The House Small Business Committee has passed several entrepreneurial development programs they say would help modernize the SBA. Native American, women and veteran entrepreneurs would be affected by the legislation, as would small-business owners struggling with rising health-care and energy costs. One piece of legislation, H.R. 2359, or the SBA Entrepreneurial Development Programs Act of 2007, would expand Small Business Development Centers that deal with health-care and energy burdens and would help entrepreneurs deal with regulatory issues. The SBA Women's Business Programs Act of 2007, also known as H.R. 2397, would create new Women's Business Centers across the country, giving women-owned businesses the resources they need to succeed. Under H.R. 2366 and H.R. 2284, additional Veterans Business Outreach Centers would be created, as would a customized program giving educational and technical assistance to Native American entrepreneurs.

Earlier this week, we told you about the increasing number of complaints involving pregnancy discrimination in the workplace. Today, an article in The Wall Street Journal echoed that sentiment, but said the government is now doing something to prevent it. Yesterday, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission issued guidelines regarding working parents. In the past, female plaintiffs in this type of discrimination case had to prove they were treated worse than men in similar situations in order to press charges for sex discrimination. But now, EEOC says comparative evidence may no longer be necessary, and managers' biased statements or behaviors could be enough. But at the same time, the guidelines don't protect parents unconditionally; a company can refuse to hire parents as long as the rule pertains to both sexes.

Coca-Cola is serious about protecting its secret beverage formula. Here's proof: A former secretary for the company was convicted of conspiring to steal secrets from Coca-Cola in February, and yesterday, she was sentenced to eight years in prison. Joya Williams was caught attempting to sell secret materials to company rival, Pepsi, for $1.5 million.

Contrary to popular belief, it's not so hard to succeed in selling handmade products, especially if you test out your offerings with consumers first. Etsy.com, an online bazaar for those in the know selling and buying handmade goods, attracts a young and modern demographic. The site may be the perfect way for entrepreneurs to test the market for their handmade products before setting up shop. A 20-cent-per-item listing fee and 3.5 percent sellers' fee per item will get you four months of site listing and flexible payment options for you and your buyers. Browsing through listings of hand-painted t-shirts, self-constructed violins and vintage Blythe dolls is also a great way to pick up on the latest in successful marketing ideas.  

The best part of all? The most recently listed items are advertised on the front page, and searches also list these items first, which means your shop doesn't have to be the largest or most popular to get some serious attention.--Joanne Yao