Okay, so your foray into small-business ownership didn't go well—or it went so well that you're ready to cash out on your hard work. That's fine; just make sure you do it the right way, so your past business problems don't follow you into your next business life.

Unless you're a former Enron executive, you'll want to think about your employees first. GotTrouble.com has a detailed primer about severance packages and post-employment health benefits tailored specifically to small businesses. It also skims the surface of the ins and outs of unemployment insurance. Since each state handles unemployment differently, however, the U.S. Department of Labor's Web site (www.dol.gov) may be a better bet. The DOL's guide to unemployment insurance provides links to each state's unemployment office as well as unemployment news and statistics.

Whether you sell the business or close it down, chances are your employees will want continued health benefits. The Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA) may be their lifeline—if your company has more than 20 employees. Cobrahealth.com is a site that helps individuals and small businesses sort through the red tape. If you're looking for a quick cheat sheet, look no farther than Uncle Sam. The DOL has a one-page summary of the Act (www.dol.gov/dol/pwba/public/pubs/cobrafs.htm).