The tiniest U.S. small businesses, which led the broader economy into the past two recessions and are widely regarded as the best hope for job creation in any recovery, are showing signs of improved confidence and financial health, according to a new study.

So far, much of the effort in Washington has focused on loosening credit conditions to make borrowing easier. But the bigger problem may be that credit-worthy companies simply do not want to borrow.

Pittsburgh is known for its three rivers. To me, it's been three cities over the past 30 years. And now the city that G-20 visitors will see can credit those institutions for helping it weather this financial crisis.

Want to have an hour-long massage session for only $30? How about a 37-inch HDTV for a mere $289? These deals are attracting customers to a new wave of web sites that use group action to sell products and services for a percentage of their original price. These discount sites have found a way to profit in an economy in which most retailers are struggling.

What to do when your business has been stiffed.

Small businesses that need loans are finding lenders opening their doors again—because of government help and a sense the economy is recovering.

Government-run insurance could not be worse than what small businesses already face.

80 percent of small businesses are unable to obtain adequate financing, and 75 percent have not seen an impact from the economic stimulus, according to the National Small Business Assocation's mid-year economic report.

Nearly six in ten manufacturing executives are guardedly optimistic about the mid-year economic outlook and 70 percent aim to maintain their current employee count, according to a recently released survey by Baker Tilly. Firms are relying on a return in consumer demand to avert potential cutbacks and layoffs.

The UK business services sector will lose more than half of the jobs it gained during the last five years by 2013, a report by the Centre for Economics and Business Research showed Monday.

A crackdown on credit limits by card companies is squeezing the nation’s 27 million small businesses, exacerbating the problems brought on by a stagnant economy.

Telecommuting is one of the signature game-changers of the information age, leveling out geography and creating all kinds of working relationships that had never been possible.

Instead of the latest on Hollywood stars, moviegoers may get a dose of advocacy this month when they settle into their seats for the feature presentation.