More than 100,000 companies—about one in every 270 American businesses—have landed in bankruptcy court since the downturn began 18 months ago, according to data compiled by Oklahoma City-based Jupiter eSources, which tracks bankruptcy filings through its Automated Access to Court Electronic Records (AACER) database. The rate of commercial bankruptcies has more than doubled in two years, and economists expect the level to remain high for a year or longer once the recession ends because creditors are less willing to work with business owners to find ways for an insolvent firm to recover. 

Statistics reflecting the size of the firms involved in business bankruptcies are notoriously difficult to find. U.S. Courts records show business bankruptcies make up between 3% to 5% of all bankruptcy cases in court; but analysts say the sizes and industry sectors is often impossible to determine.

Most small businesses are not represented in these court records, so bankruptcy rates for small firms are probably much higher. It is very expensive for an entrepreneur to go to court; most struggling small firms simply lock the door and walk away according to business analysts.

SBTV.com talked with Financial Forensics analyst Darrell Dorrell about small firms and the bankruptcy picture.

Small Business Part of Nation’s First Platinum LEED Store

A new supermarket open today in Augusta, Maine is the first in the nation to achieve platinum LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) designation. The Hannaford Supermarket has a much lower operating costs than a typical grocer; using almost half the energy of a typical supermarket. The store's roof is green; covered with drought-resistant plants to help conserve water and insulate the store.

The store's innovative and efficient design includes the largest solar panel installation in the state of Maine, providing a renewable source of energy. The Augusta store emphasizes locally grown produce and products too. Hannaford works with more than 200 farmers and 320 area food producers in New England to stock more than 1,200 local products. Other small firms were a big part of the innovative construction process.

The store's earth-friendly features include use of radiant heat to warm the concrete floors in the check-out area and melt snow on the entryway sidewalk; reflective material on the surface of the parking lot to reduce heat-island effects; and prime parking spots for hybrids, carpool vehicles and bicycles.

In clearing the abandoned old high school on the property, Hannaford recycled or reused 96 percent of the structure’s materials and 99 percent of the contents.

Ongoing programs at the new store include in-store recycling and serving as a learning center and lab for other Hannaford stores. There's also an educational feature for customers on green energy.  A detailed display on green building and store operations is located in the supermarket's foyer.