Rep. Eric Cantor (R-VA), says Mitt Romney stands for free markets and pro-growth economics. "This is an election which is a referendum on the President's policies," he tells CNBC's Larry Kudlow.

James Rohr, PNC Financial Services chairman & CEO, weighs in on the health of the banking industry as a whole, adding that loan demand is back.

A new PNC survey expects that an upbeat outlook on sales will prompt nearly one in three business owners to add employees over the next six months, with Stuart Hoffman, PNC Financial Services Group.

Sen. Marco Rubio, (R-FL), explains why he would not run as vice president on the GOP ticket this year, even if he were asked.

Larry Mocha, Air Power Systems Co., and Marc Schupan, Schupan & Sons, offer perspective on the pulse of small business right now.

eBay's PayPal unit just announced a new service that allows small businesses to accept almost any form of payment, with CNBC's Jon Fortt.

Valerie Jarrett, White House Senior Advisor, sheds insight on the better-than-expected jobs report.

President Obama is trying to give small businesses a lift by eliminating tax rates on capital gains as well as providing an extension on deducting costs of equipment, with Joseph Dutra, Kimmie Candy CEO; Elizabeth Lunney, ABC Language Exchange co-founder; and Beezer Molten, Half-Moon Outfitters owner.

President Obama is asking Congress to extend tax breaks for small businesses, with CNBC's Hampton Pearson.

Diane Swonk, Mesirow Financial, and Steven Ricchiuto, Mizuho Securities, discuss whether the U.S. jobs picture is back on track ahead of President Obama's address on employment and competitiveness. "There is a bright spot in business as hiring picks up," says Swonk.

With the business community keeping a close eye on the election, Thomas Donohue, U.S. Chamber of Commerce president/CEO discusses the business objectives of the new year that need to be addressed.

The steps that will improve the 2012 business environment, with Thomas Donohue, U.S. Chamber of Commerce president/CEO, who says energy, infrastructure and regulation improvements will help get rid of uncertainty in American businesses.

Insight on how the employment data will affect his hiring plans, with Madelyn Alfano, Maria's Italian Kitchen and Joseph Dutra, Kimmie Candy Co.

Drew Greenblatt, Marlin Steel Wire Products president, discusses the concerns that small business owners have expressed to the Obama administration.

A Texas restaurant owner says business is so bad right now he's taken his guitar to the roof to drum up customers.

Edward Gilligan, American Express vice chairman, discusses preparations for its annual Small Business Saturday, a national initiative to get consumers to patron local small businesses in their communities and give them a boost in the holiday season.

Gibson Guitars is an American-made icon, but regulations are forcing the Nashville-based company to change its tune, reports CNBC's Brian Shactman.

Blanche Lincoln, Small Businesses for Sensible Regulations, discusses whether regulations are strangling growth, particularly for US small business.

CNBC's Jane Wells has the story on the push to find an alternative to oil is fueling an economic boom throughout Ohio and Pennsylvania.

Insight on whether small businesses will be hurt if Occupy Wall Street movement gets its way, with Gene Marks, The Marks Group president.