The online marketplace Etsy has gone from a niche craft seller to one of the largest commerce companies in the world. Etsy has millions of active sellers worldwide, most of whom are based in the United States. Many Etsy sellers rely on the site as a primary or secondary income stream. Collectively, they contribute billions of dollars per year to …
Ask Cari: How to End Your LLC
When you started your limited liability company (LLC), the last thing you probably had on your mind was ending it. Many LLCs are created for specific purposes, however, and when that purpose has been served, its members may think about winding up the company. LLCs may also terminate due to member retirement, conflict, or death; state administrative or judicial orders; …
What Every Business Owner Should Know about Cash Flow Statements
Cash flow measures how much cash is flowing in and out of a business. A positive cash flow is one of the strongest determinants of a business’s success. It shows that a company can fund its debts and pay for immediate needs such as equipment and staffing, and also that it has enough money in reserve to invest or survive …
Releasing Liability: What You Should Know Before Your Business Uses a Release of Liability
Some activities are inherently risky. Visitors of certain types of businesses such as ski resorts, gyms, and amusement parks know there is a chance they could get injured when they engage in the activities those businesses offer. To protect themselves against potentially costly lawsuits, businesses can use a liability waiver to shift the risk from themselves to their customers. Liability …
Legal Considerations As You Ramp Up Your Cybersecurity
The internet has been a game changer for small businesses, allowing them to reach new markets, hire nonlocal talent, and compete with larger companies. Not having an online presence where customers can discover and interact with your business is now almost unthinkable. You may also have remote team members and vendor partners that are vital to your success. But the …
Safeguard Your Brand: Why Small Business Owners in NYC Should Consider Trademark Protection
In the bustling and competitive landscape of New York City, small business owners and entrepreneurs face numerous challenges. Building a unique brand that stands out in the crowd is no easy task, but it is essential for success. One powerful tool that can help safeguard your brand identity is securing a trademark. Whether it’s a word mark or a design …
Considerations before Becoming a Minority Owner
Becoming a minority owner in a business can give you the opportunity to help a business grow and share in its success without the management responsibilities. Minority owners may be brought in to facilitate growth, perform acquisitions, or achieve other strategic goals and often provide valuable expertise in addition to the capital investment they make in the business. However, because …
How to Handle an Employee’s Injury on the Job
On-the-job injuries are an unfortunate reality for many employers. Every year, millions of employees suffer injuries and illnesses in the workplace. While some industries have a higher risk of harm than others, you can expect to deal with an injured worker at some point, even if your team works from the relative safety of an office. Employers have legal responsibilities …
How to Keep Your LLC in Good Standing
Starting a limited liability company (LLC) takes a lot of work. Before you serve your first customer or fulfill your first order, it is important to complete the initial business formation process. Although starting a business is a significant achievement, small business owners cannot coast on past accomplishments. You must look to the future and the next steps. This includes …
A Partnership Without a Partnership Agreement: The Default Rules
Forming a partnership in Illinois is exceedingly simple; that is the main draw of this kind of business organization. There are typically no formalities required; rather, a partnership is presumed whenever two or more parties come together in business with an implied or express agreement to share the profits that the business generates. Unlike other business formations, such as LLCs …
Name, Image, and Likeness: How to Protect Your Right to You
Creating a personal brand can be a way to establish an authentic image and stand out from the crowd. For most people, personal branding is a communications strategy rather than a career path. A carefully cultivated personal brand lets people know at a glance who we are, what we stand for, and the value we provide. But for anyone with …