The value of federal government contracts allowed to be awarded to a small, disadvantaged business without competitive bidding would double under legislation being proposed by Rep. Gwen Moore (D-Wis.).

Early in a company's financial life, after friends and family have been tapped for initial stakes, comes angel capital - investments from individuals, often successful entrepreneurs themselves, who back newcomers starting out as they once did on a smile and a shoeshine. Their numbers and importance are growing.

Supporters of the bipartisan immigration reform package are heading into the Memorial Day recess with an air of cautious optimism, after the Senate struck down a series of proposals Thursday that threatened to throw off the delicate balance of the legislation and erode support for the bill.

New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson, a candidate for president, said Sunday Democrats in Congress "missed a great opportunity" to get U.S. troops out of Iraq.

The U.S. Senate Thursday decided to vote next month on a no-confidence measure against Attorney General Alberto Gonzales, sponsors of the measure said.

Whether a small grocer or a national chain, retailers are trying to stock their shelves with drinks and other products that appeal to Hispanics.

A recent court case is changing the tide for small businesses. Franchisees, normally seen as weak subordinates who have little choice but to obey corporate parents, have scored an empowering victory.

Jeffrey Jordan started his own company when he was 17 years old and led the 200,000-member Future Business Leaders of America as national president in high school. He went on to earn a bachelor's degree in marketing from Johnson & Wales University on a full tuition scholarship in less than three years. He's been named SBA Young Entrepreneur of the Year for the state of Rhode Island, the region of New England, and most recently, in San Diego, California.

The American Association of Hispanics in Higher Education (AAHHE) and Educational Testing Service recently announced 2008's Outstanding Dissertations Competition in an effort to increase the number of Hispanics receiving doctorate degrees, entering higher education, and serving in faculty leadership and administrative roles.

Search the 2006 Hispanic Business 500, a national benchmark of the surging development of U.S. Hispanic-owned companies.

Advertisers' efforts to reach Hispanic consumers are becoming more targeted, and language is a major factor. Advertisers spent more than $3.3 billion to market products to U.S. Hispanics in 2005, a 6.8 percent increase from 2004.

This year's Hispanic Business Top 25 Nonprofits combined to generate a 3.5 percent increase in revenues compared to last year's list, according to data from surveys completed by the companies and returned to HispanTelligenceŽ. The 2007 list totals $630.61 million in revenues, compared to $609.17 million from the 2006 list.

Hispanic Business reviews what's new on the business bookshelf.