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ALM Small Business Adviser

February 22, 2023 | Best Practices

8 Ways Secure 2.0 Act affects retirement plans

As a small-business owner, there are new rules, and tax breaks, you should be aware of.
6 minute read

February 22, 2023 | Best Practices

8 Ways Secure 2.0 Act affects retirement plans

As a small-business owner, there are new rules, and tax breaks, you should be aware of.
6 minute read

January 18, 2023

3 Keys to Creating a Safe Small Business

Work-related injuries can lead to unplanned staffing shortages, lower team morale and decreased productivity.
5 minute read

January 11, 2023

6 Common Employee Handbook Mistakes to Avoid

Start the new year with a review of your employee handbook.
5 minute read

January 05, 2023 | Profile

Lessons From a CEO: South Florida Business Transplant Tim Holt on Running a Successful Startup

"Miami has already achieved a lot, but I feel like it's on the verge of that next level and I like being a part of that movement, of the ecosystem that's creating that from people from all over the place doing all kinds of different things," said Tim Holt, president and CEO of R2 Technologies.
7 minute read

December 19, 2022

Workers' Compensation: Tips for the Small Business Owner/Uninsured Employer in Non-Construction Industries

It is best practice to have policies in place so that if you are ever faced with a claim for workers' compensation benefits, you can limit exposure as much as possible.
5 minute read

December 14, 2022

Small Business Owners and Insurance Coverage: What to Know

Small businesses face numerous challenges to success and Pie Insurance CEO and co-founder John Swigart shares how the company uses tech-enabled insurance to serve this unique market.
3 minute read

December 12, 2022

5 Ways Small Business Owners Can Prepare for a Recession

Flexible business owners are the ones who survive recessions and challenging times.
6 minute read

November 28, 2022

Inflection Points in the Business Lifecycle

As the Miami business market continues its incredible growth surge, small and middle market business owners are constantly facing decisions that can…
5 minute read

November 25, 2022

Can Small Businesses Offer Holiday Deals With Inflation This High?

"The forces have combined to force most small businesses to raise prices to remain in business," said Ben Johnston, COO of small business financing company Kapitus.
4 minute read

November 23, 2022

4 Things Small Business Owners Should Do to Prepare for Year-End

This four-part checklist will put you in the habit of looking ahead and maximizing your tax benefits.
4 minute read

November 16, 2022

Biden Administration's Proposed New Independent-Contractor Test Can Impact Your Company's Bottom Line

Companies routinely use independent contractors for special projects and isolated assignments as a way to cut down on the normal costs connected to…
6 minute read

February 15, 2023 | Best Practices

DOL violations: A refresher on child labor laws

Failure to comply with federal and state labor laws when employing those under the age of 18 can result in significant fines for employers.
6 minute read

February 15, 2023 | Best Practices

DOL violations: A refresher on child labor laws

Failure to comply with federal and state labor laws when employing those under the age of 18 can result in significant fines for employers.
6 minute read

November 14, 2022

'Tis the Season for Small Businesses to Hire Temporary Holiday Workers. Here's What to Know

Here are some tips from Amanda Hahn, chief marketing officer at HireVue, to ensure hiring is nothing but an easy check mark on your long holiday to-do list.
5 minute read

November 09, 2022

Small Businesses Are Still Missing Out on Government Cash

With PPP loans long gone, leftover government tax credit funds like the Employee Retention Credit may be the financial resources small businesses need right now.
6 minute read

October 26, 2022

Holiday Season Survival Guide for Small-Business Retailers: Expect an Increase in Customer Returns

Returns during the holiday season are inevitable, so the name of the game is retention optimization—of customers, dollars and product.
3 minute read

October 24, 2022

Small Businesses Are at High Risk of Cyber Attacks. Here Are 5 Steps to Lower Your Risk of Data Breaches

Cyberattacks on small businesses have risen in 2022. Here's how and why.
6 minute read

October 21, 2022

Preparing Your Company for a Liquidity Event: Who Should Be on Your Team?

