Starting and Running a Business
Starting and running a business means turning an idea into a legal, operating company and keeping it in good standing. Government appears at every stage. States register companies, federal and state agencies tax and regulate them, and programs at several agencies offer loans, training, and contracts. The rules depend on the kind of business, its size, and where it operates.
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The Economic Census: A Guide for U.S. Businesses
The Economic Census is the U.S. government's official five-year measure of American business and the economy, conducted by the U.S. Census Bureau. It offers…
Government Regulation vs. Industry Self-Regulation: Who Sets the Rules?
Two main forces shape how businesses operate in America: government agencies writing and enforcing rules, and industries policing themselves. Both approaches aim to protect…
Employee vs. Contractor: Who Pays When Your Workers Cause Damage
When someone gets hurt because of a worker's actions, who pays? The company that hired them, or just the worker themselves? The answer depends…
Small Business Health Options Program (SHOP): Insurance for Employers
The Small Business Health Options Program (SHOP) is an online health insurance marketplace created under the Affordable Care Act. United Healthcare and HealthInsurance.org describe…
Understanding Your Pay Stub: What Employers Must Include
Your pay stub, also known as a wage statement, is more than just a piece of paper or an electronic file you get with…
USDA Grants and Loans for Beginning Farmers: Where to Find Them
Starting a farm or ranch is challenging yet rewarding. For those new to agriculture – defined by the USDA as anyone who has operated…
Applying for a USDA Farm Loan: A Step-by-Step Guide
Farming and ranching require significant capital. Whether starting a new operation, expanding, or adapting to new markets, financing is often critical. The U.S. Department…
Choose the Right FSA Loan: Direct vs. Guaranteed Options Explained
Finding the right financing is crucial whether you're starting your farming journey, expanding your operation, or maintaining your family farm. The U.S. Department of…
USDA Microloans for Small Farms: Your Guide to Eligibility and Uses
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) offers specialized funding options through its Farm Service Agency (FSA). Among these are Microloans, a financing tool specifically…
Opening New Opportunities: A Guide to Subcontracting for DoD Prime Contractors
The Department of Defense (DoD) represents the largest customer in the world, spending hundreds of billions of dollars annually on goods, services, research, and…