On July 24, federal minimum wage will be going up 70¢. While larger national chains may not have to worry, smaller businesses have to keep on their toes.

Almost Heaven Desserts and Coffee Bar owner Jim Simon says he's prepared for the change now. He says additional productivity is key to keeping costs down.

The Federal Government increased this pay from $5.15, to $5.85 in 2007, to $6.55 in 2008, to the final $7.25 by July 24, 2009. The increase is designed to help offset rising costs of commodities and energy another asset that's putting businesses against the wall. These increases also affect teens who are looking for new jobs. As more money is added to paychecks, the number of opportunities for kids to find jobs dwindles.

In West Virginia, state minimum wage is currently $7.25. That went into affect July 1.