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American healthcare faces a persistent paradox: We have extraordinary medical technology, yet patients often spend years navigating a system that treats symptoms before identifying the underlying cause of disease. This dynamic is especially pronounced for children with neurological conditions such as epilepsy, developmental delay, and intellectual disability. Many families endure years of hospitalizations, emergency room visits, specialist referrals, and inconclusive tests before receiving a definitive diagnosis. Clinicians often refer to this prolonged journey as the “diagnostic odyssey.” It is emotionally draining for families and deeply frustrating for physicians trying to guide care. It is also extraordinarily expensive. When the root cause of a condition remains unclear, care tends to become episodic and reactive. Children cycle through emergency departments, hospital stays, and repeated testing as clinicians attempt to manage symptoms without the benefit of a clear diagnosis. A TOOL THAT ALREADY EXISTS What makes this challenge particularly striking is that healthcare already has a powerful tool to help solve it. Genomic sequencing, including exome and genome sequencing, is that tool. It is like reading the entire instruction manual for a living thing by figuring out the exact order of the chemical letters that make up its DNA. It enables clinicians to analyze thousands of genes simultaneously to potentially identify genetic causes of disease. Over the past decade, these technologies have advanced dramatically. Testing is faster, more accurate, and more widely available than ever before. Clinical guidelines increasingly recommend genomic sequencing as a first-tier test for many children with neurological symptoms. Yet in practice, genomic testing is still often ordered only after years of inconclusive testing and ineffective treatment. In other words, the technology exists—but it is not consistently used early enough in the care journey to realize its full potential. THE HIDDEN COST OF DELAYED DIAGNOSIS Recent real-world evidence illustrates what happens when genomic insights are introduced earlier. In an analysis examining healthcare utilization among children with neurological disorders, our researchers found that overall healthcare costs declined significantly in the year following genomic sequencing. For children with epilepsy, total healthcare costs dropped by as much as 61%, representing nearly $80,000 in average savings per child annually. These savings were not the result of reduced care. Instead, they reflected a shift in how care was delivered. Hospitalizations and emergency room visits declined dramatically, while outpatient visits and medication management increased modestly. In other words, care moved away from expensive acute interventions and toward more targeted, proactive management. This is precisely the kind of shift health systems aim to achieve—delivering the right care earlier, before conditions escalate into costly medical crises. WHY MEDICAID HAS THE MOST TO GAIN The implications of this shift are particularly significant for Medicaid. Children with complex neurological conditions often rely heavily on publicly-funded healthcare programs. When diagnoses are delayed, repeated hospitalizations and emergency care can quickly drive up costs for state Medicaid systems. Earlier access to genomic testing can help change that trajectory. When clinicians understand the genetic drivers of disease sooner, they can guide treatment decisions more effectively, coordinate care more efficiently, and avoid unnecessary interventions. For states balancing limited Medicaid budgets, technologies that both improve outcomes and reduce avoidable spending deserve serious attention. THE REAL BARRIER IS IMPLEMENTATION The challenge today is no longer technological capability. Genomic sequencing is broadly available, and many clinicians who care for children with neurological symptoms—including pediatricians, neurologists, neonatologists, and physicians in intensive care settings—already have the ability to order these tests. Yet adoption remains uneven and underutilized across healthcare settings. A child treated at a large academic medical center may receive genomic testing early in the diagnostic process. Another child with the same symptoms seen in a community setting may wait years before testing is considered. Precision medicine should not depend on geography, referral pathways, or institutional resources. A SMARTER PATH FORWARD If we believe in a healthcare system that is serious about improving outcomes while managing costs, we must focus on ensuring that proven diagnostic tools are available wherever care is delivered. Genomic sequencing offers a rare alignment of incentives in modern healthcare. It can deliver answers faster for families, provide clinicians with more precise information to guide care, and help health systems allocate resources more efficiently. Opportunities like this are uncommon in medicine. When a technology improves care and reduces costs at the same time, the real question is not whether we can use it, but rather why it is not used broadly as standard of care. Linda Genen, MD, MPH is chief medical officer at GeneDx. View the full article

One of the major changes unleashed by the pandemic—and the accompanying spread of remote work—was the large migration of employees from major urban areas. With many jobs no longer anchored to city-based offices, people were free to move to almost anywhere else they preferred to live—often at lower costs to boot. But now, new survey data indicates that exodus has reversed course, with grim labor markets and tightening return-to-office (RTO) mandates causing employment-focused workers to head back to metropolises again. That finding was one of many big changes noted in the State of Global Hiring study by payroll and human resources service company Deel. It said that while the introduction and continuation of pandemic-era flexible work arrangements had allowed countless employees to move to places where they could work remotely, the accelerating trend of businesses tightening RTO rules has now drawn many workers back to big U.S. cities. “After a pandemic-era exodus from major cities, remote workers are gradually migrating back,” a Deel statement said about the geographic dispersal of employee that reached its peak in 2022. “In the U.S., workers are now as close to major cities like New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Houston, and San Francisco as they were in 2021.” What’s driving that return to the nation’s urban centers? Continued evolution of labor markets is one factor, including the kinds of jobs that are now most abundantly available to workers in today’s tight employment environment. For example, Deel recorded a nearly 60 percent surge in the number of U.S. jobs for artificial intelligence model trainers. That means working in the tech sector, which has led the push for reinforced or full-week RTO. Lower but still strong growth rates were observed for other roles crucial to helping businesses pursue fast-developing activities in tech, finance, and other fields. Those more plentiful employment opportunities also tend to be office-based, drawing more candidates back to the cities that host them. “Post-pandemic, there is a slow crawl towards the urban centers that were always where top talent gravitated towards,” before the spread of Covid, said Deel economist Lauren Thomas in the statement. “That talent still lives in major metro areas, closer to big cities than they have in recent years, and they’re a hot commodity for companies.” At the same time, reduced job flexibility is also a likely reason for why workers are returning to big urban areas. Over the past 18 months, many U.S. employers have been increasing their RTO requirements for staff, with companies including Amazon, AT&T, and Home Depot requiring full-week presence. That tightening trend has also caused people to reconsider where they live and return to places where more or better employment opportunities are once again rooted. That marks a big change from earlier post-pandemic worker perspectives that led many people to demand job flexibility as a condition of remaining with an existing employer or joining a new company. Indeed, according to a January survey by MyPerfectResume, only 7 percent of workers “now say they would quit outright over a mandatory RTO policy, compared to 51 [percent] in January 2025.” Another 46 percent of respondents said they expected companies to further tighten their RTO mandates this year, and 44 percent said they believe at least half of U.S. companies will completely eliminate remote work by the start of 2027. Those shifts are making it harder for a growing number of people to continue living and working in the farther-flung places they’d rather be. “This dramatic decline signals a shift away from worker leverage toward a new phase of employer control—what many are calling the ‘Great Compliance,’” the MyPerfectResume report on the survey said. “Economic anxiety is reshaping employee behavior. What was once a deal-breaker is now a calculation rooted in job security, not preference.” —Bruce Crumley 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

Help manage their exit readiness. By Randy A. Fox, CFP, AEP The Holistic Guide to Wealth Management Go PRO for members-only access to more Randy Fox. View the full article

Help manage their exit readiness. By Randy A. Fox, CFP, AEP The Holistic Guide to Wealth Management Go PRO for members-only access to more Randy Fox. View the full article

Prospects have to find you easily. By Jody Grunden Building the Virtual CFO Firm in the Cloud Go PRO for members-only access to more Jody Grunden. View the full article

Prospects have to find you easily. By Jody Grunden Building the Virtual CFO Firm in the Cloud Go PRO for members-only access to more Jody Grunden. View the full article

