Chicago entrepreneurs investing cautiously in growth

Worries aside, execs and investors contend tech sector is here to stay in Chicago

In recent months, Chicago's technology community has garnered buzz—and investments—from around the country.  Full Article

Small-business credit chill eases, but loans are still tough to get

When Jay Alston was starting his business, Java Underwriting LLC, in June 2010, he went looking for a $100,000 credit line and was turned down repeatedly.  Full Article

Cloud computing is a hot trend that's creating opportunities — and liabilities

Every few weeks, it seems, another big bank or retailer announces that its computer systems have been hacked and information stolen. The stricken company typically takes legal… Full Article

How do entrepreneurs view the economy?

We asked local entrepreneurs how the stagnant economy is affecting them, and what they see on the horizon.  Full Article

The Tax Man muscles up: More audits loom

Almost every federal agency in Washington is under attack from congressional budget-cutters. But one seems to have been spared the ax: The IRS has been granted new allocations to add… Full Article

Passing your small business to heirs? The state demands a piece

Thinking about moving? David Shayne, a Chicago lawyer who specializes in estate issues, is advising many of his clients to hurry. Destination? Think about Palm Beach, Fla., or maybe Palm… Full Article

Non-compete deals get a boost from string of recent legal cases

Workers are apt to move on, to other companies or to businesses they start up on their own. The question is whether anything can be done about it.  Full Article

Giving startups a kick start: Incubators dole out advice and capital

BabbaCo LLC founder Jessica Kim is practicing the speech she will deliver to hundreds of peers and investors.  Full Article