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, […]
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 […]
Legal Considerations for Social Media Influencers
As a business owner, you may be considering leveraging social media to enhance your business’s engagement and reach. One way to do this is to employ the use of social media influencers. Social media influencers are individuals who have amassed large followings of people on various social media sites who trust their opinions on a […]
Should I Buy a Franchise?
When starting a business, entrepreneurs typically have two options: they can either build a new business or purchase an existing business. Buying an existing business can offer the advantages of name recognition and a proven business model. The advantages can be even greater if the business is a franchise with hundreds or even thousands of […]
Should I Buy a Franchise?
When starting a business, entrepreneurs typically have two options: they can either build a new business or purchase an existing business. Buying an existing business can offer the advantages of name recognition and a proven business model. The advantages can be even greater if the business is a franchise with hundreds or even thousands of […]
Working with an Accountant
Few dates evoke more trepidation among small business owners than tax day. But even after they have filed their tax return, they may not breathe a sigh of relief if they have concerns about getting audited. The April tax deadline is not the only important fiscal date for small businesses. Many people who own businesses […]
Essential Parts of Every Contract
Contracts are the foundation of modern business relationships. Contract law as we know it today originated in English common law, but contracts have been around since ancient times. Many of the earliest examples of contracts in history have the same characteristics—such as offer, acceptance, and consideration—that we currently recognize as elements of a legally binding […]