On Sept 9th, I was invited to participate (along with 8 other small business owners) in a virtual forum with MPR to discuss credit for small businesses and the challenges of keeping the money flowing in this recession. We discussed many topics, from the struggle to raise capital to how credit cards are used for business to skipping on credit altogether and going strictly cash based. It didn't surprise me how difficult this economy has been on most of the businesses in the forum. What did surprise me was that without hesitation, when we were all asked if it was a good time to start a business, we all agreed that it was. I guess I'm no different than the other business owners out there with my thinking that even in a down economy, if you're passionate about your business, you can make pretty much anything work. Here are the participants: Moderated by Michael Caputo, MPR, as part of the Public Insight Network (citizen journalism). Jason Rysavy, founder Catalyst Studios Amy Goetz, founder Bramblewood Treats Michael Schaffer, president, M.A. Schaffer Accounting Services Brian Lueth - Credit Union President, Partner in Manuf. Business Crystal Pollard, owner Bellies to Babies Brady Jass, president B&H Manufacturing Mickey McCabe, owner Q. Cumbers restaurant Shawn Sheely, founder Analog Interactive Josh Blanc - owner Clay Squared You can see the entire forum here. Thanks for reading. @jasonrysavy tags: catalyst studios, minneapolis, minnesota, design, graphic design, interactive, catalyst,