Fashion, it turns out, is a leading indicator. Long before mainstream business commentary catches up to a structural shift in the economy, the runway has usually already staged it. The announcement that John Galliano—arguably the greatest couturier alive—has signed a two-year creative partnership with Zara is one of those moments. It looks like fashion news. It is actually a signal about the future of value creation itself. The most surprising move in fashion in years To understand the shock value, a little context. Galliano’s career has been defined by the haute maison—Givenchy, his own label, Dior, and then a celebrated decade at Maison Margiela, where he orchestrated some of the most critically lauded runway shows of his generation. These institutions were the frame through which his genius was legitimated, distributed, and priced. The assumption was that a designer of his stature would always find his home inside another of fashion’s storied houses. Instead, he is going to Zara. Not as creative director. Not to relaunch a diffusion line. But as a “creative partner” who will deconstruct and “re-author” pieces from Zara’s own vast archive—taking the ephemera of fast fashion and subjecting it to a couture process. The first collection drops in September 2026. The fashion world’s reaction ranged from confusion to awe. But strategists should recognize it immediately: this is what the end of competitive advantage looks like in real time. Seasons are dead. So are categories. For most of its modern history, fashion has operated on a set of assumptions so stable they felt like laws of nature. There were four seasons. There was a clear hierarchy: haute couture at the apex, then ready-to-wear, then high street. There were coherent “looks”—a house had an aesthetic DNA, a consumer had a tribe, and the two found each other through ritual (the show, the magazine, the boutique). All of that is dissolving. Seasons have become continuous flows. TikTok-native consumers don’t cycle through trends on a quarterly basis—they layer them, mix them, reject the premise that a wardrobe needs a coherent sensibility at all. Streetwear bleeds into suiting. Archive Margiela sits alongside H&M finds. The “look” is now personal curation, not institutional affiliation. When taken as a gestalt, across countries and genres, we can see that this is a structural change in how value is created and captured in any industry organized around taste, knowledge, and creative authority. Fashion just got there first. The Carlota Perez lens: We are at a turning point Economic historian Carlota Perez describes how major technological revolutions move through two phases: an installation period of turbulence and speculation, followed by a deployment period in which the new technology’s possibilities are embedded into social and institutional life. First, a period of financialization and destruction of old social arrangements, giving way (hopefully) to a golden age of productivity and a broader distribution of gains. We are, right now, in the painful transition between those two phases and fashion, as a great cultural messenger, is reflecting the dislocations. What makes the current moment distinctive is how traditional advantages in fashion are eroding. For most of industrial history, scale was the primary source of competitive advantage. You built large factories, large distribution networks, large marketing operations—and that scale gave you a moat. The maison was a version of this logic applied to culture: you built a storied institution, a deep archive, a global distribution of prestige, and that infrastructure was the moat. Digital technologies are allowing us to go under, over, and around those moats. The capabilities that once required massive institutional infrastructure—design iteration, content production, trend analysis, personalized marketing—can increasingly be performed by small teams, or even individuals, armed with the right tools. The institutional premium is evaporating. Individual creative IP beats institutional legacy This is the second-order-effects story of Galliano partnering with Zara. What Zara is acquiring is not a house, not a team, not an archive. It is a sensibility—a singular, irreducible creative intelligence that cannot be replicated at scale, cannot be automated, and does not require a Grand Avenue address to be legitimate. We see this pattern everywhere, once you know to look for it. Solo founders building companies with AI leverage that previously required hundreds of employees. Independent consultants outcompeting large firms because their judgment and relationships are the product, not their headcount. Journalists, researchers, designers, and strategists detaching from legacy institutions and finding direct routes to audiences and clients. The unit of value creation is shrinking. What remains scarce—genuinely, durably scarce—is individual creative authority and trusted judgment. Galliano has that. The Zara deal is a stunningly vivid illustration of what happens when that kind of scarcity meets a platform with global reach. For Zara: A masterclass in transient advantage From Zara’s side, this is equally instructive. Under Inditex chair Marta Ortega Pérez, the brand has been on a deliberate campaign to escape the gravitational pull of the “fast fashion” label—a label that increasingly carries reputational, regulatory, and commercial risk. The strategy has involved a series of collaborations: Narciso Rodriguez, Samuel Ross, Stefano Pilati, Ludovic de Saint Sernin. Galliano is the clearest signal yet that Zara is not trying to occupy a lane. It is trying to make lanes irrelevant. This is a textbook execution of what I have called the transient competitive advantage: rather than trying to build and defend a durable position, Zara is stringing together a sequence of shorter-term advantages, each one redefining the competitive landscape before competitors can respond. Each collaboration is an arena entry—it resets the terms of competition before rivals have time to replicate the previous move. What executives should take from this The Galliano-Zara story is exotic enough to feel safely distant from the strategic challenges facing most organizations. It is not. Every industry has its version of the haute maison—institutions that assumed their prestige, their infrastructure, and their accumulated authority would insulate them from disruption. Law firms. Consultancies. Universities. Media organizations. Even hospitals and banks. These institutions are discovering that the individuals who carried their value—the partner with the client relationships, the professor whose ideas drive enrollment, the journalist whose byline drives subscriptions—are increasingly capable of detaching and finding direct routes to the markets they serve. The question for leaders is not whether this dynamic will reach their industry. It already has, or it will soon. The question is whether their organization can become a platform that talented individuals want to work through—rather than an institution that talented individuals feel the need to escape from. Galliano did not go to Zara because Zara is prestigious. He went because Zara offered him something the heritage houses could not: a direct, unmediated route to a global audience, on his own creative terms, without the burden of institutional expectation. That is the positioning smart organizations will have the courage to pursue. View the full article

For the first time since 1972, astronauts are on their way into deep space as part of NASA’s Artemis II mission. The mission sees the Orion spacecraft carrying four astronauts to the moon, where they will orbit it, gathering data for future Artemis missions that will see humans touch down on the moon’s surface once again. But unlike in 1972, you don’t have to be a space agency to track the latest lunar mission. NASA has an interactive online tool that lets you see where the Orion spacecraft is and follow it as it performs its maneuvers through space. Here’s what you need to know. This NASA tool lets you track the Artemis II mission NASA has launched a site called the Artemis Real-time Orbit Website, which offers an interactive space map that lets you track the Orion spacecraft in real time. The tool shows three bodies: that of the Earth, the Moon, and the Orion spacecraft, and tracks where they are in relation to each other. It also visualizes the complete path the Orion is scheduled to follow on its 10-day mission. Artemis Real-time Orbit Website You can think of NASA’s Artemis Real-time Orbit Website as Google Maps in space. It offers tools to zoom in and out on any of the three heavenly bodies, and you can click and hold to drag the map’s axis. Another cool feature is “Spacecraft View,” a virtual camera that lets you see an interactive digital reconstruction of the Orion up close. You can also click on any of its four solar array wing (SAW) cameras, which are actually on the spacecraft, to see a digital reconstruction of what those cameras see. (If you want to see the real camera feeds, check out NASA’s Artemis II live mission coverage on YouTube.) How far is Orion from Earth and the Moon? In addition to being able to visibly track the Orion’s trajectory through space, the map also displays real-time data, including how long it has been since the mission commenced (about 1 day and 15 hours, as of the time of this writing), the velocity of the Orion (currently around 4,300 MPH) and its distance from earth and distance to the moon. Given the spacecraft’s speed, those distances change rapidly. As of the time of this writing, Orion’s distance from the Earth is 86,683 miles, and its distance to the Moon is 170,847 miles. But those numbers change by about 1 mile every second. When will Orion reach the Moon? While Orion will not actually land on the moon. It will fly by it. Currently, Orion’s lunar flyby is expected to take place on Monday, April 6, at which point NASA says “the astronauts will take high resolution photographs and provide their own observations of the lunar surface, including areas of the far side of the Moon never seen directly by humans.” After that flyby, the Orion spacecraft will begin making its journey back to Earth, where it is expected to splash down somewhere in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of San Diego, California, on April 10. Until then, you’ll be able to keep tracking the Orion on its journey across the heavens. View the full article

