009/10/16/dare-to-take-a-chance/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>8</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>How to Benefit from a Business Incubator</title>
		<link>http://www.blackenterprise.com/entrepreneurs/2009/10/12/how-to-benefit-from-a-business-incubator/</link>
		<comments>http://www.blackenterprise.com/entrepreneurs/2009/10/12/how-to-benefit-from-a-business-incubator/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 12 Oct 2009 17:57:21 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Margarette Burnette</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Small Business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[chamber of commerce]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[incubator]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[startup]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.blackenterprise.com/?p=41060</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Incubators are mentoring centers that provide coaching, networking opportunities, and even affordable office space, says Robert Jackson, who operates a business incubator as CEO of the African American Chamber of Commerce of Central Pennsylvania (AACCCP) in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.blackenterprise.com/entrepreneurs/2009/10/12/how-to-benefit-from-a-business-incubator/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Publish, Not Perish</title>
		<link>http://www.blackenterprise.com/entrepreneurs/2009/10/01/publish-not-perish/</link>
		<comments>http://www.blackenterprise.com/entrepreneurs/2009/10/01/publish-not-perish/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 01 Oct 2009 19:36:08 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Sonya A. Donaldson</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Magazine]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Small Business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Technology]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[book publishing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[MagCloud]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[POD]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[print-on-demand]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Self Publishing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[social networking]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.blackenterprise.com/?p=39559</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[With an increasing number of sophisticated and professional online services, ordinary entrepreneurs can now create for themselves extraordinary publishing opportunities.]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.blackenterprise.com/entrepreneurs/2009/10/01/publish-not-perish/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Show Me the Money!</title>
		<link>http://www.blackenterprise.com/entrepreneurs/2009/10/01/show-me-the-money-3/</link>
		<comments>http://www.blackenterprise.com/entrepreneurs/2009/10/01/show-me-the-money-3/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 01 Oct 2009 16:56:28 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Bridget McCrea</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Small Business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Banking]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[financing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[loans]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.blackenterprise.com/?p=40631</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Getting new and growing companies financed has become difficult in today’s business environment. Economic conditions combined with the real estate market drop and tighter lending standards have left many entrepreneurs scratching their heads over how to finance their ventures.
“Home equity lines and credit cards were the financing avenues of choice for small companies, but those [...]]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.blackenterprise.com/entrepreneurs/2009/10/01/show-me-the-money-3/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>2</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>In Case of Disaster</title>
		<link>http://www.blackenterprise.com/entrepreneurs/2009/09/29/in-case-of-disaster/</link>
		<comments>http://www.blackenterprise.com/entrepreneurs/2009/09/29/in-case-of-disaster/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 29 Sep 2009 16:29:41 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Bridget McCrea</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Small Business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Disaster]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[emergency planning]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[U.S. Department of Commerce]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.blackenterprise.com/?p=40525</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Imagine walking into your office, warehouse, or plant tomorrow morning and finding an empty space. Everything is gone. What would you do? How would you start rebuilding your business? What would you say to your employees? The scenario may seem far-fetched, considering that the U.S. Department of Commerce reports that 40% of small firms affected by a natural disaster never reopen -- and that an additional 23% close their doors within 12 months -- it’s a good exercise for any firm that lacks a disaster plan.]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.blackenterprise.com/entrepreneurs/2009/09/29/in-case-of-disaster/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Entrepreneurship and Innovation Are High on CBCF Agenda</title>
		<link>http://www.blackenterprise.com/entrepreneurs/entrepreneurs-news/2009/09/25/entrepreneurship-and-innovation-are-high-on-cbcf-agenda/</link>
		<comments>http://www.blackenterprise.com/entrepreneurs/entrepreneurs-news/2009/09/25/entrepreneurship-and-innovation-are-high-on-cbcf-agenda/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 25 Sep 2009 17:35:44 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Joyce Jones</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Entrepreneurs News]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Congressional Black Caucus Foundation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Innovation]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.blackenterprise.com/?p=40352</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[At the national town hall meeting Thursday hosted by the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation on the first full day of its Annual Legislative Conference, the panelists’ messages were centered on entrepreneurship and innovation.
