small business
The following blog posts have the category Small business
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Pop-up shops, food trucks, market stalls, and holiday boutiques... seasonal businesses bring life and excitement to our communities. Whether you're selling handmade candles at a holiday fair or running a fruit stand during the summer, these short-term ventures are full of passion, creativity, and opportunity.
Whether you're looking to expand operations, launch a new product, or overcome a temporary financial challenge, having access to capital is essential. While different lenders have particular standards and regulations, there are some basic steps business owners can take to improve their chances of scoring a loan.
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Business is a great way to supplement your income, pursue your passions, or build a foundation for a future full-time venture. However, it's important to be aware of the risks involved before you take the plunge.
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Both business owners and employees have likely heard of OSHA, which stands for the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, a federal agency that sets and enforces safety regulations to ensure a safe and healthy working environment for employees.
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A comprehensive business insurance policy is a must for any business owner. But under what circumstances do you need to take another look at that policy and make important adjustments? Here are some instances when it would be a good idea to revisit your business insurance plan and add to, or change, your coverage.
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So your business has grown enough that you have full time employees and want to start offering benefits, including paid time off. How do you craft a vacation policy that works for you, your business and employees? There's not a one-size-fits all solution, but here are some things to think about and tips for getting started.
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Whether you use a single vehicle or an entire fleet for your business, keeping them running smoothly is critical to fulfilling your business goals. And if employees are using those vehicles, that adds in another layer of complexity. Here's what you need to know about how to keep your business vehicles well maintained, and keep your employees safe on the job while using them.
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I'm not sure if you paid anyone to work at home during this 'shut-down time' who isn't normally a clerical worker or if you continued to pay anyone who wasn't working at all, but if so, please read below and let me know if you have any questions.
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We've had a number of clients ask questions about not just insurance but small business loans, grants, payroll protection, and the family first act. We're trying to keep informed to help direct those questions. We can't offer legal of financial advice, but we've been trying to help our clients wade through the muddy waters of the information that is out there and give advice about how this effects their insurance and how they can prevent or mitigate new risks that could arise. (And advice is always free).
We've had a number of clients ask questions about not just insurance but small business loans, grants, payroll protection, and the family first act. We're trying to keep informed to help direct those questions. We can't offer legal of financial advice, but we've been trying to help our clients wade through the muddy waters of the information that is out there and give advice about how this effects their insurance and how they can prevent or mitigate new risks that could arise. (And advice is always free).
Starting your own business is inherently risky. It takes courage to become an entrepreneur and the risks involved can be part of what makes it exciting. But not all risks are created equal, and those who end up making it know the difference between a calculated risk versus one they can and should avoid. So what potential hazards and obstacles should new business owners be thinking about ahead of time?
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Artisan contractors are essential to the building industry and to making indoor spaces functional and beautiful. According to the Insurance Information Institute: "artisan contractors, also known as casual contractors, includes many occupations that involve skilled work with tools at the customer's premises. Carpenters, plumbers, electricians, roofers and tree surgeons are some of them. Also included are diverse other skilled service providers, such as interior decorators, piano tuners and exterminators." So what type of insurance does an artisan contractor need to protect their business and equipment? Here's what you need to know.
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Running a small business in Pennsylvania can bring daily challenges, from minor equipment breakdowns to staff or customer injuries; or damage to your building caused by a storm or break in. These daily obstacles are the cost of doing business, but if you're not prepared, they can keep your business from moving forward or even force you to close your doors. That's why every small business owner needs a great business owner's policy (BOP). A business owner's policy combines multiple necessary insurance coverages into one package for a reduced price. Here's what you need to know to find the right policy for your business:
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If you're thinking of starting a business, writing a business plan may seem overwhelming, unnecessary, or both. Maybe you're going into an industry you already know extremely well; or maybe you simply feel confident that you know where you want to go and can articulate it to others. No matter your situation, don't skip this step. A business plan done right can save you time, energy and some major headaches in the long run.