When you’re pondering starting a franchise, it’s essential to understand the key costs involved. Initial franchise fees can range from $20,000 to $50,000, allowing you to use the brand’s name and model. Real estate and renovation costs can vary widely, often exceeding $1 million. Ongoing royalty fees and marketing contributions likewise play a significant role in your budget. Knowing these expenses can help you prepare, but there’s much more to reflect upon before you make that commitment. Key Takeaways Initial franchise fees typically range from $20,000 to $50,000, granting rights to the franchise’s name and business model. Real estate acquisition costs can vary from $100,000 to over $1 million, depending on location and property size. Renovation and build-out expenses usually range from $50,000 to over $1 million, influenced by brand standards and local regulations. Ongoing royalty fees generally range from 5% to 9% of gross sales, along with additional advertising contributions of 2% to 5%. Legal, accounting, and insurance fees can range from $2,500 to $5,000, with state filing costs typically between $1,000 to $4,500. Initial Franchise Fees and Their Impact When considering a franchise opportunity, it’s essential to comprehend the impact of initial franchise fees, which typically range from $20,000 to $50,000. These fees grant you the rights to use the franchise’s name and business model, making them a significant part of the cost of franchise. Usually non-negotiable, these fees can vary based on market competition and brand strength. The franchise disclosure document (FDD) provides detailed information about these fees, including any additional costs you might incur. Some franchisors, especially in emerging markets, may offer incentives like deferred fees or discounts to attract franchisees. Grasping these initial fees is imperative for evaluating qsr franchise opportunities and planning your overall startup costs, which can exceed $1 million depending on various factors. Real Estate Acquisition and Renovation Costs When you’re considering starting a franchise, real estate acquisition and renovation costs are essential factors to evaluate. Depending on your location and property size, lease or purchase costs can range from $100,000 to over $1 million, whereas renovations may likewise add significant expenses. It’s important to factor in these costs, along with permits and licenses, to guarantee you’re financially prepared for this major aspect of your franchise expedition. Lease or Purchase Costs Lease or purchase costs are critical factors to contemplate when starting a franchise, as these expenses can greatly influence your initial investment. These costs can vary considerably, often ranging from $100,000 to over $1 million, depending on the franchise brand and geographic location. Your initial real estate expenses typically include down payments, commissions, and security deposits, which can increase your overall startup costs. It’s important to review the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) for detailed insights into real estate acquisition costs. This document helps you understand the financial commitments involved. Accurate estimation of these costs is vital for determining the overall feasibility and potential profitability of your franchise operation, ensuring you’re prepared for the financial expedition ahead. Renovation and Build-out Expenses Renovation and build-out expenses are vital considerations that can greatly affect your franchise’s startup budget. Real estate acquisition costs typically range from $100,000 to over $1 million, depending on location and property size. Renovation expenses can likewise vary widely, often falling between $50,000 to over $1 million to meet brand standards and local regulations. Initial costs may include down payments, commissions, and security deposits, all contributing to your overall investment. Budgeting for leasehold improvements is fundamental, as they customize your space for operational needs. Conducting thorough market research helps determine the appropriate real estate costs and renovation needs, greatly influencing your franchise’s financial viability. Expense Type Cost Range Notes Real Estate Acquisition $100,000 – $1 million Varies by location and size Renovation Expenses $50,000 – $1 million Depends on needed changes Initial Costs (Down Payment) Varies Includes commissions, deposits Leasehold Improvements Fundamental Customizes space for operations Location Selection Considerations Selecting the right location for your franchise is crucial, as it not only impacts your initial real estate acquisition costs but also affects your long-term profitability. Real estate acquisition costs can range from $100,000 to over $1 million, depending on market rates and property size. Moreover, you’ll need to factor in renovation costs, which can vary greatly, typically falling between $50,000 and over $1 million, based on necessary modifications to meet franchise standards and local regulations. Initial franchise fees, usually between $20,000 and $50,000, are part of your overall startup costs. Always refer to the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) for detailed information on initial purchase funds and ongoing working capital needs, especially regarding real estate and renovation costs. Professional Fees and Insurance Requirements When you’re starting a franchise, comprehending the professional fees and insurance requirements is vital to your budget and compliance. These costs can considerably impact your initial investment, so it’s important to plan accordingly. Here are some key expenses to keep in mind: Legal and accounting fees: $2,500 to $5,000 for compliance and documentation. Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD): $15,000 to $45,000, prepared by an experienced attorney. Insurance coverage: Costs vary for necessary policies like workers’ compensation and property. State filing and registration fees: $1,000 to $4,500, depending on licenses and trademarks. Financial statements: $2,500 to $5,000, prepared by a licensed CPA for FDD inclusion. Understanding these fees helps guarantee your franchise starts on solid ground. Ongoing Operating Costs and Royalties When you start a franchise, comprehending ongoing operating costs and royalty fees is crucial for your financial success. You’ll need to budget for recurring expenses like employee salaries, utilities, and supplies, whilst also accounting for royalty fees that typically range from 4% to 9% of your gross sales. Furthermore, setting aside funds for unexpected costs can help you maintain smooth operations and protect your profitability in the long run. Royalty Fee Structure Many aspiring franchisees may not fully understand the ongoing costs associated with running a franchise, particularly the royalty fee structure. Typically, these fees range from 5% to 9% of your gross sales, paid monthly to the franchisor. This revenue supports indispensable marketing and operational systems that benefit everyone in the franchise. Moreover, you might need to contribute another 2% to 5% for national or regional advertising. Here are some key points to take into account: Regular payments are important for franchise success. Late payments can lead to penalties or termination. Budgeting for royalties is critical for financial health. Monitoring sales guarantees you meet obligations. These fees enable access to brand support and marketing. Recurring Operating Expenses Comprehending recurring operating expenses is essential for anyone considering a franchise, as these costs directly impact your bottom line. Common expenses include employee salaries, utilities, maintenance, and overhead needed for daily operations. You’ll also pay royalty fees, typically 5% to 9% of gross sales, which support the franchisor’s brand and guidance. Furthermore, budget for marketing expenses, usually ranging from 2% to 5% of gross sales, to promote your franchise effectively. Expense Type Percentage of Gross Sales Royalty Fees 5% – 9% Marketing Fees 2% – 5% Employee Salaries Varies Utilities & Overhead Varies Keeping a close eye on these expenses is critical for your franchise’s profitability. Budgeting for Contingencies Budgeting for contingencies is crucial for franchisees, as unexpected expenses can arise at any time. You’ll need to prepare for ongoing costs and guarantee your franchise remains profitable. Here are key areas to reflect upon: Royalty fees: Typically 5% to 9% of gross sales, these fees are a constant expense. Emergency repairs: Setting aside funds for unexpected repairs is indispensable for operational stability. Employee salaries: Regular payroll can notably impact your cash flow. Utilities: Monthly utility bills can add up, so plan accordingly. Marketing contributions: Expect to allocate 2% to 5% of gross sales for brand promotion. Marketing and Advertising Expenses When you start a franchise, grasping marketing and advertising expenses is vital for your success. Typically, franchisees contribute 2% to 5% of gross sales to an advertising fund for brand improvement. Local marketing is equally important and can involve costs for online ads, print materials, and event sponsorships. Budgeting for marketing materials, like banners and promotional items, is critical to attract customers to your franchise. Furthermore, you’ll face extra advertising expenses to comply with franchisor guidelines and maintain brand standards. Expense Type Description National Fund Percentage of sales for brand marketing Local Marketing Online ads, print materials, event sponsorships Required Materials Banners, promotional items for visibility Financing Options for Franchise Startups How can you secure the funding needed to start your franchise? There are several financing options available to help you get started. Consider the following: SBA loans offer favorable terms and partial guarantees, making them accessible. Franchisor partnerships with lenders may provide customized financing programs. Alternative methods like personal savings, crowdfunding, or loans from family can likewise be viable, but make sure you have written agreements. Commercial bank loans typically require a strong credit history and a solid business plan, assessed through the “5 Cs”: Capacity, Capital, Collateral, Conditions, and Credit history. Online marketplaces like Boefly and Biz2Credit can simplify connecting with lenders, streamlining your funding process. Exploring these options can pave your way to successful franchise ownership. Understanding the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) The Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) is a crucial tool for anyone considering investing in a franchise. It’s a legal requirement for franchisors to provide this document at least 14 days before you sign any agreements. The FDD outlines critical information about the franchise system, including Item 7, which details your estimated initial investment, such as franchise fees, real estate costs, and working capital needs. You’ll additionally find an extensive list of associated fees, including ongoing royalty fees, which can range from 4% to 9% of your gross sales. Legal and financial professionals recommend reviewing the FDD thoroughly to understand the franchise relationship, including potential earnings and risks, making it a critical part of your decision-making process. Frequently Asked Questions What Are the 4 P’s of Franchising? The 4 P’s of franchising are crucial for your franchise strategy. First, Product involves the goods or services you offer, focusing on quality and customer satisfaction. Next, Price means setting competitive prices that reflect your value as you ensure profitability. Then, Place highlights the importance of choosing strategic locations to maximize visibility. Finally, Promotion encompasses your marketing efforts, including advertising strategies to build brand awareness and drive sales effectively within your franchise network. Why Is It Only $10,000 to Open a Chick-Fil-A? It costs only $10,000 to open a Chick-fil-A since the company aims to lower the barrier to entry for franchisees. Unlike many franchises that require hefty initial investments, Chick-fil-A covers most startup costs like real estate and equipment, which can exceed $1 million elsewhere. Nevertheless, you’ll pay a 15% royalty on gross sales and must adhere to strict operational guidelines, ensuring brand consistency and success across all locations. What Is the 7 Day Rule for Franchise? The 7 Day Rule mandates that franchisors must provide you with a Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) at least 14 days before you sign any franchise agreement or make a payment. This rule guarantees you have enough time to review important details, such as franchise fees and ongoing costs, helping you make an informed decision. If franchisors violate this rule, they can face legal consequences, protecting your investment and future business. What Does It Cost to Have a Franchise? Starting a franchise can cost you anywhere from $100,000 to $300,000. This range includes the initial franchise fee, typically between $20,000 and $50,000, plus costs for real estate, equipment, and inventory. You’ll likewise face ongoing expenses, like royalty fees of 5% to 9% of gross sales and marketing fees of 2% to 5%. It’s vital you budget for salaries, utilities, and maintenance to guarantee your franchise’s profitability. Conclusion Starting a franchise involves various significant costs, including initial fees, real estate, and ongoing royalties. To guarantee success, it’s vital to budget for professional fees, insurance, and marketing expenses. Comprehending your financing options and the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) is equally important in traversing the intricacies of franchise ownership. By thoroughly researching and planning for these expenses, you can make informed decisions that contribute to the long-term viability of your franchise venture. Image via Google Gemini This article, "Key Costs Involved in Starting a Franchise" 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. Smaller air conditioners struggle to keep up with open layouts, while larger ones can be loud and power-hungry. This LG 23,500 BTU air conditioner strikes the right balance, and it's currently on sale for $599.99 on StackSocial, which is a notable drop for a unit designed to cool spaces up to about 1,400 square feet. That capacity makes it suitable for large living rooms, open studio spaces, or offices where a smaller 8,000- or 12,000-BTU unit would run continuously and struggle to keep up. The design is still recognizably a window air conditioner, but it’s a big one, measuring about 30.7 by 17.7 by 26 inches and weighing 112 pounds, so installation should require two people and a sturdy window frame. Unlike traditional window units, this smart window AC uses LG’s Dual Inverter compressor, which adjusts its speed based on a room's temperature. In everyday use, that means the air conditioner can maintain a steady temperature rather than blasting cold air in short bursts. It delivers 23,500 BTU of cooling power across four cooling and fan speeds, with an Auto Cool setting that automatically adjusts them. You can also change the airflow direction with four-way adjustable vents, so it isn’t limited to the area directly in front of the unit. There’s also a 3-in-1 mode system: standard cooling for hot days, a fan mode to circulate air without running the compressor, and a dry mode that focuses on pulling moisture out of the air during humid weather. Through the LG ThinQ app, you can change settings remotely from your phone, and the system also works with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant for voice commands—useful if the AC is installed in a hard-to-reach window or you want to turn it on before walking into the room. That said, one practical detail to check before buying is the power requirement—this model runs on a 230-volt outlet, which not every home window setup already has. Our Best Editor-Vetted Tech Deals Right Now Apple AirPods Pro 3 Noise Cancelling Heart Rate Wireless Earbuds — $199.00 (List Price $249.00) Apple iPad 11" 128GB A16 WiFi Tablet (Blue, 2025) — $299.00 (List Price $349.00) Samsung Galaxy Tab A11+ 128GB Wi-Fi 11" Tablet (Gray) — $202.00 (List Price $249.99) Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 42mm, S/M Black Sport Band) — $329.00 (List Price $399.00) Sony WH-1000XM5 — $298.00 (List Price $399.99) Deals are selected by our commerce team View the full article

