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Guaranteed Rate Affinity, joint venture between Guaranteed Rate and Anywhere Integrated Services, announced its national builder divisional manager. View the full article

Language analysis shows a sharp shift in tone from the UK central bank this weekView the full article

When you’re planning your next crafting project, choosing the right online supply store can make a significant difference. Stores like Michaels, Joann, and Hobby Lobby offer extensive selections of materials and tools for various crafts. For specialized needs, Blick Art Materials and Scrapbook.com are excellent options. Furthermore, platforms like Etsy provide unique supplies from independent creators. Comprehending what each store offers will help you find the best supplies customized to your project requirements. Key Takeaways Explore a wide range of craft supplies, including art materials, fabrics, and seasonal items at reputable online stores. Take advantage of exclusive promotions and discounts from trusted brands like Cricut and Tim Holtz for savings on your projects. Look for online stores that offer free shipping on orders over $69, making bulk purchases more economical. Regularly check for new arrivals and fresh options to stay updated with the latest crafting trends. Utilize in-store pick-up options if available, for convenience and to avoid delivery waits on your craft supplies. Shop Popular Departments When you shop popular departments at craft supply stores, you’ll find a wide range of materials customized to various projects. From crafting necessities to specialized wreath making tools, these stores cater to all your creative needs. Regularly check the weekly flier for current sales and promotions, ensuring you can save money as you stock up on supplies. If you prefer convenience, consider utilizing the in-store pick-up option, allowing you to avoid delivery waits. Many craft supply stores online offer free shipping on orders over $69, making it easier to purchase in bulk. With new items added daily, you’ll always have fresh options for crafts and scrapbooking, ensuring your creativity knows no bounds while remaining within your budget. Shop the Brands You Love When you shop at craft supply stores, you’ll find a wide selection of trusted brands that cater to all your crafting needs, ensuring you get high-quality products every time. Many stores likewise offer exclusive promotions on these popular brands, allowing you to save money during stocking up on your favorite supplies. Staying updated on the latest arrivals can help you discover new trends and products that improve your creative projects. Trusted Brand Selection Craft supply stores prioritize offering a wide range of trusted brands, ensuring you have access to quality products that meet various crafting needs. By shopping at craft stores online, you can explore well-known brands like Doodlebug, Tim Holtz, and Cricut, each celebrated for their innovative designs and attention to detail. Regular updates on new brand arrivals keep you informed about the latest offerings, whereas brand-specific promotions often help you save on your favorite supplies. If you’re looking for wholesale deco mesh and ribbon, these trusted brands provide a variety of options that cater to different projects. Feedback from satisfied customers highlights the quality and creativity of these products, making brand selection a vital aspect of your crafting experience. Exclusive Brand Promotions Exclusive brand promotions give you the chance to save on high-quality supplies from your favorite crafting brands. Many online craft stores offer an extensive selection of trusted names, ensuring you get reliable products customized to your specific needs. You’ll find regular updates on new brand arrivals that keep you informed about the latest trends and innovative supplies in the crafting community. Furthermore, exclusive deals and brand-specific promotions allow you to save on popular, high-demand items, making it easier to stock up on necessities without overspending. Look out for discounts on select brands, as these promotions provide excellent opportunities to improve your creative projects with dependable materials as you keep your budget intact. Check Out Our Create Blog Explore the Create Blog, where you’ll find a wealth of crafting guides designed to inspire and improve your creative projects. You’ll discover detailed DIY guides, like how to make beautiful paper flowers or build budget-friendly pallet furniture that enhances your home. If you’re an artist, the blog offers tips on selecting the right easel to uplift your crafting experience. For families, there are fun paper plate crafts particularly designed for kids, promoting both creativity and engagement. Furthermore, you can explore suggestions for personalizing your projects, allowing you to add a unique touch. Finally, the blog highlights affordable custom framing options, enabling you to preserve and showcase your cherished memories in style. Easy Crafting Projects If you’re looking for simple DIY ideas, crafting projects can be a great way to express your creativity without a major time commitment. Consider starting with easy quilling projects that merely require paper strips, or create a seasonal wreath to freshen up your home decor. These projects not just improve your crafting skills but additionally allow you to personalize each piece to reflect your unique style. Simple DIY Ideas Crafting can be an enjoyable and fulfilling way to express your creativity, especially when you start with simple DIY projects that require minimal materials and effort. For beginners, consider exploring five accessible quilling projects, which are perfect for honing your skills. You’ll also want to gather crucial drawing materials to enhance your artistic work, ensuring you have everything you need to produce stunning pieces. Personalizing your craft projects adds a unique touch, allowing you to tailor designs to your style. In addition, DIY spring wreath ideas can inspire you to incorporate seasonal décor into your home, enriching your crafting experience. These projects are great entry points, making crafting enjoyable and approachable for everyone. Seasonal Craft Inspiration As the seasons change, so do the opportunities for creative expression through crafting. For spring, consider making DIY wreaths with fresh floral designs and lively colors, which can brighten up your home. If you’re new to crafting, five simple quilling projects can help you create beautiful pieces with minimal supplies. To improve your skills, explore tips for personalizing your crafts, making them truly unique. For family fun, try budget-friendly paper plate crafts that use common household materials, ensuring enjoyable activities for kids. Moreover, a guide for making paper flowers offers step-by-step instructions, allowing you to create lively floral arrangements that can add a seasonal touch to any space. Immerse yourself in these projects and let your creativity flourish! Craft Supplies and Categories When you explore craft supply stores, you’ll discover a diverse range of categories designed to meet various creative needs. These categories cater to different crafting interests and guarantee you find quality materials. Here are some popular categories you can expect: Art Supplies: From paints to brushes, explore mediums for every artist. Paper Crafts: Find cardstock, scrapbooking materials, and embellishments for creative expression. Quilting and Fabrics: Access a variety of fabrics and quilting supplies for sewing projects. Seasonal Items: Discover floral bushes, ribbons, and deco mesh for enhancing your seasonal decorations. Many stores likewise stock trusted brands and provide resources like DIY guides and personalization tips. This broad selection empowers you to tackle any craft project with confidence. Craft Blanks for Custom Creations Exploring craft blanks opens up a world of possibilities for custom creations that can reflect your unique style or brand. Craft blanks like tumblers, keychains, and apparel are available at wholesale prices, making them perfect for your customization projects. You’ll find a large selection of premium YETI cups and tumblers designed particularly for crafters and small businesses. All necessary supplies are provided in one place, along with linked video guidance for various projects. These materials cater to both beginners and experienced crafters, ensuring a seamless crafting experience. Craft blanks are ideal for seasonal décor and personalized gifts, allowing you to express your creativity through sublimation, vinyl, and painting techniques. Item Type Customization Methods Ideal Uses Tumblers Sublimation, Vinyl Gifts, Events Keychains Painting, Vinyl Personalized Items Apparel Heat Transfer, Vinyl Custom Merchandise Home Décor Painting, Sublimation Seasonal Decorations Resin & Epoxy Crafting Resin and epoxy crafting offers a versatile avenue for creating stunning custom projects, from jewelry to home décor. To achieve professional results, you’ll need premium materials and crucial tools. Here are four key items to take into account: Silicone Molds: These are perfect for shaping your resin into unique designs, whether it’s pendants or coasters. Pigments: Use high-quality pigments to add lively colors to your projects, enhancing their aesthetic appeal. UV Resin: This type cures quickly under UV light, allowing for faster project completion, ideal for time-sensitive crafting. Comprehensive Tutorials: Accessing detailed guides will help you navigate the crafting process, boosting your skills and creativity. With these supplies, you can create stunning resin art that lasts. Frequently Asked Questions What Is the Best Crafting Website? When considering the best crafting website, focus on your specific needs. Websites like Craft Direct offer high-quality supplies at competitive prices, whereas JoAnn and Mood Designer Fabrics provide a wide range of materials for various projects. If you’re interested in cutting machines, Cricut and Silhouette specialize in those tools. For unique items, check Etsy and independent retailers. Furthermore, crafting blogs and tutorials can improve your skills and inspire your creativity. What Is the Most Popular Craft Store? When considering the most popular craft store, you’ll find several strong contenders. Michaels stands out with its vast inventory and frequent promotions, making it a go-to for many crafters. JoAnn is well-regarded for its fabric and sewing supplies, whereas Hobby Lobby offers unique items at reasonable prices. Craft Direct caters to DIY enthusiasts with competitive pricing, and Amazon provides an extensive range of products with fast shipping, appealing to diverse crafting needs. Are Craft Supply Stores Profitable? Yes, craft supply stores can be quite profitable. With the global craft market valued over $40 billion, demand for supplies is strong. Online retailers, in particular, enjoy lower overhead costs, enabling competitive pricing. Seasonal spikes during holidays and events drive sales, contributing to profitability. Successful stores likewise build loyal customer bases through effective marketing and community engagement, which nurtures repeat business and referrals, enhancing their overall revenue potential. Which Company Is Best for Art and Craft? Determining the best company for Blick Art Materials and craft supplies depends on your specific needs. Craft Direct is great for competitive pricing and a wide variety of supplies. If you’re focused on sewing, JoAnn offers extensive fabric and sewing options. For high-quality designer fabrics, consider Mood Designer Fabrics. Knitters and crocheters will appreciate Purl Soho’s premium yarn selections. Finally, Cricut is ideal for innovative tools and materials, especially for paper crafts. Conclusion In summary, exploring the best online craft supply stores can greatly improve your creative projects. Stores like Michaels, Joann, and Hobby Lobby offer diverse materials, whereas Blick Art Materials and Scrapbook.com cater to specialized needs. For unique items, Etsy connects you with independent creators. Furthermore, retailers such as ArtResin and Tandy Leather provide specialty supplies. By choosing the right store, you can access a wide range of tools and materials customized to your crafting requirements, ensuring successful outcomes. Image via Google Gemini and ArtSmart This article, "7 Best Online Craft Supply Stores for Your Next Project" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

