A young entrepreneur recently came to see me for some very basic, but extremely important advice. He had read many articles and watched videos on the Internet about maintaining corporate protections. He had realized pretty quickly that running a successful business requires careful planning and organization, especially when it comes to managing finances. One critical
Starting a Business
Navigating the Landscape of the Corporate Transparency Act
The Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) is part of sweeping Congressional changes to anti-money laundering laws. Starting January 1, 2024, the CTA will require most small businesses and corporate entities to file a Beneficial Ownership Information Report with the U.S. Department of Treasury’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN).
Initial reports for existing businesses (those created prior…
The Surprising Truth as to Why Franchisors Often Fall Short in Providing Support to Franchisees
Starting a business can be a daunting task, but franchising has become a popular choice for entrepreneurs who want the benefits of owning their own business with a proven model, as well as support from the franchisor. However, not all franchisors provide the support franchisees need to operate a successful business. In this blog post…
Nine Tips in Buying an Existing Business from a Legal Perspective
Buying an existing business is often a great opportunity for would-be business owners. It is a way to skip the early stages of business development and hit the ground running. However, before making any serious decisions, it is important to understand the legal implications involved in buying an existing business. There are many legal issues…
Are Franchise Agreements Really Negotiable? Discover the Truth
Franchise agreements are the heartbeat of the franchise industry. They dictate the relationship between the franchisor and franchisee, outlining everything from branding and marketing guidelines to operational procedures and fees. Let’s be honest. These franchise agreements are VERY one-sided. No one denies it. So, it is not a surprise that many prospective franchisees ask, “Are…
Four Top Things to Consider in a Franchisor when Buying a Franchise
Thinking about buying a franchise?
Franchises can be a great way to start your own business. They offer the benefits of being your own boss with the support and resources of a larger organization. But there are some things you need to think about before making the decision to buy a franchise including the financial…
How to Successfully Plan Succession of Your Business
If you are a business owner who is looking to sell or transfer your business, then it is important to understand the importance of effective succession planning. Succession planning helps ensure the future of your business is bright and secure, regardless of who owns it. Let’s break down what succession planning entails and how it…
Settlement Considerations in Business Trial Cases
I saw a great post from divorce attorney Eliana Baer about her answer when a client asked her whether she believes in settlement or litigate, litigate, litigate. Her post is a fun one but the answer is an important one for clients (and often lawyers) to understand.
I am a believer in settlement under…
FTC Proposing New Regulations to Ban Noncompete Clauses
Big news this past week in business/employment law. The FTC is proposing legislation banning noncompete clauses. The agency estimates this could increase workers’ salaries by nearly $300 billion per year.
I’ve never been a fan of noncompete clauses for lower paid workers. But I’ve always believed there is some validity to a business protecting…
Is the Future Bright for Franchising in 2023?
Last week I wrote about how the franchise industry has it wrong. But don’t misunderstand me, that doesn’t mean the future of franchising isn’t bright. In fact, the breadth of the franchising industry is pretty staggering.