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I recently received an email from a business brokerage advertising their services.  In the email the brokerage said they have "low-risk" businesses and franchises for sale. While that may make for good marketing – I must unfortunately say that "low-risk" businesses do not exist in my opinion. If our struggling economy has shown us anything, it…

In this current economic downturn many people will lose their jobs.  Many of those individuals will turn to franchising as a form of business ownership instead of opting for another position in the corporate world.  While franchising may be a legitimate option for some, it is important for prospective franchisees to remember that it is…

Good article on IowaBiz regarding insurance for employee lawsuits.  Most businesses would be smart to explore this type of insurance coverage, especially in today’s slumping economy.

I think many small businesses are under the mistaken believe that they are covered for employment lawsuits through their ordinary business liability coverage. This is usually not the…

The City of Des Moines utility franchise tax trial begins today.  The following is a summary of the procedural aspects of the case and what is at stake.

Initially, the Des Moines had been sued in District Court by Lisa Kragnes seeking to declare the utility franchise fee found on MidAmerican Energy bills illegal. Kragnes won in district…

It has taken longer than I had hoped but my November goal is to lauch the Interactive Learning Environment for clients and others interested in employment law compliance and training, franchising basics and starting up your business.  Our initial free program will include a Legal Guidebook on Starting Your Iowa Business.  Gradually, we will release more and…

The ABA’s Forum on Franchising is this week in Austin, Texas.  Another all-star lineup features an intensive program about learning from mistakes under the new FTC rule.   Again, there are several other terrific programs.  One of the more interesting talks is about franchising in the BRIC markets.  (Brazil, Russia, India and China).  Like the US, those markets have experienced an economic downturn.  How will that impact franchising development in those…