News & editorial
From the editorial desk, 2021
Archive of pieces from the editorial desk dated 2021.
Log4j Vulnerability: What Small Firms Should Check
The Log4j vulnerability (CVE-2021-44228) affects software many small firms use. Here are the questions to ask vendors and the patches to confirm.
Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act: Contractor Guide
The infrastructure investment and jobs act is law. Learn what it funds, how states pass money down, and how small contractors can prepare to bid.
Password Managers: A Small Business Setup Guide
Password managers help small teams stop reusing logins. Learn what they do, what CISA and NIST said in 2021, and how to roll one out to staff.
Inventory Management: FIFO and LIFO Explained for Owners
Inventory management for owners: how FIFO and LIFO change cost of goods sold, profit and tax, based on IRS Publication 538. Plain steps and examples.
Buy Now Pay Later: What Merchants Should Weigh
Buy now pay later gives shoppers four payments while you get paid up front. See the fees, payout timing and customer effects to compare before you add it.
Restaurant Revitalization Fund: what it covered and who got it
Restaurant revitalization fund explained: the $28.6 billion SBA grant for restaurants and bars, how awards were sized, and the priority window.
Juneteenth Federal Holiday: What Employers Should Know
The Juneteenth federal holiday is now law. Here is what it covers, who gets the day off, and how private employers can decide what to do.
Government Grant Scams: How to Spot a Fake Offer
Government grant scams promise free money that does not exist. Learn the warning signs of a fake grant offer and where real grants are listed.
Container Shipping Delays: Planning Around Port Backlogs
Container shipping delays have hit U.S. importers hard. Here is why ships wait at Los Angeles and how small importers can plan around the slack.
Employee Retention Credit: Who Can Claim It Now
The employee retention credit pays up to $7,000 per worker each quarter in early 2021. Here are the eligibility tests and what changed in December 2020.
Form 1099-NEC: Reporting Contractor Pay for the First Time
Form 1099-NEC is the new IRS form for contractor pay. Learn who gets one, the $600 rule and the February 1, 2021 filing date.