Revenue from local businesses was particularly strong in the fourth quarter: local business Pages that advertise on Facebook nearly doubled since the beginning of 2012, fueled by Promoted Posts, which makes it easier for businesses to create and purchase ads directly from their Facebook Page.

FORBES: By The Numbers: Everything You Want To Know About How Facebook Ads Fared In Q4

It could be a new way to get customers, a new way to advertise on the web, a smart method for raising money for your business, a clever technique for buying a business on the cheap.

FORBES: The Quickest Way to Business Wealth: Learn From Experts.

"I don't need to advertise, " says Tikva Burkis, who runs a similar home business in the town of Lod.

WSJ: Citizenship via Grandparents

Instead of just approaching potential sponsors with his list of racing awards, he now comes to them with a business plan--counting the hours of TV coverage in Europe and how much it would cost to advertise in such channels, for example, to show potential clients that an investment in his brand would be a wise move.

WSJ: Racing to a Goal -- on Track and Off