Money

We have to become more financially literate. Seriously, not to be dramatic, but our financial future as well as Uncle Sam’s position in the international economic pecking order really do depend on it.

Three Massachusetts construction companies have been cited more than $155,000 in restitution and penalties for failing to pay the proper prevailing wage rate for work performed on public works projects and for other violations of state wage laws, Attorney General Maura Healey announced today.

Amy Domini is the queen of ethical investing, part of a founding generation of investment professionals who have redefined the face of finance. No longer considered marginal or “niche,” the idea of an environmental, social, and governance (ESG) impact of investments has its roots in the early 1970s. ESG integration by money managers has exploded in the last few years, and now comprises $4.74 trillion in U.S. domiciled assets, according to the latest trends report issued by the US SIF Foundation.

As the benefits of an inclusive economy become evident — the research shows that greater diversity generates better thinking, innovation and competitive performance — you’d think there would be greater levels of participation by women and people of color in business. But you’d be wrong.

The Boston Office of Women’s Advancement and the recently revitalized Boston Women’s Commission have a broad mission aimed at improving the lives of women and girls throughout the city, starting with pay equality.

2020 Women on Boards, a national nonprofit advocacy group, blazes a trail for gender equality on corporate boards.

Organizations in the Boston area are ramping up efforts to help women-owned businesses expand past $1 million in annual revenues.

The U.S. Department of Commerce Minority Business Development Agency is targeting minority business owners and offering a boost to their bottom line by taking part in the National Minority Enterprise Development Week Conference 2014.

On June 17, the Office of Advocacy, an independent office within the U.S. Small Business Administration, released a report entitled “Small Business Profiles for the States and Territories,” an annual analysis of each state’s small businesses.

Crowdfunding has become a powerful force in investing. According to Forbes, annual revenue for global crowdfunding reached $6 billion in 2013 across more than 1,500 platforms.

The first questions for any new business, Internet-based or not, remains the same. Do you need money and how much? What is your level of commitment to the future of the company? What other responsibilities and expenses do you have in your life? The type of funding (and if you need funding) depends on your finances, the stage and capital needs of your business and its growth goals.

The Commonwealth is a rich source of revenue for certified businesses. Last fiscal year, certified businesses received more than $1 billion in sales from the state.