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New Export Resource Features Industry- and Region-Specific Opportunities

11-19-2009 11:30 AM

For small businesses, exporting can pave a path of expansion and growth. Starting up may seem daunting, but with the rise of the Internet and enhanced trade rules it is now easier than ever to become a successful seller abroad. A new Export Program Guide offers support and assistance for new exporters, or those thinking of their overseas operations. Read more...

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Small Business Insurance: Protect Your Business with the Proper Coverage

11-16-2009 03:53 PM

For almost every risk your business faces, there is an insurance policy that will cover it. But what's required and what isn't? Check out this quick guide for a better understanding of business insurance requirements. Read more...

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Resolving Business Conflicts – Options Beyond the Court Room

11-12-2009 03:42 PM

Heading to court to resolve business conflicts can be costly, time consuming, and even damage your business’s reputation. If you’re facing disputes with an employee, customer, vendor, or partner, you have conflict resolution options beyond litigation. Read more...

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What’s Cooking? Food Preparation Options for Home-Based Food Businesses

11-09-2009 01:54 PM

If you're starting a food-based home business, you have several options when it comes to the food preparations. Check out this quick guide to help you navigate the laws on commercial kitchens, co-packing arrangements, and home kitchen conversions. Read more...

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The Truth Behind Unpaid Internships

11-05-2009 12:25 PM

Unpaid internships are not illegal, but there are very strict guidelines that employers must adhere to. Even if a student worker receives academic credit for an internship, it does not mean that can they work for free. Read on to learn when an internship can be unpaid and how to stay within the law when employing student workers. Read more...

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Business Visas 101: Temporary and Permanent Business Travel

11-02-2009 01:19 PM

Many small businesses chose to operate with foreign partners, investors, or workers in some capacity. Before you start booking plane tickets there are travel and immigration laws that you must consider. Any non-U.S. citizen or resident who wishes to legally participate in business related activities in the United States will require a visa - a document attached to a passport that gives permission to apply to enter the United States. Read more...

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Hurt on the Job: An Employer's Action Plan for Workplace Injuries

10-29-2009 02:41 PM

As an employer, you have a responsibility to maintain a safe work environment, but accidents can happen even in the safest of workplaces. If one of your employees becomes injured on the job, do you have a plan? Read more...

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How to Avoid a Bad Business Partnership – And Your Options if You Find Yourself in One

10-26-2009 03:28 PM

A business partnership is like a marriage - it takes a lot of hard work to keep it together, but if done correctly, can be very rewarding. Follow this quick guide for tips on how to keep your partnership healthy and what your options are if things take a turn for the worse. Read more...

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Can a Homeowners' Association Ban Your Home-Based Business?

10-22-2009 01:39 PM

If you live in a planned residential neighborhood or complex, your business activities may be restricted to your Homeowners' Association (HOA) Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions (CC&R) rules. CC&Rs are designed to protect the community’s collective property value by prohibiting undesirable activities. Common CC&R rules enforce particular paint colors, landscaping arrangements, or ban the installation of satellite devices – but they can also have a serious impact on your home-based business. Read more...

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Should Your Small Business Go Public? Consider the Benefits and Risks of Becoming a Publicly Traded Company

10-19-2009 01:39 PM

Are you thinking of taking your business public? Before you decide to attempt the transition, check out this quick guide to understand the who, what, where, when, and why of going public. Read more...

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What is Considered a "Tipped Employee"? Guidelines on Tip Credits, Pools, Service Charges and More

10-15-2009 12:53 PM

Pay practices and resources for employers of tipped workers. Read more...

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All About Domain Names

10-12-2009 06:10 PM

Online businesses have become extremely popular in that last few years. While many steps of starting an online business are the same as those for a traditional business, several additional requirements are necessary to create your website. To understand the basics of starting your website, you must understand what a domain name is, how to select one, and how to register it. Read more...

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Bloggers and Social Media Users Must Disclose Freebies, Comps, and Paid Endorsements Under New FTC Rules

10-08-2009 02:58 PM

The FTC announced new advertising guidance on product endorsements in blog posts, chat rooms and other social media web sites, and message boards. Read on to find out what the new rules mean to you Read more...

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Consumer Credit Law: An Introduction to the Fair Credit Billing Act

10-05-2009 01:24 PM

It's a safe assumption that at some point your small business will have to rely on personal or business credit cards to operate. If you find an error on one of your account bills, it is important to know your rights as a consumer. The Fair Credit Billing Act exists in order to protect consumers from lasting damage as a result of possible credit account errors. Read more...

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Need a Lawyer? How to Find Legal Representation for Your Small Business

10-01-2009 05:48 PM

Whether you find yourself grappling with an employment issue, sparring with a business partner, or just need some guidance on filing the proper paperwork, you may need to turn to a small business lawyer. For some tips on how to find a good small business lawyer, read on… Read more...