In an increasingly interconnected world, America’s small businesses are facing new and complex challenges, particularly from foreign entities like the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). The House Committee on Small Business convened a crucial hearing today titled “Defending Main Street: Combating CCP Threats to America’s Small Businesses” to discuss these pressing issues and explore solutions tailored for small entrepreneurs. At the forefront of the discussion is the undeniable economic impact small businesses have on the U.S. economy. Small firms not only create jobs but also drive innovation, from breakthrough technologies to time-honored family businesses. Chairman Roger Williams emphasized this in his opening statement, stating that “small businesses play a vital role in driving America’s economy and reinforcing our national security.” However, the environment in which these businesses operate is fraught with risk. The CCP has made it a strategic goal to challenge the United States economically, often resorting to aggressive tactics that threaten American innovation. This creates a precarious situation for small business owners who have poured their resources into developing cutting-edge products and services. “Far too often, those innovations are stolen, replicated overseas, and sold at a lower cost,” Williams noted, highlighting the risk of losing market share and profitability. One of the most alarming aspects discussed at the hearing is the issue of foreign investment in American startups. While funding is essential for growth, investments from entities connected to foreign adversaries can expose sensitive technologies to vulnerabilities. The complexities of investment structures can obscure their origins, putting many entrepreneurs at risk without their knowledge. Small business owners must remain vigilant about who they accept capital from, understanding that the implications extend beyond just financial support. Moreover, supply chain reliance on China adds another layer of risk. Over the years, many small businesses have opted to outsource production, drawn by the allure of lower labor costs. Though this may have seemed efficient at the time, it has left American businesses, especially smaller ones, vulnerable to disruptions. “These challenges are not just economic; they are matters of national security,” Williams stated, underlining the heightened importance of reshoring or diversifying supply chains to mitigate risks. For small business owners, navigating these challenges requires a strategic approach. Participation in forums like today’s hearing not only provides insights but also illuminates actionable solutions tailored to small businesses. Recommendations from industry experts and experienced entrepreneurs will help shape policies aimed at equipping small firms with necessary tools for safeguarding their innovations and ensuring secure funding sources. The implications of inaction are significant. Williams cautioned, “If we fail to act, we risk losing not only our competitive edge, but also the ingenuity and entrepreneurial spirit that define our nation.” This stark warning emphasizes the crucial need for policy changes and support mechanisms to empower small entrepreneurs. In light of these complexities, small business owners are encouraged to engage in discussions around national security and economic resilience. Keeping abreast of legislative actions can inform decision-making processes, aiding in preventing potential loss of intellectual property and securing viable funding options. As these conversations continue to evolve, the focus remains clear: protecting American small businesses is vital for strengthening not just the economy, but the greater fabric of national security. To stay informed about the outcomes of today’s discussions and further developments, business owners can access the original hearing details here. The stakes have never been higher, and the roadmap for safeguarding American innovation lies in the hands of both legislators and proactive entrepreneurs. As small business owners plot their course ahead, grappling with these threats will be essential to not just survive, but thrive in today’s dynamic landscape. Image via Google Gemini This article, "House Committee Tackles CCP Threats to Protect Small Businesses" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

If you want to understand where AI-assisted parenting is headed, skip the research lab and look into a messy living room at 2 a.m. Some of the most revealing use cases are happening in the homes of AI engineers who have just become parents. Few environments are more demanding: high stakes, low sleep, a never-ending stream of split-second decisions with imperfect information. No mom or dad (us included) has patience for a tool that adds friction, noise, or guilt to the daily gauntlet of childcare. It is why parents—especially those who build products—are a valuable and overlooked source of AI product intelligence today. Consider Daanish Masood. When his young son was with him, he was on his own. He didn’t have a partner to share the day-to-day weight of early parenthood. What he did have was deep technical fluency and an urgent need for practical solutions. Daanish built his own AI, trained on child development research and philosophical texts as varied as Rumi and the Tao Te Ching. The result was “Robot,” an agent that could suggest age-appropriate outings, help with meal plans, and generate new chapters in an original epic space odyssey that became a fixture of their shared bedtime routine. The name, Robot, was intentional—a constant reminder that this was not a human being. It was a chance to talk about what it means to be human. Daanish and his son used Robot together, asking questions like how to dress up as a black hole for Halloween, enriching their interactions, not replacing them. When Robot got things wrong, those mistakes became lessons about the limits of technology, and the role of human judgment. In parenting, as in so many parts of life, optimization isn’t about how much AI can do for us, but how it helps us show up. AI TO SUPPORT PARENTS AND KIDS The same dynamic emerges in companies built by founders who experienced parenting struggles firsthand. Soon after Luis Garza became a father, he realized, like most parents, that he was flying blind during the most neurologically critical years of his child’s life. He built Kinedu, an AI-powered app that supports new parents in their role as their child’s first teacher. What began as a founder solving his own parenting challenge has grown into a global platform—raising more than $18 million and reaching 19 million users. Then there’s Carla Small, whose son struggled to read but didn’t receive specialized support until second grade. She built EarlyBird, a game-based assessment tool that uses AI to detect potential reading challenges like dyslexia before children enter school. Developed with cognitive neuroscientist Nadine Gaab, the platform reflects a simple but powerful insight: We start learning the foundations of language in utero. Now families and educators can identify reading challenges that traditional institutions often miss. Increasingly, policy is catching up. Screening legislation has recently changed in many U.S. states. Product followed lived experience, and policy followed. PROXIMATE EXPERTISE Taken together, these stories are strong signals from one especially instructive group: people close enough to both the technology and the problem. The social innovation world calls this “proximate expertise”—the unique perspective that comes from having lived inside the problem you’re trying to solve. Parents are navigating AI’s greatest promise (expanding human potential) alongside its deepest risk (eroding human agency and trust). They’re making those tradeoffs every day, with their favorite small human impacted by the outcome. Parents can bring this uniquely proximate expertise to the lab. They will question guilt-based nudging, resist information overload disguised as innovation, and think hard about unintended consequences—present and future. They can also illuminate what must remain unmistakably human in what they refuse to delegate: comfort, moral judgment, presence, and the relational work of raising a child. The hacks they develop in the middle of the night may be someone else’s product roadmap; their design constraints may be the policy guardrails we’ve been missing. Parenthood is humanity’s oldest operating system. It runs on minimal sleep, continuous improvisation, and an unrelenting real-time feedback loop: cry, adjust, repeat. Innovation under constraint at its best. Parents who also happen to be AI engineers, product designers, and founders can shape how we build, regulate, and deploy intelligent systems that are better for everyone. The best beta testers are putting their kids to bed. Hala Hanna is executive director of MIT Solve. Michael Feigelson is CEO of Van Leer Foundation. View the full article

It’s the Friday open thread! The comment section on this post is open for discussion with other readers on any work-related questions that you want to talk about (that includes school). If you want an answer from me, emailing me is still your best bet*, but this is a chance to take your questions to other readers. * If you submitted a question to me recently, please do not repost it here, as it may be in my queue to answer. The post open thread – April 3, 2026 appeared first on Ask a Manager. View the full article

In the world of tax law, truly “free” lunches are rare. Usually, a tax break in one area requires a sacrifice in another. However, if you know where to look, the tax code contains several freebies—legal provisions that allow you to increase wealth, generate income, and gift money without the IRS taking a single penny. Here are five of the most powerful financial freebies available to investors today. 1) The 0% capital gains rate Most investors assume that selling a winning stock always triggers a tax bill. However, for those in the lower income brackets (up to $50,400 for individuals or $100,800 for married couples in 2026), the long-term capital gains tax rate is exactly 0%. The Strategy: If you have a low-income year—perhaps due to early retirement before Social Security or required minimum distributions kick in—you can strategically sell appreciated securities without paying any federal tax. The proceeds can fund living expenses or replace the shares you just sold to capture a free stepped-up basis without having to die first. 2) The ‘Augusta Rule’ (rent your home for free) Named after the homeowners in Georgia who rent out their houses during the Masters golf tournament, Section 280A(g) of the tax code allows you to rent out your primary residence for up to 14 days per year without having to report a single dollar of that income to the IRS. The Strategy: Whether you live near a major sporting event, a film set, or a popular festival, you can pocket the rental income entirely tax-free. There are no income limits on this rule, and you don’t even need to report the income on your Form 1040. For high-income earners in high-tax states like California, this is a significant freebie that bypasses both federal and state taxes. 3) The $1,000 ‘Baby Seed’ money The newly enacted One Big Beautiful Bill Act has introduced a literal cash freebie for the next generation. For every child born between Jan. 1, 2025, and Dec. 31, 2028, the federal government will provide a $1,000 seed deposit into a The President Savings Account. The Strategy: While these accounts have long-term tax flaws, you should never turn down a government grant. Capture the $1,000 as soon as the portal opens in 2026. Let that government money compound, but pivot your own family contributions to a 529 plan for superior tax treatment. 4) The ‘Gap Year’ Roth conversion The most valuable freebie for retirees often occurs in the window between the end of a professional salary and the start of required minimum distributions, or RMDs, and Social Security. During these gap years, your taxable income may drop to its lowest level in decades. The Strategy: Use this low-income window to perform Roth conversions at a 0% or 10% effective tax rate. By filling up these lower tax brackets now, you are effectively prepaying your future tax bill at a massive discount. You eliminate future RMD pressure and ensure that every dollar of future growth in that Roth account is shielded from the IRS forever. It is one of the few times the tax code allows you to move money into a tax-free bucket at little or no cost. In most cases, this is a better deal than recognizing capital gains at 0%. 5) The qualified charitable distribution Is a qualified charitable distribution, or QCD, truly free? If you are charitably inclined and over age 70½, the answer is a resounding yes. Normally, taking money out of a traditional IRA is a taxable event. However, a QCD allows you to send up to $111,000 each year directly to a charity (in 2026). The Strategy: The money goes from your IRA to the charity without ever touching your bank account, meaning it is never counted as taxable income. This is a freebie because a lower adjusted gross income can help you avoid higher Medicare premiums, and it reduces the amount of your Social Security that is subject to tax. You are effectively spending your IRA money on your philanthropic goals while keeping the IRS entirely out of the transaction. Summary for investors The IRS rarely hands out gifts, but these five provisions are as close as it gets. Whether it is capturing $1,000 for a newborn or leveraging your gap years for a low-cost Roth conversion, the key is proactive timing. This article was provided to The Associated Press by Morningstar. For more personal finance content, go to https://www.morningstar.com/personal-finance. Sheryl Rowling, CPA, is an editorial director, financial advisor for Morningstar. Related Links $1,000 The President Accounts: Focus on the Financial Benefits, Not the Branding https://www.morningstar.com/personal-finance/1000-The President-accounts-focus-financial-benefits-not-branding Still Working in Retirement? Watch Out for These Social Security and Medicare Tax Traps https://www.morningstar.com/personal-finance/still-working-retirement-watch-out-these-social-security-medicare-tax-traps How Much Should You Allocate to Safer Assets? https://www.morningstar.com/portfolios/how-much-should-you-allocate-safer-assets —Sheryl Rowling of Morningstar View the full article

