More and more, transactions between small businesses and their customers, vendors, and service providers occur online rather than on paper. Yet some feel uneasy about the enforceability of these electronically-signed documents. Is an electronic signature as valid as a conventional handwritten signature? Under state and federal law, e-signatures are recognized as valid and enforceable: Most states have adopted the Uniform …
Almost everyone wants to be the good guy. Engaging your business in the local community through volunteerism and charitable giving can have a positive impact both on your business and in your community. The more public-facing your business is and the larger your staff grows, the more opportunities your business will have to be the good guy as employees and …
Securities law is a complex minefield that terrifies even the most seasoned lawyers. As a small business owner, it is your responsibility to make sure you’re complying with all the securities laws, both federal and state, that may apply to your business. Most people think that only corporate stock qualifies as securities, but did you know that LLC ownership interests …
If you’re thinking of starting a business (or already have a business in the works), make sure that the name you use is not already taken. Original names are essential for three reasons: marketing power, clarity, and trademark infringement avoidance. For example, if you’ve decided to open a coffee shop, it’s fairly easy to determine that the name “Starbucks” is …
Starting a new business can seem overwhelming – especially when you’re doing it alone. Creating a business plan will allow you to refine incomplete ideas, address areas you may have not yet considered, create a map so you know what to do next, and increase credibility for bank loans or investor funding. While you may think you’ve got your business …
Illinois does not require employers to provide sick day benefits to its employees, either paid or unpaid. However, Illinois, of course, is subject to the Family and Medical Leave Act-a federal law. In Cook County and Chicago, effective July 1, 2017, there is a sick leave “ordinance” that goes into effect 180 days after employment begins. This must be posted …
[slideshare id=90556988&doc=businessentities-180313203829] I’m looking forward to speaking on Friday at the Women in Ag Conference in Rock Island, Illinois on choices of business entities. The above presentation gives a nice overview of various choices in Illinois including sole proprietorships, partnerships (general and limited), corporations, limited liability companies, etc.
There are several food and agriculture businesses that are a sole proprietorship or general partnership that operate as a DBA. For example, my own cattle business is really Cari Rincker d/b/a Rincker Cattle Co. My parents’ cattle operation is Curt & Pam Rincker d/b/a Rincker Simmentals. DBA’s are ubiquitous in the food and agriculture industry. However, have you cross your …