Padma Nagappan

What challenges are local small businesses facing in 2011? From the lack of adequate financial resources and the impact of health care reform to low-cost marketing resources, we'll touch on the issues facing small business owners nowadays. And, we'll offer some pointers for local small businesses.

Two small businesses have not only weathered the recession well but have actually expanded to new locations.

Unemployment is twice as high for veterans compared to the average Californian. The state's unemployment rate is 12.4 percent, but young vets have it worse with one out of four out of work. Many have turned to business, and others are trying to figure out their options. We talk about the reasons why vets struggle to find work, and the programs out there that can help them find jobs or start businesses.

San Diego leads the state in green jobs for which local colleges now offer training.

Like wireless and biotech, cleantech is now an emerging hub in San Diego. The city is at the center of research focused on developing algae as a biofuel. We take a look at how the local industry has fared, where the green jobs are and how much progress has been made with algae.

What's the outlook for the local construction industry in 2011? We review the key issues for the new year, and discuss which segments of the local construction industry might experience an uptick.