News & editorial
From the editorial desk, 2016
Archive of pieces from the editorial desk dated 2016.
Business Plan Template: A Simple Outline From the SBA
This business plan template follows the SBA outline: nine sections, what a lender expects in each, and a few tips for a stronger draft.
Business Email Compromise: How Invoice Scams Work
Business email compromise tricked staff into wiring money in 2016. Learn the five FBI scenarios and the simple checks that stop a fake invoice or CEO email.
EIN Application: How to Get a Tax ID for Your Business
EIN application steps: who needs a tax ID, how to apply online, by fax or by mail, and what to have ready. A plain guide for US business owners.
Certificate of Insurance: What It Does and Does Not Prove
Certificate of insurance checklist for buyers: what the ACORD 25 shows, what it does not prove, and four checks to run before a supplier starts work.
Request for Proposal: How to Read a Government RFP
A request for proposal states the scope, evaluation factors and deadlines of a federal buy. Learn to read an RFP and decide if your small firm should bid.
FOIA Request Guide: How to Ask a Federal Agency
This FOIA request guide shows how to write a clear request, narrow it to cut time and fees, and use your appeal rights if a federal agency says no.
Overtime Pay Rule Changes: What Employers Must Know
The overtime pay rule will lift the exempt salary threshold to $913 a week on December 1, 2016. See who is affected and what employers should review now.
Equity Crowdfunding Rules: What Regulation CF Allows
Equity crowdfunding rules under SEC Regulation Crowdfunding: who can raise money, the $1,000,000 cap and how funding portals fit in. Effective May 16, 2016.
Boots to Business: A Course for Service Members
Boots to Business is a free SBA course for service members leaving the military. See who can take it, what it covers and how to sign up.
Census data business location research: where to look
Census data business location research: the American Community Survey profiles residents and County Business Patterns counts employer locations.
USDA Business and Industry Loan Guarantee: Rural Basics
A USDA business and industry loan guarantee backs loans that lenders make to rural businesses. See how it works, who qualifies, and what it costs.
Section 179 Deduction: What the Permanent Limit Means
The section 179 deduction now has a permanent $500,000 base limit. See how the phase-out and income cap work and what the deduction does not cover.