For the love of your business
For the love of your business
Q: 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 […]
Read MoreQ: How does a forgiven Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan affect my taxes? –Curious Business Owner A: Dear Curious: The CARES Act specifies that a forgiven PPP loan isn’t considered taxable income, so you won’t have to pay any federal income tax on it. However, some states may end up requiring you to pay taxes […]
Read MoreQ: How can I get rid of a horrible employee from my business? –Frustrated Business Owner A: Dear Frustrated: Whether your employee is incompetent or just doesn’t fit with your mission or people, it’s tempting to just tell an employee to “get lost.” But you must proceed carefully. Many laws provide protections even to “at-will” […]
Read MoreQ: Is an Operating Agreement the Same As Bylaws? – Curious A: Dear Curious, Bylaws are internal documents that govern a corporation, and operating agreements break down an LLC’s operating procedures. Operating procedures in the corporate bylaws lay out specific rules for members executives, employees, and shareholders. They typically include contact information for the corporation, […]
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