When you’re planning your next crafting project, choosing the right online supply store can make a significant difference. Stores like Michaels, Joann, and Hobby Lobby offer extensive selections of materials and tools for various crafts. For specialized needs, Blick Art Materials and Scrapbook.com are excellent options. Furthermore, platforms like Etsy provide unique supplies from independent creators. Comprehending what each store offers will help you find the best supplies customized to your project requirements. Key Takeaways Explore a wide range of craft supplies, including art materials, fabrics, and seasonal items at reputable online stores. Take advantage of exclusive promotions and discounts from trusted brands like Cricut and Tim Holtz for savings on your projects. Look for online stores that offer free shipping on orders over $69, making bulk purchases more economical. Regularly check for new arrivals and fresh options to stay updated with the latest crafting trends. Utilize in-store pick-up options if available, for convenience and to avoid delivery waits on your craft supplies. Shop Popular Departments When you shop popular departments at craft supply stores, you’ll find a wide range of materials customized to various projects. From crafting necessities to specialized wreath making tools, these stores cater to all your creative needs. Regularly check the weekly flier for current sales and promotions, ensuring you can save money as you stock up on supplies. If you prefer convenience, consider utilizing the in-store pick-up option, allowing you to avoid delivery waits. Many craft supply stores online offer free shipping on orders over $69, making it easier to purchase in bulk. With new items added daily, you’ll always have fresh options for crafts and scrapbooking, ensuring your creativity knows no bounds while remaining within your budget. Shop the Brands You Love When you shop at craft supply stores, you’ll find a wide selection of trusted brands that cater to all your crafting needs, ensuring you get high-quality products every time. Many stores likewise offer exclusive promotions on these popular brands, allowing you to save money during stocking up on your favorite supplies. Staying updated on the latest arrivals can help you discover new trends and products that improve your creative projects. Trusted Brand Selection Craft supply stores prioritize offering a wide range of trusted brands, ensuring you have access to quality products that meet various crafting needs. By shopping at craft stores online, you can explore well-known brands like Doodlebug, Tim Holtz, and Cricut, each celebrated for their innovative designs and attention to detail. Regular updates on new brand arrivals keep you informed about the latest offerings, whereas brand-specific promotions often help you save on your favorite supplies. If you’re looking for wholesale deco mesh and ribbon, these trusted brands provide a variety of options that cater to different projects. Feedback from satisfied customers highlights the quality and creativity of these products, making brand selection a vital aspect of your crafting experience. Exclusive Brand Promotions Exclusive brand promotions give you the chance to save on high-quality supplies from your favorite crafting brands. Many online craft stores offer an extensive selection of trusted names, ensuring you get reliable products customized to your specific needs. You’ll find regular updates on new brand arrivals that keep you informed about the latest trends and innovative supplies in the crafting community. Furthermore, exclusive deals and brand-specific promotions allow you to save on popular, high-demand items, making it easier to stock up on necessities without overspending. Look out for discounts on select brands, as these promotions provide excellent opportunities to improve your creative projects with dependable materials as you keep your budget intact. Check Out Our Create Blog Explore the Create Blog, where you’ll find a wealth of crafting guides designed to inspire and improve your creative projects. You’ll discover detailed DIY guides, like how to make beautiful paper flowers or build budget-friendly pallet furniture that enhances your home. If you’re an artist, the blog offers tips on selecting the right easel to uplift your crafting experience. For families, there are fun paper plate crafts particularly designed for kids, promoting both creativity and engagement. Furthermore, you can explore suggestions for personalizing your projects, allowing you to add a unique touch. Finally, the blog highlights affordable custom framing options, enabling you to preserve and showcase your cherished memories in style. Easy Crafting Projects If you’re looking for simple DIY ideas, crafting projects can be a great way to express your creativity without a major time commitment. Consider starting with easy quilling projects that merely require paper strips, or create a seasonal wreath to freshen up your home decor. These projects not just improve your crafting skills but additionally allow you to personalize each piece to reflect your unique style. Simple DIY Ideas Crafting can be an enjoyable and fulfilling way to express your creativity, especially when you start with simple DIY projects that require minimal materials and effort. For beginners, consider exploring five accessible quilling projects, which are perfect for honing your skills. You’ll also want to gather crucial drawing materials to enhance your artistic work, ensuring you have everything you need to produce stunning pieces. Personalizing your craft projects adds a unique touch, allowing you to tailor designs to your style. In addition, DIY spring wreath ideas can inspire you to incorporate seasonal décor into your home, enriching your crafting experience. These projects are great entry points, making crafting enjoyable and approachable for everyone. Seasonal Craft Inspiration As the seasons change, so do the opportunities for creative expression through crafting. For spring, consider making DIY wreaths with fresh floral designs and lively colors, which can brighten up your home. If you’re new to crafting, five simple quilling projects can help you create beautiful pieces with minimal supplies. To improve your skills, explore tips for personalizing your crafts, making them truly unique. For family fun, try budget-friendly paper plate crafts that use common household materials, ensuring enjoyable activities for kids. Moreover, a guide for making paper flowers offers step-by-step instructions, allowing you to create lively floral arrangements that can add a seasonal touch to any space. Immerse yourself in these projects and let your creativity flourish! Craft Supplies and Categories When you explore craft supply stores, you’ll discover a diverse range of categories designed to meet various creative needs. These categories cater to different crafting interests and guarantee you find quality materials. Here are some popular categories you can expect: Art Supplies: From paints to brushes, explore mediums for every artist. Paper Crafts: Find cardstock, scrapbooking materials, and embellishments for creative expression. Quilting and Fabrics: Access a variety of fabrics and quilting supplies for sewing projects. Seasonal Items: Discover floral bushes, ribbons, and deco mesh for enhancing your seasonal decorations. Many stores likewise stock trusted brands and provide resources like DIY guides and personalization tips. This broad selection empowers you to tackle any craft project with confidence. Craft Blanks for Custom Creations Exploring craft blanks opens up a world of possibilities for custom creations that can reflect your unique style or brand. Craft blanks like tumblers, keychains, and apparel are available at wholesale prices, making them perfect for your customization projects. You’ll find a large selection of premium YETI cups and tumblers designed particularly for crafters and small businesses. All necessary supplies are provided in one place, along with linked video guidance for various projects. These materials cater to both beginners and experienced crafters, ensuring a seamless crafting experience. Craft blanks are ideal for seasonal décor and personalized gifts, allowing you to express your creativity through sublimation, vinyl, and painting techniques. Item Type Customization Methods Ideal Uses Tumblers Sublimation, Vinyl Gifts, Events Keychains Painting, Vinyl Personalized Items Apparel Heat Transfer, Vinyl Custom Merchandise Home Décor Painting, Sublimation Seasonal Decorations Resin & Epoxy Crafting Resin and epoxy crafting offers a versatile avenue for creating stunning custom projects, from jewelry to home décor. To achieve professional results, you’ll need premium materials and crucial tools. Here are four key items to take into account: Silicone Molds: These are perfect for shaping your resin into unique designs, whether it’s pendants or coasters. Pigments: Use high-quality pigments to add lively colors to your projects, enhancing their aesthetic appeal. UV Resin: This type cures quickly under UV light, allowing for faster project completion, ideal for time-sensitive crafting. Comprehensive Tutorials: Accessing detailed guides will help you navigate the crafting process, boosting your skills and creativity. With these supplies, you can create stunning resin art that lasts. Frequently Asked Questions What Is the Best Crafting Website? When considering the best crafting website, focus on your specific needs. Websites like Craft Direct offer high-quality supplies at competitive prices, whereas JoAnn and Mood Designer Fabrics provide a wide range of materials for various projects. If you’re interested in cutting machines, Cricut and Silhouette specialize in those tools. For unique items, check Etsy and independent retailers. Furthermore, crafting blogs and tutorials can improve your skills and inspire your creativity. What Is the Most Popular Craft Store? When considering the most popular craft store, you’ll find several strong contenders. Michaels stands out with its vast inventory and frequent promotions, making it a go-to for many crafters. JoAnn is well-regarded for its fabric and sewing supplies, whereas Hobby Lobby offers unique items at reasonable prices. Craft Direct caters to DIY enthusiasts with competitive pricing, and Amazon provides an extensive range of products with fast shipping, appealing to diverse crafting needs. Are Craft Supply Stores Profitable? Yes, craft supply stores can be quite profitable. With the global craft market valued over $40 billion, demand for supplies is strong. Online retailers, in particular, enjoy lower overhead costs, enabling competitive pricing. Seasonal spikes during holidays and events drive sales, contributing to profitability. Successful stores likewise build loyal customer bases through effective marketing and community engagement, which nurtures repeat business and referrals, enhancing their overall revenue potential. Which Company Is Best for Art and Craft? Determining the best company for Blick Art Materials and craft supplies depends on your specific needs. Craft Direct is great for competitive pricing and a wide variety of supplies. If you’re focused on sewing, JoAnn offers extensive fabric and sewing options. For high-quality designer fabrics, consider Mood Designer Fabrics. Knitters and crocheters will appreciate Purl Soho’s premium yarn selections. Finally, Cricut is ideal for innovative tools and materials, especially for paper crafts. Conclusion In summary, exploring the best online craft supply stores can greatly improve your creative projects. Stores like Michaels, Joann, and Hobby Lobby offer diverse materials, whereas Blick Art Materials and Scrapbook.com cater to specialized needs. For unique items, Etsy connects you with independent creators. Furthermore, retailers such as ArtResin and Tandy Leather provide specialty supplies. By choosing the right store, you can access a wide range of tools and materials customized to your crafting requirements, ensuring successful outcomes. Image via Google Gemini and ArtSmart This article, "7 Best Online Craft Supply Stores for Your Next Project" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Pakistan gets almost all its oil and gas from the Middle East, where U.S. and Israeli bombing of Iran have caused crude prices to blow past $150 a barrel and tankers can’t get through the Strait of Hormuz. But it has one edge in the crisis: a rapid, recent shift to solar power. The country’s solar boom started in the wake of the Ukraine war, when Pakistan couldn’t afford to buy liquefied natural gas and that led to power outages. “It also led to soaring electricity bills,” says Rabia Babar, an energy market analyst at the Pakistan-based nonprofit Renewables First. Some power bills were as much as 30-40% of people’s income, sometimes more than they were spending on rent. At the same time, the price of solar panels had steeply fallen, with an oversupply from Chinese manufacturers that was easily accessible in Pakistan. And so people started buying and installing solar—often to avoid using grid power. “You could go to your local bodega, buy a solar panel and charge controller and a battery, and install it yourself,” says Jigar Shah, an energy entrepreneur and investor who previously led the Loans Program Office at the U.S. Department of Energy. “It was so cheap that people were able to do it with discretionary funds, $50 that they had.” A grassroots DIY movement quickly grew. Self-taught solar entrepreneurs learned about installation and repair on YouTube and in local WhatsApp groups. As people installed solar on their roofs, their neighbors followed. Businesses added solar and batteries on factory buildings. Farmers started using solar pumps, rather than diesel, for irrigation. Cheap solar panels also helped bring power to rural homes that had always been off the grid. Last year, the country was the second-largest importer of Chinese solar panels in the world. Ten percent of the grid shifted to solar in just a few years, driven largely by these small installations. “When you think about the sheer volume and the population of Pakistan, it certainly is the largest deployment of solar and battery storage to solve energy poverty in the world,” Shah says. Over the last nine years, the country has imported a massive 51 gigawatts of solar power. (For comparison, that’s more than the entire capacity of power plants on the country’s electric grid.) That’s helped Pakistan avoid spending more than $12 billion on fossil fuel imports, according to a report from Renewables First. This year, as crude prices have surged, the country could save another $6.3 billion. (Pakistan still relies almost entirely on fossil fuels for transportation, as EV adoption in the country is at an earlier stage. ) The transition hasn’t gone perfectly. Because solar grew organically without top-down planning, utilities suddenly lost so much business that they’ve faced financial challenges keeping older infrastructure afloat. The lesson for other developing countries, Shah says, is that utilities should help customers install cheap solar so that the whole system can be coordinated. But the current crisis is likely to speed up the solar transition. “Consumers who are running on diesel in Pakistan—but not just Pakistan, but Kenya, Tanzania, etcetera—their price of diesel just doubled,” says Shah. “If you’re the guy in Pakistan who still hasn’t switched to solar, you’re probably switching to solar this year.” View the full article

David Handler, a technology dealmaker, wins reversal from Delaware Supreme CourtView the full article

Dozens of backbenchers have endorsed the former deputy PM’s criticism of the government’s ‘un-British’ plansView the full article

You might think that Chrome for mobile is just a mini version of Google's desktop browser, designed for quickly browsing the web, while all your serious work can only happen on your computer. While Chrome for desktop will likely always be more capable, Chrome for mobile has its own share of powerful features that you should explore. Once you customize its cluttered home screen, you'll find a browser where organizing and pinning tabs is intuitive, blocking notifications is easy, and every website opens in dark mode. Use pinned tabs to keep track of important pages Option to pin tabs in overflow menu. Below: Pinned tabs section. Credit: Khamosh Pathak On desktop, you might be used to pinning tabs to gain quick access to important pages. For example, I always keep Gmail and Trello pinned in my default browser. This keeps the bookmarks bar and bookmark folders free for link organization. But Chrome for Android and iOS lacked this feature until fairly recently. If you didn't know you could do it, it might be time to start pinning tabs on your device, especially when it comes to tablets. Pinning tabs in Chrome for mobile is slightly different than on desktop, though. After opening a page, you'll have to open the Tabs menu. Then, tap and hold on a page and tap the Pin Tab button. Pinned tabs show up in a special pill-shaped "Pinned Tabs" section at the bottom of the tab switcher. Tapping on one will instantly take you to the pinned page. One added advantage? When you close all tabs because of tab overload, pinned tabs won't disappear. Prevent tab overload by closing old inactive tabs Credit: Khamosh Pathak Safari on iPhone automatically closes tabs that are older than 30 days. Chrome has something similar for Chrome for Android, but the feature on the iOS version is surprisingly limited. By default, any tab that you don't use for 21 days automatically gets moved to "Inactive Tabs." You'll find this section at the top of the Tabs page. This means that when you open the main Tabs screen, you'll only see tabs that you've used recently. But just because the inactive tabs are tucked away, that doesn't mean they're gone. If you have hundreds of inactive tabs cluttering things up, it's time to close them manually. Go to the Inactive Tabs section, tap the Close all inactive tabs button, and confirm from the popup. Every time the list gets a bit too crowded, go in and clear it out. Android users, though, get a Safari-like option to automatically close any tabs that haven't been active for over three months (iOS users don't have this option yet). Go to Settings > Tabs and tab groups > Move to inactive session and make sure that the Automatically close inactive items feature is enabled. Move Chrome's address bar to the bottom Credit: Khamosh Pathak Speaking of Safari-like features, Chrome now has an option to move the address bar to the bottom of the screen on both Android and iPhone. This is great news for anyone who uses a giant phone like I do. (Why Google doesn't just switch this to the default, I will never know.) To move the address bar to the bottom, simply tap and hold on the address bar, then tap the Move address bar to bottom button. Going forward, there will be no need to stretch your fingers just to switch to another website. Use "Send to Your Devices" to open your mobile links on desktop Credit: Khamosh Pathak If you use Chrome on both mobile and desktop, you can use a little-known feature to send any link from your phone to the Chrome desktop app. On your smartphone, tap the Share button and choose the Send to Your Devices option. From the list, select the Chrome browser where you want to send it to, and tap the Send to your device button. The next time you open Chrome, you'll see a popup saying that a page was shared from one of the devices. Click on Open in new tab to resume reading or working on the website on your computer. Block websites from spamming you with notifications (Android only) Credit: Khamosh Pathak Spammers love to abuse Chrome for Android's notification system. Every random website you visit wants to send you alerts, and if you tap “Allow” even once, you're inundated with dozens of notifications a day. Luckily, Chrome has an option that blocks all sites from even presenting a popup for enabling notifications. Go to Settings > Site settings > Notifications and switch to Don't allow sites to send notifications. Websites won't be allowed to ask you for notification access, and they won't be able to send you notifications either. If you want to keep the feature enabled, you can also disable notifications on a per-site basis from the section. Set up your phone so Picture-in-Picture works on any website Credit: Khamosh Pathak Picture-in-picture isn't just for YouTube and media apps. Chrome also supports this feature natively on both Android and iOS. This means you can tune in to any website's video, and watch it in a little floating window no matter if they have a dedicated app or not. As long as Picture-in-Picture is enabled on your phone, all you have to do is to open the video playback, and go to the home screen. (This works with YouTube as well, but only if you're paying for YouTube Premium.) On iPhone, you'll even see a PiP button in the native video player, which will automatically close the app, and bring you to the home screen with the video still playing in the floating window. If Picture-in-Picture is not enabled, you can set it up from the Settings app. On Android, go to Apps > Special app access > Picture-in-Picture > Chrome and enable the “Allow picture-in-picture” feature. On your iPhone, go to Settings > General > Picture in Picture and make sure that the Start PiP Automatically feature is enabled. Use this setting to force any website into dark mode Credit: Khamosh Pathak If you use dark mode on your phone, you might be use to being blinded when you open a news site that only offers a light theme. But there's a simple fix here: All you need is to enable an experimental feature that forces all websites into dark mode, with a black background and white text (without impacting any media or images). Go to the Chrome address bar and enter "Chrome://flags." Search for "dark" from the top. In the Auto Dark Mode for Web Contents option, tap on the drop-down and switch to Enabled, then tap the Relaunch button to restart Chrome. This works on both Android and iOS. Lock Incognito tabs when you leave Chrome Credit: Khamosh Pathak Incognito tabs are private for a reason, and yet, they're as accessible as your standard tabs. Fortunately, Chrome has a feature that can automatically lock Incognito tabs when you leave the browser—again, something that should be enabled by default. On Android, go to Settings > Privacy and Security and enable Lock Incognito tabs when you leave Chrome. Verify using your fingerprint or passcode to enable the feature. On iOS, the steps are slightly different. Go to Settings > Privacy and security > Hide Incognito tabs. Here, you can either choose to hide the tabs after 10 minutes, or, better yet, use Lock Immediately with Face ID option for a safer route. Remove the Discover feed and customize the start page Credit: Khamosh Pathak Chrome's start page can be a bit much, especially on iOS. What you want is quick access to the address bar or the search bar, but that's precisely what's farthest to reach. Instead, what you'll find are sections for your top sites, card suggestions, and, of course, the Discover feed, where Google shows you all the articles you might be interested in. Thankfully, this start page is customizable, and you can disable all three sections to keep things clean and simple. Tap "Edit" from the top-left corner of the new tab page, and disable each feature that you no longer wish to use. When all features are disabled (and you've switched to a calmer background), you'll likely find the new tab page is much more useful. Join the beta to test out new features early Credit: Khamosh Pathak If you like being on the bleeding edge of tech, you can test new Chrome features before anyone else gets their hands on them, whether you have an iPhone or Android. On iOS, it's as simple as installing the Google Chrome beta from the TestFlight app. If you already have the app installed, the beta version will replace the stable app. On Android, visit the Google Chrome beta testing site, log in with the Google Play account you use on your smartphone, and choose Become a tester. Once enrolled, you will get an update for Chrome that will switch you out to the latest beta version. If you want to leave the program and return to the stable build, go back to the same website, and use the Leave the program button. View the full article

