Firing with Grace
Small business owners are accustomed to having grace under fire when it comes to running their business. But it is just as necessary that they demonstrate grace when firing an employee. Due to harsh economic conditions, some sectors of the American economy had to resort to layoffs in the first half of 2022, and there […]
Can I Provide Services Instead of Capital to a New LLC?
Small business owners put their blood, sweat, and tears into ensuring the success of their company, which, though difficult to measure, are no less valuable than capital contributions. At the same time, if you are investing your time and energy into a limited liability company (LLC), you should establish a method of valuation for your […]
Key Person Insurance: What Is It and Do I Need It?
We protect what we value most with insurance. Car insurance and home insurance ensure that we can financially survive a major property loss. Life insurance pays money to beneficiaries after a death, acting as a financial lifeline to the deceased’s loved ones. Business insurance is a hedge against uncertain losses and unpredictable risks that companies […]
Business Ownership Considerations for Non–United States Residents
Moving to a new country and starting a life there presents myriad challenges. Founding a business in the United States as a nonresident can be even more challenging. It requires navigating a convoluted immigration system, which specifically lacks a startup founders visa. That is on top of the extensive paperwork and filings required of all […]
Should My Business Use Arbitration Clauses?
Arbitration provisions, which allow legal disputes to be settled outside of the court system, are increasingly found in contracts of all kinds, including employment contracts. A series of court rulings over the years has spurred the increased use of arbitration clauses. Around one-half of American workers are now subject to mandatory arbitration, although a recently […]
Considering Bankruptcy for Your Small Business? Here Is What You Need to Know
Starting a small business entails significant risk. You forego the security of a steady paycheck to create economic opportunities for yourself. Business failure rates have remained steady over the years, but the statistics are pretty daunting: by the five-year mark, around half of small businesses have failed. While the reasons for small business failure vary, […]
Considerations Before Owning a Business with Your Spouse
Both running a successful business and having a successful marriage require commitment and hard work. Operating a business as a married couple can present its share of challenges, but being devoted to one another as spouses and as business partners can bring higher levels of accountability and trust to the business. If you and your […]
What Is the Difference between a Trust and an LLC?
Trusts and limited liability companies (LLCs) are both legal vehicles that can be used to manage and protect assets, minimize taxation, and avoid probate. Whether a trust or an LLC is a better choice may depend on the type of asset, but you do not necessarily have to choose between the two. In fact, an […]
How Do I Change the Directors on My Corporate Board?
Corporate directors act as the governing body of a corporation. They manage the corporation’s business on behalf of the individuals who own the corporation. Directors serve on a board, and the board acts as a group to exercise the corporation’s powers. The board of directors makes major business and policy decisions for the corporation that […]
Personal Guarantees: What They Are and When They Are Required?
Your new business needs a capital infusion to get off the ground. The only problem is that a new business is not established enough to have generated a business credit report. It may also be lacking assets that can be used as loan collateral. Without a business credit report or business assets, lenders cannot judge […]