Despite the success of the Recovery Act that the Obama administration frequently touts, many African Americans around the nation, black entrepreneurs in particular, [...]]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.blackenterprise.com/entrepreneurs/entrepreneurs-news/2009/09/25/entrepreneurship-and-innovation-are-high-on-cbcf-agenda/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>3</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>CBCF Forum Focuses on Challenges to Minority Business Programs</title>
		<link>http://www.blackenterprise.com/entrepreneurs/entrepreneurs-news/2009/09/25/cbcf-forum-focuses-on-challenges-to-minority-business-programs/</link>
		<comments>http://www.blackenterprise.com/entrepreneurs/entrepreneurs-news/2009/09/25/cbcf-forum-focuses-on-challenges-to-minority-business-programs/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 25 Sep 2009 12:16:05 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Joyce Jones</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Entrepreneurs News]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Congressional Black Congress Foundation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Rothe Development Corp.]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.blackenterprise.com/?p=40338</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[On Nov. 4, 2008, the day the nation elected its first black president, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit decided the case Rothe Development Corp. v. Department of Defense, ruling unconstitutional a minority contracting program authorized under Section 1207 of the Department of Defense Authorization Act of 1987. The impact of the [...]]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.blackenterprise.com/entrepreneurs/entrepreneurs-news/2009/09/25/cbcf-forum-focuses-on-challenges-to-minority-business-programs/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>8</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Four Winning Ways to Stay on Solid Ground During Tough Times</title>
		<link>http://www.blackenterprise.com/entrepreneurs/2009/09/24/four-winning-ways-to-stay-on-solid-ground-during-tough-times/</link>
		<comments>http://www.blackenterprise.com/entrepreneurs/2009/09/24/four-winning-ways-to-stay-on-solid-ground-during-tough-times/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 24 Sep 2009 17:25:17 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Maya Payne Smart</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Small Business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Artyce Custom Footwear]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[fashion]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[footwear]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.blackenterprise.com/?p=40270</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[A young entrepreneur offers 4 ways to stay on solid ground during these tough times]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.blackenterprise.com/entrepreneurs/2009/09/24/four-winning-ways-to-stay-on-solid-ground-during-tough-times/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>The Road (That Shouldn’t Be) Less Traveled</title>
		<link>http://www.blackenterprise.com/entrepreneurs/2009/09/23/the-road-that-shouldnt-be-less-traveled/</link>
		<comments>http://www.blackenterprise.com/entrepreneurs/2009/09/23/the-road-that-shouldnt-be-less-traveled/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 23 Sep 2009 19:34:04 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Simone Richards</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Small Business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Department of Defense]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[funding]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Recovery Act]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.blackenterprise.com/?p=40119</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Three ways to heighten your chances at nailing a piece of the Recovery Act funds through the Department of Transportation]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.blackenterprise.com/entrepreneurs/2009/09/23/the-road-that-shouldnt-be-less-traveled/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Get Access to Recovery Act Dollars</title>
		<link>http://www.blackenterprise.com/entrepreneurs/2009/09/22/get-access-to-recovery-act-dollars/</link>
		<comments>http://www.blackenterprise.com/entrepreneurs/2009/09/22/get-access-to-recovery-act-dollars/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 22 Sep 2009 21:27:51 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Brittany Hutson</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Small Business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[federal funding]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[financing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[loans]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Recovery Act]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Small Business Administration]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.blackenterprise.com/?p=40004</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Make sure your small business isn’t left behind by checking out these five ways to position your company (which should already be registered and ready for doing business) to access the lucrative contracts and monies of the Recovery Act. But act fast; funds are expected to last until September 30th, 2009, according to James Gambardella, acting director for government contracting with the Small Business Administration (SBA).]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.blackenterprise.com/entrepreneurs/2009/09/22/get-access-to-recovery-act-dollars/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Recruiting the Recruiter</title>
		<link>http://www.blackenterprise.com/entrepreneurs/2009/09/21/recruiting-the-recruiter/</link>
		<comments>http://www.blackenterprise.com/entrepreneurs/2009/09/21/recruiting-the-recruiter/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 21 Sep 2009 17:46:54 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Marcia Wade Talbert</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Small Business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[executive search firm]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[hiring]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[human resources]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[jobs]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.blackenterprise.com/?p=39786</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Small business owners often find themselves wearing many different hats. But when it comes time to hire executive and managerial talent, human resources experts say owners should seek professional help.]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.blackenterprise.com/entrepreneurs/2009/09/21/recruiting-the-recruiter/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Implementing a Strategic Partnership</title>