The CEO of Crypto.com, Kris Marszalek, announced on Thursday that he was laying off 12% of the company’s staff. Marszalek cited AI as the driving factor behind the layoffs. Here’s what you need to know. What’s happened? On Thursday, Crypto.com CEO Kris Marszalek took to X to announce that the company was cutting 12% of its staff. Marszalek cited AI as the reason for the layoffs. In the X post, Marszalek said that Crypto.com was “joining the list of companies integrating enterprise-wide AI” and suggested that those who do not embrace artificial intelligence won’t be around for long. “Companies that do not make this pivot immediately will fail,” Marszalek wrote. “Companies that move slowly will be left behind.” Marszalek said that, as a result of this embrace of AI, Crypto.com would lay off around 12% of its workforce in “roles that do not adapt in our new world,” noting that the layoffs would be “targeted.” Marszalek is hardly the first CEO to blame AI for layoffs. Most recently, Block CEO Jack Dorsey said he would lay off 4,000 employees, primarily due to a shift toward greater reliance on AI. However, some question whether an embrace of AI tools is actually the driving factor behind tech industry layoffs, or whether CEOs are simply using AI as a smokescreen to mask other reasons. Crypto.com recently paid the largest sum ever for a domain name Of course, it’s not hard to believe that Marszalek truly believes his own words about the seismic impact AI will have on companies in the months and years ahead, especially after he purchased the AI.com domain name in February for a record-breaking $70 million—the most ever paid for a domain name. This week’s layoff announcement also comes after the company’s own cryptocurrency, Cronos (CRO), has suffered a dramatic fall in value over the past several months. After rising from a low of around $0.08 in early July, CRO spiked to over $0.32 cents by late August. But since then, the token’s value has crashed by around 70%, falling to around $0.07 as of this writing, according to CoinMarketCap data. Popular cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin and Ether have also seen their values decline since last summer. This isn’t Crypto.com’s first round of layoffs This week’s announced layoffs are not the first time that Crypto.com has cut staff. In June 2022, the firm let go of about 5% of its workforce, totaling about 260 employees. At the time, Marszalek said the layoffs would allow the company to “stay focused on executing against our roadmap and optimizing for profitability as we do so.” Then, in January 2023, Crypto.com announced that it would eliminate approximately 20% of its workforce, citing the fallout from the collapse of cryptocurrency exchange FTX. “We are joining the list of companies integrating enterprise-wide AI,” a Crypto.com spokesperson told Fast Company when reached for comment. “As we continue to prioritize resources around key growth areas and drive efficiencies across our business, we reduced our workforce by approximately 12 percent. All impacted team members have been notified and are receiving resources to support their transition.” The company did not say how many employees were impacted. This story is developing… View the full article

As you explore new business opportunities, consider the emerging franchise options that are gaining traction in 2025. From fitness and wellness franchises that cater to health-conscious consumers, to pet services tapping into the growing pet ownership trend, the scenery is diverse. Home care and senior services are likewise essential, reflecting the aging population’s needs. Each sector offers unique advantages and challenges that could align with your entrepreneurial goals. What might be the best fit for your aspirations? Key Takeaways Home services franchises, like cleaning and landscaping, offer low startup costs and consistent demand for aspiring entrepreneurs. The booming pet services sector includes grooming, boarding, and training franchises, reflecting the increase in pet ownership. Education and tutoring franchises are gaining traction, catering to parents prioritizing their children’s academic success. Fitness and wellness franchises, including boutique gyms and specialized studios, engage diverse audiences and promise brand loyalty through membership models. Innovative food and beverage franchises focus on health-conscious options and unique dining experiences, appealing to evolving consumer preferences. Emerging Franchise Opportunities in 2025 As you look ahead to 2025, it’s essential to contemplate the emerging franchise opportunities that align with changing consumer preferences and market demands. Fast-growing franchises in home services, like cleaning and landscaping, are appealing because of low startup costs and consistent demand for reliable providers. Furthermore, the pet services sector is booming, with unique franchises in grooming, boarding, and training capitalizing on increased pet ownership and spending. The education and tutoring sector likewise presents promising loan franchise opportunities, as parents increasingly prioritize their children’s learning. Each of these areas not only reflects current consumer trends but likewise offers a chance for entrepreneurs to invest in sectors poised for growth and sustainability. Fitness and Wellness Franchises The growth in emerging franchise opportunities naturally leads to a focus on fitness and wellness franchises, which are becoming increasingly popular among entrepreneurs. With a heightened consumer focus on health, these franchises often utilize membership-based revenue models that boost brand loyalty. You’ll find opportunities in boutique gyms and personal training studios, allowing you to tap into niche markets with personalized offerings. Franchises like PickleRage illustrate the trend of specialized fitness, engaging communities through activities like pickleball that appeal to diverse demographics. Established business models in this sector simplify operations for new owners, providing a clear roadmap to success. As demand for fitness and wellness services continues to rise, this market represents a promising investment for potential franchisees in California and beyond. Pet Services Franchises The pet services industry is booming, driven by a growing number of pet owners and their increasing demand for quality care options. With franchise support systems that provide training and operational guidance, you can easily establish a successful business in this flourishing market. As pet owners often seek regular services like grooming and daycare, you’ll benefit from customer loyalty and a steady stream of income. Growing Pet Industry Demand With consumer spending on pet care projected to surpass $109.6 billion in 2024, the pet services industry is clearly on an upward trajectory, highlighting a strong demand for related services. The increasing number of pet owners, now about 70% of U.S. households, drives consistent demand for pet services, creating ample opportunities for franchise growth. Here’s a quick overview of potential pet service franchises: Franchise Type Startup Cost Customer Loyalty Pet Grooming Low High Pet Boarding Moderate High Pet Training Low High Mobile Pet Care Low Moderate Pet Supplies Moderate High If you’re considering a new business franchise, ask yourself: What are the questions for franchise opportunities? Franchise Support Systems Steering through the domain of pet services franchises often proves easier when you have strong support systems in place. These franchises typically offer extensive training programs that equip you to handle various business aspects from day one. You’ll also receive ongoing support from franchisors, including marketing assistance and operational guidance, crucial for attracting and keeping customers in this competitive market. Many franchises promote a robust community among owners, nurturing networking opportunities and shared resources that improve your business performance. With established brand recognition, you can build customer trust and loyalty, leading to higher revenue potential. Furthermore, the pet services sector remains resilient to economic fluctuations, providing indispensable services like grooming and training that maintain steady demand year-round. Home Care and Senior Services Franchises As America’s population ages, the demand for home care and senior services franchises is surging, creating a lucrative opportunity for potential franchisees. By 2030, it’s projected that 20% of the U.S. population will be 65 or older, driving the need for services like companionship, personal care, and assistance with daily living activities. These franchises often have lower startup costs than traditional businesses, making them accessible to many aspiring franchisees. You’ll benefit from thorough training and support from franchisors, ensuring you’re well-prepared to meet client needs. Furthermore, the home care industry is set to grow at 7.9% annually through 2025, reflecting a consistent demand for quality senior care services and providing a steady revenue stream. Food and Beverage Franchises When you’re exploring food and beverage franchises, you’ll find a range of trending concepts that cater to modern consumer preferences. Health-conscious options and unique dining experiences are becoming increasingly popular, allowing you to tap into lucrative markets. Trending Food Concepts In today’s dynamic market, food and beverage franchises are thriving owing to a blend of consumer demand and innovative concepts that cater to evolving preferences. You’ll find several trending food concepts gaining traction, making them prime candidates for investment: Fast-casual dining: These franchises focus on quality ingredients and a relaxed atmosphere, appealing to those seeking a better dining experience than traditional fast food. Unique beverage options: Specialty coffee shops and bubble tea stores attract younger customers looking for trendy, Instagrammable choices. Ghost kitchens: These delivery-only concepts minimize overhead costs and allow franchisees to enter the market more easily. With a projected annual growth rate of over 3% through 2025, exploring these concepts could lead to successful business ventures. Health-Conscious Options With consumers increasingly prioritizing health and wellness, the demand for health-conscious food and beverage franchises continues to rise. This sector is witnessing significant growth, with the International Franchise Association projecting a 2.5% growth rate by 2025. Franchises like smoothie bars and salad shops often have lower startup costs and require less space than traditional restaurants, making them accessible to new franchisees. These businesses benefit from strong brand recognition and loyal customers who value nutritious options. Many established health-focused franchises offer thorough training and marketing support, equipping you to thrive in a competitive market. The broadening market now includes plant-based offerings and meal-prep services, aligning perfectly with the growing trend toward healthier lifestyles and sustainable eating habits. Unique Dining Experiences As health-conscious dining options gain popularity, a parallel trend is emerging in the food and beverage franchise industry: unique dining experiences. Consumers are increasingly drawn to novel culinary adventures, and franchises in this sector capitalize on that interest. They often provide strong brand recognition and marketing support, enhancing customer attraction and retention. Here are some key features: Focus on locally sourced ingredients and sustainable practices. Innovative concepts like immersive dining and interactive meal experiences. Extensive training programs in culinary arts, customer service, and operational management. These elements not only cater to the growing demand for eco-friendly options but also create opportunities for franchisees to tap into niche markets. Investing in unique dining experiences can yield substantial returns in today’s competitive market. Education and Tutoring Franchises Education and tutoring franchises present a compelling opportunity for investors looking to enter a steadily growing market. With parents prioritizing their children’s academic success, the demand for these services is on the rise. Many franchises focus on specialized subjects like STEM and test preparation, aligning with current educational trends. Here’s a quick overview of key factors driving this market: Key Factor Description Benefit Steady Demand Increasing focus on academic performance Lucrative investment opportunity Recurring Revenue Students enroll for extended periods Consistent income for franchisees Community Impact Improves local educational outcomes Supports families in academic growth Investing in an education franchise not only generates income but also favorably impacts your community. Innovative Retail and E-Commerce Franchises Investors seeking opportunities in the evolving marketplace should consider the potential of innovative retail and e-commerce franchises. These franchises leverage technology to improve customer experiences, catering to the growing demand for sustainable products and convenient shopping options. Here are key trends to watch: Augmented Reality & AI: Many brands implement these technologies for personalized shopping experiences. Sustainable Products: Emerging franchises focus on eco-friendly offerings, attracting environmentally conscious consumers. Hybrid Shopping Models: Franchises blending in-store and online experiences, like click-and-collect services, provide flexibility. The e-commerce sector is projected to surpass $6.5 trillion in sales by 2023, making it a fertile ground for new retail franchises. Furthermore, subscription models encourage customer loyalty and create recurring revenue opportunities. Frequently Asked Questions What Is the Best Franchise Business to Start? The best franchise business to start often lies in sectors with proven demand, like food and beverage, health and wellness, or home services. These industries typically offer established business models, extensive training, and ongoing support, which can improve your chances of success. Furthermore, consider emerging markets such as pet services or child care, where consumer spending is rising. What Is the 7 Day Rule for Franchise? The 7 Day Rule requires franchisors to provide a Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) at least 14 days before you sign any agreements or make payments. This rule aims to protect you by ensuring you have ample time to review critical information, including financial performance and fee structures. With this time, you can seek legal or financial advice, helping you make an informed investment decision and reducing potential disputes or dissatisfaction later on. What Is the Most Profitable Franchise to Own? The most profitable franchise to own often falls within the food and beverage sector, with brands like Dunkin’ and Subway leading the way. These franchises benefit from strong consumer demand and established brand loyalty, resulting in high sales volumes. Furthermore, low startup costs for certain concepts, such as coffee shops, can improve profit potential. Home service franchises, like Mr. Rooter, likewise show resilience, catering to ongoing consumer needs for crucial services. Which Franchise Is Best for Beginners? When considering which franchise is best for beginners, low-cost options are often ideal. Food and beverage franchises, like coffee shops, thrive on consumer demand and established business models. Home services franchises, such as cleaning or landscaping, require minimal startup investment and adapt well to economic changes. Fitness franchises attract health-conscious customers with membership models, whereas educational franchises consistently appeal to parents seeking quality tutoring for their children, ensuring reliable revenue. Conclusion In conclusion, exploring franchise opportunities in 2025 reveals diverse options across various sectors. Fitness and wellness franchises cater to health-conscious consumers, whereas pet services tap into the growing pet ownership trend. Home care and senior services address the needs of an aging population, and education franchises focus on enhancing children’s learning. Furthermore, food and beverage franchises and innovative retail options provide further avenues for entrepreneurial growth. Each sector presents unique advantages worth considering for potential franchisees. Image via Google Gemini and ArtSmart This article, "7 New Business Franchises to Consider" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

