A business grant is a form of financial assistance given to a company by a government agency or private organization for a specific purpose. Grants, unlike loans, do not need to be paid back. Despite this benefit, finding a grant that your business qualifies for and submitting a complete application can be challenging. However, if your business could benefit from …
It has been a tough couple of years for many small businesses, but, as the adage goes, what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger. Small businesses that survived the challenges of 2020 and 2021—the worst pandemic in US history, a nationwide labor shortage, supply chain volatility, and rising inflation—are heading into 2022 with fresh hope. According to a new survey …
Summer is a popular time for businesses to hire temporary workers. Restaurants, golf clubs, resorts, amusement parks, and other warm-weather entertainment destinations depend on the summer months to boost their bottom line for the entire year. Despite the current labor shortage in some areas, this summer is expected to see a hot labor market as people emerge from pandemic lockdowns …
In today’s competitive job market, giving gifts and other fringe benefits to employees can be an effective way for employers to show appreciation. But generous employers should understand that most gifts and bonuses—even small ones—have tax implications. Employee gifts must be taxed and included on year-end tax forms unless they qualify as de minimis benefits, are presented as achievement awards, …
Corporations are required to have a board of directors, which is selected by the shareholders. The board of directors helps govern the corporation, provides advice and counsel, conducts high-level management, elects officers, votes on key decisions, and protects shareholders’ interests. Corporate directors’ service on the board may be subject to term limits, however, a director may decide to resign from …
There are many misconceptions and assumptions regarding the use and effectiveness of noncompete agreements. This is not too surprising considering that judicial enforcement of these agreements is very fact-intensive and situation-specific. There are no bright-line rules to help business owners determine whether a noncompete agreement will be enforceable, so it can be challenging to craft one that will provide maximum …
The limited liability company (LLC) is one of the most commonly used business entity types. For many businesses, forming an LLC provides significant benefits, including flexible ownership arrangements and governance, as well as strategic tax planning. However, as a business develops, it sometimes becomes necessary to consider whether the way the entity is organized best facilitates the company’s future growth. …
If you are in the process of starting a corporation, there are many important legal documents you must create and abide by to comply with your state’s laws and ensure that the corporation will operate efficiently. Corporate bylaws are one of the most critical documents to have in place. Bylaws lay the corporation’s foundations and include important information that your …
Where do you find a good plumber? Who can recommend a good Italian restaurant? Who is the best divorce attorney in town? Sometimes these answers are found by asking family, friends, and neighbors, but many people find answers to these questions on social media and review sites such as Google, Yelp, Amazon, Facebook, and TripAdvisor. Customer reviews and testimonials are …
A business owner may relocate a business to another state for a variety of reasons, including increased real estate costs, property taxes, business taxes, or business regulations in the old location; changes in the target market; or even personal or family reasons. Relocating your residence from one state to another requires that you complete several tasks, such as changing your …
Every business should have a proper legal structure and bylaws or an operating agreement that sets forth the rights and responsibilities of its owners or members. While the partnership or corporation structure is better suited to some businesses, limited liability companies (LLCs) have become one of the most popular business structures over the past few decades. The LLC structure provides …
If you are a business owner, you probably worry about your bottom line, employee retention, and health insurance premiums, but have you also considered what will happen to your business if you are in an accident? What if your business partner gets divorced and your partner’s ex-spouse is awarded part ownership of the business and wants to make decisions affecting …