In addition to ensuring your business will sell, and for as much after-tax proceeds as possible, assembling the right team will also make the sale process much less daunting and stressful.
7 minute read

October 19, 2022

Are These the Most Confusing Office Software Tools?

"These results show that as companies implement digital adoption strategies, it is vital that their employees are well supported to ensure that the approach is implemented effectively and brings clear benefits rather than confusion," Digital-adoption.com said.
3 minute read

October 17, 2022

Transferring Wealth to the Next Generation: Dos and Don'ts

Bringing up the topic of future wealth transfer sooner rather than later can be advantageous.
5 minute read

October 12, 2022 | Best Practices

Many Workers Willing to Accept Pay Cut to Work From Home

Many workers saw the ability to work from home 2-3 days a week as worth 5% of pay, with higher valuations for women, people with children and those with longer commutes.
3 minute read

October 06, 2022

Most Small Businesses Feel Unprepared for a Cyberattack. Here's What to Know About Cyber Risks, Coverage Options

Around 40% of small business owners believe a cyberattack would cost less than $1,000 and fewer than three months to recover from.
2 minute read

October 05, 2022 | Commentary

What Is Quiet Quitting and How Can Employers Address It?

Having disengaged, less productive workers is an issue, and indicates a dissatisfied, underperforming workforce.
4 minute read

February 13, 2023 | Best Practices

Four benefits of quickly reporting workers' comp claims

Promptly reporting worker injuries protects the employee and the employer in multiple ways.
5 minute read

February 13, 2023 | Best Practices

Four benefits of quickly reporting workers' comp claims

Promptly reporting worker injuries protects the employee and the employer in multiple ways.
5 minute read

October 03, 2022

Why Video Content Is Having a Reel Moment For Small Businesses

If your business does nothing else in the digital marketing realm this year, and your goal is to see any online growth, do not skip out on short-form video content.
6 minute read

September 30, 2022 | Best Practices

Small Businesses Have a Unique Advantage as Labor Shortage Persists

Hiring has remained a persistent concern throughout 2022, which means workers now "see themselves in the driver's seat," according to a new report from Homebase.
3 minute read

September 28, 2022

How to Overcome the Unique Challenges of the Small Business Owner

A pivotal hump for business owners is to get to the point where you can hire staff to handle admin tasks to allow you to focus on incoming-producing activities.
6 minute read

September 26, 2022 | Expert Opinion

Group Health Insurance for Small Businesses: What You Need to Know

There is a little-known aspect of the Affordable Care Act that makes group insurance very accessible for small businesses.
5 minute read

September 23, 2022 | Best Practices

3 Payroll Tax Considerations for Small Businesses

If you want to alleviate the headache that comes with payroll and payroll taxes for 2022, there are a few areas to consider.
7 minute read

September 22, 2022 | News

Don't Spy on Employees to Ensure They're Working, Microsoft Says

"Leaders think their employees are not productive, whereas employees think they are being productive and in many cases even feel burnt out," Microsoft Chief Executive Officer Satya Nadella said.
3 minute read

September 21, 2022

Ransomware Protection for Small Businesses

Small businesses are often targets of hackers because they have fewer resources in the event of a cyberattack, or that's the common misconception.
5 minute read

September 16, 2022

4 Things to Know About Setting up a 401(k) and Profit-Sharing Plan for Your Company

Establishing a 401(k) and profit-sharing plan can be a powerful tool to help you save for retirement, decrease your taxes, attract and retain top talent, and help your employees save for retirement.
6 minute read

September 14, 2022

Hot Commercial Market Creates Risk for Small Business Tenants

To avoid falling into the trap of eviction, follow these basics.
5 minute read

July 29, 2022 | Best Practices

Small-Business Taxes for Beginners

Paying taxes as a small-business owner may seem overwhelming but there are more than 30 million small businesses in the U.S. If they can pay their taxes, so can you. Here's what you need to know to get started.
4 minute read

February 10, 2023 | Best Practices

Protecting insurance information through a natural disaster

Cyber attackers won't hesitate to target companies during the most devastating times, so preparation is vital to protect company data.
5 minute read

