For the love of your business
For the love of your business
Q: Do I need to trademark my logo if I’ve already trademarked my company name, and they’re used together? – Enquiring Entrepreneur ______________________________________________________________________________ A: Dear Enquiring: Registering your business’ name for a trademark with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) provides protection for the name itself, but that protection doesn’t extend to your […]
Read MoreQ: Do I need to trademark my logo if I’ve already trademarked my company name, and they’re used together? – Enquiring Entrepreneur ______________________________________________________________________________ A: Dear Enquiring: Registering your business’ name for a trademark with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) provides protection for the name itself, but that protection doesn’t extend to your […]
Read MoreWhen it comes to your company’s identity, nothing is more vital to your company than your name and logo. By developing a catchy name and snazzy logo for your business, you can quickly get your company recognized, remembered, and respected. Once you have come up with a winning name and logo, you will want to […]
Read MoreQ: How do nonprofits stay in business if they aren’t allowed to turn a profit? —Wondering A: Dear Wondering: The term “nonprofit” can be confusing. Nonprofits can and do earn a profit—they wouldn’t be able to survive otherwise. However, unlike for-profit businesses, nonprofits don’t distribute their profits to their members as personal income. Instead, […]
Read MoreQ: How do nonprofits stay in business if they aren’t allowed to turn a profit? —Wondering A: Dear Wondering: The term “nonprofit” can be confusing. Nonprofits can and do earn a profit—they wouldn’t be able to survive otherwise. However, unlike for-profit businesses, nonprofits don’t distribute their profits to their members as personal income. Instead, […]
Read MoreQ: What is a SAFE investment, and could one benefit my company? —Seeking Funding A: Dear Seeking: SAFE stands for “Simple Agreement for Future Equity,” and a SAFE investment is basically an agreement between an investor and your company that provides rights to the investor for future equity in your company. In exchange for the […]
Read MoreQ: What are restrictive covenants in employment contracts, and should I use them? —Eager Employer A: Dear Eager: Whenever an employee is terminated, laid off, or resigns, there’s always a chance the individual might use the inside knowledge of your operation to benefit a competitor. Adding restrictive covenants to your employment agreements can protect your […]
Read MoreQ: I didn’t apply for a loan under the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) last year. Can I apply for a PPP loan now? —Business Borrower A: Dear Borrower: Yes, the new PPP funding allows you to apply for a loan whether you received an initial PPP loan or not. If you didn’t receive a PPP […]
Read MoreQ: Can I ever be held personally liable if my business is set up as a corporate entity? —Prudent Principal A: Dear Prudent: When properly created and maintained, entities such as an LLC or S Corporation, can shield your personal assets from creditors, lawsuits, and other disputes incurred by your business. However, the personal liability […]
Read MoreQ: How does proper documentation help protect my business against employee lawsuits for wrongful termination? –Cautious Company Owner A: Dear Cautious: If a fired employee sues you, by far the most powerful weapon you have to defend yourself is complete, thorough, and contemporaneous documentation of the employee’s behavior. Thoroughly documenting all employee incidents, along with […]
Read MoreQ: Is my business eligible for the Employee Retention Tax Credit (ERTC)? –Hopeful Business Owner A: Dear Hopeful: If you did not take a PPP loan, you may be eligible for ERTC. This tax credit is worth 50% of qualifying wages, with payment up to $10,000 per employee. The credit applies to wages paid from […]
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