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Unfortunately the answer to this question is not always a simple yes or no. In most cases, the answer likely depends on several factors, most importantly, your business structure. The descriptions of the structures below will help you understand who is able to make the financial decisions within your company, including how to spend business profits. Keep in mind, the following information is provided to assist and is not intended to be legal definitions, so before catching the next flight to Tahiti with your business profits,...
by sarahmillican, Community Moderator on Wednesday, January 12, 2011 - 09:14
Effectively hiring and managing employees is essential for business success. Before you decide to expand your business, be sure to understand your responsibilities as an employer. The resources below will help get you started on what you need to know before you hire your first employee and how to successfully work with them once the;re on board. Hiring So yo-re ready to hire new employees? Congratulations! First, yo-ll need to be sure of the basic legal regulations and practical steps yo'll need to take to ensure effective hiring decisions...
by sarahmillican, Community Moderator on Friday, January 7, 2011 - 10:57
Firing an employee can be an unpleasant task for any business owner, especially if that individual is ill. But keeping an employee on the payroll that is incapable of performing their job responsibilities is harmful to a business as a whole - particularly for small businesses, where one person's employment costs make up a large percentage of the companies revenue. Unlawful dismissal or disability discrimination can quickly become a costly and time consuming predicament for a small business owner. Before firing an employee, employers should...
by NicoleD, Former Moderator on Tuesday, December 28, 2010 - 10:37
Customer testimonials are a powerful marketing tool for many small businesses. Be sure that you are acting within the law when using customer testimonials in your marketing. Read on for helpful tips and a breakdown of endorsement regulations. Legal Guidance Be sure that your customer testimonials meet fair marketing standards. Get written permission. Have your customer sign a written agreement that specifies what content you will be using and how you will be using it. This is particularly important if you want to use photos or...
by sarahmillican, Community Moderator on Tuesday, December 21, 2010 - 11:51
According to the USDA's 2009 report, Emerging Issues in the U.S. Organic Industry If yo-re thinking of entering the organic food business, the following article will give you a better understanding of what it means for a product to be'organi' and the standards of shipping, handling, and labeling or organic products. What does'organic' mean? The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) defines 'organic' as a labeling term that denotes products produced under the authority of the Organic Foods...
by NicoleD, Former Moderator on Tuesday, December 14, 2010 - 08:00
Small businesses facing poor financial conditions may have to consider drastic employment decisions including layoffs and benefit reductions. If your business faces these decisions, the following article will help you understand your legal rights and obligations concerning employment law. Layoffs, Furloughs, and Reducing Employee Hours Layoffs: If your business is considering layoffs, familiarize yourself with the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act (WARN), which requires employers with 100 or more employees (generally not...
by NicoleD, Former Moderator on Thursday, December 9, 2010 - 06:36
Most small businesses owners choose to start their business where i;s convenient- on their home turf, in the state where they live. But what if your business activities are-t so straightforward? What if have customers in other states, sell online, or have a business partner or employee that lives across the country? Doing business in multiple states can be rewarding' but it can also be challenging if you do't have a grasp on the regulations that affect your business activities. This guide outlines some of the frequently asked questions...
by sarahmillican, Community Moderator on Tuesday, December 7, 2010 - 11:59
Since taking office President Obama has initiated a number of laws impacting the healthcare system in America and the responsibilities of employers to employees. This article focuses on the Children's Health Insurance Program Reauthorization Act (CHIPRA), a law aiming to improve access to health care for children across the country, signed into effect by President Obama on April 1, 2009. CHIPRA requires businesses to inform employees of health care assistance opportunities that are available in their state. Read on to understand your...
by sarahmillican, Community Moderator on Wednesday, December 1, 2010 - 08:51
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...
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by sarahmillican, Community Moderator on Tuesday, January 18, 2011 - 22:28