The dramatic increase in the number of people living past retirement age presents new challenges for families that are unable to provide relative-to-relative care. However, for entrepreneurs, this presents an opportunity to address a growing businesses market. Read on for a summary of popular senior care businesses and the steps you must take to start up in this industry. Read more...

Are you thinking about starting a resale consignment business? Read on for a quick overview of the consignment business and steps to take to start your own shop. Read more...

An essential aspect of running a business is verifying that your vendors and suppliers are up to par, since their standing can affect your operations and reputation. In Part One of the Researching a Company series, we provided a basic overview of options for researching another company. Here in part two, we’ve summed up additional resources you can use to find out more information about a business. Read more...

Most business owners dedicate countless hours of time and money to ensure that their business is in compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations - but what about the businesses you work with? An essential aspect of running a business is verifying that your vendors and suppliers are up to par, since their standings can affect your operations and reputation. Read more...

All businesses must comply with federal, state, and local requirements to legally operate in the United States. While these compliance requirements can protect your business name, you may want to take further steps to safeguard your business name, especially if you do business nationally or internationally. Read on to learn more about different types of business names and how to protect them locally, nationally, and internationally. Read more...

Most foreign-owned companies expand their business in the USA by establishing a branch office or an online presence. Both processes are very similar to starting a new business as any American citizen would, except there are a few extra steps during registration and some special tax regulations. For foreign companies expanding their businesses in the USA, read on to learn more about conducting market research, opening branch offices, establishing an online presence, and staying compliant with laws. Read more...

Regardless of industry, almost all businesses with employees have some form of a dress code policy. When creating a dress code policy for your business, apply your policy equally to all employees. Unfair dress code policies are considered discriminatory and can be grounds for a lawsuit. Read more...

Most businesses need an Employer Identification Number (EIN), also known as a Federal Tax Identification Number, from the IRS. If you misplaced your EIN, need to establish an EIN, or want to look up another business's EIN, read this guide for fast answers to your EIN questions. Read more...

There are important legal considerations to keep in mind when buying a business. Read this guide to understand what you can expect, and what to look out for when you’re in the market to purchase an existing business. Read more...

Layaway plans typically require customers to pay a deposit, generally a percentage of the total price for an item, and make additional payments until the total cost is covered. Retailers agree to hold the item for the customer until the payment plan is complete, at which point they can take home their purchase. Read more...

Most former inmates believe that because of their status, they will not be allowed or able to find employment or start their own business. Fortunately, there are resources and opportunities available to assist former inmates in reentering the workforce. Check out this quick guide for more information. Read more...

Starting up as a self-employed business owner is not much different from starting any business - but there are a few important tax and benefit implications that apply to the self-employed. Learn more about when you're considered "self-employed," how to preserve your self-employed status, and other resources for this fast-growing business type. Read more...

Most private employers have rights when it comes to testing for illegal substances in the workplace. Although employee drug testing is generally not required by law, if you choose to exercise your testing rights, you must comply with federal and state regulations that outline your responsibilities. Read more...

The Department of Labor's Employment Law Guide was recently updated to address new- but important - changes in labor policy. Read more...

In the world of online business, privacy policies are a must. The increased frequency of identity theft, online fraud, and spamming all heighten customer insecurities when shopping online. A good privacy policy can be instrumental for business owners attempting to ease customer concerns and solidify their reputation as a trusted online retailer. Read more...

In a tough economy, small businesses need to get creative in order to stretch marketing dollars. Contents, sweepstakes, and giveaways are a popular methods, but there are several consumer protection rules that you should familiarize yourself with before you begin any promotions. Read more...

The OSHA Small Business Handbook was created to help small business employers understand occupational health and safety laws. The guide was recently revised to incorporate feedback from small businesses, including self-inspection checklists. Read more...

While it may seem appealing to stretch the meaning of "American-made," the Federal Trade Commission holds the power to enforce laws against businesses that make false or misleading claims about a product's U.S origin. Read more...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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

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...