This week’s small business news review found that small businesses are being regulated to death and being sold at brisk pace recently. We also found a great contest, some cool new apps for the New Orleans Super Bowl, and a new coffee product.

• Small Business Acquisitions Rising – Small businesses are being bought and sold an accelerated pace. Mergers and acquisitions are on the rise. Is this a sign of an economy on the rebound or one that continues to struggle?
• Small Coffee Company Improves Thai Lives – Interested in some “cat poop” coffee? There’s a Canadian small business that is selling the stuff for $30 to $50 a cup!
• Regulations are Stifling Small Businesses – Local ordinances can make it difficult for small businesses to succeed. From a $300 fine to a Class 1 misdemeanor, local companies are being restricted by regulations that make earning a profit challenging.
• There’s an App for the Big Easy – New mobile apps for local New Orleans businesses connect Super Bowl visitors with local retailers, restaurants, and music. Even the street vendors are getting in the act!
• NFIB Contest for Small Business Owners – The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) is hosting a contest for small business owners with a $5000 prize and a free one-year membership to NFIB, along with national exposure. Business owners must submit a video explaining how their business was launched.

Tune in next week for our next Small Business New Round Up!