February 10, 2023 | Best Practices

Protecting insurance information through a natural disaster

Cyber attackers won't hesitate to target companies during the most devastating times, so preparation is vital to protect company data.
5 minute read

September 19, 2022

Small Businesses Are Becoming Bigger Cyberattack Targets

The rate of ransomware attacks is slowing as demands go unpaid, according to Coalition.
2 minute read

August 19, 2022 | Expert Opinion

Hurricane Recovery Starts Before the Storm

For small businesses, hurricane preparedness plans can be the difference not only between safe and unsafe employees, but of the ability to continue or reestablish business operations
6 minute read

September 07, 2022

South Florida Has a Worker Shortage, and 'Hiring Has Never Been Harder' for Small Business Owners

Meanwhile, Miami-based restaurants and hoteliers are getting a boost from a local jobs advertising blitz, which is encouraging local workers to consider the more than 200 career opportunities available in the area's hospitality industry.
4 minute read

September 09, 2022

5 Financial Wellness Benefits Small Businesses Should Consider Offering

To stay competitive in today's market, offering workplace savings programs should be a central element of a businesses' recruitment and retention strategy.
5 minute read

August 10, 2022 | Best Practices

Small Business 101: Preparing for a Potential Recession

Multiple inflationary forces have combined to impact nearly every business in America. Here's what you can do to get past financial obstacles (and there is some good news).
5 minute read

August 01, 2022

Want to Offer Abortion-Related Benefits to Employees? What Small Business Owners Need to Know After Roe v. Wade Reversal

The following provides a brief overview of the various issues that employers will need to consider in deciding whether to make changes to their benefit programs in light of the Supreme Court's ruling.
7 minute read

August 03, 2022

Know Your Number: How Much Business Income Do You Need?

As a business owner, no one is going to determine your salary, so it is up to you to figure out your magic number — the number that compensates you for your worth, the value you bring to your business and the income you want in order to be able to live the lifestyle you desire.
5 minute read

August 05, 2022

DeSantis' New Anti-Woke Law: Employee Trainers Need to Tread Carefully

Florida businesses violating the new regulation, which falls under the Civil Rights Act, face hefty fines and penalties.
5 minute read

August 08, 2022 | Analysis

How Real Estate Can Boost a Small-Business Owner's Financial Plan

Real estate can help you hedge against inflation and secure your retirement—and it provides tax benefits.
5 minute read

August 12, 2022 | Analysis

Relocating a Business to a New Market: Key Factors to Consider

Here's what small business consultants recommend for any business looking to jump to a new market.
5 minute read

February 06, 2023 | Profile

Insights on transitioning from the corporate world to a successful entrepreneur

Lorenzo Bates shares why he left corporate America to become his own boss.
7 minute read

February 06, 2023 | Profile

Insights on transitioning from the corporate world to a successful entrepreneur

Lorenzo Bates shares why he left corporate America to become his own boss.
7 minute read

August 17, 2022

3 Small But Impactful Ways to Cut Monthly Costs in Your Company

If you aren't always searching for new ways to cut costs, you won't be maximizing your business's potential in the market.
6 minute read

August 22, 2022 | Best Practices

Summer Safety Tips to Avoid Work Injuries

When temperatures increase, so do the risks facing employees. Implementing these tips can help reduce seasonal risks.
5 minute read

August 24, 2022 | Expert Opinion

Independent Contractor vs. Employee? Misclassifying Employees Can Be a Costly Mistake for Small Business Owners

Here's what small business owners need to know about the differences between an independent contractor and an employee, the tests used to properly classify employees, the risks of misclassification, and best practices to consider to avoid liability.
6 minute read

August 26, 2022 | Best Practices

How Can Businesses Prepare for Wildfires?

