1
10 Amazing Facts About George Washington’s 2nd Most Successful Startup

Upon leaving the Presidency at age 65, George Washington started what would become in the following 2 years, the largest distillery in America.

2
How Ben Franklin Used a 21st Century Approach to Create His 18th Century Business Success

Benjamin Franklin’s key to business success was a strategy that can look familiar to a 21st century business owner.

3
Benjamin Franklin Never Sought a Patent or Copyright

Benjamin Franklin never sought a patent or copyright. “As we enjoy great advantages from the inventions of others, we should be glad of an opportunity to serve others by any invention of ours; and this we should do freely and generously,” he wrote in his autobiography.

4
Thomas Jefferson’s Views on Patents and Intellectual Property Rights

A SmallBusiness.com flashback for April 13, Thomas Jefferson’s Birthday

5
The 150-Year History of the Term ‘Small Business’

Until the end of the 19th century, there were few big businesses so the history of the term “small business” is less than 150 years. Today, no other phrase comes close to describing companies up to 500 employees.

6
Lessons From Two Failed Small Businessmen Who Won the Civil War

150 years later, we remember two men who failed at business, but who guided the Union Army to victory in the Civil War–and what we can learn from them.

7
The Role of Barbershops in the History of African-American Entrepreneurship

A new book describes how the black-owned barbershop became one of the first ways African-American men become entrepreneurs.

8
For 315 Years, This Small Business Has Chiseled American History in Stone

The hand-lettering stone work of Nick Benson and his staff at the John Stevens Shop will be around for centuries. It seems only appropriate that the company creating that work has been around for centuries, as well.

9
8 U.S. Presidents Who Started and Ran Businesses

There are only a few presidents who started businesses, and not all of those were successful. Here are some who tried and succeeded, others who tried and failed.

10
This American Small Business Celebrates Flag Day All Year

Founded in 1847, America’s oldest and largest flag company is still family owned and operated.

11
This Sixth-Generation Family Business Lights Up the 4th of July Sky

Carrying on a tradition started in 1850, Grucci Fireworks is now in its sixth generation as a family business.