Why aren't small businesses more optimistic about the future? NFIB’s Bill Dunkelberg joins Jim Blasingame to report small business optimism is down severely, plus how Wall Street and Washington have contributed to the economic challenges.

How will Obama’s jobs bill impact you? Tony Paradiso joins Jim Blasingame to discuss his thoughts on Obama’s jobs bill as a small business owner and how the provisions might impact his business and other small businesses.

The government should be agnostic about what kind of jobs are created. Karen Kerrigan joins Jim Blasingame to discuss why Obama’s jobs philosophy not only picks winners and losers, but also attacks the private sector.

Small business was looking for a bold, aggressive plan to create a better jobs environment. Karen Kerrigan joins Jim Blasingame to discuss the lack of small business confidence in Obama’s jobs plan, plus the burdens of the health care bill.

Provisions of Obama’s jobs plan will not significantly help small businesses. Karen Kerrigan joins Jim Blasingame to discuss why the weak, short-term measures of Obama’s jobs plan will not significantly help small businesses.

Union strikes have a negative impact on small businesses. Mark Deo joins Jim Blasingame to discuss the impact of the looming California grocery workers strike over rising health care costs.

Companies are looking for functional employees with ideas. Richard Hooker joins Jim Blasingame to discuss why companies in the new normal are looking for functional, entrepreneurial employees.

The new normal is a post-employment economy. Richard Hooker joins Jim Blasingame to discuss America’s post-employment economy because of increased efficiencies and technology.

Obama’s jobs bill also includes assistance for new sole proprietors. Richard Hooker joins Jim Blasingame to discuss the self-employment assistance provision of Obama’s jobs bill.

The economy didn’t get this way overnight, and won’t improve overnight. Jay Mincks joins Jim Blasingame to report that while the economy still has challenges, small businesses can't wait for others to save them, they have to save themselves.