		<link>http://www.blackenterprise.com/entrepreneurs/2009/09/18/implementing-a-strategic-partnership/</link>
		<comments>http://www.blackenterprise.com/entrepreneurs/2009/09/18/implementing-a-strategic-partnership/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 18 Sep 2009 18:16:38 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Marcia Wade Talbert</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Small Business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[limited liability partnership]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[recession]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[strategic partnership]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.blackenterprise.com/?p=39846</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[When business is slow and consumer spending decreases, solidarity between entrepreneurs can help drive sales and possibly cut down on marketing costs.]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.blackenterprise.com/entrepreneurs/2009/09/18/implementing-a-strategic-partnership/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>4</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>QUIZ: Is Opening a Franchise Right for You?</title>
		<link>http://www.blackenterprise.com/entrepreneurs/2009/09/17/quiz-is-opening-a-franchise-right-for-you/</link>
		<comments>http://www.blackenterprise.com/entrepreneurs/2009/09/17/quiz-is-opening-a-franchise-right-for-you/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 17 Sep 2009 16:04:05 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Renita Burns</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Small Business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Franchise]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Quintessential Careers]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Small Business Administration]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Small Business Development Center]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[startup]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.blackenterprise.com/?p=39797</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[With information from Boyce, Randall S. Hansen, founder of Quintessential Careers and FranchiseHelp.com, BlackEnterprise.com created a franchise quiz. Before you make that move into world of franchising, take this quiz to see its right for you.]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.blackenterprise.com/entrepreneurs/2009/09/17/quiz-is-opening-a-franchise-right-for-you/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>How to Raise an Entrepreneur</title>
		<link>http://www.blackenterprise.com/entrepreneurs/2009/09/11/how-to-raise-an-entrepreneur/</link>
		<comments>http://www.blackenterprise.com/entrepreneurs/2009/09/11/how-to-raise-an-entrepreneur/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 11 Sep 2009 20:14:31 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Renita Burns</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Small Business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[children]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Investing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[money management]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[parenting]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[startup]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.blackenterprise.com/?p=39654</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[The mind of a child is unparalleled. Bursting with creativity and fearlessness, most children do not see boundaries, only possibilities. For parents, tapping into that creativity can mean the fruition of a million-dollar business, or self sufficiency at an early age. After all, the R. Donahue Peebles and Michael Lee Chins of the world have to get their start somewhere.]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.blackenterprise.com/entrepreneurs/2009/09/11/how-to-raise-an-entrepreneur/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>3</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Entrepreneur Gets Lesson in Strategy 101</title>
		<link>http://www.blackenterprise.com/entrepreneurs/2009/09/10/entrepreneur-gets-lesson-in-strategy-101/</link>
		<comments>http://www.blackenterprise.com/entrepreneurs/2009/09/10/entrepreneur-gets-lesson-in-strategy-101/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 10 Sep 2009 18:09:24 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Marcia Wade Talbert</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Small Business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[career transition]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[cosmotology enterprise]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[entertainment]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Skool Boye Agency]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[strategy]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.blackenterprise.com/?p=39602</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[BlackEnterprise.com talked with entrepreneur TenishaPercel about how she started her two businesses and what lessons she learned when one of them became too much to handle.]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.blackenterprise.com/entrepreneurs/2009/09/10/entrepreneur-gets-lesson-in-strategy-101/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>3</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>MED Week Attendees Connect With Bonding, Lending Sources</title>
		<link>http://www.blackenterprise.com/entrepreneurs/2009/08/31/med-week-attendees-connect-with-bonding-lending-sources/</link>
		<comments>http://www.blackenterprise.com/entrepreneurs/2009/08/31/med-week-attendees-connect-with-bonding-lending-sources/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 31 Aug 2009 20:02:43 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Joyce Jones</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Small Business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[bonding]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[government contracts]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[loans]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Minority Enterprise Development Week]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://blackenterprise.com/?p=39145</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[As most small business owners who attended the Minority Business Development Agency’s MED Week knows, in the end, it’s all about the money—access to contracting dollars and the capital required to perform. To conclude last week’s conference, entrepreneurs were given one-on-one and group opportunities to learn about government, traditional and alternative sources of financing. ]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.blackenterprise.com/entrepreneurs/2009/08/31/med-week-attendees-connect-with-bonding-lending-sources/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>MBDA  Reports Findings to Improve Business Programs</title>
