Major business information publishers and service suppliers are more interested than ever in extending a helping hand to small business owners. On April 16, verizon-logoVerizon will officially announce a major makeover of the Verizon Small Business Center, focused on a new “Collaboration Center” that features a library of applications, hosted services, news, resources and professional networking. A few details:
  • In My Applications, users can access email, calendar items and the business applications they’ve selected.
  • Professional Networking lets you create a profile and exchange ideas with others in your industry and build business relationships.
  • The My News and Resources section lets you select from a menu of different types of small business-related content — news, technology, government regulation, etc.

Starting April 21, Verizon will also offer a free bi-weekly webinar series featuring small business experts covering a wide range of topics, from SEO and Twitter for small business, to improving productivity.

Forbes, meanwhile, has revamped its Small Business Exchange, looking to boost forbessmallbizexchange-logomembership and participation. Brett Nelson, Entrepreneurs Editor at Forbes.com, lists key benefits of joining up at his site:

  • Ask questions and get answers from experts in key areas such as marketing, technology, finance and law.
  • Connect with other small business owners, search company profiles, send messages and expand your network.
  • Share your own expertise and track industry trends.
  • Browse the latest small business news and advice from Forbes.com.
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