As you explore new business opportunities, consider the emerging franchise options that are gaining traction in 2025. From fitness and wellness franchises that cater to health-conscious consumers, to pet services tapping into the growing pet ownership trend, the scenery is diverse. Home care and senior services are likewise essential, reflecting the aging population’s needs. Each sector offers unique advantages and challenges that could align with your entrepreneurial goals. What might be the best fit for your aspirations? Key Takeaways Home services franchises, like cleaning and landscaping, offer low startup costs and consistent demand for aspiring entrepreneurs. The booming pet services sector includes grooming, boarding, and training franchises, reflecting the increase in pet ownership. Education and tutoring franchises are gaining traction, catering to parents prioritizing their children’s academic success. Fitness and wellness franchises, including boutique gyms and specialized studios, engage diverse audiences and promise brand loyalty through membership models. Innovative food and beverage franchises focus on health-conscious options and unique dining experiences, appealing to evolving consumer preferences. Emerging Franchise Opportunities in 2025 As you look ahead to 2025, it’s essential to contemplate the emerging franchise opportunities that align with changing consumer preferences and market demands. Fast-growing franchises in home services, like cleaning and landscaping, are appealing because of low startup costs and consistent demand for reliable providers. Furthermore, the pet services sector is booming, with unique franchises in grooming, boarding, and training capitalizing on increased pet ownership and spending. The education and tutoring sector likewise presents promising loan franchise opportunities, as parents increasingly prioritize their children’s learning. Each of these areas not only reflects current consumer trends but likewise offers a chance for entrepreneurs to invest in sectors poised for growth and sustainability. Fitness and Wellness Franchises The growth in emerging franchise opportunities naturally leads to a focus on fitness and wellness franchises, which are becoming increasingly popular among entrepreneurs. With a heightened consumer focus on health, these franchises often utilize membership-based revenue models that boost brand loyalty. You’ll find opportunities in boutique gyms and personal training studios, allowing you to tap into niche markets with personalized offerings. Franchises like PickleRage illustrate the trend of specialized fitness, engaging communities through activities like pickleball that appeal to diverse demographics. Established business models in this sector simplify operations for new owners, providing a clear roadmap to success. As demand for fitness and wellness services continues to rise, this market represents a promising investment for potential franchisees in California and beyond. Pet Services Franchises The pet services industry is booming, driven by a growing number of pet owners and their increasing demand for quality care options. With franchise support systems that provide training and operational guidance, you can easily establish a successful business in this flourishing market. As pet owners often seek regular services like grooming and daycare, you’ll benefit from customer loyalty and a steady stream of income. Growing Pet Industry Demand With consumer spending on pet care projected to surpass $109.6 billion in 2024, the pet services industry is clearly on an upward trajectory, highlighting a strong demand for related services. The increasing number of pet owners, now about 70% of U.S. households, drives consistent demand for pet services, creating ample opportunities for franchise growth. Here’s a quick overview of potential pet service franchises: Franchise Type Startup Cost Customer Loyalty Pet Grooming Low High Pet Boarding Moderate High Pet Training Low High Mobile Pet Care Low Moderate Pet Supplies Moderate High If you’re considering a new business franchise, ask yourself: What are the questions for franchise opportunities? Franchise Support Systems Steering through the domain of pet services franchises often proves easier when you have strong support systems in place. These franchises typically offer extensive training programs that equip you to handle various business aspects from day one. You’ll also receive ongoing support from franchisors, including marketing assistance and operational guidance, crucial for attracting and keeping customers in this competitive market. Many franchises promote a robust community among owners, nurturing networking opportunities and shared resources that improve your business performance. With established brand recognition, you can build customer trust and loyalty, leading to higher revenue potential. Furthermore, the pet services sector remains resilient to economic fluctuations, providing indispensable services like grooming and training that maintain steady demand year-round. Home Care and Senior Services Franchises As America’s population ages, the demand for home care and senior services franchises is surging, creating a lucrative opportunity for potential franchisees. By 2030, it’s projected that 20% of the U.S. population will be 65 or older, driving the need for services like companionship, personal care, and assistance with daily living activities. These franchises often have lower startup costs than traditional businesses, making them accessible to many aspiring franchisees. You’ll benefit from thorough training and support from franchisors, ensuring you’re well-prepared to meet client needs. Furthermore, the home care industry is set to grow at 7.9% annually through 2025, reflecting a consistent demand for quality senior care services and providing a steady revenue stream. Food and Beverage Franchises When you’re exploring food and beverage franchises, you’ll find a range of trending concepts that cater to modern consumer preferences. Health-conscious options and unique dining experiences are becoming increasingly popular, allowing you to tap into lucrative markets. Trending Food Concepts In today’s dynamic market, food and beverage franchises are thriving owing to a blend of consumer demand and innovative concepts that cater to evolving preferences. You’ll find several trending food concepts gaining traction, making them prime candidates for investment: Fast-casual dining: These franchises focus on quality ingredients and a relaxed atmosphere, appealing to those seeking a better dining experience than traditional fast food. Unique beverage options: Specialty coffee shops and bubble tea stores attract younger customers looking for trendy, Instagrammable choices. Ghost kitchens: These delivery-only concepts minimize overhead costs and allow franchisees to enter the market more easily. With a projected annual growth rate of over 3% through 2025, exploring these concepts could lead to successful business ventures. Health-Conscious Options With consumers increasingly prioritizing health and wellness, the demand for health-conscious food and beverage franchises continues to rise. This sector is witnessing significant growth, with the International Franchise Association projecting a 2.5% growth rate by 2025. Franchises like smoothie bars and salad shops often have lower startup costs and require less space than traditional restaurants, making them accessible to new franchisees. These businesses benefit from strong brand recognition and loyal customers who value nutritious options. Many established health-focused franchises offer thorough training and marketing support, equipping you to thrive in a competitive market. The broadening market now includes plant-based offerings and meal-prep services, aligning perfectly with the growing trend toward healthier lifestyles and sustainable eating habits. Unique Dining Experiences As health-conscious dining options gain popularity, a parallel trend is emerging in the food and beverage franchise industry: unique dining experiences. Consumers are increasingly drawn to novel culinary adventures, and franchises in this sector capitalize on that interest. They often provide strong brand recognition and marketing support, enhancing customer attraction and retention. Here are some key features: Focus on locally sourced ingredients and sustainable practices. Innovative concepts like immersive dining and interactive meal experiences. Extensive training programs in culinary arts, customer service, and operational management. These elements not only cater to the growing demand for eco-friendly options but also create opportunities for franchisees to tap into niche markets. Investing in unique dining experiences can yield substantial returns in today’s competitive market. Education and Tutoring Franchises Education and tutoring franchises present a compelling opportunity for investors looking to enter a steadily growing market. With parents prioritizing their children’s academic success, the demand for these services is on the rise. Many franchises focus on specialized subjects like STEM and test preparation, aligning with current educational trends. Here’s a quick overview of key factors driving this market: Key Factor Description Benefit Steady Demand Increasing focus on academic performance Lucrative investment opportunity Recurring Revenue Students enroll for extended periods Consistent income for franchisees Community Impact Improves local educational outcomes Supports families in academic growth Investing in an education franchise not only generates income but also favorably impacts your community. Innovative Retail and E-Commerce Franchises Investors seeking opportunities in the evolving marketplace should consider the potential of innovative retail and e-commerce franchises. These franchises leverage technology to improve customer experiences, catering to the growing demand for sustainable products and convenient shopping options. Here are key trends to watch: Augmented Reality & AI: Many brands implement these technologies for personalized shopping experiences. Sustainable Products: Emerging franchises focus on eco-friendly offerings, attracting environmentally conscious consumers. Hybrid Shopping Models: Franchises blending in-store and online experiences, like click-and-collect services, provide flexibility. The e-commerce sector is projected to surpass $6.5 trillion in sales by 2023, making it a fertile ground for new retail franchises. Furthermore, subscription models encourage customer loyalty and create recurring revenue opportunities. Frequently Asked Questions What Is the Best Franchise Business to Start? The best franchise business to start often lies in sectors with proven demand, like food and beverage, health and wellness, or home services. These industries typically offer established business models, extensive training, and ongoing support, which can improve your chances of success. Furthermore, consider emerging markets such as pet services or child care, where consumer spending is rising. What Is the 7 Day Rule for Franchise? The 7 Day Rule requires franchisors to provide a Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) at least 14 days before you sign any agreements or make payments. This rule aims to protect you by ensuring you have ample time to review critical information, including financial performance and fee structures. With this time, you can seek legal or financial advice, helping you make an informed investment decision and reducing potential disputes or dissatisfaction later on. What Is the Most Profitable Franchise to Own? The most profitable franchise to own often falls within the food and beverage sector, with brands like Dunkin’ and Subway leading the way. These franchises benefit from strong consumer demand and established brand loyalty, resulting in high sales volumes. Furthermore, low startup costs for certain concepts, such as coffee shops, can improve profit potential. Home service franchises, like Mr. Rooter, likewise show resilience, catering to ongoing consumer needs for crucial services. Which Franchise Is Best for Beginners? When considering which franchise is best for beginners, low-cost options are often ideal. Food and beverage franchises, like coffee shops, thrive on consumer demand and established business models. Home services franchises, such as cleaning or landscaping, require minimal startup investment and adapt well to economic changes. Fitness franchises attract health-conscious customers with membership models, whereas educational franchises consistently appeal to parents seeking quality tutoring for their children, ensuring reliable revenue. Conclusion In conclusion, exploring franchise opportunities in 2025 reveals diverse options across various sectors. Fitness and wellness franchises cater to health-conscious consumers, whereas pet services tap into the growing pet ownership trend. Home care and senior services address the needs of an aging population, and education franchises focus on enhancing children’s learning. Furthermore, food and beverage franchises and innovative retail options provide further avenues for entrepreneurial growth. Each sector presents unique advantages worth considering for potential franchisees. Image via Google Gemini and ArtSmart This article, "7 New Business Franchises to Consider" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

The wholesale lender says it agreed to a $660,000 deal last summer for employees seeking overtime pay, an agreement the plaintiffs say never existed. View the full article

In a notable case underscoring the importance of compliance with federal relief programs, Sean Eric Thompson from Pace, Florida, received a four-year prison sentence for a series of fraudulent activities designed to enrich himself at the expense of small businesses seeking relief during the COVID-19 pandemic. This development serves as a crucial reminder for small business owners regarding the ramifications of misusing government assistance programs. Thompson, 44, previously pleaded guilty to an extensive array of charges, including wire fraud, money laundering, and bankruptcy fraud. The charges stemmed from a scheme in which he fraudulently applied for funds through the Small Business Administration’s Restaurant Revitalization Fund (RRF). This fund aimed to provide necessary financial support to establishments like restaurants and bars that suffered losses due to the pandemic. “Pandemic relief funds were created to support businesses in crisis, not enrich individuals like Mr. Thompson,” stated FBI Jacksonville Special Agent in Charge Jason Carley. His remarks highlight the accountability that comes with these relief programs, emphasizing the goal of safeguarding taxpayer money meant for those in genuine need. In May 2021, Thompson, a part-owner of a business that operated a brewery and restaurant, submitted fraudulent documentation, claiming his business had incurred COVID-related losses of $1,128,233. The SBA disbursed the full amount declared in his application. However, instead of using these funds to stabilize his business, Thompson diverted over $150,000 to his personal investment account, utilizing taxpayer money for personal expenses. This case not only illustrates the legal repercussions of fraud against government programs but also presents critical learning points for small business owners navigating these avenues. The RRF was designed to address immediate financial shortfalls, yet it is crucial that funds are utilized strictly for the intended purposes, ensuring compliance with all rules set forth by the SBA. Non-compliance, as evidenced by Thompson’s case, can lead to severe repercussions, including fines and imprisonment. In August 2023, Thompson filed for bankruptcy, during which he presented materially false statements, omitting the RRF funds and other assets in his disclosures. His bankruptcy testimony further included false claims, revealing the lengths to which he went to conceal his fraud. The case closed with the submission of falsified financial statements to the bankruptcy trustee. “This defendant tried to rip off the federal government by enriching himself with U.S. taxpayer funds intended to help small businesses struggling during the COVID pandemic,” remarked U.S. Attorney John P. Heekin. His office is dedicated to holding fraudsters accountable, reflecting a broader commitment among federal law enforcement to counteract misuse of pandemic relief programs. For small business owners, this serves as a cautionary tale. Awareness about the strict guidelines surrounding federal funding initiatives is vital. Misrepresenting information, even if unintentional, can lead to investigations, loss of funding, and significant legal troubles. Engaging with the SBA or other agencies for clarity on program eligibility, documentation, and applications can mitigate risks associated with compliance. As awareness grows regarding the oversight of pandemic relief programs, the heightened scrutiny from agencies like the SBA Office of Inspector General is evident. Acting Special Agent-in-Charge Jason Xerri stated, “The SBA Office of Inspector General remains committed to aggressively pursuing individuals who exploited pandemic relief programs for personal gain.” This underscores the government’s intent to protect taxpayer funds and ensure that relief reaches businesses genuinely in need. As the repercussions of fraud unfold, small business owners must remain vigilant. Understanding the significance of accurate reporting and the potential challenges posed by compliance issues can safeguard businesses from legal ramifications. The lessons gleaned from cases like Thompson’s will prove invaluable as businesses continue to engage with federal funding initiatives in the years to come. For further details about this case and ongoing efforts to combat fraud, you can view the original U.S. Department of Justice press release here or the SBA article. Image via Google Gemini This article, "Florida Man Sentenced to Four Years for COVID-19 Relief Fraud" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

