Big Food Franchises Get Bigger

Google Tweaks Search, Hurting Firms

Google changed its search algorithm last month, seeking to downplay sites it suspects of artificially boosting their rankings. Now some small businesses say they are scrambling to avoid being relegated to the Internet's junk bin.

• Google to Roll Out Smarter Search

Doing Equity Crowd Funding Right

Under the JOBS Act, small firms will be allowed to sell equity stakes online to large numbers of investors. We asked experts for their best advice on using this powerful new tool—and the biggest caveats to watch for.

Picture (Not) Perfect

Without the resources to hire professional shutterbugs, many small companies tap employees to handle the pointing and clicking—with disastrous results. Here's how to do it right.

American Express Targets Small Businesses

American Express Co. won't charge small businesses to use a service for creating discount offers that are delivered to Amex cardholders via a new smartphone feature and other platforms as it looks to expand merchant acceptance of its high-end cards.

5 'IP' Mistakes Start-ups Should Avoid

Here's what not to do if you hope to maximize your start-up's future value.

Twitter Gambles on a Patent Plan

In a bid to reduce patent litigation, Twitter has drafted a policy that will put control over how patents are enforced into the hands of its engineers and employees.

How to Turn Average Employees into Rock Stars

Say an assignment will be tough and your employees will struggle with it. But tell them it's easy and watch them excel, says columnist Mike Michalowicz.

For Small Firms, the Check is Not in the Mail

Big companies are taking longer to pay their small-business suppliers and vendors, new data show

Survey: Oklahoma City Tops for Small Business

Local small-business owners give San Francisco and New York failing grades for burdensome regulations on start-ups.

New Turf for Sharing Services: the Driveway

While some high-tech companies got their start in garages, a new crop of business founders, with their parking-spot services, are giving a fresh meaning to the term "garage entrepreneur."

Bayview Eatery Offers Taste of Coming Changes

The recent opening of upscale restaurant Radio Africa and Kitchen is a symbol of the changes unfolding in the side-by-side Bayview and Hunter's Point neighborhoods, currently the poorest in San Francisco.