		<link>http://www.blackenterprise.com/entrepreneurs/2009/08/28/agency-reports-findings-to-improve-business-programs/</link>
		<comments>http://www.blackenterprise.com/entrepreneurs/2009/08/28/agency-reports-findings-to-improve-business-programs/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 28 Aug 2009 21:59:07 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Joyce Jones</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Small Business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Gary Locke]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Minority Business Development Agency]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[National Minority Supplier Development Council]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[U.S. Pan Asian American Chamber of Commerce]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://blackenterprise.com/?p=39051</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[The Minority Business Development Agency hosted a summit where stakeholders made recommendations on how to improve minority business programs, overcome legal challenges to those programs, advocate effectively on businesses’ behalf, and help entrepreneurs address emerging markets. ]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.blackenterprise.com/entrepreneurs/2009/08/28/agency-reports-findings-to-improve-business-programs/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Mission: Prosperity</title>
		<link>http://www.blackenterprise.com/entrepreneurs/2009/08/27/mission-prosperity/</link>
		<comments>http://www.blackenterprise.com/entrepreneurs/2009/08/27/mission-prosperity/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 28 Aug 2009 02:45:58 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Derek T. Dingle</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Small Business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Gary Locke]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[MBDA]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[MED Week]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://blackenterprise.com/?p=39023</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[The collective goal of Commerce Secretary Gary Locke, Commerce's Deputy Chief of Staff and Senior Advisor Rick Wade, and Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) National Director David Hinson, among others, is to bolster the nation's 4 million businesses which generate revenues of $660 billion and employ 4.7 million workers. ]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.blackenterprise.com/entrepreneurs/2009/08/27/mission-prosperity/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>1</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Q&amp;A: Commerce Department&#8217;s Rick Wade</title>
		<link>http://www.blackenterprise.com/entrepreneurs/2009/08/27/qa-commerce-departments-rick-wade/</link>
		<comments>http://www.blackenterprise.com/entrepreneurs/2009/08/27/qa-commerce-departments-rick-wade/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 27 Aug 2009 21:53:52 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Derek T. Dingle</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Small Business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Department of Commerce]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[MED Week]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[SBA]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.blackenterprise.com/?p=40185</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Black Enterprise Editor-In-Chief Derek T. Dingle sits down with the Commerce Department's Rick Wade in an exclusive interview during MED Week in Washington D.C.]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.blackenterprise.com/entrepreneurs/2009/08/27/qa-commerce-departments-rick-wade/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>3</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Q&amp;A: Commerce Secretary Gary Locke</title>
		<link>http://www.blackenterprise.com/entrepreneurs/2009/08/27/qa-commerce-secretary-gary-locke/</link>
		<comments>http://www.blackenterprise.com/entrepreneurs/2009/08/27/qa-commerce-secretary-gary-locke/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 27 Aug 2009 21:02:25 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Derek T. Dingle</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Small Business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Commerce Department]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[MBDA]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[MED Week]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[SBA]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[small business]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.blackenterprise.com/?p=40164</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Black Enterprise Editor-In-Chief Derek T. Dingle sits down with Commerce Secretary Gary Locke in an exclusive interview during MED Week in Washington D.C.]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.blackenterprise.com/entrepreneurs/2009/08/27/qa-commerce-secretary-gary-locke/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>2</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Making the Right Moves on the Net</title>
		<link>http://www.blackenterprise.com/entrepreneurs/2009/08/27/making-the-right-moves-on-the-net/</link>
		<comments>http://www.blackenterprise.com/entrepreneurs/2009/08/27/making-the-right-moves-on-the-net/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 27 Aug 2009 20:02:43 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Tamara E. Holmes</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Small Business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Baracka Wear Inc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[It's Hip Hop Baby]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[marketing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[MySpace]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[social networking]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Twitter]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://blackenterprise.com/?p=39013</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[When Candi Carter launched a line of educational DVDs for children in March, she had to confront a lack of cash.
