A step-by-step guide to finding government contracts and going for them.

Brian Hall, Westerville, Ohio
I’m a veteran and a minority small-business owner. How do I get more information on bidding for government contracts?

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A staffing agency turns to Ask FSB for growth resources.

Scott Zimmer, AAA Labor, Minneapolis, Minn.
I purchased a 52-year-old industrial staffing agency. Where can I find affordable assistance to help structure the company for growth? There is very little help available for staffing agencies. Read more…

Should this owner seek out international investors to grow his business?

Jean Luc Gaudry, Los Angeles
I have a unique music Web site on which one can find listings of shows, bands on tour, clubs and venues. I have two questions. I am looking for some investors - what are the biggest mistakes entrepreneurs make when they decide to add an investor to their company? Also, I want to set up a company in Europe and eventually have my Web site branch out all over the world. Is it better to have different investors on each continent? Read more…

Get the right marketing tools to send your business through the roof.

Rosie, Saint Cloud, Fla.
I need a professional presentation booklet for my roofing company for sales expansion. How can I go about getting this done? Read more…

William, Denver, Colo.
This question is a follow-up to “Who gets the name in a business custody battle?”

What happens when the majority shareholder wants to franchise the business, but the minority partner is against it? The minority partner is not willing to expand with her current partner. Instead, she’d like to go it alone. Does this trigger a buyout? Is that the best and only solution? Read more…

Tips for switching from contract workers to full time help

Rebecca Fountain, Las Vegas
I have a small business I’m starting in Nevada called Slurry Recycle Solutions that specializes in the development of cost-effective and safe solutions for the construction industry. I’ve been using independent contractors and would like to hire a full-time staff because our business is growing. How should I approach the hiring process? Read more…

A pressure-washing business owner checks with Ask FSB for advice on setting prices for a new line of services.

Sylvia Suter, Brookfield, Wis.
I own a pressure-washing company in the Milwaukee area. I’m interested in expanding my business to pressure wash outdoor business signs. I think signs would be a great niche for my business. The problem is: I have no idea what to charge per sign. Would the charge per sign be according to size? Thank you for any information.

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A business “pre-nup” could have helped these squabbling partners resolve their differing visions for expansion.

William Taylor, Denver, Colo.
My partner and I are having disagreements on how we’d like to expand our business. We currently operate a small restaurant. My idea is to open more locations. To do so, we’d have to bring on additional partners in these new ventures, which would mean we would not have the same amount of company shares in the new location. Currently, I’m the majority shareholder with 55% in the company stock, to her 45%. I have offered her the opportunity to expand with me. She’s declined, saying she’d like to go out on her own, alone, and open another location with our current name. As a majority shareholder, can I protect the company name, and not allow her to operate a new location if I’m not involved? Read more…

Monica and her partner want to grow their horse treat manufacturing and distribution business. Have you used outsourcing for your business? Would you recommend it?

Nick is trying to grow his Delaware business to include New Jersey and New York. Have you expanded your business across state lines? Share your advice with Nick.