There is no doubt that the economic environment has been getting worse for many businesses and individuals. As the days go by we are hearing stories of businesses closing and increasing layoffs. The government has recognized this trend and has responded by putting in place specially targeted funds to encourage entrepreneurship and increased the PATH programme in response to this, understanding that more and more people will have to go into their own businesses.

If one chooses to become either an entrepreneur or seek a new job then what is very important is information. Information is most times the competitive advantage that a business or job seeker have over others, and is critical to the survival of businesses. Many small businesses fail because of the lack of information, and not just because of the lack of capital or markets. If one had proper information then a lot of heartache resulting from wasted capital and bad decisions could be avoided.

Consequently our search has unearthed a new web site that is dedicated to providing information to businesses and individuals that will help them to make the proper decisions, whether it be in business or their own personal lives. The URL is www.mindyuhbusiness.com, and it focuses on topics such as (i) Starting a business; (ii) Business finance; (iii) Personal finance; (iv) Careers; and (v) After redundancy.

The site also offers businesses and individuals to register and list business opportunities available and also to list their product or service in the business directory, under the appropriate categories. Individuals can also post their resumes and search for job postings that may be listed. Professionals will also be able to deliver their services through this portal in a cost effective manner.

The site therefore offers an online marketplace where ideas can be matched with capital, individuals and businesses can discuss ideas in the discussion forums, businesses and individuals can seek out information that can help them in their daily decisions, and business product and services can be identified.

This is just another in the changing the economic environment that we are seeing as a result of the economic crisis that the world has seen, as businesses and individuals have seen the need to be more efficient in their information gathering and cost effective in service delivery.