“We didn’t have a multimillion dollar budget,” Carter says. So instead of paying for advertising, the 40-year-old mom and television producer turned to social media—blogs, online videos and social networking sites such as Twitter (www.twitter.com) and Facebook (www.facebook.com)—to expose her business to potential customers and build a brand.]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.blackenterprise.com/entrepreneurs/2009/08/27/making-the-right-moves-on-the-net/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>1</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Tapping Supplier Diversity To Energize Your Business</title>
		<link>http://www.blackenterprise.com/entrepreneurs/2009/08/27/tapping-supplier-diversity-to-energize-your-business/</link>
		<comments>http://www.blackenterprise.com/entrepreneurs/2009/08/27/tapping-supplier-diversity-to-energize-your-business/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 27 Aug 2009 17:49:30 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Alfred Edmond, Jr.</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Small Business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[economic development]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Minority Business Development Agency]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[supplier diversity]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://blackenterprise.com/?p=38983</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Black Enterprise Magazine Editor-in-Chief Derek T. Dingle led an insightful panel for Minority Enterprise Development Week (better known as MEDWeek and presented by the Minority Business Development Agency) at the Omni Shoreham Hotel in Washington, D.C. this morning. "Energizing the American Economy with Minority Business Enterprises" was the opening session for MEDWeek, which was kicked-off with a White House reception yesterday, and followed a keynote address from Earvin "Magic" Johnson, CEO of Magic Johnson Enterprises.]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.blackenterprise.com/entrepreneurs/2009/08/27/tapping-supplier-diversity-to-energize-your-business/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>MED Week Begins With Government Contracting 101</title>
		<link>http://www.blackenterprise.com/entrepreneurs/2009/08/27/med-week-begins-with-government-contracting-101/</link>
		<comments>http://www.blackenterprise.com/entrepreneurs/2009/08/27/med-week-begins-with-government-contracting-101/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 27 Aug 2009 14:47:51 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Joyce Jones</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Small Business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[contracting]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Minority Business Development Agency]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Minority Enterprise Development Week]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Small Business Administration]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://blackenterprise.com/?p=38973</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[In these tough economic times, federal contracting can provide the perfect opportunity for small businesses to grow and create jobs. To assist small businesses with this benefit, the Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) kicked off this year’s Minority Enterprise Development (MED) Week conference with a plenary session on winning government contracts.]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.blackenterprise.com/entrepreneurs/2009/08/27/med-week-begins-with-government-contracting-101/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Q&amp;A With MBDA&#8217;s David Hinson</title>
		<link>http://www.blackenterprise.com/entrepreneurs/2009/08/27/qa_with_mbdas_david_hinson/</link>
		<comments>http://www.blackenterprise.com/entrepreneurs/2009/08/27/qa_with_mbdas_david_hinson/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 27 Aug 2009 14:25:42 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Derek T. Dingle</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Small Business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[MDBA]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[MED Week]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[SBA]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.blackenterprise.com/?p=40237</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Black Enterprise Editor-In-Chief Derek T. Dingle sits down with Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) National Director David Hinson for an exclusive interview.]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.blackenterprise.com/entrepreneurs/2009/08/27/qa_with_mbdas_david_hinson/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>The Small Business Check-up</title>
		<link>http://www.blackenterprise.com/entrepreneurs/2009/08/26/the-small-business-check-up/</link>
		<comments>http://www.blackenterprise.com/entrepreneurs/2009/08/26/the-small-business-check-up/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 26 Aug 2009 15:58:25 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Marcia Wade Talbert</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Small Business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[customer service]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[marketing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[startup]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://blackenterprise.com/?p=38894</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Once entrepreneurs successfully surmount the difficult process of building startup capital and writing out a business plan, many believe that their company has the straightaway to success. If a roadblock appears, they seem to think it came out of nowhere, when actually, if they had done a little more planning, the problem could have been avoided.]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.blackenterprise.com/entrepreneurs/2009/08/26/the-small-business-check-up/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>1</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>A Call to Serve</title>
		<link>http://www.blackenterprise.com/entrepreneurs/2009/08/25/a-call-to-serve/</link>
