America.gov-Economics & Trade: Entrepreneurship

A Halal Meat Business Thrives in New York

Burton Bollag — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 17:39:27 GMT

In one corner of New York, a halal meat business, established by an immigrant from Bangladesh to sell meat slaughtered according to Muslim tradition, thrives. It has been taken over by a son, who left a good corporate job and overcame his initial lack of interest in his father's culture or religion.

Microlending Pioneer Opens First Branch in the United States

Burton Bollag — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 17:52:43 GMT

Grameen Bank, famous for pioneering microloans to help destitute people in Bangladesh build small businesses, has come to the United States. The bank says even in the world's richest country, there are poor people who can improve their lives with small loans for business purposes.

African Women Among Entrepreneurs Honored in New York

Burton Bollag — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 15:07:55 GMT

Business groups from Spain, India and the United States honor women entrepreneurs in a setting that allows them to share their experiences and forge partnerships. Among winners of the International Women’s Entrepreneurial Challenge are African women who overcame obstacles to establish successful companies.

Asian Women Play Role in Shaping Family and National Fortunes

Burton Bollag — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 18:39:25 GMT

Asian women will play a vital role in safeguarding their families’ and nations’ financial welfare as the region adapts to microfinance practices, changes in Asia’s demographics and growing financial literacy, according to U.S. Treasurer Anna Escobedo Cabral.

World Entrepreneur of Year Borrows Attitude From Silicon Valley

Burton Bollag — Thu, 05 Jun 2008 16:32:50 GMT

Dr. Jean-Paul Clozel , a French cardiologist, wins this year's World Entrepreneur title from Ernst & Young for creating a biotechnology company and developing a drug to treat pulmonary arterial hypertension. "People are living a much longer life. Many of the first patients are still alive," he says.

“Ethical” Brands Allow U.S. Consumers to Fight Global Poverty

Burton Bollag — Thu, 22 May 2008 16:18:00 GMT

Business school roommates start a company with a mission to bring clean water to poor children. The founders struggle to succeed as “social entrepreneurs,” then find support from U.S. investors and consumers. Their story is illustrative of a growing trend in building “ethical brands.”

Wood Products Company Throws Open a Door to the Disabled

Burton Bollag — Thu, 22 May 2008 18:27:57 GMT

A company that made accommodations for its disabled workers by rebuilding workstations and adjusting hours, among other things, finds that the changes have cost little and enabled the company to find disabled employees who have turned out to be exceptionally dependable.

Venture Capital: A Primer

Burton Bollag — Wed, 14 May 2008 15:50:06 GMT

A highly specialized venture capital system matches high-tech and other start-up businesses with investors. Over time, expectations of both entrepreneurs and venture capitalists have become regularized, procedures standardized, and risk and reward apportioned along predictable lines.

Not Just Semiconductors

Burton Bollag — Wed, 14 May 2008 10:14:32 GMT

The success of northern California’s “Silicon Valley” region is not the product of chance, but rather of historical developments that incubated a culture of innovation and shared information among entrepreneurs. This culture has attracted a critical mass of high-tech companies to the Valley.

Inside the Real World of Venture Capitalists

Burton Bollag — Wed, 14 May 2008 11:29:29 GMT

A successful entrepreneur learns that navigating the venture capital system requires more than a good business idea. From “due diligence” to presenting one’s business plan to negotiating with and choosing one’s investment banker, she explains the steps required to secure financing for a promising start-up.

Accidental Entrepreneur

Burton Bollag — Tue, 06 May 2008 11:03:58 GMT

Linda Katz found success selling tumbleweeds on the Internet. What started out as a simple exercise in designing a Web site became a prosperous business that has provided Katz with a good livelihood for more than a dozen years. Her particular product has gained popularity, even though it began as a joke.

Immigrants Fuel Small Business Growth in the United States

Burton Bollag — Fri, 07 Mar 2008 09:04:39 GMT

Immigrants are one of the fastest-growing segments of small business owners in the United States and can expect to be a sizeable percentage by 2017, according to Intuit Inc.'s Future of Small Business Report, co-authored by the Institute for the Future. America.gov talks to some of these entrepreneurs about their experiences.