How big banks are loosening the purse strings when it comes to small business lending; a popular small business program in limbo in Congress; and how summer camps are generating revenue in months other than July and August.

What motivates a small business owner; the surprising number of companies having trouble filling job openings; and new software that allows small businesses to keep track of what staffers are doing on their work computers.

The weak real-estate market has meant strong gains for one small business; the basic technology you'll need if you're creating a start-up from scratch; and how to protect your assets when offering a personal guarantee on a loan for your small business.