		<comments>http://www.blackenterprise.com/entrepreneurs/2009/08/25/a-call-to-serve/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 25 Aug 2009 14:42:32 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Tamara E. Holmes</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Small Business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[community service]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[IRS]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[no-nonsense nonprofit]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[nonprofit]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[S.E.E.D.S.]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://blackenterprise.com/?p=38832</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Terri J. Brown, 33, came out of a troubled past involving drugs and truancy and developed a desire to not only give back to her community, but reach back. “I wanted to go back to the heart of North Philadelphia where I grew up and show the youth that there are alternatives,” says Brown, who went on to become a college graduate and successful professional. Founder of We Are S.E.E.D.S. Inc. Brown’s nonprofit organization—whose acronym stands for Sisters Empowering Excellence, Determination, and Success—sends mentors into the community to work with girls between the ages of 11 and 18 to help them increase their self-esteem, discourage promiscuity, and make responsible choices. Mentors present workshops, take girls on field trips, and expose them to educational and career options.]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.blackenterprise.com/entrepreneurs/2009/08/25/a-call-to-serve/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>1</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Small Businesses Struggle Against Government Contract Fraud</title>
		<link>http://www.blackenterprise.com/entrepreneurs/2009/08/21/small-businesses-struggle-against-government-contract-fraud/</link>
		<comments>http://www.blackenterprise.com/entrepreneurs/2009/08/21/small-businesses-struggle-against-government-contract-fraud/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 21 Aug 2009 17:49:39 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Joyce Jones</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Small Business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[contract fraud]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Department of Commerce]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[government contracts]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Minority Business Development Agency]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://blackenterprise.com/?p=38708</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[More than two years ago, the African American owner of a southwestern engineering and construction services firm thought he’d finally hit pay dirt. After years spent seeking contracting opportunities with a major corporation—and a good word from an influential House committee chairman—he was chosen to serve as the subcontractor on a winning $1 billion bid for a project in Afghanistan. But the thrill was short-lived, he said, speaking on the condition of anonymity for fear of retribution.]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.blackenterprise.com/entrepreneurs/2009/08/21/small-businesses-struggle-against-government-contract-fraud/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Federal Fund Targets Investments in Underserved Communities</title>
		<link>http://www.blackenterprise.com/entrepreneurs/2009/08/06/federal-fund-targets-investments-in-underserved-communities/</link>
		<comments>http://www.blackenterprise.com/entrepreneurs/2009/08/06/federal-fund-targets-investments-in-underserved-communities/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 06 Aug 2009 23:48:36 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Marcia Wade Talbert</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Small Business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Banking]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[CDFI]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Community Development Financial Institutions Fund]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[loans]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://blackenterprise.com/?p=38334</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[In 1990, when Willie Murriel received a loan from Sunrise Bank to purchase the building he used for Murriel’s Paint and Body Shop in Jackson, Miss., he never fell behind, never filed for bankruptcy, and repaid the loan as scheduled in 2001.]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.blackenterprise.com/entrepreneurs/2009/08/06/federal-fund-targets-investments-in-underserved-communities/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>1</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>The Do’s and Don’ts of Public Relations</title>
		<link>http://www.blackenterprise.com/entrepreneurs/2009/08/04/the-dos-and-donts-of-public-relations/</link>
		<comments>http://www.blackenterprise.com/entrepreneurs/2009/08/04/the-dos-and-donts-of-public-relations/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 04 Aug 2009 14:53:34 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Janell Hazelwood</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Small Business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Women of Power Articles]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Aurora Health Care]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Debra Miller]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Karen Taylor Bass]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[marketing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[public relations]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Public Relations Society of America]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://blackenterprise.com/?p=38228</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[In today’s difficult economic climate, hiring the right representation for your business can be the difference between boosting clientele and sales or losing out on opportunities and revenue to the competition.]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.blackenterprise.com/entrepreneurs/2009/08/04/the-dos-and-donts-of-public-relations/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>1</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Managing Remote IT Security</title>
		<link>http://www.blackenterprise.com/entrepreneurs/2009/07/31/managing-remote-it-security/</link>
