3 Things You Should Know About Small Business: April 17

"Franchise owners continue to take advantage of record low interest rates to shore up their balance sheets. And, although those seeking more short-term job growth are likely disappointed that a greater percentage of financings aren't going to fund new formations, we are encouraged that franchise owners are better positioned for current profitability and therefore future, more secure growth," Rozman says.

2. Buffett Rule would have affected few small-business owners. The Senate voted down the so-called Buffet Rule on Monday, which would have raised taxes on the rich. If it had passed, it would have only affected 1% of small-business owners, according to CNNMoney , citing Treasury data.

Critics had complained that the Buffett rule would have affected small-business owners, many of whom file income on their personal tax returns. But federal data shows that only 1% of business owners have enough income to qualify for the rule, according to the Treasury's Office of Tax Analysis, which reviewed filings in 2007, CNNMoney says. .

3. Tell your story to the SBA for a chance to be featured at National Small Business Week. The Small Business Administration is hosting a three-week contest for small-business owners to showcase their companies at the National Small Business Week 2012.

Through May 11, contestants can enter the contest by producing an original video, two minutes or less, that shares their story. The SBA says it is looking for "creative videos from small businesses that show how they have been helped by an SBA program or service."

The SBA is looking to raise awareness of the importance of its programs and the impact the small businesses that use them have in their local communities.

-- Written by Laurie Kulikowski in New York.

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