Customer journeys are collapsing into a single moment of evaluation. David Edelman recently described this shift as the convergence of behaviors that used to happen separately. As decisions compress, brands need to be clearer about what they are trying to solve for the customer. Many organizations are increasing activity instead, without sharpening the underlying strategy. The shift behind the compressed journey Edelman’s argument, outlined in his March 2026 Think with Google essay, is built around a shorthand developed by Boston Consulting Group and Google: streaming, scrolling, searching, and shopping. His central insight is that generative AI has snapped these four behaviors together so tightly that the old model — awareness, then consideration, then purchase, each in its own tidy lane — no longer describes reality. Consumers bounce between platforms, multitask, and shift fluidly between entertainment and intent. The data point that stopped me cold: people are now asking AI-enabled search engines much longer, richer, more emotionally descriptive queries. Not keywords. Paragraphs. They share context, constraints, preferences, and urgency. The AI then breaks those queries into multiple search streams and synthesizes results in real time. What once required dozens of browser tabs — hours of work — now takes seconds. Edelman draws two implications from this. The fundamental unit of competition has changed. Brands are now evaluated as solutions to specific situations, not as products within a category. The familiar demand framework — create demand, capture demand, and convert demand — must be treated as simultaneous, not sequential. You can’t do them in order anymore because the journey doesn’t proceed in order. Dig deeper: From searching to delegating: Adapting to AI-first search behavior Your customers search everywhere. Make sure your brand shows up. The SEO toolkit you know, plus the AI visibility data you need. Start Free Trial Get started with Enter Pogo — and Kelly’s uncomfortable truth Walt Kelly gave us Pogo, the philosophical possum of Okefenokee Swamp, whose most celebrated utterance was the 1970 Earth Day poster declaration: “We have met the enemy, and he is us.” Kelly’s most persistent target was not any external villain, but the human tendency to mistake activity for progress. His characters were always busy — scheming, planning, campaigning, reorganizing — and almost never clear on why. Another line often attributed to him captures it just as well: “Having lost sight of our objectives, we redoubled our efforts.” Read Edelman’s argument through that lens, and the pattern becomes harder to ignore. He describes brands racing to keep up with compressed customer journeys — more content, more specificity, more “answer audits,” more presence across platforms and formats. The advice is sound. But without clarity about what a brand is actually trying to solve for the customer, more content and more channels are just Pogo’s swamp creatures running faster through the same mud. Dig deeper: Why clarity now decides who survives The compression trap: When speed substitutes for clarity Edelman is right that the journey is compressing. But compression can serve two different masters. For brands with crystal-clear positioning — brands that genuinely know what problem they solve and for whom — compression is a gift. It helps a consumer build confidence faster. Warby Parker, which Edelman cites approvingly, is a clean example: its home try-on program, transparent pricing, and frictionless returns all express a single, coherent answer to a specific question: “Can I trust buying glasses without trying them in a store?” Every element of that brand experience is aimed at one objective. For brands that lack that clarity — brands that have accumulated messaging layers over years of campaign-by-campaign marketing — compression is a disaster. The consumer’s AI-enabled query now synthesizes everything a brand has ever said across every channel, every format, every platform. If those signals are inconsistent, contradictory, or simply incoherent, the synthesized answer will be a muddle. The consumer will move on. In Pogo’s swamp, the creature that runs fastest without knowing where it’s going simply reaches the wrong destination sooner. Edelman gestures at this when he writes that brand should be understood as “the sum of signals that make a company recognizable as a solution.” He’s right. But I’d push harder: the compression of the customer journey isn’t primarily a technological problem. It’s an objectives problem. Most brands can’t clearly articulate, in a single sentence, what specific situation they are the best answer to. If you can’t say it plainly, AI certainly can’t infer it. Dig deeper: Why AI availability is the new battleground for brands Get the newsletter search marketers rely on. See terms. Pogo would recognize the funnel debate immediately One of Edelman’s shrewder observations is that some of his clients have constructed a “false trade-off between brand and performance.” Marketing departments argue over budget allocations between brand-building and demand generation as though they are fundamentally separate activities. This is, as Kelly’s characters would say, a very impressive argument that completely misses the point. Kelly spent years satirizing exactly this kind of internal organizational warfare — committees forming to study committees, campaigns launched to counteract the confusion caused by previous campaigns. Organizations are often earnest and busy, and just as often distracted by their own processes. The brand-versus-performance debate is the marketing equivalent of explaining why two teams can’t collaborate because their mandates are structured differently. In a compressed journey, brand is performance. The clarity of a brand’s positioning determines whether it surfaces as the right answer to a specific query. The quality of its content determines whether it captures demand at the moment of confidence. These are the same thing viewed from two angles. The brands winning in Edelman’s compressed journey world — Nike, Glossier, IKEA, Warby Parker — don’t appear to be having this argument internally. They have simply decided what problem they solve and built everything around that answer. Dig deeper: Brand perception: How to measure and shape it The ‘answer audit’ is only half of the solution Edelman recommends something he calls a “recurring answer audit”: examine what a consumer would actually encounter across social discovery, video search, retail listings, and AI assistants for their most common customer scenarios. Gaps and inconsistencies, he says, quickly become visible. This is excellent advice. It’s also, if I’m being blunt in the spirit of Kelly, only half the medicine. An audit shows you where your signals are inconsistent. It doesn’t tell you what they should be consistent about. You can audit your way to a perfectly coherent set of messages that still fail to answer any real consumer question, because the messages were never designed around actual consumer situations in the first place. You need to audit your objectives. What, precisely, is your brand the solution to? Not the product category. Not the feature set. The actual situation. The specific tension in a person’s life that this brand, and not a competitor, is best positioned to resolve. Until that question is answered with unambiguous clarity, the answer audit is tidying the swamp without draining it. Dig deeper: How to apply ‘They Ask, You Answer’ to SEO and AI visibility What Edelman gets completely right None of this is meant to diminish what Edelman has written. On the contrary, his framework for thinking about the compressed journey is the most coherent I’ve seen in years. Three of his observations deserve to be tattooed somewhere visible on the forearms, wrists, hands, necks, and behind the ears of every marketing professional. ‘Streaming and scrolling create possibility. Searching structures choice. Shopping happens wherever confidence peaks.’ That’s not just a description of a media landscape. It’s a theory of consumer psychology. Confidence is the triggering condition for a purchase. If you’re optimizing for impressions without asking whether those impressions build confidence, then you’re very busy going nowhere. Brands must shift from ‘product language’ to ‘solution language.’ This sounds simple and is, in practice, revolutionary. The default mode of most brand organizations is to lead with what they make. Edelman says lead with the situation you resolve. That is a fundamental reorientation of how marketing is conceived and executed. ‘Are you the customer’s solution? Will they know it?’ Two questions. The first is a strategy question. The second is an execution question. Most marketing fails by answering the second question without having honestly answered the first. Dig deeper: The authority era: How AI is reshaping what ranks in search See the complete picture of your search visibility. Track, optimize, and win in Google and AI search from one platform. Start Free Trial Get started with We have met the enemy Kelly’s Pogo ran for 25 years, and the swamp never did drain. The characters were charming, the satire was sharp, and the folly continued because the creatures were incapable of distinguishing between effort and progress. Kelly found that funny. Marketing history, filled with elaborate, energetic, and expensive campaigns from brands that no longer exist, is less amusing. Edelman has given us a useful map of the compressed customer journey. It’s fast, complex, AI-mediated, and it rewards clarity above all else. What he understates — though it runs beneath the surface of his argument — is that compression is also a reckoning. Brands built on accumulated momentum, legacy awareness, and category inertia will find that a faster journey exposes their vagueness more brutally than a slower one ever did. The compressed customer journey demands better thinking. And better thinking, as Pogo understood, begins with recognizing that the problem isn’t out there in the swamp. It’s in here — in the planning meeting, the brand brief, the objectives slide that everyone in the room suspects isn’t quite right, but no one challenges. With apologies to Pogo, “We have met the enemy of the compressed customer journey. And it’s our inability to clearly say what we are actually for.” View the full article

Mohammad Javad Zarif is first prominent regime figure to put forward detailed suggestions on what Tehran could acceptView the full article

