Small Business News Round-up – Week of Feb 4, 2013

This week’s small business news review found small biz tax breaks that weren’t around in ’12, crowd
funding in the consumer industry, data management help for small companies, big banks lending to
small businesses, and a bathroom decor company worth six million bucks.

• Data Science for Small Companies - What was once only the domain of the big boys is open to
  small and mid-size firms: data management. Startup data science companies are helping small
  businesses capture and measure the data within their digital infrastructure.
• Overlooked Tax Breaks for 2013 – The legislation that was forged by the fiscal cliff debate
  provides some valuable tax breaks for small businesses. Depreciation, QSBC stock gains, and
  commuter benefits are all getting favorable treatment.
• Crowd Funding Brings Entrepreneurs and “Big Consumer” Together – Early-stage companies are
  partnering with consumer giants in a back-washing venture that provides multiple benefits to
  both parties. Lately, a swarm of crowd-funding platforms are filling a venture capital niche that
  is typically reserved for the tech industry.
• Small Business Lending on the Rise – Big banks are starting to open their vaults to small
  businesses again. The Biz2Credit Small Business Lending Index rose to 15.3%, marking a record
  since the index began and a 31% increase over January 2012.
• Bathroom Break Provides Business Inspiration – An Ohio entrepreneur conceived a winning
  idea while sitting on the toilet. Now she’s “flush” with cash!