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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FSB’s experts weigh in to help a remodeling firm whose sales have plunged during the economic downturn.

Eric Tolley, Oak Park, Ill.
I have been in the remodeling business for eight years and have built a lot of brand equity in my company - but our sales have dropped 70% in the last two years. I know I don’t have the energy to start over. How do I survive until the economy turns around? Read more…

A one-man business asks, when’s it the right time to get extra help?

Matthew, Clearwater, Fla.
I am a new electrical contractor whose business is starting to grow. I will be turning down work soon if the growth keeps up, but that’s not guaranteed. How do I determine if it is time to hire some help?

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Paul, Toronto, Canada
I am presently starting a pressure wash business in Toronto. Business is good, but how can I find steady work during the winter? Read more…

Justin Milne, Magnolia, Texas
I am an employer for a landscape company. I have heard that we are not required to pay employees for their drive home. Depending on where we work, the drive could be over two hours long. Do I have to pay them for the drive home, or could I stop their time when they leave a job site? It would be nice if I could find some documentation to validate this. 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…

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…

An owner whose business may not make it explores his options.

Ron Swall, Lawrence, Kan.
We are a very small family landscaping business (sub S-corp). We were in debt about $12,000 before the season began. We’re looking at borrowing up to $10,000 more to carry us until the work season picks. If we can’t make it, is bankruptcy an option, and which option (Chapter 7, 11, 13?) offers us the best out? What are the important questions I need to ask when I consult with an attorney? Read more…

Steve Berry, Flagstaff, Ariz.
I own a company that focuses on the construction of high-end custom homes. Because it is expensive to live here, it is difficult to hire and retain skilled employees. Skilled workers who choose to live here have no loyalty to any company and demand wages that are out of line with the industry standards. Companies offer excellent benefits, health insurance, incentive plans, etc., but nothing seems to work. How do I stay competitive with other companies and build a loyal workforce without driving my costs through the roof?

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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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