Small Business Boost from Cuba

Sanctions that once prohibited travel, commerce and communication with Cuba are being lifted and there is speculation that travel will increase slighting now that there is no longer restrictions on travel for Cuban Americans to who want to visit their family in Cuba and small businesses that offer wire transfers may see an uptick in business now that there is no limit on the amount of money that can be sent to family members in Cuba from the U.S. It is estimated by the Center for International Policy that the U.S. economic output would increase up to over 1.5-billion dollars and create tens of thousands of jobs. American Society of Travel Agents say that there are 18-thousand independently owned and operated brick and mortar travel agencies plus a hundred thousand more entrepreneurs in the online travel industry that would benefit if travel was opened up completely.

Small Business Democracy

Democracy and business. You wouldn’t think that they could go hand in hand- that a successful business could also be run as a democracy, but WorldBlu is proving that it is possible. The non-profit organization specializes in promoting organizational democracy and today they are announcing 40-companies from around the world that are integrating democratic processes into their enterprise. The companies on this year’s list, many of whom are small businesses- use various tactics like: sharing computers with a partner that changes weekly in order to create transparency and boost creativity. Other companies rotate leadership regularly or allow employees to review senior management periodically and can ultimately remove them for poor performance.

Getting Your Stuff Fixed When the Store Goes Out of Business

Circuit City is no longer in business. But if you bought either computers, laptops, cameras or other equipment for your small business from them- you may be wondering if your stuff is still covered under warranty. If you bought an extended warranty you are in luck. Circuit City’s “City Advantage” program is being backed by a third party provider and most extended warranty plans on computers, cameras, televisions and other electronic devices are still being honored by Assurant Solutions. 

Don’t Like the IRS? Change It!

The Internal Revenue Service is currently accepting applications for their Taxpayer Advisory Panel. So if you think you would like to contribute 300 to 500 hours of your time per year to help improve the way the IRS deals with small business you can apply online for the Tax Advisory Panel. The panel is a three year commitment starting in December.