In a notable case underscoring the importance of compliance with federal relief programs, Sean Eric Thompson from Pace, Florida, received a four-year prison sentence for a series of fraudulent activities designed to enrich himself at the expense of small businesses seeking relief during the COVID-19 pandemic. This development serves as a crucial reminder for small business owners regarding the ramifications of misusing government assistance programs. Thompson, 44, previously pleaded guilty to an extensive array of charges, including wire fraud, money laundering, and bankruptcy fraud. The charges stemmed from a scheme in which he fraudulently applied for funds through the Small Business Administration’s Restaurant Revitalization Fund (RRF). This fund aimed to provide necessary financial support to establishments like restaurants and bars that suffered losses due to the pandemic. “Pandemic relief funds were created to support businesses in crisis, not enrich individuals like Mr. Thompson,” stated FBI Jacksonville Special Agent in Charge Jason Carley. His remarks highlight the accountability that comes with these relief programs, emphasizing the goal of safeguarding taxpayer money meant for those in genuine need. In May 2021, Thompson, a part-owner of a business that operated a brewery and restaurant, submitted fraudulent documentation, claiming his business had incurred COVID-related losses of $1,128,233. The SBA disbursed the full amount declared in his application. However, instead of using these funds to stabilize his business, Thompson diverted over $150,000 to his personal investment account, utilizing taxpayer money for personal expenses. This case not only illustrates the legal repercussions of fraud against government programs but also presents critical learning points for small business owners navigating these avenues. The RRF was designed to address immediate financial shortfalls, yet it is crucial that funds are utilized strictly for the intended purposes, ensuring compliance with all rules set forth by the SBA. Non-compliance, as evidenced by Thompson’s case, can lead to severe repercussions, including fines and imprisonment. In August 2023, Thompson filed for bankruptcy, during which he presented materially false statements, omitting the RRF funds and other assets in his disclosures. His bankruptcy testimony further included false claims, revealing the lengths to which he went to conceal his fraud. The case closed with the submission of falsified financial statements to the bankruptcy trustee. “This defendant tried to rip off the federal government by enriching himself with U.S. taxpayer funds intended to help small businesses struggling during the COVID pandemic,” remarked U.S. Attorney John P. Heekin. His office is dedicated to holding fraudsters accountable, reflecting a broader commitment among federal law enforcement to counteract misuse of pandemic relief programs. For small business owners, this serves as a cautionary tale. Awareness about the strict guidelines surrounding federal funding initiatives is vital. Misrepresenting information, even if unintentional, can lead to investigations, loss of funding, and significant legal troubles. Engaging with the SBA or other agencies for clarity on program eligibility, documentation, and applications can mitigate risks associated with compliance. As awareness grows regarding the oversight of pandemic relief programs, the heightened scrutiny from agencies like the SBA Office of Inspector General is evident. Acting Special Agent-in-Charge Jason Xerri stated, “The SBA Office of Inspector General remains committed to aggressively pursuing individuals who exploited pandemic relief programs for personal gain.” This underscores the government’s intent to protect taxpayer funds and ensure that relief reaches businesses genuinely in need. As the repercussions of fraud unfold, small business owners must remain vigilant. Understanding the significance of accurate reporting and the potential challenges posed by compliance issues can safeguard businesses from legal ramifications. The lessons gleaned from cases like Thompson’s will prove invaluable as businesses continue to engage with federal funding initiatives in the years to come. For further details about this case and ongoing efforts to combat fraud, you can view the original U.S. Department of Justice press release here or the SBA article. Image via Google Gemini This article, "Florida Man Sentenced to Four Years for COVID-19 Relief Fraud" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

We may earn a commission from links on this page. Deal pricing and availability subject to change after time of publication. Convertible laptops are a versatile and affordable alternative to buying a separate laptop and tablet. They offer touchscreen capability, multiple viewing modes, and greater portability than traditional laptops, which is a perk for commuters. They’re also useful if you want a second screen but don’t want to invest in a full second laptop or desktop. One of the most popular options is the entry-level 14-inch ASUS Chromebook Flip CX1 Convertible Laptop, which is down to a record low of $279.99 (originally $369.99), according to price trackers. Asus Chromebook Flip CX1 2-in-1 $279.99 at Amazon $369.99 Save $90.00 Get Deal Get Deal $279.99 at Amazon $369.99 Save $90.00 It’s one of the most affordable convertible laptops with a 360-degree hinge, a 13-inch touchscreen, and all the essentials for everyday tasks like streaming video, getting work done, multitasking, or serving as a secondary device. That said, it’s not designed for more intensive tasks like design work, competitive gaming, and video editing. It has an Intel Celeron N4500 processor, 8 GB of RAM, and 128 GB of eMMC storage, and lasts up to 11 hours per charge. It can be used in laptop, tent, or tablet mode, adding to its versatility. While it doesn’t have the high-end specs and performance of dedicated computers, this 2-in-1 does come with fingerprint login, a backlit keyboard, dual speakers, and a 1080p webcam. It also has fast-charging USB-C, USB-A, and micro-SD ports, offering more connectivity than many budget Chromebooks. If you’re looking for a model that covers the basics and your priority is versatility and convenience at under $300, the Asus Chromebook Flip CX1 2-in-1 is a strong choice. However, if you need more storage, better brightness and visuals, and a more capable processor, it’s worth stepping up to a slightly more powerful model like the ASUS Chromebook CM14 Flip or the Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5i Chromebook Plus, though those upgrades will come with a higher price tag. Our Best Editor-Vetted Amazon Big Spring Sale Deals Right Now Apple AirPods 4 Active Noise Cancelling Wireless Earbuds — $148.99 (List Price $179.00) Apple iPad 11" 128GB A16 WiFi Tablet (Blue, 2025) — $299.00 (List Price $349.00) Sony WH1000XM6- Best Wireless Noise Canceling Headphones — $398.00 (List Price $459.99) Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 42mm, S/M Black Sport Band) — $299.00 (List Price $399.00) Blink Video Doorbell Wireless (Newest Model) + Sync Module Core — $35.99 (List Price $69.99) Ring Indoor Cam Plus 2K Wired Security Camera (White) — $39.99 (List Price $59.99) Fire TV Stick 4K Max Streaming Player With Remote — $34.99 (List Price $59.99) Deals are selected by our commerce team View the full article

On the one hand, the fact that Walmart passed $1 trillion in market cap is notable, but not especially surprising. The company has long been the largest company in the world, measured by revenue. Almost everyone is familiar with the small five-and-dime store that started in one of the most rural towns in America and grew up to become the biggest retailer in the world. On paper, this looks like just another milestone in a 64-year-old success story. But a closer look at how Walmart just hit a market cap reserved almost exclusively for tech giants reveals how the company has changed, even in just the past three years. For the past six decades, Walmart was the king of bricks and mortar. No one would think of it as the underdog, but as more and more shopping moved online, the company faced intense pressure, especially from Amazon. And so, over the past few years, Walmart rebuilt itself into something that looks a lot more like a tech company. It even moved its stock to the Nasdaq, listed next to Apple, Nvidia, Meta, and—of course—Amazon. Here are the three most significant things that led to Walmart’s transformation into a $1 trillion giant: The most tangible part is actually something most people won’t ever see—at least, not directly. In late 2024, Walmart used its AI to overhaul 850 million lines of product data. This is pretty boring stuff—granular details like dimensions, descriptions, and specifications, for nearly every item it sells. In the past, that kind of cleanup would have required 100 times the head count and a decade of manual entry. By doing it with code, Walmart built a foundation in which search results actually match customer intent. It’s the difference between guessing what you’re looking for and using technology to give you exactly what you want. The second part of this story is about where the money was actually coming from. Retailers typically live on a 3 percent margin, while tech companies typically expect much more. To get to a $1 trillion market cap, Walmart had to find a way to make more than a few cents on a gallon of milk. They found it in Walmart Connect, the company’s advertising arm. Over the past three years, this has grown into a high-margin business that looks a lot more like something from Amazon, Google, or Meta. In late 2025, ad sales jumped 53 percent. That’s significant, considering that advertising has margins in the 70 to 80 percent range. And, because 90 percent of Americans live within 10 miles of a Walmart, the company has a “closed-loop” data set. They know what you see on your Vizio TV at home and what you actually put in your cart an hour later. That has turned advertising and Walmart+ membership into roughly one-third of Walmart’s operating income. Finally, the most Amazonian move Walmart made was realizing its 4,700 stores weren’t just places people go to shop, but also conveniently located fulfillment centers. By automating warehouse tasks and investing in AI-driven logistics, Walmart can now offer same-day delivery to 95 percent of U.S. households. The company’s e-commerce push finally became a standalone profitable unit in 2025. By keeping its global workforce steady at 2.1 million while revenue soared, Walmart proved it could scale its business without just adding more stores or employees. This shift became real when Walmart moved its stock from the NYSE to the Nasdaq in December. It was Walmart’s way of telling the market: Value us as a technology-focused growth company, not a grocery chain. It took Sam Walton six decades to build the physical network. But it was a three-year sprint into AI and advertising that turned that network into a trillion-dollar asset. The stores are still there, but the business model underneath them has completely changed. —Jason Aten This article originally appeared on Fast Company’s sister website, Inc.com. Inc. is the voice of the American entrepreneur. We inspire, inform, and document the most fascinating people in business: the risk-takers, the innovators, and the ultra-driven go-getters that represent the most dynamic force in the American economy. View the full article

An inflationary energy shock has drained optimism over UK rate cuts and hammered popular hedge fund tradesView the full article

Nearly 90,000 bottles of children’s ibuprofen have been recalled across the United States, according to an enforcement report this week from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Strides Pharma Inc. has recalled 89,952 bottles of Children’s Ibuprofen Oral Suspension following customer complaints of a “gel-like mass and black particles” in the medicine. The India-based company had manufactured the ibuprofen for Taro Pharmaceuticals U.S.A., Inc. based in Hawthorne, New York. The recall comes from Strides Pharma’s Bridgewater, New Jersey, subsidiary. Strides Pharma initiated the recall on March 2, with the FDA labeling it a Class II recall on Monday, March 16. A Class II indicates a situation in which use or exposure to the product could cause “temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences” with a very small possibility of serious adverse health consequences. Wondering if your medicine is impacted? Here’s all the information we have on the ibuprofen recall. What products are affected? The impacted medication is Children’s Ibuprofen Oral Suspension, USP, 100 mg per 5mL, in 4 FL OZ (120 mL) bottles. Two lots are included in the recall: 7261973A: Best by January 31, 2027 7261974A: Best by January 31, 2027 Where and when was the product sold? Right now, all we know is that the children’s ibuprofen bottles were distributed nationwide. The FDA report states that a letter was sent out to the public, but there’s no press release and specific details about how individuals were notified are not included in the report. Media outlets only began reporting on the recall this week—despite that March 2 start date. Fast Company reached out to Strides Pharma and Taro Pharmaceuticals for more information and will update this story if we hear back. What should I do if I have this product? Do not use any recalled ibuprofen if you have it. There’s no information yet about the potential for a refund or other next steps. This story is developing… View the full article

The dangerous heat wave shattering March records all over the U.S. Southwest is more than just another extreme weather blip. It’s the latest next-level weather wildness that is occurring ever more frequently as Earth’s warming builds. Experts said unprecedented and deadly weather extremes that sometimes strike at abnormal times and in unusual places are putting more people in danger. For example, the Southwest is used to coping with deadly heat, but not months ahead of schedule, including a 110-degree Fahrenheit (43.3 Celsius) reading in the Arizona desert on Thursday that smashed the highest March temperature recorded in the U.S. On Thursday, sites in Arizona and southern California had preliminary readings of 109 F (about 43 C), which would be the hottest March day on record for the United States. “This is what climate change looks like in real time: extremes pushing beyond the bounds we once thought possible,” said University of Victoria climate scientist Andrew Weaver. “What used to be unprecedented events are now recurring features of a warming world.” March’s heat would have been virtually impossible without human-caused climate change, according to a report Friday by World Weather Attribution, an international group of scientists who study the causes of extreme weather events. More than a dozen scientists, meteorologists and disaster experts queried by The Associated Press put the March heat wave in a kind of ultra-extreme classification with such events as the 2021 Pacific Northwest heat wave, the 2022 Pakistan floods and killer hurricanes Helene, Harvey and Sandy. The area of the U.S. being hit by extreme weather in the past five years has doubled from 20 years ago, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Climate Extremes Index, which includes various types of wild weather, such as heat and cold waves, downpours and drought. The United States is breaking 77% more hot weather records now than in the 1970s and 19% more than the 2010s, according to an AP analysis of NOAA records. In the United States, the number and average cost of inflation-adjusted billion-dollar weather disasters in the last couple years is twice as high as just 10 years ago and nearly four times higher than 30 years ago, according to records kept by NOAA and Climate Central, a nonprofit group of scientists and communicators who research and report on climate change. Trying to keep up with extremes and failing “It’s really hard to even keep up with how extreme our extremes are becoming,” said Climate Central Chief Meteorologist Bernadette Woods Placky. “It’s changing our risk, it’s change our relationship with weather, it’s putting more people in risky situations and at times we’re not used to. So yes, we are pushing extremes to new levels across all different types of weather.” For government officials who have to deal with disaster it’s been a huge problem. Craig Fugate, who directed the Federal Emergency Management Agency until 2017, said he saw extremes increasing. “We were operating outside the historical playbook more and more. Flood maps, surge models, heat records — events kept showing up outside the envelope we built systems around. That’s just what we saw,” Fugate said via email. He added: “We built communities on about 100 years of past weather and assumed that was a good guide going forward. That assumption is starting to break. And the clearest signal isn’t the science debate. It’s insurers walking away.” ‘Virtually impossible’ without climate change Climate scientists at World Weather Attribution did a flash analysis — which is not peer-reviewed yet — of whether climate change was a factor in this Southwest heat wave. They compared this week’s expected temperatures to what’s been observed in the area in March since 1900 and computer models of a world with climate change. They found that “events as warm as in March 2026 would have been virtually impossible without human-induced climate change.” That warming, from the burning of coal, oil and natural gas, added between 4.7 degrees to 7.2 degrees F (2.6 to 4 degrees C) to the temperatures being felt, the report found. “What we can very confidently say is that human-caused warming has increased the temperatures that we’re seeing as a result of this heat dome, and it’s going to be pushing those temperatures from what would have been very uncomfortable into potentially dangerous,” said report co-author Clair Barnes, an Imperial College of London attribution scientist. Examples abound of high heat and extreme weather The Southwest heat wave is solidly in the category of “giant events,” with temperatures up to 30 degrees Fahrenheit (16.7 degrees Celsius) above normal, said Stanford University climate scientist Chris Field. He listed five others in the last six years: a 2020 Siberia heat wave, the 2021 Pacific Northwest heat wave that had British Columbia warmer than Death Valley, the summer of 2022 in North America, China and Europe, a 2023 western Mediterranean heat wave and a 2023 South Asian heat wave with high humidity. And that doesn’t include the East Antarctica heat wave of 2022 when temperatures were 81 degrees (45 degrees Celsius) warmer than normal. That’s the biggest anomaly recorded, said weather historian Chris Burt, author of the book “Extreme Weather.” Worsening wild weather influenced by climate change isn’t just superhot days, but includes deadly hurricanes, droughts and downpours, scientists told AP. Devastating floods hit West Africa in 2022 and again in 2024. Iran is in the midst of a six-year drought. And the deadly Typhoon Haiyan hitting the Philippines in 2013 shocked the world. Superstorm Sandy, which in 2012 flooded New York City and neighbors, had tropical storm-force winds that covered an area nearly one-fifth the area of the contiguous United States. It spawned 12-foot seas over 1.4 million square miles, about half the size of the U.S., with energy equivalent to five Hiroshima-sized atomic bombs, said Yale Climate Connections meteorologist Jeff Masters. And don’t forget wildfires that are worsened by heat and drought, so recent extremes should include 2025’s Palisades and Eaton wildfires, which were the costliest weather disaster in the United States last year, said Climate Central meteorologist and economist Adam Smith. “This is due to climate change, that we see more extreme events, and more intense ones and have so many records being broken,” said Friederike Otto, an Imperial College of London climate scientist who coordinates World Weather Attribution. The Associated Press’ climate and environmental coverage receives financial support from multiple private foundations. AP is solely responsible for all content. Find AP’s standards for working with philanthropies, a list of supporters and funded coverage areas at AP.org. —Seth Borenstein, AP Science Writer View the full article