Impulse, a sleek induction stove that began shipping to customers last year, advertises itself as “unlike any other induction stove ever made.” But that product is now at the center of a legal fight. Copper, another company making next-generation induction stoves, sued Impulse on Friday in federal court in Delaware for patent infringement. At the center of the dispute is a shared design choice: Both companies build stoves with batteries tucked inside, a feature that boosts performance, eases installation in homes without electrical upgrades, and doubles as energy storage to ease strain on the electric grid. It’s a novel idea, and one that Copper patented first. In a copy of the lawsuit obtained by Fast Company, Copper claims its founders began developing the technology as early as 2019. (The work spun out of R&D lab Otherlab, which received a U.S. Department of Energy grant in 2020 to push the idea further.) The company formally launched in 2022 and secured its first patent that March for “appliance level battery-based energy storage.” Two additional patents followed in 2024 and 2025, detailing versions of an induction stove with an integrated battery. The company has raised around $35 million in venture funding to date, according to PitchBook. Impulse Labs launched in 2022; it’s unclear when the company started work on its design, or how familiar it was with Copper’s work at that time. At launch, Impulse talked about the energy storage benefits of its design. “Effectively, we’re Trojan-horsing a small battery into people’s homes when the appliance goes in,” founder Sam D’Amico, a former Facebook engineer, told Fast Company in late 2022. (Impulse has raised $25 million in venture funding.) The upside for the electric grid is significant. The cost of batteries has dropped dramatically, but grid-scale storage is still slow to build, and it’s more efficient for storage to be located next to the point of use. Home batteries like the Tesla Powerwall are pricey and require permits and electricians to install. If a battery is built into a stove at a factory, installation is as simple as plugging in the appliance. At scale, the stoves can store excess renewable energy and later help the grid during peak demand. Impulse tried to patent the idea of a battery-embedded stove—with four attempts in 2024 and 2025—but the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office rejected the company’s applications, citing Copper’s existing patents. Now Copper’s patent infringement suit is asking for damages “in no event less than a reasonable royalty.” Copper CEO Sam Calisch insists that, despite the lawsuit, he wants to see its battery-integrated design spread across the industry. “Our goal is to eliminate barriers to electrification,” he tells Fast Company, pointing to Copper’s push to bring battery-integrated appliances into more homes by working with large appliance manufacturers that want to license the tech. But, he adds, that push depends on partners respecting its intellectual property. Fast Company has reached out to Impulse for comment and will update the story as we hear back. View the full article

Layoffs rose sharply in March, and a quarter of these job losses were due to AI. Job cuts rose about 25% in March reaching 60,620 up from 48,307 cuts the month before. The new data comes from outplacement and executive coaching firm Challenger, Gray & Christmas, who released the report on Thursday. While cuts could be seen across industries, more than 52,000 tech jobs have been cut so far this year with 18,720 happening last month. Reductions took place at major technology companies like Meta, Oracle, Block, and more. However, the report explained that the number was driven up significantly by the workforce reduction at Dell Technologies (DELL), making the total the highest seen since 2023 in the technology sector. “Removing the wave of federal layoffs announced in February and March of last year, job cut announcements in 2026 are closely following the pattern of 2025, said Andy Challenger, chief revenue officer for Challenger, Gray & Christmas in the report. “Last year, it was Government, Retail, and Technology. This year, it’s Technology, Transportation, and Healthcare.” While the new report may fuel worries that AI is taking jobs, the loss in jobs is down about 78% from March 2025, when 275,240 cuts were made. Also, in the last week of March, weekly jobless claims actually approached a two-year low. In a response to the report, Rathin Sinha, a tech founder, CEO and president of America’s Job Exchange, explained the major takeaways in a post on LinkedIn. “Roles are not disappearing wholesale—but they are being redefined,” Sinha wrote. “In a world where AI can do the job, the role of humans is orchestration. Putting the things together—the system thinking. Not project management, but putting things together for a business to deliver on its unique value proposition,” the CEO continued. In the wake of job cuts and companies leaning harder on AI, the report urged employees to focus on upskilling and reskilling. In other words, becoming experts at integrating AI into workflows. It also noted that companies are prioritizing technology, even if it means a loss of jobs. “Companies are shifting budgets toward AI investments at the expense of jobs,” Challenger explained. “The actual replacing of roles can be seen in technology companies, where AI can replace coding functions. Other industries are testing the limits of this new technology, and while it can’t replace jobs completely, it is costing jobs,” he said. Next to the technology sector, transportation had the second-highest number of job losses, with 32,241, up a staggering 703% from the same period in 2025. View the full article

After Pam Bondi became U.S. attorney general last year, conservative influencers, online sleuths and others who wanted the government to disclose all it knew about Jeffrey Epstein thought they might have a champion in the Department of Justice. So did Jess Michaels, one of the legions of women who have said they were sexually assaulted by the late financier and convicted sex offender with a roster of powerful friends in business, politics and beyond. “I thought, ‘Well, maybe a woman stepping into this role will finally, finally get the truth,'” Michaels recalled Thursday, after President Donald The President announced Bondi was out of the nation’s top law enforcement job. “She had this opportunity to be a hero and to really do right by survivors of sexual violence and trafficking,” Michaels said, “and she chose not to.” The furor over the “Epstein files,” as the trove of investigative records came to be known, wasn’t the only controversy of Bondi’s tenure. But the arc — first raising expectations for a big reveal, then declaring there was nothing to see, and ultimately a forced, flawed document dump — was a stubbornly problematic storyline that ran through her time as attorney general. Bondi rejected criticism of her handling of the matter, and The President on Thursday praised her as “a Great American Patriot and a loyal friend.” Michaels and other Epstein victims watched it all with shaken trust that Bondi’s departure alone won’t likely rebuild. “This is not about a single person,” accuser Annie Farmer said Thursday. “It is about a government and judicial system that has repeatedly failed Epstein survivors.” Here’s a glance at Bondi’s part in the Epstein saga: February 2025: The binders Freshly confirmed as attorney general for a president who had suggested on the campaign trail that he’d open more government documents on Epstein, Bondi whetted appetites by declaring on Fox News that “you’re going to see some Epstein information released.” And when a host asked about “releasing “the list of Jeffrey Epstein’s clients” — a long-rumored, never-seen sex trafficking roster — she replied that it was “sitting on my desk right now.” A day later, conservative commentators and content creators were brought to the White House to get DOJ binders emblazoned with “The Epstein Files: Phase 1” and “Declassified.” The attempt to showcase transparency soon backfired, once it emerged that the contents largely were already public. Bondi demanded that the FBI give her “the full and complete Epstein files,” and she later said that she’d unearthed a “truckload” of previously withheld material and that “everything is going to come out to the public.” July 2025: The walkback After months of anticipation, the Justice Department said it wouldn’t release any more Epstein material. A court had sealed much of it to protect victims, and “only a fraction” would have come out if Epstein had gone to trial, the agency said in an unsigned memo. It added that authorities hadn’t found evidence that merited new charges or investigations and that “perpetuating unfounded theories about Epstein” wouldn’t help victims get justice. And, it said, there was no “client list.” As for Bondi’s prior comment that it was on her desk, officials said she had meant the overall case file. Conservative influencers, among others, blasted the turnabout and questioned Bondi’s capability. But The President stood by her, scolding a journalist for attempting to ask her a question about Epstein at a White House Cabinet meeting. The President had himself raised questions for some years after Epstein’s 2019 death in jail as the financier faced federal sex trafficking charges. After the Justice Department memo, however, the president suggested there was nothing more to say about Epstein and the country, including his own supporters, should simply move on. November 2025: The legislation Amid a drumbeat of disclosures that begin to exact consequences for some powerful people — particularly Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, Britain’s former Prince Andrew — Congress passed legislation to force the Justice Department to disclose its investigative files on Epstein. The President signed it into law, casting the quest for Epstein information as a Democratic-led distraction from the Republican agenda. Meanwhile, at his urging, Bondi announced that the U.S. attorney in Manhattan would investigate Epstein’s ties to some of the Republican president’s political foes, including Democratic former President Bill Clinton. None has been accused of misconduct by Epstein’s accusers; nor has The President, another former Epstein friend. Both Clinton and The President have said they knew nothing about Epstein’s misconduct and cut ties with him many years ago. December 2025: The first batch At the statutory deadline for making the Epstein files public, the Justice Department released only some of them. While the records included some material the public hadn’t previously seen, including some candid photos of Clinton, the documents didn’t break major ground and included little about The President. The department said it was continuing to review other Epstein records to make sure that victims were protected. But Democrats cried cover-up, bill sponsor Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., accused the Justice Department of breaking the law by missing the deadline and redacting too much, and some Epstein accusers also questioned the extensive redactions. January 2026: The big release The Justice Department began releasing a huge cache of additional Epstein documents, videos and photos, though others remained under wraps. The records pulled back a curtain on favor-trading and frank communications in a chummy elite that looked past Epstein’s 2008 guilty plea to solicitating prostitution from an underage girl in Florida. Some high-flying Epstein friends resigned or lost jobs in corporate America, academia, big law firms, the British, Slovakian and Norwegian governments and beyond. But the documents disclosed highly personal information about some victims while redacting the names of Epstein correspondents in, for example, emails that appeared to refer to the sexual abuse of underage girls. Gloria Allred, an attorney for numerous Epstein victims, said Thursday that Bondi betrayed them by failing to protect personal information in the files. “She has destroyed the trust in the DOJ that victims had a right to expect, and her termination may be the only type of justice that survivors will receive from the DOJ,” Allred said by email. February 2026: The hearing At a congressional hearing, a combative Bondi tried to quell the Epstein files controversy. She defended how the Justice Department dealt with it, lobbed personal insults at Democrats and lauded The President over, among other things, the performance of the stock market. Bondi said she was deeply sorry for what Epstein victims suffered. But she declined a request from Rep. Pramila Jayapal, D-Wash., to face and apologize to them for the Justice Department’s actions, and Bondi dismissed Massie’s critiques of the release of victims’ personal information. March 2026: The subpoena The House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform subpoenaed Bondi to answer questions on April 14 about the Justice Department’s handling of the Epstein investigation and file release. With five Republicans joining Democrats to support the subpoena, it reflected widespread discontent, including in the GOP base, over Bondi’s management of the matter. The future For now, Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche will be the acting attorney general. Michaels, who traveled to the Capitol last year to press for the files’ release, wanted Bondi gone. But will Blanche do better? “We can only hope. But given that they worked together, I don’t have great expectations,” she said. The Associated Press generally does not identify people who say they have been sexually assaulted unless they come forward publicly, as Michaels has done. Robert Glassman, an attorney for a woman who testified as “Jane” in the 2021 criminal trial of Epstein confidante Ghislaine Maxwell, noted that agency leaders come and go. “For victims of sexual abuse, what matters is whether the institutions meant to protect them actually do their job,” he said. —Jennifer Peltz, Associated Press View the full article

