For that reason, each week I'm creating a "Need to Know Fridays" series where I'll pull out the most interesting, inspiring, and important posts of the week for small businesses and put them into a short post that's easy to digest and navigate.

One of the things that is most difficult for small business owners is to keep track of what's going on around the country that could potentially affect them. Be it legislation that's pending or being argued to help small businesses, inspiring stories about success and how it can apply to them, or the latest tools and tricks that can help small businesses succeed, it's never easy to find.

Cash mobs' descend on small businesses - This is a new phenomenon in various cities across the country. Put simply, organized groups are flocking to small businesses to spend money to support the local economy and create a greater sense of community. Modeled after "flash mobs" which became popular with everything from dance routines to protests, this group is focused on spending and raising awareness for small businesses.

Senate passes small business bill: Despite hitting some early snags, legislation to reduce red tape and regulations when it comes to raising start up capital has passed the Senate. The legislation actually includes six smaller bills that were aimed at changing SEC rules which adversely effected small businesses ability to get investors and take companies public because of increased red tape and regulation. President Obama supports the measure.

Rising fuel costs are burning small businesses: According to a recent study conducted by the Small Business & Entrepreneurship Council, 72% of small businesses are feeling pain because of high gas prices. Small businesses are cutting employee hours or raising prices to keep up with the affects of rising gasoline costs as well.

Small business owners have no clue how to retire: Are you as a small business owner saving for retirement? If the answer is no, you're not alone as a recent survey has found that the majority of small business owners are "clueless" about retirement. The "Small Business Owners are Unprepared for Retirement" survey from the American College found that in addition to not having pensions or 401(k) plans, an additional one-third of small business owners have failed to estimate how much it will actually cost them to retire.

How to take a vacation from your small business: A recent story in the San Francisco Chronicle takes a closer look at how small businesses can and should take a break from their business while ensuring that it still continues to operate at a high level. Having a well built infrastructure as well as outsourcing can be ways in which a small business can take a step back and enjoy life outside the business. It seems that too many small business owners aren't

Check back every Friday for more "Need to Know" stories around small business topics.