Economic woes are causing lots of anxiety among small business owners. A couple of things I always encourage during a downturn ... start a business! ... GO global! ... be bold!

Whatever you do, don't look for a reason to hide.

Read more here, here, here and one more -- here.

We've written about this resource before but thought you might want to revisit it in light of the downturn doldrums. Cool stuff. Twelve destinations. Six of the world's great cities.

Globespotters.

A financial problem that began in the United States is making its way across the globe. Now, the American bailout is going global, too, a move that could raise its cost and increase scrutiny by critics.

Read more here.

If you plan to do business in China, first and foremost, understand its interests and challenges. And then learn the rules of robust engagement.

This Foreign Affairs piece, "A Strategic Economic Engagement," by Henry M. Paulson, Jr. (U.S. Secretary of the Treasury) covers everything you need to know about how to strengthen the U.S.-Chinese ties. Worth a read. After all, China's path affects the ability for us to achieve our goals internationally.

Really good stuff. Not too much on entrepreneurs expanding internationally (I'll get on them!) but if you get and apply what advice the authors offer, you'll build a company fit to go global.

My title for it:
Thrive Guide 2009

Emerging markets are not merely generating economic growth. They are also producing companies that are worth investing in, and that are even starting to take on and beat the best of the developed world’s multinationals.

Find out who they are and where they operate here.

And while you are at it, check out the Economist country profiles to figure out a plan on how to work with these champions.

In our hyperglobal economy, opportunity abounds but how do you know where? A new study sheds light for people desiring to leave their homelands and for the countries that might adopt them.