Helping small businesses and independent inventors with limited resources is an important goal of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), as they serve a vital role in our country’s economy. The USPTO has several free or reduced fee programs to assist independent inventors and small businesses in securing patent protection for their inventions, including the Patent Pro Bono Program, Pro Se...

The following is a cross-post from Tradeology, the official blog of the International Trade Administration By Natalie Soroka, Economist, International Trade Administration, Office of Trade and Economic Analysis As we kick off Small Business Week, the Census Bureau released its “Profile of U.S. Importing and Exporting Companies, 2014-2015.” A joint project of the Census Bureau and International...

The following is a cross-post from the Small Business Administration (SBA) blog By Linda McMahon, SBA Administrator Once upon a time.... It’s the classic opening to our favorite fairy tales. As children, we dream of magic potions and knights in shining armor that will provide our happily ever after. How were we to know that our own hard work, skill and determination could be far more effective...