The government is standing by to help small business experts, according to Fred Hochberg, as he explains to Jim Blasingame how the Ex-Im Bank will guarantee the financial elements of an export transaction to make sure small businesses get paid.

Joan Pryde joins Jim Blasingame to report on this week's Kiplinger Letter, including Afghanistan build-up decisions, banking issues, 2009 governor elections, air travel expenses and other issues.

How is the near-term economy going? Sam Norwood joins Jim Blasingame to discuss this month's Tatum survey and the news is so-so. They report on sales, capital spending, credit availability and employment trends.

How have things changed on taking your small business public? Joseph Meuse discusses this issue with Jim Blasingame, including a comparison of the initial public offering (IPO) and the reverse merger.

Should the Fed be replaced with the gold standard? Jim Blasingame interviews Bob McTeer and Wayne Allyn Root as they debate this issue. Don't miss this spirited discussion by these experts on a very timely topic.

How is starting a business different today from the last recession? Jim Blasingame offers some insight into some of the issues that start-ups are facing these days, including where to look for opportunity, finding capital and the need for being patient and deliberate in your expectations.

How are women business owners fairing in the current economic conditions? Nell Merlino returns to discuss this issue with Jim Blasingame, including a report on how her organization is helping women entrepreneurs.

Reporting on the August NFIB Small Business Economic Survey, Bill Dunkelberg updates Jim Blasingame on the fact that some economic factors are up, some are down, and none are where we want them to be.

Surveying the credit landscape, how is it looking for small businesses? Tom Markel joins Jim Blasingame to reveal where the opportunities and challenges are for small businesses to get credit, including for start-ups. One source they discuss is an increase in private lending.

What is the state of the economy for small businesses? SBA Chief Economist, Chad Moutray, joins Jim Blasingame to examine the current state of the economy for the small business sector, including sales, availability of credit and other issues.