When it comes to business finances, 84 percent of small-business owners surveyed by SunTrust Banks and the National Small Business Association report growing concern involving fraud and their businesses. According to the "Foil Fraud" survey, seven out of 10 small-business owners are more concerned about fraud this year than they were last year. "The reality is that a good number of entrepreneurs are being targeted by criminals trying to defraud them," said Todd McCracken, president of the National Small Business Association. Business owners cite online identity theft as their top concern, followed by check fraud and credit card fraud.

To read more results from the survey or to find out how to prevent your business from being the next victim, visit SunTrust's website.

Last week, the World Economic Forum Global Competitiveness Report was released, placing the U.S. in the top spot--a significant improvement from last year's sixth place ranking. Last year's first place country, Switzerland, dropped to number two, followed by Denmark, Sweden, Germany, Finland, Singapore, Japan, the United Kingdom and the Netherlands. The report, which seeks out the world's most competitive economy, notes that the world's strongest economies foster innovation and sustained prosperity by combining macroeconomic stability with strong institutions.

The holidays are just around the corner, and employees around the country are dreaming of holiday bonuses and gift cards from their employers. But according to this article from the Boston Business Journal , employees and clients are likely to be disappointed this season due to a shaky economic outlook. A semi-annual survey of business owners by the American Express Small Business Monitor found that fewer small businesses plan on handing out gifts this holiday season, but those that do say they'll spend significantly more than they did last year. The survey said those businesses are also more likely to recognize staff and be focused on their company's growth.

65 percent of those surveyed said they'll feel guilty if they don't shower employees and clients with gifts, but only 59 percent say they'll act on that guilt and give in to the gift-giving spirit, compared to 70 percent last year. Employee gifting is also expected to drop from 77 percent last year to 70 percent this holiday season.