New jobs in health care largely drove the gains, while the federal workforce and finance continued to shrink. View the full article

Illinois CPA Society CEO lays out the three big challenges. Gear Up for Growth With Jean Caragher For CPA Trendlines Go PRO for members-only access to more Jean Marie Caragher. View the full article

Illinois CPA Society CEO lays out the three big challenges. Gear Up for Growth With Jean Caragher For CPA Trendlines Go PRO for members-only access to more Jean Marie Caragher. View the full article

Over the course of my three-decade career, the keyword drove paid search. Today, it’s one of many signals. Strategy is what determines performance. Keywords were what you researched for weeks, then built your strategy around based on what you uncovered or hypothesized. You managed everything from bids to matched search terms to negatives and the audiences you targeted. Your career was built and measured by how well you structured around a keyword. Paid media has always been deeply tactical, with Google driving the majority of search. You were methodical about placements, audiences, bids, headlines, extensions, and keyword-stuffed URLs. This model worked. It gave practitioners the control they needed to get results. You could see which search queries triggered ads and what they cost. If there was value, you expanded or doubled down. You might over-segment ad groups by theme or build campaigns around keyword audiences, then layer in modifiers and match types to drive 1200% ROAS. What changed across platforms Advertising has converged on a single structural shift: AI, or more precisely, automation built into the platforms. These systems now handle targeting, bids, and creative assembly that practitioners used to manage manually. The keyword hasn’t disappeared. It’s moved from the primary optimization lever to one signal among many that platforms use to deliver ads based on user behavior and the auction. On Google, AI Max for Search is the clearest example. It’s not a new campaign type. It’s an optimization layer, similar to Smart Bidding, that changes how keywords function inside a search campaign. Google’s AI uses your existing keywords, copy, and landing pages, including H1s and H2s, as signals rather than instructions to find and serve ads. Google reports that advertisers using AI Max see 14% more conversions at a similar CPA or ROAS, with campaigns using exact and phrase match seeing lifts of up to 27%. Pair it with Performance Max across Search, Shopping, YouTube, Display, Discover, Gmail, and Maps, or Demand Gen for upper-funnel awareness, and the system expands further. Dig deeper: Google Ads no longer runs on keywords. It runs on intent. Your customers search everywhere. Make sure your brand shows up. The SEO toolkit you know, plus the AI visibility data you need. Start Free Trial Get started with The new primary levers When I say strategy is the new keyword, I’m not speaking in abstractions. I’m saying there are specific inputs that now determine where your ads show up, who sees them, and whether they convert. These inputs have largely replaced the keyword list in paid media as the highest-leverage control. The distinction matters. Strategy dictates the activity needed to achieve your goal and vision. Tactics are the execution. What’s shifted is that platforms now handle the tactics, and our job is to define the strategy that guides them. Conversion data quality, including server-side tracking, has become the most important input in any account. Google’s Smart Bidding and other platform optimization systems depend on conversion or event signals to learn and improve. You can prioritize from all to one, which conversions matter more, whether it’s a lead from a high-value market versus a newsletter sign-up, or a new customer versus a returning one. These distinctions used to be handled through keyword segmentation and bid modifiers. Now, in a small way, they’re handled through strategic conversation, where value is assigned or determined at that point. First-party data, customer lists, CRM data, website behavior, and offline imports have become the equivalent of keyword research. The richer and cleaner the data you feed these systems, the better they perform. It’s less about search volume and more about understanding your own customer data, making sure it’s structured properly, and connected to the platforms you advertise in. Creative is a beast. It’s moving from a production deliverable to a strategic signal. For Demand Gen, Display, and Meta, your creative, functionally speaking, is your targeting. Platforms read your images, video, and copy to determine who sees your ads. Google AI Max generates headline and description variations based on your landing page content, your H1s, H2s, and so on. The strategic questions, what themes resonate with which segments, what visual approaches drive action at different funnel stages, and what messaging frameworks allow AI to generate variations, now carry the weight the keyword used to. Landing page and website quality have become paid media inputs, not just a thing for UX or CRO. AI Max reads your page to determine what queries to match and which headlines to generate. Final URL expansion in AI Max and Performance Max sends users to the page AI deems most relevant. Poor post-click experiences, thin content, and slow load times can tie back to lower conversion rates. All of this limits AI’s ability to serve your ads. Dig deeper: In Google Ads automation, everything is a signal in 2026 What it means for practitioners Our roles have shifted. The most valuable work is no longer managing keyword lists or adjusting manual bids. I have strong opinions on that, but I’ll ask you, what else could you be doing with your time, instead of manually adjusting bids for thousands of keywords? It’s the strategic framework that AI systems operate within: ensuring data quality, defining creative strategy, building measurement into your teams, and knowing when the LLM is wrong and you, as an SME, need to adjust course. The job of subject-matter experts is to guide the machines. That guidance takes the form of conversion architecture, audience signal quality, creative frameworks, and brand guardrails, rather than keyword lists and bid sheets. This means investing time in understanding how: These systems work. Platforms learn. LLMs prioritize. It’s the pros and cons we choose to emphasize — the signals we prioritize. It means building robust first-party data, developing frameworks across audiences, creative, and UX, and feeding that into AI to enhance. It means accepting that the keyword era is giving way to something fundamentally different. The practitioners who treat strategy as their primary lever, who invest their energy in architecture and design rather than lever-pulling, will be best positioned as this shift continues. The keyword list isn’t gone. It’s no longer the center of the work. Strategy is. Dig deeper: 4 times PPC automation still needs a human touch View the full article