Fans of the Bachelor franchise are accustomed to hearing that the upcoming season will be the most “shocking” one ever. But this time, it’s the events leading up to the season that have been hard to believe. In fact, the life of season 22’s Bachelorette became so controversial, the latest season won’t even make it on air. On Thursday, just days before the newest season of The Bachelorette, starring Taylor Frankie Paul, star of The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, was scheduled to premiere, ABC pulled the plug. The shocking news came shortly after TMZ published a video from 2023 which showed Paul kicking, hitting, and throwing chairs at her ex-boyfriend, Dakota Mortensen. “In light of the newly released video just surfaced today, we have made the decision to not move forward with the new season of The Bachelorette at this time, and our focus is on supporting the family,” a Disney Entertainment Television spokesperson said in a statement. Investigation was already underway While the video of Paul was troubling, it wasn’t the first hint of controversy to surface before the latest season of ABC’s hit reality dating show. It comes after reports that the filming of Mormon Wives was paused amid an ongoing domestic violence investigation into Paul and Mortensen. Days ago, a spokesperson for the Draper police confirmed to People the “domestic assault investigation” involving the two is active and said “allegations have been made in both directions.” A spokesperson for Paul told NBC News in a statement that Paul is “very grateful for ABC’s support as she prioritizes her family’s safety and security.” The statement continued, “After years of silently suffering extensive mental and physical abuse as well as threats of retaliation, Taylor is finally gaining the strength to face her accuser and taking steps to ensure that she and her children are protected from any further harm.” The statement also noted that Paul is preparing to share her story with the world. Paul was previously arrested in 2023 for alleged domestic violence and pleaded guilty to one count of aggravated assault. A franchise with ongoing controversy As for the Bachelor franchise, it’s far from the only controversy in recent years. Last year, after ABC opted out of filming a new season of The Bachelorette season altogether. The decision came as two of the franchise’s executive producers exited amid allegations of a “toxic workplace.” The franchise has been accused of a long history of racist practices, most visibly, a lack of diversity. The network let go of long-time host Chris Harrison in 2021 after a controversial conversation with Rachel Lindsay, the first Black Bachelorette. Zooming out, the abrupt cancellation underscores how fragile even one of TV’s most durable reality franchises has become. Once built on fairy-tale endings and predictable drama, The Bachelor universe is now grappling with a steady drumbeat of off-screen controversies that are increasingly impossible to separate from what airs on screen. View the full article

David Solomon’s comments in annual shareholder letter underscore Wall Street’s wariness around non-bank lendingView the full article

When you’re starting a business, choosing the right structure is essential. It impacts your personal liability, tax obligations, and how much administrative work you’ll face. Each option, from sole proprietorships to LLCs, offers different levels of protection and flexibility. Comprehending these factors can greatly influence your long-term growth and success. So, what should you consider to guarantee you’re making the best choice for your goals? Key Takeaways Assess personal liability exposure; different structures offer varying levels of protection for personal assets against business debts. Consider tax implications; some structures allow for pass-through taxation, while others face double taxation. Evaluate management flexibility; LLCs provide more operational freedom compared to corporations that have strict regulatory requirements. Examine growth potential; corporations can raise capital through stock issuance, whereas sole proprietorships face limitations with personal assets. Seek professional advice; consulting attorneys and accountants ensures informed decisions regarding liability, tax benefits, and compliance requirements. Understanding Business Structures When you’re starting a business, grasping the various business structures available is crucial, as each option can greatly affect your liability, taxes, and overall control of the operation. Sole proprietorships are the simplest to set up, requiring little paperwork but exposing your personal assets to business liabilities. If you want personal liability protection, consider forming an LLC; it allows profits to pass through to your individual tax return, making it popular among small business owners. Conversely, corporations, including C corporations and S corporations, provide limited liability but come with more complex administrative requirements and tax obligations. Partnerships can vary, with general partners facing personal liability and limited partners having their liability capped at their investment amount. Importance of Choosing the Right Structure Choosing the right business structure is crucial for managing tax implications and liability protection. It directly affects your personal assets, as some structures shield you from business risks whereas others expose you to them. Furthermore, comprehending the different tax treatments can help you maximize benefits and minimize obligations, making your choice even more significant for long-term success. Tax Implications and Benefits Selecting the right business structure is crucial, as it directly affects your tax obligations and potential benefits. Different structures, like sole proprietorships and partnerships, often allow for pass-through taxation, meaning the business income appears on your personal tax return, avoiding double taxation found in C Corporations. These structures can additionally provide a 20% tax deduction on qualified business income, greatly lowering your tax burden. LLCs provide flexibility, letting you choose between pass-through taxation and corporate taxation based on your financial strategies. Conversely, S Corporations likewise allow pass-through taxation but have limits on the number of shareholders and ownership restrictions. Comprehending these tax implications and benefits can help you make informed decisions for your business. Liability Protection Considerations Grasping liability protection is imperative, as the structure you choose for your business can greatly affect your personal financial security. Sole proprietorships and general partnerships offer no liability protection, leaving you exposed to personal financial risk for business debts and legal claims. Conversely, forming an LLC provides critical personal asset protection, ensuring you’re not personally liable for business liabilities. This means that in the event of a lawsuit or business failure, your personal assets remain safe. Furthermore, LLCs allow profits to be taxed as personal income, which creates a favorable tax situation without sacrificing liability protection. Comprehending these implications is fundamental, as inadequate protection can lead to significant personal financial loss. Sole Proprietorship: Pros and Cons When considering a sole proprietorship, you’ll find it’s one of the easiest business structures to set up, requiring just a few simple steps. Nonetheless, as you benefit from pass-through taxation and minimal startup costs, it’s essential to understand the personal liability risks you face, as your assets aren’t protected from business debts. This balance of ease and risk makes it important to weigh your options carefully before committing to this structure. Ease of Setup Establishing a sole proprietorship is often the most straightforward option for entrepreneurs looking to start a business, as it requires minimal steps and formalities. With no formal state-filing requirements, you can enjoy the ease of setup, greatly lowering your startup costs compared to corporations or LLCs. To operate under a different name, you’ll just need to obtain an assumed name certificate (DBA). Moreover, reporting business profits on your individual tax return using Schedule C simplifies tax filing. If you decide to cease operations, dissolving a sole proprietorship is just as easy, requiring no complicated legal processes. Personal Liability Risk Even though the simplicity of a sole proprietorship can be appealing for startup entrepreneurs, it’s important to contemplate the significant personal liability risks associated with this business structure. In a sole proprietorship, you face unlimited personal liability, meaning your personal assets are at risk if your business incurs debts or faces lawsuits. Unfortunately, this lack of liability protection can be detrimental, especially in industries prone to legal issues. If you pass away, your business likewise ceases to exist, complicating any future operations or transfers. Consequently, before committing to a sole proprietorship, assess whether you’re comfortable with these risks and consider if you need more robust liability protection through alternative business structures. Tax Implications Tax implications play a crucial role in determining the viability of a sole proprietorship as a business structure. As a sole proprietor, you report business income on your personal tax return, typically using Schedule C on Form 1040. Meanwhile, there’s no corporate tax, you’re subject to self-employment taxes on profits, which can reach 15.3%. Nevertheless, recent tax reforms allow a 20% deduction on qualified business income, helping to lower your tax liability. It’s important to keep in mind that you can’t retain profits without incurring personal taxes, as all earnings are taxed in the year they’re earned. Factor Sole Proprietorship Corporate Structure Tax Reporting Personal tax return Corporate tax return Corporate Tax None Applicable Self-Employment Tax Yes (up to 15.3%) No Profit Retention Not possible without personal tax Possible General Partnerships: Key Features When you enter into a general partnership, you and your partners share ownership, profits, and responsibilities, forming a collaborative business structure that can be both beneficial and challenging. This type of partnership typically relies on a partnership agreement, which outlines the terms and conditions governing the relationship. One significant consideration is that all partners face unlimited personal liability for the business’s debts and obligations, meaning your personal assets could be at risk if financial issues arise. Even though general partnerships don’t require formal state registration, if you operate under a name different from your surnames, you’ll need to file an assumed name certificate. Moreover, profits are reported on individual tax returns, often allowing for tax deductions. Limited Partnerships Explained Limited partnerships are a unique business structure that combines elements of both general partnerships and corporations, offering distinct advantages for investors. In a limited partnership, you’ll find at least one general partner who manages the business and carries unlimited liability, alongside one or more limited partners whose liability is restricted to their investment amount. To establish this structure, a formal partnership agreement is crucial, outlining partners’ rights, responsibilities, and profit-sharing arrangements. Furthermore, a certificate of formation must be filed with the Secretary of State in your jurisdiction. Limited partnerships are often utilized in real estate and private equity sectors, providing liability protection for limited partners, making them an appealing choice for those wishing to manage investment risks effectively. Limited Liability Companies (LLCs) Overview As you explore business structures, you’ll find that Limited Liability Companies (LLCs) stand out owing to their blend of personal asset protection and operational flexibility. LLCs protect your personal assets, ensuring you’re not liable for business debts. They additionally allow for pass-through taxation, meaning profits go directly on your tax returns, avoiding double taxation. To form an LLC, you’ll file a certificate of formation with your state, which includes moderate setup costs. Here’s a quick comparison of LLCs as a business structure example: Feature LLCs Personal Liability Protection Yes Tax Treatment Options Yes (pass-through default) Management Flexibility High Member Restrictions None Understanding how to incorporate a small business as an LLC can lead to a more secure and flexible operation. C Corporations: Structure and Taxation C Corporations offer significant advantages, particularly in liability protection for shareholders, which keeps personal assets safe from business debts. Nevertheless, they likewise face the challenge of double taxation, where profits are taxed at both the corporate and personal levels. With no limit on the number of shareholders, C Corporations can attract substantial investment, but they must similarly adhere to strict regulatory requirements. Double Taxation Impact Comprehending the double taxation impact is crucial when considering a C Corporation structure for your business. C Corporations face double taxation, meaning corporate profits are taxed at a rate of 21% at the corporate level and again when dividends are distributed to shareholders. This can greatly affect your overall profitability, as you’ll be paying taxes on both the corporation’s earnings and the dividends you receive. Although C Corporations can attract a diverse range of investors by issuing multiple classes of stock, the double taxation issue remains a critical consideration. To minimize these tax implications, you might choose to reinvest profits back into the business instead of distributing them as dividends, deferring tax liabilities for yourself and other shareholders. Shareholder Limitations Even though many business owners may consider various structures, comprehending the shareholder limitations of C Corporations can greatly influence your decision. One major advantage is that C Corporations can have an unlimited number of shareholders, allowing you to attract equity investments from a diverse range of individuals and entities, including foreign investors. Unlike S Corporations, which are restricted to 100 shareholders, C Corporations provide more flexibility. Furthermore, you can issue multiple classes of stock, offering different rights and privileges to various investors. Although C Corporations do have double taxation, shareholders benefit from limited liability protection, meaning their personal assets are typically safe from the corporation’s debts or liabilities, making this structure appealing for many business ventures. Liability Protection Benefits When you choose a C Corporation as your business structure, one of the most significant benefits you’ll encounter is the limited liability protection it offers. This means you’re not personally responsible for the corporation’s debts, which safeguards your personal assets. Comprehending how a corporation works and what is considered a corporation can clarify these advantages. Aspect Details Liability Protection Benefits Protects personal assets from debts Shareholder Flexibility Unlimited number of shareholders Taxation Subject to double taxation Investment Options Multiple classes of stock available With this structure, personal assets remain secure, even in lawsuits against the business, making C Corporations a solid choice for liability protection benefits. S Corporations: Benefits and Limitations Comprehending the benefits and limitations of S Corporations is crucial for business owners looking to optimize their tax strategies and protect their assets. S Corporations offer pass-through taxation, allowing profits to be reported on shareholders’ personal tax returns, which helps avoid double taxation. To qualify, your business must have no more than 100 shareholders, all U.S. citizens or residents, and issue only one class of stock. Furthermore, you can benefit from substantial tax savings, as S Corporations can deduct up to 20% of qualified business income under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. On the other hand, you must comply with strict IRS regulations, including timely filing of Form 2553 and adhering to specific operational guidelines. Liability Protections: What You Need to Know Liability protection is a vital consideration for anyone starting or operating a business, as it helps shield personal assets from business-related risks. Choosing the right business structure is important since corporations and Limited Liability Companies (LLCs) typically offer personal asset protection, meaning you’re usually not personally liable for business debts or legal actions. Conversely, sole proprietorships and general partnerships expose you to personal liability, putting your assets at risk. Limited partners in a limited partnership enjoy liability protection limited to their investment, which can likewise safeguard personal assets. In high-risk industries where lawsuits are more likely, having adequate liability protection is imperative for your financial security, so assess your personal risk tolerance when selecting a business structure. Desired Tax Treatment: Flow-Through vs. C Corporations When choosing a business structure, comprehension of the tax implications of flow-through entities versus C corporations is vital. Flow-through entities, like sole proprietorships and S corporations, allow you to report business income directly on your personal tax return, which can improve tax efficiency. Conversely, C corporations face double taxation, impacting their overall attractiveness to investors and necessitating careful consideration based on your business goals. Flow-Through Entities Explained Flow-through entities, such as sole proprietorships, partnerships, and S corporations, offer a distinct tax advantage by allowing business income, deductions, and credits to flow directly onto the owners’ personal tax returns. This structure helps you avoid double taxation, a common issue with C corporations. You may qualify for a 20% deduction on qualified business income under recent tax reforms. The tax implications of selling your business interest vary considerably between flow-through entities and C corporations. Collaborating with tax professionals can improve your tax planning strategies and maximize benefits. Choosing the right business structure is vital for optimizing your tax situation and determining how profits are taxed, making flow-through entities an attractive option for many entrepreneurs. C Corporations Tax Implications C Corporations represent a unique business structure that comes with specific tax implications, particularly when compared to flow-through entities. One significant aspect is double taxation; C Corporations face taxes at the corporate level, currently at 21%, and shareholders pay taxes on dividends. This can result in a higher overall tax burden compared to simpler flow-through models. Nevertheless, C Corporations can retain earnings for reinvestment without immediate tax consequences for shareholders. Key Factors C Corporations Tax Treatment Double Taxation Business Liabilities Protects Personal Assets Stock Classes Multiple Classes Available Regulatory Requirements Strict Record-Keeping Administrative Complexity Higher than Flow-Through This structure likewise provides a clear separation of business liabilities, safeguarding personal assets from business debts. Choosing Based on Goals Choosing the right business structure hinges on your specific financial goals and the tax treatment you prefer. You need to weigh the benefits of flow-through entities like LLCs and S corporations against C corporations, which are subject to double taxation. Here are some key points to evaluate: Flow-through entities let income and losses pass directly to your personal tax return, possibly allowing a 20% tax deduction. C corporations face a 21% tax at the corporate level, plus additional taxes on dividends. S corporations avoid double taxation but have restrictions like a 100-shareholder limit. Consulting with tax professionals is crucial to navigate these intricacies and guarantee your chosen structure aligns with your long-term goals. Administrative Requirements for Each Structure When you’re deciding on a business structure, grasping the administrative requirements for each option is crucial. Sole proprietorships have minimal requirements, usually needing just an assumed name certificate if you’re using a different name. General partnerships require a partnership agreement and possibly a DBA certificate. If you choose an LLC biz, you’ll need to file a certificate of formation and comply with ongoing requirements, like annual reports. A corporation business organization, whether C or S, involves more complexity, including detailed record-keeping and annual meetings. Limited partnerships and Limited Liability Partnerships (LLPs) likewise necessitate filing a certificate of formation and having a formal partnership agreement, along with maintaining compliance. Each structure has its unique administrative duties, so choose wisely. Ownership and Capital Requirements How do ownership and capital requirements affect your business decisions? The ownership structure you choose influences your ability to raise funds and attract investors. Here are some key points to reflect on: Corporations can issue shares, making it easier to secure external capital. Sole proprietorships often depend on personal assets, limiting growth potential. Limited partnerships allow capital influx from partners without management duties. Your business entity’s capital requirements will likewise dictate how much funding you’ll need. For instance, S Corporations have a cap of 100 shareholders, which can hinder capital-raising compared to C Corporations. In the end, comprehending these factors helps you align your ownership structure with your financial goals, ensuring your business can thrive in a competitive market. Long-Term Considerations for Business Growth Selecting the right business structure is essential for long-term growth and expansion, as it impacts your ability to adapt as your company evolves. If you aim for significant growth, consider forming a corporation; it allows you to issue stock and attract investors without limiting shareholder numbers. Conversely, LLCs offer flexibility in management while protecting your personal assets, making them appealing for businesses that want to grow without increasing risk exposure. Sole proprietorships and partnerships can hinder growth because of personal liability and the need for unanimous consent on major decisions. Evaluating the long-term viability of your chosen business structure is imperative, as shifting to a different entity later can lead to complex legal and financial challenges. Seeking Professional Advice for Entity Selection Why should you consult professionals when choosing a business structure? Seeking professional advice is crucial for making informed decisions that align with your goals. Experienced attorneys and accountants can provide insights customized to your unique circumstances, ensuring you select the best option for your needs. They assess tax implications, helping you maximize benefits and minimize liabilities. Legal experts clarify liability protections, safeguarding your personal assets from business risks. Accountants evaluate administrative requirements and ongoing compliance obligations, preventing potential pitfalls. Frequently Asked Questions What Factors Should You Consider When Choosing a Business Structure? When choosing a business structure, you should consider personal liability protection, as some structures expose your assets to risk. Evaluate tax implications too; some options like LLCs offer pass-through taxation, whereas others face double taxation. Think about growth potential; corporations attract investors more easily. You’ll likewise want to assess administrative complexity; sole proprietorships require less paperwork than corporations. Finally, determine your desired level of control, as it varies across different structures. What Are the Key Factors to Consider While Selecting a Structure? When selecting a business structure, you need to contemplate several key factors. First, think about the level of liability protection each structure offers, as some expose your personal assets. Next, evaluate the tax implications, as different structures have varying taxation methods. Moreover, assess the administrative complexity, including setup and ongoing requirements. Finally, consider your operational control and long-term growth plans, as these will influence your ability to attract investment and expand. What Are the 4 Types of Business Structures? There are four primary types of business structures you can choose from: sole proprietorships, partnerships, limited liability companies (LLCs), and corporations. A sole proprietorship is the simplest, owned by one person. Partnerships involve two or more people sharing profits and responsibilities. LLCs provide personal liability protection during allowing profits to pass through to your personal tax returns. Corporations, either S or C, offer limited liability but differ in taxation and shareholder regulations. What Are the Important Factors in Choosing an Organizational Type? When you’re selecting an organizational type, consider liability protection, tax implications, ease of establishment, administrative requirements, and capital raising potential. Liability protection safeguards your personal assets, whereas tax implications affect your overall financial burden. Some structures are easier to establish than others, with sole proprietorships being the simplest. Furthermore, consider ongoing compliance requirements and how easily you can attract investors, as this impacts your business’s growth and sustainability. Conclusion In summary, selecting the right business structure is essential for your venture’s success. Each option, from sole proprietorships to limited partnerships, offers distinct advantages and challenges regarding liability, taxation, and management. By carefully evaluating these factors, along with your long-term goals, you can make an informed decision that supports your business aspirations. Don’t hesitate to consult with legal and financial professionals, as their expertise can guide you in choosing the most suitable structure for your needs. Image via Google Gemini and ArtSmart This article, "Key Factors in Choosing a Business Structure" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

