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An aspiring entrepreneur recently asked why he couldn't get a straight answer to the simple question, 'Do I need a license to open an online business?' He consulted other several websites and message boards. Some said yes, some said no. Why couldn't our friend get a straight answer? Because the correct answer to almost all business questions is 'it depends.' For example, whether or not a business license is needed depends on where the business is located, the type of business, and the specific activities in which the...
There is no federal law that directly prohibits employment discrimination based on a criminal record, but the U.S. Equal EmploymentOpportunity Commission (EEOC) and some courts have ruled that discrimination based on a criminal record can be a form of race discrimination, and a violation of Title VII of the Civil RightsAct of 1964. The EEOC states that nationally, some racial groups are convicted in numbers which are disproportionate to other groups, and barring people from employment based on their conviction records will...
Employers with 15 or more employees are required to comply with the Pregnancy Discrimination Act, an amendment to Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Title VII states that discrimination on the basis of pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions is a form of sexual discrimination. Below is guidance for employers on how to navigate the law and avoid potential discrimination lawsuits. Offering Leave: The Basics Employers cannot force pregnant employees to take maternity leave. Pregnant employees must be permitted to work...
My college applications could really use more work experience. My summer vacation fund is way too low- I need more cash! That summer internship would definitely help prepare me for business school. 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...
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 "robo calls," are prohibited unless a telemarketer has written permission from consumers indicating they are willing to receive such calls. After September 1, sellers and telemarketers who violate therule will face penalties of up to $16,000 per call. Consumers may file complaints with the FTC, which are entered...
As they say all good things must come to an end; maybe you'd like to retire or maybe it's time to pass the family business to the next generation. 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. Business owners have several options when it comes to transferring ownership rights. Be sure to consider all your options before making any decisions. An Outright Sale Liz owns a local clothing boutique but it has not preformed the way she...
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. For even more topics, head over to the Business Data and Statistics guide on Business.gov. Economic Statistics For a quick glance at small business statistics, start out with the Small Business Statistics and Research FAQs for information on how many...
Never underestimate the importance of keeping good records. No matter how successful your business is, failing to properly document operations can entangle you in a web of legal problems. For a better understanding of what records your business should keep, check out the recently published blog from the Loans and Grants Advisor, Bookkeeping Basics for Small Business. Once you are efficiently and effectively maintaining good recordkeeping practices, a larger question remains- how long should you keep those records for? The appropriate...
Choosing and maintaining a good business name can have a significant effect on the success of your business. Coming up with a unique name is only half the battle. Who wants to spend all their creative energy on a name just to have it taken away? Unfortunately, if you don't take appropriate measure to protect your business name that's exactly what can happen. We previously blogged about Changing a Business Name, but it's important to know what measures you can take to ensure that all name changes are voluntary. Register as...
What constitutes copyright infringement? Copyright.gov defines copyright infringement as '...when a copyrighted work is reproduced, distributed, performed, publicly displayed, or made into a derivative work without the permission of the copyright owner.' Copyright law offers some exemptions from infringement liability for select authorized uses, but as a rule anyone who engages in the following activities without obtaining the copyright owner's permission may be liable for infringement: Reproducing the work in copies Preparing derivative...
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by BobK, Community Administrator on Wednesday, September 23, 2009 - 13:21