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Before You Sign: Quick Tips for Understanding the Terms of a Commercial Lease

09-28-2009 12:05 PM

Small businesses often need to lease commercial space to operate - whether in a standalone brick-and-mortar store, a booth at a flea market, a floor in a commercial building, etc. Because most people feel comfortable renting residential property, they may not be aware of a few important factors to consider when leasing commercial property. Before you sign a commercial lease for your business, make sure you understand what you're getting yourself into. Read more...

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Employer's Guide to Discrimination: Fair Wages and The Equal Pay Act

09-24-2009 05:30 PM

The Equal Pay Act of 1963 was established to prevent gender-based wage discrimination. Today, we still hear statistics about this form of workplace discrimination, as women earn roughly three-quarters of their male counterparts' salaries. As an employer, are you practicing fair wage practices? Check out these frequently asked questions about compensation discrimination Read more...

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Starting a Business With Your Spouse

09-21-2009 05:02 PM

Starting a business with your spouse can be a convenient and cost effective business venture - or it can be a disastrous, money losing battle. Follow this quick guide to make sure you and your spouse are in compliance with the necessary requirements. Read more...

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Age Discrimination Act: FAQs for Small Business Owners

09-17-2009 12:14 PM

The ADEA makes it unlawful for an employer to discriminate against a worker on the basis of age. Use these fast facts to ensure that your business practices fair employment methods and find answers to commonly asked questions about age discrimination. Read more...

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Unions: Right-to-Work States vs. Non Right-to-Work States

09-14-2009 12:10 PM

Do you work in a right-to-work state? A better question may be whether or not you know what that actually means. Although state right-to-work laws affect small businesses throughout the country, many people still aren't sure what they are or how they are affected by them. Read more...

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Employer's Guide to Discrimination: Hiring and Managing Employees with Criminal Records

09-10-2009 04:30 PM

Fast facts for employers about background investigations, employment and discrimination laws Read more...

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Business Guide: Product Liability and Warranty Law

09-08-2009 03:28 PM

As consumers, we're constantly looking for a great deal - the best quality, what will last the longest, and for the best price. Business owners are constantly looking for proof that their products will meet all those needs. Warranties are one way to give consumers peace of mind that you are selling a quality product and stand by everything it promises to be. Read more...

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Employer's Guide to Discrimination: Pregnancy Discrimination

09-03-2009 07:50 PM

6,285 pregnancy-based discrimination charges were filed with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission in Fiscal Year 2008. As an employer, are you aware of your rights and responsibilities when hiring or firing pregnant workers or providing leave? To learn more about the facts, read on... Read more...

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Employing Young People in the Workforce

08-31-2009 12:26 PM

Each year June rolls around and millions of teenagers start looking for the perfect summer job. Before you know it, it's September and the search begins for a job that fits into your school schedule. Every year, small businesses play a major role in the employment young people in part-time jobs. It is important for them to understand and abide by the state and federal laws that govern youth employment. Read more...

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New Rule Bans Telemarketers/Sellers from Pre-Recording Calls to Consumers

08-27-2009 03:56 PM

Today, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) announced a new rule that prohibits telemarketers from making pre-recorded commercial calls to consumers. Effective September 1, 2009, pre-recorded calls, also known as ‘robocalls," are prohibited Read more...

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Operating Agreements – The Basics

08-24-2009 04:08 PM

Forming an LLC, or limited liability company, can be a very attractive option if you're looking for a business structure with increased personal protection and less formalities. Keep in mind that they do require some additional paperwork, including, an operating agreement. Here are the basics every LLC owner should know about operating agreements: Read more...

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Transferring Business Ownership

08-20-2009 02:29 PM

For one reason or another, many business owners will face a time when they need to transfer their ownership rights to another person or entity. Be sure to consider all your options before making any decisions. Read more...

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From Consumer Spending to Wage Data for your Business Type – Free Government Data at Your Fingertips

08-17-2009 04:04 PM

You don’t have to hire a team of researchers or subscribe to costly trade publications to access small business data and statistics. The government provides free access to numerous facts and figures. Here are just some of the popular resources to get you started. Read more...

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I Keep Good Records – But How Long Should I Keep Them For?

08-13-2009 03:15 PM

Once you are efficiently and effectively maintaining good recordkeeping practices, a larger questions remains - how long should you keep those records for? Read more...

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5 Things to Know About Hiring Independent Contractors

08-10-2009 10:47 PM

An independent contractor (also known as a consultant or freelancer) does not regularly work for an employer, but instead performs work on a temporary or as required basis, according to their employment contract. If you’re thinking of hiring an independent contractor here are some factors to consider Read more...

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