When you’re starting a business, choosing the right structure is essential. It impacts your personal liability, tax obligations, and how much administrative work you’ll face. Each option, from sole proprietorships to LLCs, offers different levels of protection and flexibility. Comprehending these factors can greatly influence your long-term growth and success. So, what should you consider to guarantee you’re making the best choice for your goals? Key Takeaways Assess personal liability exposure; different structures offer varying levels of protection for personal assets against business debts. Consider tax implications; some structures allow for pass-through taxation, while others face double taxation. Evaluate management flexibility; LLCs provide more operational freedom compared to corporations that have strict regulatory requirements. Examine growth potential; corporations can raise capital through stock issuance, whereas sole proprietorships face limitations with personal assets. Seek professional advice; consulting attorneys and accountants ensures informed decisions regarding liability, tax benefits, and compliance requirements. Understanding Business Structures When you’re starting a business, grasping the various business structures available is crucial, as each option can greatly affect your liability, taxes, and overall control of the operation. Sole proprietorships are the simplest to set up, requiring little paperwork but exposing your personal assets to business liabilities. If you want personal liability protection, consider forming an LLC; it allows profits to pass through to your individual tax return, making it popular among small business owners. Conversely, corporations, including C corporations and S corporations, provide limited liability but come with more complex administrative requirements and tax obligations. Partnerships can vary, with general partners facing personal liability and limited partners having their liability capped at their investment amount. Importance of Choosing the Right Structure Choosing the right business structure is crucial for managing tax implications and liability protection. It directly affects your personal assets, as some structures shield you from business risks whereas others expose you to them. Furthermore, comprehending the different tax treatments can help you maximize benefits and minimize obligations, making your choice even more significant for long-term success. Tax Implications and Benefits Selecting the right business structure is crucial, as it directly affects your tax obligations and potential benefits. Different structures, like sole proprietorships and partnerships, often allow for pass-through taxation, meaning the business income appears on your personal tax return, avoiding double taxation found in C Corporations. These structures can additionally provide a 20% tax deduction on qualified business income, greatly lowering your tax burden. LLCs provide flexibility, letting you choose between pass-through taxation and corporate taxation based on your financial strategies. Conversely, S Corporations likewise allow pass-through taxation but have limits on the number of shareholders and ownership restrictions. Comprehending these tax implications and benefits can help you make informed decisions for your business. Liability Protection Considerations Grasping liability protection is imperative, as the structure you choose for your business can greatly affect your personal financial security. Sole proprietorships and general partnerships offer no liability protection, leaving you exposed to personal financial risk for business debts and legal claims. Conversely, forming an LLC provides critical personal asset protection, ensuring you’re not personally liable for business liabilities. This means that in the event of a lawsuit or business failure, your personal assets remain safe. Furthermore, LLCs allow profits to be taxed as personal income, which creates a favorable tax situation without sacrificing liability protection. Comprehending these implications is fundamental, as inadequate protection can lead to significant personal financial loss. Sole Proprietorship: Pros and Cons When considering a sole proprietorship, you’ll find it’s one of the easiest business structures to set up, requiring just a few simple steps. Nonetheless, as you benefit from pass-through taxation and minimal startup costs, it’s essential to understand the personal liability risks you face, as your assets aren’t protected from business debts. This balance of ease and risk makes it important to weigh your options carefully before committing to this structure. Ease of Setup Establishing a sole proprietorship is often the most straightforward option for entrepreneurs looking to start a business, as it requires minimal steps and formalities. With no formal state-filing requirements, you can enjoy the ease of setup, greatly lowering your startup costs compared to corporations or LLCs. To operate under a different name, you’ll just need to obtain an assumed name certificate (DBA). Moreover, reporting business profits on your individual tax return using Schedule C simplifies tax filing. If you decide to cease operations, dissolving a sole proprietorship is just as easy, requiring no complicated legal processes. Personal Liability Risk Even though the simplicity of a sole proprietorship can be appealing for startup entrepreneurs, it’s important to contemplate the significant personal liability risks associated with this business structure. In a sole proprietorship, you face unlimited personal liability, meaning your personal assets are at risk if your business incurs debts or faces lawsuits. Unfortunately, this lack of liability protection can be detrimental, especially in industries prone to legal issues. If you pass away, your business likewise ceases to exist, complicating any future operations or transfers. Consequently, before committing to a sole proprietorship, assess whether you’re comfortable with these risks and consider if you need more robust liability protection through alternative business structures. Tax Implications Tax implications play a crucial role in determining the viability of a sole proprietorship as a business structure. As a sole proprietor, you report business income on your personal tax return, typically using Schedule C on Form 1040. Meanwhile, there’s no corporate tax, you’re subject to self-employment taxes on profits, which can reach 15.3%. Nevertheless, recent tax reforms allow a 20% deduction on qualified business income, helping to lower your tax liability. It’s important to keep in mind that you can’t retain profits without incurring personal taxes, as all earnings are taxed in the year they’re earned. Factor Sole Proprietorship Corporate Structure Tax Reporting Personal tax return Corporate tax return Corporate Tax None Applicable Self-Employment Tax Yes (up to 15.3%) No Profit Retention Not possible without personal tax Possible General Partnerships: Key Features When you enter into a general partnership, you and your partners share ownership, profits, and responsibilities, forming a collaborative business structure that can be both beneficial and challenging. This type of partnership typically relies on a partnership agreement, which outlines the terms and conditions governing the relationship. One significant consideration is that all partners face unlimited personal liability for the business’s debts and obligations, meaning your personal assets could be at risk if financial issues arise. Even though general partnerships don’t require formal state registration, if you operate under a name different from your surnames, you’ll need to file an assumed name certificate. Moreover, profits are reported on individual tax returns, often allowing for tax deductions. Limited Partnerships Explained Limited partnerships are a unique business structure that combines elements of both general partnerships and corporations, offering distinct advantages for investors. In a limited partnership, you’ll find at least one general partner who manages the business and carries unlimited liability, alongside one or more limited partners whose liability is restricted to their investment amount. To establish this structure, a formal partnership agreement is crucial, outlining partners’ rights, responsibilities, and profit-sharing arrangements. Furthermore, a certificate of formation must be filed with the Secretary of State in your jurisdiction. Limited partnerships are often utilized in real estate and private equity sectors, providing liability protection for limited partners, making them an appealing choice for those wishing to manage investment risks effectively. Limited Liability Companies (LLCs) Overview As you explore business structures, you’ll find that Limited Liability Companies (LLCs) stand out owing to their blend of personal asset protection and operational flexibility. LLCs protect your personal assets, ensuring you’re not liable for business debts. They additionally allow for pass-through taxation, meaning profits go directly on your tax returns, avoiding double taxation. To form an LLC, you’ll file a certificate of formation with your state, which includes moderate setup costs. Here’s a quick comparison of LLCs as a business structure example: Feature LLCs Personal Liability Protection Yes Tax Treatment Options Yes (pass-through default) Management Flexibility High Member Restrictions None Understanding how to incorporate a small business as an LLC can lead to a more secure and flexible operation. C Corporations: Structure and Taxation C Corporations offer significant advantages, particularly in liability protection for shareholders, which keeps personal assets safe from business debts. Nevertheless, they likewise face the challenge of double taxation, where profits are taxed at both the corporate and personal levels. With no limit on the number of shareholders, C Corporations can attract substantial investment, but they must similarly adhere to strict regulatory requirements. Double Taxation Impact Comprehending the double taxation impact is crucial when considering a C Corporation structure for your business. C Corporations face double taxation, meaning corporate profits are taxed at a rate of 21% at the corporate level and again when dividends are distributed to shareholders. This can greatly affect your overall profitability, as you’ll be paying taxes on both the corporation’s earnings and the dividends you receive. Although C Corporations can attract a diverse range of investors by issuing multiple classes of stock, the double taxation issue remains a critical consideration. To minimize these tax implications, you might choose to reinvest profits back into the business instead of distributing them as dividends, deferring tax liabilities for yourself and other shareholders. Shareholder Limitations Even though many business owners may consider various structures, comprehending the shareholder limitations of C Corporations can greatly influence your decision. One major advantage is that C Corporations can have an unlimited number of shareholders, allowing you to attract equity investments from a diverse range of individuals and entities, including foreign investors. Unlike S Corporations, which are restricted to 100 shareholders, C Corporations provide more flexibility. Furthermore, you can issue multiple classes of stock, offering different rights and privileges to various investors. Although C Corporations do have double taxation, shareholders benefit from limited liability protection, meaning their personal assets are typically safe from the corporation’s debts or liabilities, making this structure appealing for many business ventures. Liability Protection Benefits When you choose a C Corporation as your business structure, one of the most significant benefits you’ll encounter is the limited liability protection it offers. This means you’re not personally responsible for the corporation’s debts, which safeguards your personal assets. Comprehending how a corporation works and what is considered a corporation can clarify these advantages. Aspect Details Liability Protection Benefits Protects personal assets from debts Shareholder Flexibility Unlimited number of shareholders Taxation Subject to double taxation Investment Options Multiple classes of stock available With this structure, personal assets remain secure, even in lawsuits against the business, making C Corporations a solid choice for liability protection benefits. S Corporations: Benefits and Limitations Comprehending the benefits and limitations of S Corporations is crucial for business owners looking to optimize their tax strategies and protect their assets. S Corporations offer pass-through taxation, allowing profits to be reported on shareholders’ personal tax returns, which helps avoid double taxation. To qualify, your business must have no more than 100 shareholders, all U.S. citizens or residents, and issue only one class of stock. Furthermore, you can benefit from substantial tax savings, as S Corporations can deduct up to 20% of qualified business income under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. On the other hand, you must comply with strict IRS regulations, including timely filing of Form 2553 and adhering to specific operational guidelines. Liability Protections: What You Need to Know Liability protection is a vital consideration for anyone starting or operating a business, as it helps shield personal assets from business-related risks. Choosing the right business structure is important since corporations and Limited Liability Companies (LLCs) typically offer personal asset protection, meaning you’re usually not personally liable for business debts or legal actions. Conversely, sole proprietorships and general partnerships expose you to personal liability, putting your assets at risk. Limited partners in a limited partnership enjoy liability protection limited to their investment, which can likewise safeguard personal assets. In high-risk industries where lawsuits are more likely, having adequate liability protection is imperative for your financial security, so assess your personal risk tolerance when selecting a business structure. Desired Tax Treatment: Flow-Through vs. C Corporations When choosing a business structure, comprehension of the tax implications of flow-through entities versus C corporations is vital. Flow-through entities, like sole proprietorships and S corporations, allow you to report business income directly on your personal tax return, which can improve tax efficiency. Conversely, C corporations face double taxation, impacting their overall attractiveness to investors and necessitating careful consideration based on your business goals. Flow-Through Entities Explained Flow-through entities, such as sole proprietorships, partnerships, and S corporations, offer a distinct tax advantage by allowing business income, deductions, and credits to flow directly onto the owners’ personal tax returns. This structure helps you avoid double taxation, a common issue with C corporations. You may qualify for a 20% deduction on qualified business income under recent tax reforms. The tax implications of selling your business interest vary considerably between flow-through entities and C corporations. Collaborating with tax professionals can improve your tax planning strategies and maximize benefits. Choosing the right business structure is vital for optimizing your tax situation and determining how profits are taxed, making flow-through entities an attractive option for many entrepreneurs. C Corporations Tax Implications C Corporations represent a unique business structure that comes with specific tax implications, particularly when compared to flow-through entities. One significant aspect is double taxation; C Corporations face taxes at the corporate level, currently at 21%, and shareholders pay taxes on dividends. This can result in a higher overall tax burden compared to simpler flow-through models. Nevertheless, C Corporations can retain earnings for reinvestment without immediate tax consequences for shareholders. Key Factors C Corporations Tax Treatment Double Taxation Business Liabilities Protects Personal Assets Stock Classes Multiple Classes Available Regulatory Requirements Strict Record-Keeping Administrative Complexity Higher than Flow-Through This structure likewise provides a clear separation of business liabilities, safeguarding personal assets from business debts. Choosing Based on Goals Choosing the right business structure hinges on your specific financial goals and the tax treatment you prefer. You need to weigh the benefits of flow-through entities like LLCs and S corporations against C corporations, which are subject to double taxation. Here are some key points to evaluate: Flow-through entities let income and losses pass directly to your personal tax return, possibly allowing a 20% tax deduction. C corporations face a 21% tax at the corporate level, plus additional taxes on dividends. S corporations avoid double taxation but have restrictions like a 100-shareholder limit. Consulting with tax professionals is crucial to navigate these intricacies and guarantee your chosen structure aligns with your long-term goals. Administrative Requirements for Each Structure When you’re deciding on a business structure, grasping the administrative requirements for each option is crucial. Sole proprietorships have minimal requirements, usually needing just an assumed name certificate if you’re using a different name. General partnerships require a partnership agreement and possibly a DBA certificate. If you choose an LLC biz, you’ll need to file a certificate of formation and comply with ongoing requirements, like annual reports. A corporation business organization, whether C or S, involves more complexity, including detailed record-keeping and annual meetings. Limited partnerships and Limited Liability Partnerships (LLPs) likewise necessitate filing a certificate of formation and having a formal partnership agreement, along with maintaining compliance. Each structure has its unique administrative duties, so choose wisely. Ownership and Capital Requirements How do ownership and capital requirements affect your business decisions? The ownership structure you choose influences your ability to raise funds and attract investors. Here are some key points to reflect on: Corporations can issue shares, making it easier to secure external capital. Sole proprietorships often depend on personal assets, limiting growth potential. Limited partnerships allow capital influx from partners without management duties. Your business entity’s capital requirements will likewise dictate how much funding you’ll need. For instance, S Corporations have a cap of 100 shareholders, which can hinder capital-raising compared to C Corporations. In the end, comprehending these factors helps you align your ownership structure with your financial goals, ensuring your business can thrive in a competitive market. Long-Term Considerations for Business Growth Selecting the right business structure is essential for long-term growth and expansion, as it impacts your ability to adapt as your company evolves. If you aim for significant growth, consider forming a corporation; it allows you to issue stock and attract investors without limiting shareholder numbers. Conversely, LLCs offer flexibility in management while protecting your personal assets, making them appealing for businesses that want to grow without increasing risk exposure. Sole proprietorships and partnerships can hinder growth because of personal liability and the need for unanimous consent on major decisions. Evaluating the long-term viability of your chosen business structure is imperative, as shifting to a different entity later can lead to complex legal and financial challenges. Seeking Professional Advice for Entity Selection Why should you consult professionals when choosing a business structure? Seeking professional advice is crucial for making informed decisions that align with your goals. Experienced attorneys and accountants can provide insights customized to your unique circumstances, ensuring you select the best option for your needs. They assess tax implications, helping you maximize benefits and minimize liabilities. Legal experts clarify liability protections, safeguarding your personal assets from business risks. Accountants evaluate administrative requirements and ongoing compliance obligations, preventing potential pitfalls. Frequently Asked Questions What Factors Should You Consider When Choosing a Business Structure? When choosing a business structure, you should consider personal liability protection, as some structures expose your assets to risk. Evaluate tax implications too; some options like LLCs offer pass-through taxation, whereas others face double taxation. Think about growth potential; corporations attract investors more easily. You’ll likewise want to assess administrative complexity; sole proprietorships require less paperwork than corporations. Finally, determine your desired level of control, as it varies across different structures. What Are the Key Factors to Consider While Selecting a Structure? When selecting a business structure, you need to contemplate several key factors. First, think about the level of liability protection each structure offers, as some expose your personal assets. Next, evaluate the tax implications, as different structures have varying taxation methods. Moreover, assess the administrative complexity, including setup and ongoing requirements. Finally, consider your operational control and long-term growth plans, as these will influence your ability to attract investment and expand. What Are the 4 Types of Business Structures? There are four primary types of business structures you can choose from: sole proprietorships, partnerships, limited liability companies (LLCs), and corporations. A sole proprietorship is the simplest, owned by one person. Partnerships involve two or more people sharing profits and responsibilities. LLCs provide personal liability protection during allowing profits to pass through to your personal tax returns. Corporations, either S or C, offer limited liability but differ in taxation and shareholder regulations. What Are the Important Factors in Choosing an Organizational Type? When you’re selecting an organizational type, consider liability protection, tax implications, ease of establishment, administrative requirements, and capital raising potential. Liability protection safeguards your personal assets, whereas tax implications affect your overall financial burden. Some structures are easier to establish than others, with sole proprietorships being the simplest. Furthermore, consider ongoing compliance requirements and how easily you can attract investors, as this impacts your business’s growth and sustainability. Conclusion In summary, selecting the right business structure is essential for your venture’s success. Each option, from sole proprietorships to limited partnerships, offers distinct advantages and challenges regarding liability, taxation, and management. By carefully evaluating these factors, along with your long-term goals, you can make an informed decision that supports your business aspirations. Don’t hesitate to consult with legal and financial professionals, as their expertise can guide you in choosing the most suitable structure for your needs. Image via Google Gemini and ArtSmart This article, "Key Factors in Choosing a Business Structure" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Some senior Labour figures want the party to drop promises not to rejoin customs union or single marketView the full article