Wildfires cause millions of dollars in damage to structures and burn through millions of acres each year. Businesses can protect their property with a wildfire preparation plan.
8 minute read

August 29, 2022

Arbitration: Embrace It or Avoid It? Considerations for Small Businesses

Here are six things to consider when deciding whether to arbitrate a claim.
5 minute read

September 12, 2022

Small Businesses Are at Risk for Cyberattacks. Here's How to Address them

Along with a proper response plan, small businesses should understand what not to do to avoid future cybersecurity attacks.
4 minute read

July 27, 2022

Are Boutique Financial Consultancy Firms a Better Fit For Startups? 3 Questions to Ask Before Hiring Them

Boutique financial consultancy firms are smaller firms that specialize in handling particular tasks and have the flexibility to act as an extension of their clients.
6 minute read

July 25, 2022 | Best Practices

Preparing for the Sale of a Business: Legal Due Diligence

Prior to taking a company to market, there are things can business owners do to make the process of responding to legal due diligence requests less painful.
5 minute read

July 20, 2022 | News

New Cyber Risk Targets Small Businesses

Companies with weak or non-existent cybersecurity are easy targets for hackers.
3 minute read

July 22, 2022 | Best Practices

Employee Benefits Make the Difference in Recruiting and Retaining Talent

Although it can be difficult for smaller employers to compete with large organizations when it comes to recruiting and retaining employees, offering the right employee benefits can level the playing field.
2 minute read

February 03, 2023 | Best Practices

Data privacy issues in 2023: Which trends should companies be watching?

Here are five issues in the data privacy and cybersecurity space that businesses may see trending in 2023.
5 minute read

February 03, 2023 | Best Practices

Data privacy issues in 2023: Which trends should companies be watching?

Here are five issues in the data privacy and cybersecurity space that businesses may see trending in 2023.
5 minute read

July 18, 2022

A Post-Pandemic Company Handbook: How Small Business Owners Can Guard Against Lawsuits

"With some businesses offering permanent work-from-home options, the updated handbook should address remote work guidelines such as best practices for telecommunications, documentation requirements and remote meeting guidance," labor and employment attorney Michael Landen said.
5 minute read

July 15, 2022 | Best Practices

Insurance Helps Businesses Manage Their Risks

Here's what small business owners need to know about insurance risks and policies.
2 minute read

July 13, 2022 | Analysis

'Help Wanted' Ads No Longer Cut It: Attracting and Retaining Staff in Today's Market

"It's not just about: everybody wants to work from home. It's: people want more autonomy of how they work, when they work, rather than where they work," said ADP's chief economist Nela Richardson.
5 minute read

July 11, 2022

Brick-and-Mortar 101: 8 Pro Tips for Negotiating Your First Retail Lease

While each business and location requires unique considerations, fundamental advice holds true. The following are key pointers for anyone seeking their first storefront.
5 minute read

July 08, 2022 | Analysis

Small Businesses Face Big Challenges in 2022. How Are They Adapting?

"Competition for talent between large and small firms is really heated, especially in a tight labor market," said ADP's chief economist Nela Richardson.
5 minute read

July 06, 2022 | News

Introducing ALM's Small Business Adviser: What You Need to Know About This New Resource

This new resource is a collaborative effort from editors across multiple ALM brands, who'll be leveraging their expertise in law, real estate, finance, employee benefits, insurance and other areas to report on what's happening in their realms and why it matters to small business owners.
1 minute read

February 01, 2023 | News

Late payments create major pain points for small businesses

The economy and economic uncertainty are affecting sales and payments for small business owners.
4 minute read

February 01, 2023 | News

Late payments create major pain points for small businesses

The economy and economic uncertainty are affecting sales and payments for small business owners.
4 minute read

January 30, 2023 | Commentary

Start 2023 off right with strategic planning and goal setting

A new year is a good time to implement plans to supercharge your business.
6 minute read

January 30, 2023 | Commentary

Start 2023 off right with strategic planning and goal setting

A new year is a good time to implement plans to supercharge your business.
6 minute read

January 23, 2023

Small Business Tips: Protecting an Artisan Contractor Business and Managing Risk

It's paramount for artisan contractors to protect their livelihoods, because specialized skillsets come with unique insurance needs.
6 minute read