Too busy being an entrepreneur to read the news? Catch up on this week’s salient stories here.
- Small business owners are split on healthcare reform. Organizations like the National Federation of Independent Businesses (NFIB), which has 16 million members, want to minimize the government’s role in insurance and care, while organizations like the Small Business Majority, which has 27 million constituents, support the Obama administration’s reform scenarios. Supporters point to shared responsibility, better coverage options, and cost reductions, while detractors believe that governmental safety nets can crowd out private insurance. (What they think)
- Americans are unsure about the US’ future of innovation. According to a new Zogby poll, 7 in 10 US residents believe that the next great technology entrepreneur will come from somewhere else. Of the respondents, 28% believe the next Bill Gates will come from India, 15% China, and 11% Japan. However, 67% still believe that the economic, educational and societal conditions still exist in the US for another entrepreneurial superstar. (PC World)
- People in Uganda can now give micro loans to people in Chicago. As part of its goal to enable $60 million in loans in 2009, the popular micro-lending site Kiva.com will now allow micro loans inside the US. Recognizing that poverty is everywhere, the site now allows American borrowers, in addition to American lenders. (SF Gate)
- Watch what you say. Two new studies have found that Angel Investors aren’t swayed by your enthusiasm or the style of your presentation. According to the studies’ authors, angels are looking for evidence of a market opportunity with growth potential, a strong management team, and an exit strategy. They’re also looking for trustworthy people. (New York Times).
- Small businesses can play a leading role in climate change according to a new report by the Center for Small Business and the Environment. The US Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship’s ranking member, Olympia Snowe (R-Maine), praised the group: “As our country’s true job generators, small businesses will surely be leaders in the development of new technologies to move toward more efficient and renewable sources of energy.” (Trading Markets)
- “Super Entrepreneur” Norman Brinker died on Tuesday. He was 78. Mr. Brinker may be best known for bringing us Chili’s and Bennigan’s, but he also invented the salad bar and the “Hi, my name is….and I’ll be your server tonight” line heard so frequently at casual dining spots, which he also invented. He also bankrolled theSusan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, which his third wife, Nancy, founded. The Olympic athlete got his entrepreneurial start early in life. He raised rabbits and had a paper route, and then worked his way up the ranks at the then-fledgling Jack-in-the-Box while in college. Today, Brinker International has over 1,700 restaurants, including Chili’s, Corner Bakery, Romano’s Macaroni Grill, and On the Border, in 27 countries. (Dallas Morning News)