Three teenagers in Tennessee sued Elon Musk’s xAI this week, claiming the company’s image-generation tools were used to morph real photos of them into explicitly sexual images. The high school students, who are seeking to proceed under pseudonyms, filed the lawsuit in California, where xAI — Musk’s artificial intelligence company — has its headquarters. They are seeking class-action status in order to represent what the lawsuit says are thousands of victims like themselves who either are minors or were minors when sexually explicit images of them were created. According to the lawsuit, Jane Doe 1 was alerted anonymously in December that someone was distributing sexually explicit images of her on a social media website. “At least five of these files, one video and four images, depicted her actual face and body in settings with which she was familiar, but morphed into sexually explicit poses,” the lawsuit states. It claims the person distributing the images knew Doe and used xAI’s image generation tools to turn real photos of her into sexually abusive ones. One of the images was taken from a homecoming photo. Another was taken from a high school yearbook. The person distributing the images also created explicit images of at least 18 other girls, two of whom are co-plaintiffs in the lawsuit. In late December, local police arrested the perpetrator and confiscated his phone. They found that he had uploaded the images to several platforms where he traded them for sexually explicit images of other minors. Other AI companies have prohibited their image-generators from producing any sexually explicit content, even of adults. Musk saw this as a business opportunity and promoted the ability of xAI’s Grok chatbot to create “spicy” content, the lawsuit claims. However, there is currently no way to prevent the generation of explicit images of adults while completely blocking the generation of images of children, the lawsuit claims. It also claims that xAI knew Grok would be able to produce sexually explicit images of children but released it anyway. The lawsuit claims the person who distributed images of the plaintiffs used an application that licensed the xAI technology or “otherwise purchased its access to Grok, and was used as a cut-out or middleman.” XAI did not respond to an email from The Associated Press seeking comment. But a Jan. 14 post about the controversy on the social media platform X said: “We remain committed to making X a safe platform for everyone and continue to have zero tolerance for any forms of child sexual exploitation, non-consensual nudity, and unwanted sexual content. “We take action to remove high-priority violative content, including Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM) and non-consensual nudity, taking appropriate action against accounts that violate our X Rules. We also report accounts seeking Child Sexual Exploitation materials to law enforcement authorities as necessary.” Meanwhile, the students in the lawsuit said they worry that the images created of them will live forever on the internet. They fear stalking because their real first names and the name of their school are attached to the files. They worry that their friends and classmates have seen the photos and videos, which appear to be real, and they worry about who will see them in the future. Jane Doe 1 said she has suffered from anxiety, depression, stress. “She has difficulty eating and sleeping and suffers from recurring nightmares,” the lawsuit states. Jane Doe 2 “has begun self-isolating and avoiding being on her school campus, and even dreads attending her own graduation.” Jane Doe 3 suffers from constant fear and anxiety that someone will see the AI-generated images and recognize her face, according to the lawsuit. —Travis Loller, Associated Press View the full article