The iPhone as a Cash Register

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February 16, 2011
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NEWS  THIS WEEK'S TOP STORY The iPhone as a Cash Register Card readers that plug into smartphones, made by Square and others, are bringing new sales to small merchants

Inside: This Week in SmallBiz For decades, entrepreneurs had few ways to easily accept credit cards while on the go. Now thousands are starting to use cheap smartphone credit-card readers--a technology that didn't exist a few years ago. We take a look at how the devices work, and how they're increasing sales for some businesses. Then hear about Morgan Stanley's plan to buy $500 million worth of commercial mortgages made through the Small Business Administration's 504 program. And weigh in on efforts to increase female participation in business plan competitions. Finally, suggest a company for our third annual roundup of promising social entrepreneurs based in the U.S. Enjoy. --Nick Leiber SEND FEEDBACK  |  E-MAIL A FRIEND  |  GET RSS  |  NEWSLETTERS

MORE SMALLBIZ NEWS SMALL BUSINESS FINANCING Morgan Stanley Pledges $500 Million for Small Biz Lending The investment bank is planning to buy commercial mortgages made through the Small Business Administration's 504 program, reviving a faltering market The SBA Faces a 45% Funding Decrease While the proposed budget would back $27 billion in loan guarantees for small businesses, administrative spending and funds for Small Business Development Centers would be cut FOCUS ON ENTREPRENEURS, FEBRUARY 2011 Business Plan Contests: Where Are the Women? Many groups are trying to increase female participation in competitions for promising ventures Seeking Suggestions: America's Most Promising Social Entrepreneurs We want your suggestions for companies to profile in Businessweek.com's third annual roundup of America's most promising social entrepreneurs FOCUS ON ENTREPRENEURS, FEBRUARY 2011 Finding a Place for Polaroid in the Digital Age An Austrian startup called the Impossible Project is on a mission to revive instant film   SMALLBIZ SLIDE SHOWS America's Most Promising Startups Meet new companies from across the country that embody the creativity and resilience common among today's entrepreneurs   SMALLBIZ SPECIAL REPORTS ENTERPRISE Focus On Entrepreneurs, February 2011 From Bloomberg Businessweek, a roundup of news, trends, and ideas for small business owners ENTERPRISE Focus On Entrepreneurs, January 2011 From Bloomberg Businessweek, a roundup of news, trends, and ideas for small business owners SMALLBIZ  BUSINESS DIRECTORY Need Help? Find experts in your area in: Accounting Advertising and Marketing E-Mail Marketing Legal Services Public Relations Search Engine Marketing Web Design Web Marketing Web Hosting  BW MALL  SPONSORED LINKS Buy a link now! This newsletter is a FREE service provided by BusinessWeek.com. To sign up for other newsletters, cancel delivery, change delivery options or change your e-mail address, please go to our Newsletter Preferences page. If you need other assistance, please contact Customer Service or contact: Wanda Cooper BusinessWeek Customer Rights Communications Data Services 1995 G Avenue Red Oak, IA 51566 Phone: 1-800-635-1200 To learn more about how BusinessWeek.com applies this policy, you can contact our Marketing Department. Copyright 2009-2010 by BLOOMBERG L.P. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Terms of Use | Privacy Notice

SMART ANSWERS KAREN E. KLEIN >> Making Millions by Ignoring the 'Normal Way' Babson sociologist Mary Godwyn says a woman entrepreneur who pays her workers in Vietnam 15 percent above the going wage highlights a trend SEND YOUR QUESTIONS TO KAREN >   VIEWPOINT VIVEK WADHWA >> What We Can Learn from the 'Oprah of Indonesia' A new book by Sarah Lacy argues that the U.S. should heed entrepreneurs pushing Big Ideas in developing countries, from China to Brazil View all articles for Vivek Wadhwa   Advertisement Today's Tip Operations & Technology Credit-card processing can often be one of the most confusing and frustrating aspects of getting a business set up. As a result, it's pretty common for business owners to get ripped off. --Stella Fayman, Head of Marketing and Customer Service, FeeFighters READ MORE > Advertisement