BUSINESS NEWS AND FUNDING

A growing number of Silicon Valley companies are announcing new venture capital investments, signaling what could be the first significant increase in start-up activity in three years. By Matt Marshall Mercury News Investments range from…

I learned that if you look after getting repeat business, profit will largely take care of itself. When faced with any business decision, any call on your time or resources, you need to ask, What will this do to help bring the customer back?"

After many years of building and maintaining a successful small business, Julie Cavanaugh, age 58, wanted to sell her business and retire to a leisurely life. By Joanne B. Sheridan, Senior Consultant, ZurMuehlen & Co….

But what you really want is somebody in the trenches with you, right? There are plenty of peers who are willing to share their wisdom and introduce you to important players in your industry.

Staenberg and Rustic Canyon Group http://www.rusticcanyon.com/ have raised about $130 million for a new investment pool to fund storage, wireless and e-commerce companies, Staenberg said yesterday. Each year, the fund will invest in five to seven companies, about a third in the Seattle area.

According to a new NGA Center brief, people with persistent and severe mental illnesses have a harder time securing and keeping a job, although studies have found that most would prefer to work if afforded…