Lawsuits filed by disgruntled employees or independent contractors against small businesses are one of the most vexing problems that business owners continue to face. Many are constantly on edge, fearing frivolous legal actions that can ruin the business even if the complaint has no merit. more

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After having started RISD Works more than a decade ago, Matthew Bird was wondering what to do next. After seeing a vacant space on Wickenden Street he toyed with the idea of another store, but why consider a venture similar to the one that you just left? “There is increasingly more and more great stuff out there in the world and it gets overwhelming,” Bird said. “There are amazing things that nobody can find.” more

Innovation is one of today’s most popular business buzzwords. Most small and growing businesses – and especially startups – say they want to innovate. But most never get there because they are focused only on cost and efficiency, and not creativity, leaving little room for fresh ideas. In fact, many businesses today are actually anti-innovation without even knowing it, says Ed Hess, a business professor at University of Virginia’s Darden Graduate School of Business. more

Carmakers on a frantic push to meet rising, federal fuel-economy standards are looking everywhere for new materials – from carbon fiber to plastics – that will make their vehicles lighter and more efficient. more

Everyone said they’d never make it. When Matt Slobogan and Rob Dziubek, two local guys with vast practical and artistic experience, but no business expertise, wanted to open up their own framing shop in a largely suburban community filled with “super stores” and shopping malls, friends, relatives and colleagues said they were crazy. more

PROVIDENCE – Gov. Lincoln D. Chafee has signed legislation that will require a cost-benefit analysis and periodic review of all regulations governing or impacting small businesses. more