What Is Due Diligence When Buying a Business?
Due diligence is the process of obtaining and verifying information about a company or person in preparation for a business transaction, such as an acquisition, merger, or potential new business partner. Generally, due diligence provides information about the company being considered for purchase and its operations, with an eye toward risks that could cause future […]
The Annual Meeting: What Every Corporation (and Many Limited Liability Corporations) Should Know
All registered corporations are required by law to hold an annual meeting. Limited liability companies (LLCs), although not subject to the same statutory requirement, may hold regular meetings in accordance with their governing documents. What Is the Purpose of a Corporation’s Annual Meeting? In the United States, all corporations must hold an annual shareholder meeting […]
Revamping Your Business Model
Good business ideas have a simple elegance that can spur entrepreneurs to ask themselves, Why didn’t I think of that? Or maybe they did have a good idea but lacked the foresight to turn it into an effective business model. Inspiration alone is not enough to succeed in business. Ideas must be accompanied by strategic […]
Changing Your Business’s Legal Structure
Over time, your business can undergo significant changes. What may have started as a humble, one-person operation can grow into a more complex company, with multiple owners, employees, an evolving mission statement, and increasing risks. As the scope and goals of your business shift, an accompanying change in business structure might be warranted. There are […]
Changing Your Business’s Legal Structure
Over time, your business can undergo significant changes. What may have started as a humble, one-person operation can grow into a more complex company, with multiple owners, employees, an evolving mission statement, and increasing risks. As the scope and goals of your business shift, an accompanying change in business structure might be warranted. There are […]
Business Licenses and Permits: What You Need to Know to Start Your Business
Small business owners are no strangers to government regulations. There are many requirements that businesses must be aware of and comply with, including business license and permit rules. Most businesses must obtain licenses or permits, so it is important for each business to know which ones it needs. Business operations are regulated at the federal, […]
Understanding Your Business Liabilities and Assets
Assets, liabilities, and equity are accounting terms that every small business owner should be familiar with. They are included on a business’s balance sheet, providing a snapshot of financial health. A balance sheet shows a company’s assets and liabilities at a given time and how money is flowing in and out of the business. This […]
How to Offer Group Health Insurance in Your Business
Small businesses with fewer than 50 employees are not legally required to offer health insurance to employees, but health coverage is one of the most desirable job benefits. Approximately two-thirds of business owners provide health insurance as a way to hire and retain the best workers. Whether employer-sponsored health insurance is required by law or […]
Protecting Your Business Reputation: What Is Trade Libel?
The popular adage says, “sticks and stones may break my bones, but words can never hurt me.” For small businesses, this saying could not be further from the truth. The negative words and opinions of the public can have severe implications for a company’s reputation, financial profitability, and long-term success. This is especially true with […]
Using ChatGPT: Benefits and Risks for Businesses
No technology in recent memory has generated more hype, both positive and negative, than ChatGPT. ChatGPT is probably the most well-known of many generative artificial intelligence (AI) applications and tools that are currently available. There are many tasks that it can help to automate, optimize, and make more efficient. But it also has limitations and […]