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Opening a restaurant is a lifelong dream for some small business owners. And as with starting any business, it takes a lot of guts, not to mention blood, sweat, and tears, just to get it up and running.
If you're a business owner, you need insurance. But how much and what type can vary greatly depending on your type of business, resources, assets and specific needs. So what should you consider before purchasing a business policy? Here are some risks and coverages you will want to take into account as you work with Mitchell Insurance, Inc. to find the right plan for you.
Companies like Facebook, Google, and Amazon have set up alternative work cultures, with food and exercise on site. They are regularly named some of the best places to work by their employees, and success gurus everywhere study their methods. So what can small businesses learn from these uber-successful tech giants? And how can they implement similar ideas without breaking the bank? Here's what you need to know:
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It seems like a lot of people have a side hustle these days, a way to make some extra money or pursue the things that really strike their interests. And plenty of people have turned even their most unusual hobbies, dreams and ideas into full-time careers. So how do you know if you'll be able to successfully make the leap from employee to entrepreneur? Here are a few things you might want to check off the list before giving your two weeks' notice.
There is an old adage that goes like this: "A Man is only as Good as his word".It implies that the integrity of a man or woman is the most important thing in a relationship.It also implies that if the other party has integrity having 'his word' is probably enough and also implies that there is no need for a formal contract.That relationship can be personal, professional, peer-to-peer, buyer-seller, etc. and can often involve parties that have different levels of control over a situation.A decade or two ago no one knew what a 'pre-nup' was; warning labels on consumer products were much simpler; local attorneys didn't advertise on TV; and there seemed to be more trust in both people and systems.Those days are gone and may never return.One by-product of this is contracts are everywhere - from EULA agreements that dictate internet terms to the small print on the back of your garbage service 'contract' to signs posted everywhere declaring 'Not Responsible for Damage or Loss'... it's hard to go through an hour of a day without having to check "I AGREE" on some document somewhere.
Pennsylvania and many other States allow Executive Officers of corporations to exclude themselves from Workers' Compensation benefits.This can be viewed as a money-saving opportunity for employers, but it also carries a great deal of risk for the Officers themselves.While the financial benefits seem attractive, this brief article hopes to address some of the concerns that often don't come to light.
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For many modern entrepreneurs, creatives, and freelancers, working from home is a dream come true. But the reality of it can be much different. How do you stay on task, handle isolation, and keep yourself from eating a full sleeve of cookies from the kitchen? Read on to find out.
As a small business owner, you may not be in the position to offer traditional benefits, such as health insurance or 401Ks, to your staff. But there are other things you can do to make your business a great place to work, and enticing for both current and potential employers. Try these to get started:
Many employers take the time and effort to follow through with employee reviews, while others let this annual tradition slide. Annual performance reviews can be excruciating, productive, or somewhere in between. So what makes the difference? What makes an annual review effective, and how can both employers and employees can prepare to get the best possible outcome?
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Some small business owners in Pennsylvania can hardly keep apace with the holiday rush; other businesses slow down to a near crawl during this time of the year. So how do you make the most of the season, regardless of which end of the spectrum you're on?
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It's that time of year when high school and college students are out of school, and many are looking for summer work. It's also the time when some seasonal businesses pick up, and many depend on solid summer help. Hiring seasonal workers?
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Starting a small business in Pennsylvania is exciting, but on the journey to success, mistakes are inevitable. But if you're starting your own company, some mistakes can be fatal. Increase the odds that your new venture will stay afloat by avoiding these all-too-common roadblocks:
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In a classic "Saturday Night Live" sketch, actor and comedian Steve Martin once gave the most underrated advice on how to become a millionaire: "First, you get a million dollars." But if that doesn't work for you, try these inspirational ideas from some of the world's most famous self-made entrepreneurs:
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For small business owners in Pennsylvania, taking off for a summer vacation can be more stressful than just staying at work. Here are some tips for going on vacation if you're the boss so that you can actually relax while you're away from the office.
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