Small businesses

The Benefits of Having an Employee Handbook

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February 6, 2014

Many small business owners may not believe it is necessary to have a formal employee handbook. True, handbooks take time and energy to develop and must be updated on a regular basis. It may seem much easier to simply express…

California LLCs Should Be Aware of New Law for 2014

By:

Claire Kalia

January 14, 2014

At the start of each year, new employment laws go into effect that may have a significant impact on California businesses. This year, all members of limited liability corporations should take note that, as of January 1, 2014, the California…

New Developments in California Employment Law (Part 2)

By:

Claire Kalia

December 5, 2013

Small business owners should always be aware of all of the federal and state employment laws that may apply to their company. Familiarizing yourself with laws regarding wages, hours, discrimination, and more not only guarantees fair treatment for your employees,…

SEC Proposes New Crowdfunding Regulations

By:

Claire Kalia

November 1, 2013

The United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has moved one step closer to implementing key provisions of the Jumpstart Our Business Startups (JOBS) Act. First signed into law over a year ago on April 5, 2012, the JOBS Act…

It’s the Law: Respecting Employees’ Social Media Privacy

By:

Claire Kalia

October 15, 2013

As social media became increasingly popular over the last decade, many employers utilized online profiles to try to learn more about job applicants or to try to keep an eye out for possible misconduct on the part of current employees. …

Ways for Small Businesses to Compete With Corporate Giants

By:

Claire Kalia

October 2, 2013

Small business owners may be intimidated when huge corporate chains open in the neighborhood and may worry that the mass-marketing giants will lure their customers away. However, many small businesses continue to succeed in the face of corporate competitors. You…

Is Your Small Business Unintentionally Breaking Employment Laws?

By:

Claire Kalia

September 23, 2013

Many small business owners try to be flexible in order to accommodate their employees’ needs, busy lives, and unexpected situations. However, even if owners are simply trying to be kind and helpful, they may be unintentionally breaking federal and/or state…

States may Preempt Feds on Crowdfunding Regulations

By:

Claire Kalia

September 11, 2013

Although the Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act (JOBS) was signed into law almost a year and a half ago, implementation of key provisions of the law has been slow to occur. The Act is intended to encourage investment into small…

How to Value Your Small Business or Startup

By:

Claire Kalia

August 31, 2013

Owning and running a small business can be an extremely time-consuming endeavor, and may require a person to perform a variety of functions on a daily basis. As a result, a majority of entrepreneurs do not place business valuation at…

California’s New Cottage Food Laws

By:

Claire Kalia

August 26, 2013

In years past, Californians looking to sell homemade food products faced many roadblocks. The California Retail Food Code prohibited the sale of foods that were prepared and/or stored in private home kitchens due to strict health and sanitation regulations. Therefore,…

Starting a Small Food Business in California

By:

Claire Kalia

August 26, 2013

Starting any kind of business is exciting and challenging, but food businesses are particularly tricky because of the additional legal requirements involved with selling food products. Because of the health and sanitation requirements that go along with food production and…