		<comments>http://www.blackenterprise.com/entrepreneurs/2009/07/31/managing-remote-it-security/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 31 Jul 2009 15:07:46 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Bridget McCrea</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Small Business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Internet]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[IT security]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[outsourcing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Virtualwirks]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://blackenterprise.com/?p=38087</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[You’ve managed to shave costs in this tough economy by hiring more remote workers who don’t require office space, company cars or supervision, but did you stop to consider the computer security issues that can crop up when multiple individuals are accessing your company’s IT infrastructure from afar?]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.blackenterprise.com/entrepreneurs/2009/07/31/managing-remote-it-security/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Using Web Analytics to Boost Your Company’s Online Presence</title>
		<link>http://www.blackenterprise.com/entrepreneurs/2009/07/30/using-web-analytics-to-boost-your-companys-online-presence/</link>
		<comments>http://www.blackenterprise.com/entrepreneurs/2009/07/30/using-web-analytics-to-boost-your-companys-online-presence/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 30 Jul 2009 14:55:14 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Brent Leary</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Small Business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[ClickTracks]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[ThomasNet]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Web analytics]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Web marketing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[WebTrends]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://blackenterprise.com/?p=38067</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[You wouldn’t hire a new salesperson, train him, give him a customer route and never check in with him, yet that’s exactly what companies do when they set up Websites without analytics. Defined as the measurement, collection, analysis and reporting of Internet data for the purposes of better understanding and optimizing Web usage, analytics have become a critical element for companies looking to maximize their Internet marketing investments.]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.blackenterprise.com/entrepreneurs/2009/07/30/using-web-analytics-to-boost-your-companys-online-presence/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Spend Less Money on Your Startup Budget</title>
		<link>http://www.blackenterprise.com/entrepreneurs/2009/07/29/spend-less-money-on-your-start-up-budget/</link>
		<comments>http://www.blackenterprise.com/entrepreneurs/2009/07/29/spend-less-money-on-your-start-up-budget/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 29 Jul 2009 16:06:53 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Marcia Wade Talbert</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Small Business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Start-Up]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[budget]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Echoing Green]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[money management]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Skill-Life Inc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Training]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://blackenterprise.com/?p=38005</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[There are a plethora of organizations, universities, and companies that provide pro bono or professional services at a reduced fee, ranging from accounting to information technology and from human resource management to marketing. When such services are free, this practice is often referred to as skills-based volunteering.]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.blackenterprise.com/entrepreneurs/2009/07/29/spend-less-money-on-your-start-up-budget/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>3</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Using &#8216;Buy Local&#8217; to Your Advantage</title>
		<link>http://www.blackenterprise.com/entrepreneurs/2009/07/22/using-buy-local-to-your-advantage/</link>
		<comments>http://www.blackenterprise.com/entrepreneurs/2009/07/22/using-buy-local-to-your-advantage/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 22 Jul 2009 20:43:58 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Heather Boerner</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Small Business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[pets]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://blackenterprise.com/?p=37752</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Twain Belgrave had been a dog groomer for 10 years when he looked around his Fort Greene, Brooklyn neighborhood and noticed that pet owners were taking their pets into Manhattan or to nearby Park Slope for day care. What the neighborhood needed was a local shop that offered doggie daycare, preferably with a back yard.]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.blackenterprise.com/entrepreneurs/2009/07/22/using-buy-local-to-your-advantage/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>SBA’s 8(a) Program Promotes Equal Opportunities</title>
		<link>http://www.blackenterprise.com/entrepreneurs/2009/07/17/sba-8a-program-promotes-equal-opportunities/</link>
		<comments>http://www.blackenterprise.com/entrepreneurs/2009/07/17/sba-8a-program-promotes-equal-opportunities/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 17 Jul 2009 16:13:18 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Joseph Loddo</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Small Business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[discrimination]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Diversity]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Small Business Administration]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://blackenterprise.com/?p=37655</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Small business owners who feel that discriminatory practices have prevented them from successfully growing their business and gaining access to contracting opportunities in the federal contracting marketplace don’t have to look any further than the U.S. Small Business Administration’s (SBA) 8(a) business development program.]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.blackenterprise.com/entrepreneurs/2009/07/17/sba-8a-program-promotes-equal-opportunities/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
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