This week's small business news review found a few notable stories around the Austin, TX area. The Austin Advertising Federation held its annual Big Wigs award show using the musical comedy “Hairspray” as the theme for the night. The event, held at the Rattle Inn, featured categories such as Best Talent Agent, Best Video Producer, and Most Likely to be my Boss in 10 Years. A new business shipping service was released by Austin-based uShip, Inc. The company provides a bidding platform for those who need to ship goods. With over 30% of the company’s business generated from commercial users, CEO Matt Chasen decided to focus on business customers by offering a commercial-only portal. ‘Big data’ companies met with energy industry leaders on Thursday to discuss the role of data in operations. Attendees learned ways in which energy providers can use data to identify areas of waste and opportunities to deliver energy more efficiently. The event featured Todd Kimbriel, Director of the eGovernment Division for the State of Texas and Dr. John Boisseau of UT at Austin among others. Austin’s Yeti Coolers was profiled in Bloomberg Businessweek’s Lifestyle section of the publisher’s website. The 2006 startup has earned more than $100 million already this year and its sturdy products have been used by everyone from fishermen to doctors. Finally, a local telecom company received $700K in seed financing from a syndicate of investors. Two-year-old Rail Yard received the financing so it could expand operations and boost marketing for its flagship Telecom Concierge SaaS platform.

This week's small business news review found good numbers but deep concerns in a recent small biz study, small businesses are mixed about healthcare registration, a neat mapping tool for those of you with a physical foreign presence, a drop for Texas, and a critical move that most small biz owners should be making. Small Businesses Rate Obamacare A couple of weeks into enrollment for healthcare exchanges and small businesses are mixed in their reviews. While some find premium rates will be manageable, others say rates are too high. Find out which states have seen surprising numbers. Confidence is Higher Globally Small business owners around the world have more confidence about the future, according to a recent global report. But two major issues remain. The Sage Business Index shows what small biz is concerned with.     What Every Small Business Needs to Start Doing There is a growing need for small businesses to upgrade their online presence. Digital impressions are critical these days. What can make the difference between an appealing online brand and a forgettable one? Check out this story. A Mapping Option for Foreign Small Biz A tech startup has developed a software program that maps foreign addresses and provides shop information. For businesses with an international location, it could be an important asset to have. Texas Taxes Status Say that five times fast. Texas fell out of a coveted position touted in the business recruitment wars. The state can no longer make a long-held claim.

This week's small business news review found a(nother) lawsuit for AIG, a funny story about impressions, a potential move toward more small-biz-friendly financial services, a nice story supported by Groupon, and a scam all small biz owners should be aware of. Financial Institutions Lacking in the Latest Technology Connecting with a financial institution that can provide you with the latest technology is not always easy. A recent Intuit survey of banks and credit unions indicated that only 25% offer digital invoice management capability for small biz owners. Some of the larger credit unions are getting on board. Will others follow? AIG vs. Small Biz Small business owners from coast to coast are suing insurer AIG for falsely reporting workers' compensation premiums they have collected. The practice is alleged to have started back in the 1970s. But AIG says it has already paid out.           Groupon to the Rescue Giant coupon site Groupon worked with one South Carolina woman to make her dream a reality. Before she reached a deal with the company, the revenues from her unusual but intriguing group painting shop barely covered supplies. The Underpants Logo A database management company in Philadelphia found out in a funny way how its logo is perceived by markets in two different countries. The "brief" case study is a lesson in making an impression. Businesses Beware The Better Business Bureau uncovered an online scam targeting small biz owners. If you have been invoiced without authorization for a Yellow Pages digital listing, you'll want to check out this story.