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Thinking of diving into retail? To ensure a smooth entry, take advantage of the articles highlighted in this post. They provide guidance and will help you find answers to the many questions and decisions you're bound to face. 1. Understand Your Industry It is important to understand the retail industry before starting your business. In a previous Business.gov article, How to Start a Retail Business: A Step-by-Step Guide, you can find information about: Determining the type of business model Finding the right Location Finance your...
by sarahmillican, Community Moderator on Tuesday, November 23, 2010 - 19:59
Small businesses are crucial to our natio;s economic recovery and essential to a strong economy. Recognizing a small business owne-s energy is best spent creating jobs and fostering consumer spending, Congress passed the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act of 1996 (SBREFA) to create a more cooperative regulatory environment between agencies and small businesses. To ensure the voice of small business owners is heard, the SBREFA created the Office of the National Ombudsman (ONO) within the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA...
by JimD, Former Moderator on Tuesday, November 16, 2010 - 07:16
Have you ever felt that you are a little fish in an ocean of big businesses and other small businesses? Regulations pass in Washington and you do not know how they are going to affect your business. There is a way for you to get information you need, though - the Small Business Administratio;s (SBA) Office of Advocacy represents the views of small businesses to the federal government. What is the Office of Advocacy? Created by Congress in 1976, the Office of Advocacy was created as an independent office within the SBA to inform...
by NicoleD, Former Moderator on Thursday, November 11, 2010 - 09:56
There are a number of programs and services from the government and non-profit organizations specifically designed to help veterans start and grow their businesses. General Information Guides To get started, first read through the Veteran-Owned Business Guide, where you'll find information for veterans looking to start and finance their business, as well as information on government contracting opportunities. Additionally, the brief article-From Military Service to Entrepreneur- Tools for the Veteran-Owned Small Business Registering As...
by NicoleD, Former Moderator on Tuesday, November 9, 2010 - 13:44
Last year, SB;s HUBZone program received over 5,000 applications from small businesses hoping to gain priority in federal contracting opportunities. The program has recently streamlined processes to minimize waiting periods for new applicants and taken more action to reduce fraud. About the HUBZone Program Many government agencies require that a percentage of procurements are-set asid- for small or under-represented businesses, including 8(a), veteran- or woman-owned business designations. Holding one of these designations can provide a...
by JamieD, Former Moderator on Friday, November 5, 2010 - 06:27
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: What is an operating agreement? An operating agreement is one of the most important documents used by LLCs because it structures the business' financial and functional decisions. The purpose...
by sarahmillican, Community Moderator on Tuesday, November 2, 2010 - 10:05
If you have a great business idea, you may want to keep it to yourself until yo;ve had a chance to learn a little about intellectual property laws. To learn how to protect your idea or invention, take a look at the resources below. Whether yo-re looking to protect a trade name or trademark, or wanting to obtain a patent or copyright, this sampling provides the information yo-ll need to get started. Patents and Copyrights Protect Your Invention or Product' Patents, Trademarks, and Copyright: According to the U.S. Patent and Trademark Offic...
by NicoleD, Former Moderator on Friday, October 29, 2010 - 13:43
Many young people find that they have the determination, time, and resources to start a business before their 18th birthday. Young entrepreneurs face the same opportunities and challenges that their adult counterparts do, but there are also some legal considerations that apply specifically to this group of budding businesspeople. For commonly asked questions about starting a business as a minor, read on. Can a minor sign a contract? Technically, yes, a minor can sign a contract, but because minors are not considered to have...
by sarahmillican, Community Moderator on Thursday, October 28, 2010 - 04:52
Thinking about opening a pet store? According to the Human Society, 39% of US households own at least one dog and 33% own at least one cat, so you might be onto something. But where do you begin? The following questions and answers may help you decide whether to take the plunge and open your own pet shop. How do I know if ;m ready to open my own pet shop? One of the best ways to understand what it takes to open your own pet shop is to spend time working or volunteering in one. Check out a local shop in your neighborhood to familiarize...
by sarahmillican, Community Moderator on Wednesday, October 20, 2010 - 06:22
Getting sound nutritional information into the hands of consumers before they pick up their knife and fork is the recipe for healthy eating. Tha;s the thinking behind the United States Food and Drug Administratio-s (FDA) recent guidance to food providers. Since the 1980s, research shows a dramatic decline in American- daily physical activity. Lack of activity, combined with increased calories in our food supply and consumer consumption choices have made obesity one of Americ's top health crises. The FDA is offering food providers an...
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by sarahmillican, Community Moderator on Wednesday, December 1, 2010 - 08:51