Jonathan N. Crawford

The Obama administration is looking to make selling easier -- particularly abroad.

They like the focus on improving standards and holding teachers accountable.

Hardest hit will be health care firms and government contractors.

Congress is poised to expand a key lending lifeline.

It's a trend that economic hard times are accelerating, as franchisees snap up hard-to-get financing.

Be your own boss and thrive -- even in a recession.

More and more big and small companies are teaming up to develop new products.

Tax, legal and investor advantages make limited liability companies appealing for smalls.