small businesses

Small businesses account for more than 70 percent of Italy's gross domestic product. But they haven't been growing.

One example is the country's famed accordion industry, which has enjoyed a resurgence — but also wants to stay small.

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Under a new law signed by Calif. Gov. Jerry Brown, online retailers like Amazon are supposed to start collecting sales taxes, even when they're based outside the state.

Amazon says the new law is unconstitutional, and it won't collect the tax. One way the company is trying to avoid it, is by severing ties with about 10,000 small businesses and individual blogs based in the state which link to Amazon.com through their websites.

Program reserves for small firms initial bids on small construction.

Supervisors in San Francisco are considering what's being billed a "nickel a drink" fee to help back city services directed at alcohol abuse.

But the idea is being opposed by the city's alcohol and entertainment industries, which say the fee will hurt small businesses.

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In past economic recoveries, small businesses generated much of the job growth. But this time around, hiring at small firms is lagging.

What does that means for the recovery?

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Officials in Washington are looking for ways to improve the climate for small businesses. President Obama on Wednesday will announce a set of initiatives that will provide more credit to more small businesses, and help small banks get access to bailout funds.

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With U.S. unemployment near 10 percent, small businesses — which the government says created 64 percent of new jobs in the past 15 years — will need to play a major role in the recovery.

But, as they try to gear up for the holidays, some owners — like The Chocolate Truffle's Carlo Bacci — say banks and credit card companies are stunting their growth.

Health care costs are killing small businesses, which pay substantially more in premiums than large firms do.

The owner of a cupcake business in Seattle pays as much in health insurance for her employees as she does in rent for four choice Seattle storefronts.

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