When starting a business, knowing what licenses you need is essential. In Texas, there’s no single state business license, but local permits can vary based on your business type. You might require a sales tax permit, zoning permit, or even a health permit. Furthermore, some professions demand specialized licenses. Comprehending these requirements can help you avoid legal complications as you move forward. So, what specific licenses apply to your business? Key Takeaways Determine local licensing requirements, as they vary significantly based on business type and location in Texas. Obtain a Sales Tax Permit if selling tangible personal property or leasing services. Secure any necessary professional licenses for regulated fields like healthcare or legal services from the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation. Check if specialized permits are needed for industries like food services, agriculture, or aviation to ensure compliance. Research and apply for an Assumed Name Certificate if operating under a business name different from your legal name. Understanding Business Licenses When you’re starting a business, comprehending the various licenses required to operate legally is essential. A business license secures your right to conduct operations as you ensure compliance with health and safety standards. In Texas, there isn’t a general state-level business license, but cities and counties may impose specific requirements based on your business type. Common licenses include sales tax permits for selling goods, zoning permits for location compliance, and health permits for food-related enterprises. If you’re a sole proprietor or partner using a different name, obtaining an Assumed Name Certificate is necessary. Furthermore, certain professions, like medical or legal services, require professional licenses from applicable state regulatory bodies. Grasping these requirements is key to your business’s success. Types of Business Licenses in Texas When starting a business in Texas, you won’t need a general business license, but you’ll likely require specific licenses or permits based on your business type and location. Common licenses include sales tax permits, which are essential for selling tangible goods, and various permits like zoning and building permits. Furthermore, if you’re in a specialized field, such as healthcare or real estate, you’ll need to secure professional licenses from state regulatory bodies to operate legally. General Business Licenses Overview Starting a business in Texas involves comprehending the various types of licenses that may be required, as there’s no overarching “general business license.” Depending on your location, specific local licenses might be necessary, which can vary by city or county. Common licenses include sales tax permits for those selling goods or services, zoning permits for operating in designated areas, and health permits for food-related businesses. If you’re running a home-based business, you might need a home occupation license to comply with local regulations. Furthermore, if you operate under a different name, you’ll need to file an Assumed Name Certificate with the county clerk. Unlike a business permit in California, Texas has specific local requirements that you must address. Specialized Industry Requirements Comprehending the specialized industry requirements for business licenses in Texas is vital, as different sectors have unique regulations that must be adhered to for legal operation. Here are some key areas to examine: Healthcare and Food Services: These industries require specific health permits to guarantee compliance with safety standards. Agriculture and Aviation: Obtain federal licenses from agencies like the U.S. Department of Agriculture to operate legally. Environmental Regulations: Businesses discharging contaminants must acquire environmental licenses to align with federal and state laws. Additionally, professions like therapists and accountants need registration with state entities. Each industry’s requirements vary, so it’s important to investigate the implications of a business license. Keep in mind, grasping the business license California cost can provide a comparative perspective. Local Licensing Requirements Comprehending local licensing requirements is crucial for any business owner looking to operate legally within their community. Moreover, most Texas cities and counties don’t require a general business license; specific licenses may be necessary based on your business type and location. For instance, if you’re in the food service industry, you’ll likely need a permit from the local health department. Furthermore, if you’re running a home-based business, a home occupation permit might be required. Remember, each jurisdiction has its own filing forms and fee structures, so you should check with your local city or county clerk’s office. If you operate in multiple locations, you may need separate licenses for each area. If you’re wondering, “do I need a business license in California?” the same local rules apply. Federal Licensing Considerations When you’re planning to launch a business, it’s essential to understand that certain industries require federal licenses in addition to local and state regulations. Failing to secure these federal licenses to operate can lead to legal issues down the line. Here are a few key sectors you should be aware of: Agriculture: The U.S. Department of Agriculture issues licenses for transporting or producing animals and byproducts. Aviation: The Federal Aviation Administration requires specific licenses for operating aircraft and related services. Alcohol: Manufacturers, wholesalers, and retailers of alcoholic beverages must obtain a federal license regulated by the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau. Always check if your business falls under these categories to guarantee legal compliance. How to Apply for a Business License Applying for a business license can seem overwhelming, but breaking it down into manageable steps makes the process simpler. First, research the specific licensing requirements for your business type and location, especially if you’re wondering how to get a business license in Washington. Most applications can be completed online through local government websites or the Washington Secretary of State’s office. You’ll typically need to provide a business description, ownership details, and your Employer Identification Number (EIN) if applicable. Application fees vary, so check the specific fee for your area, which can range from $15 to several hundred dollars. After submitting, be ready for a processing wait and understand the renewal schedule, as licenses may need renewal every one to three years. Sales Tax Permits and Resale Certificates When starting your business in Texas, you’ll need to understand the Sales Tax Permit process, as it allows you to collect sales tax on tangible goods and taxable services. If you plan to resell items, obtaining a Resale Certificate is vital, as it helps you avoid paying sales tax on those purchases. Staying compliant with these tax obligations is fundamental for maintaining good standing with the Texas Comptroller and avoiding potential penalties. Sales Tax Permit Process To operate a business in Texas that sells or leases tangible personal property or taxable services, you need to obtain a Sales Tax Permit, often referred to as a seller’s permit. Here’s what you need to know: Submit an application to the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts through the eSystems portal. Provide crucial information, including your social security number, business structure, and the NAICS code for your activities. Complete the application swiftly to avoid tax liabilities and guarantee compliance. As for how much does a business license cost, the sales tax permit itself is typically free, but make sure you’re aware of any associated fees or costs involved in maintaining compliance with state regulations. Importance of Resale Certificates Grasping the significance of resale certificates is vital for businesses looking to optimize their operations and manage costs effectively. A resale certificate allows you to purchase goods intended for resale without paying sales tax, which can greatly boost your profitability. To obtain one in Texas, you must first apply for a sales tax permit from the Texas Comptroller’s office. This step is necessary for engaging in sales activities. Furthermore, if you buy used items for resale, a resale certificate can improve your cash flow by preventing upfront sales tax payments. Comprehending the application process and requirements for these certificates is imperative for compliance and avoiding potential tax liabilities. Remember, knowing how much a business permit costs can likewise factor into your planning. Compliance and Tax Obligations Comprehending compliance and tax obligations is crucial for any business owner, especially in Texas, where specific permits and certificates are necessary to operate legally. Here are three key points to reflect on: A Sales Tax Permit is mandatory for businesses selling or leasing tangible personal property or taxable services, obtainable from the Texas Comptroller. Resale Certificates help you avoid sales tax on items you purchase for resale, enhancing your cost-effectiveness. Failing to secure these permits can lead to significant tax liabilities and penalties. To apply for a Sales Tax Permit, you’ll need pertinent information, including your Social Security number and your business’s NAICS code. If you’re curious about how much a business license in California costs, keep in mind that requirements vary by state, so research is crucial. Professional Licenses for Specialized Industries When starting a business in specialized industries, it’s vital to understand the importance of obtaining the necessary professional licenses. These licenses are significant for fields like medical, legal, and financial services, ensuring that practitioners meet industry standards and regulations. Each state has specific licensing requirements, which may include exams, background checks, and ongoing education to maintain the license. In Texas, the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) manages various professional licenses, and you must register with the appropriate state entity for your industry. Non-compliance with these requirements can lead to legal consequences, including fines and the inability to operate legally. Professions requiring licenses in Texas include medical professionals, therapists, attorneys, and real estate agents, each governed by their regulatory bodies. Resources for Texas Business Licensing Starting a business in Texas requires a clear grasp of the various licensing resources available. Here are some key tools to help you navigate the process: Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR): They manage various licenses and offer online applications for many types. Small Business Administration’s Permit Me: This online tool helps you find local licensing requirements by entering your zip code and business type. Local Government Websites: These are essential for grasping specific licensing and permit requirements as they can vary by city and county. Frequently Asked Questions What License Is Best for a Small Business? The best license for your small business depends on your specific operations. If you’re selling goods, a sales tax permit is fundamental. Home-based businesses often need a home occupation license for zoning compliance. Certain professions, like therapy or legal services, require specialized licenses. If you’re in food service, local health department permits are vital. Furthermore, businesses in regulated sectors, such as aviation or agriculture, need federal licenses customized to their industry. What Certificate Do You Need to Start a Business? To start a business, you’ll typically need an Assumed Name Certificate if you’re using a name different from your own. If you’re selling goods or services, a Sales Tax Permit is crucial. Depending on your industry, specific professional licenses may be required, such as for healthcare or real estate. If your business handles food, a health permit is required. Furthermore, check local zoning regulations to guarantee compliance with area requirements. Should I Get an LLC or Business License First? You should establish your LLC first, as it creates a separate legal entity that protects your personal assets from business liabilities. This structure is beneficial when applying for any necessary local permits or licenses later. After forming your LLC, check your municipality’s requirements, since local regulations might necessitate a business license, regardless of whether the state does not. Comprehending these specifics guarantees you operate legally and avoid potential penalties. Conclusion In conclusion, starting a business in Texas requires comprehension of various licensing and permit requirements based on your specific location and industry. You’ll need to check local regulations, apply for necessary permits, and consider any federal licenses if applicable. Don’t overlook professional licenses for specialized fields. By thoroughly researching these requirements and ensuring compliance, you can set a strong foundation for your business and avoid potential legal complications. Always stay informed about changes in regulations that may affect your operations. Image via Google Gemini This article, "What License Do I Need to Start a Business?" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

When starting a business, knowing what licenses you need is essential. In Texas, there’s no single state business license, but local permits can vary based on your business type. You might require a sales tax permit, zoning permit, or even a health permit. Furthermore, some professions demand specialized licenses. Comprehending these requirements can help you avoid legal complications as you move forward. So, what specific licenses apply to your business? Key Takeaways Determine local licensing requirements, as they vary significantly based on business type and location in Texas. Obtain a Sales Tax Permit if selling tangible personal property or leasing services. Secure any necessary professional licenses for regulated fields like healthcare or legal services from the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation. Check if specialized permits are needed for industries like food services, agriculture, or aviation to ensure compliance. Research and apply for an Assumed Name Certificate if operating under a business name different from your legal name. Understanding Business Licenses When you’re starting a business, comprehending the various licenses required to operate legally is essential. A business license secures your right to conduct operations as you ensure compliance with health and safety standards. In Texas, there isn’t a general state-level business license, but cities and counties may impose specific requirements based on your business type. Common licenses include sales tax permits for selling goods, zoning permits for location compliance, and health permits for food-related enterprises. If you’re a sole proprietor or partner using a different name, obtaining an Assumed Name Certificate is necessary. Furthermore, certain professions, like medical or legal services, require professional licenses from applicable state regulatory bodies. Grasping these requirements is key to your business’s success. Types of Business Licenses in Texas When starting a business in Texas, you won’t need a general business license, but you’ll likely require specific licenses or permits based on your business type and location. Common licenses include sales tax permits, which are essential for selling tangible goods, and various permits like zoning and building permits. Furthermore, if you’re in a specialized field, such as healthcare or real estate, you’ll need to secure professional licenses from state regulatory bodies to operate legally. General Business Licenses Overview Starting a business in Texas involves comprehending the various types of licenses that may be required, as there’s no overarching “general business license.” Depending on your location, specific local licenses might be necessary, which can vary by city or county. Common licenses include sales tax permits for those selling goods or services, zoning permits for operating in designated areas, and health permits for food-related businesses. If you’re running a home-based business, you might need a home occupation license to comply with local regulations. Furthermore, if you operate under a different name, you’ll need to file an Assumed Name Certificate with the county clerk. Unlike a business permit in California, Texas has specific local requirements that you must address. Specialized Industry Requirements Comprehending the specialized industry requirements for business licenses in Texas is vital, as different sectors have unique regulations that must be adhered to for legal operation. Here are some key areas to examine: Healthcare and Food Services: These industries require specific health permits to guarantee compliance with safety standards. Agriculture and Aviation: Obtain federal licenses from agencies like the U.S. Department of Agriculture to operate legally. Environmental Regulations: Businesses discharging contaminants must acquire environmental licenses to align with federal and state laws. Additionally, professions like therapists and accountants need registration with state entities. Each industry’s requirements vary, so it’s important to investigate the implications of a business license. Keep in mind, grasping the business license California cost can provide a comparative perspective. Local Licensing Requirements Comprehending local licensing requirements is crucial for any business owner looking to operate legally within their community. Moreover, most Texas cities and counties don’t require a general business license; specific licenses may be necessary based on your business type and location. For instance, if you’re in the food service industry, you’ll likely need a permit from the local health department. Furthermore, if you’re running a home-based business, a home occupation permit might be required. Remember, each jurisdiction has its own filing forms and fee structures, so you should check with your local city or county clerk’s office. If you operate in multiple locations, you may need separate licenses for each area. If you’re wondering, “do I need a business license in California?” the same local rules apply. Federal Licensing Considerations When you’re planning to launch a business, it’s essential to understand that certain industries require federal licenses in addition to local and state regulations. Failing to secure these federal licenses to operate can lead to legal issues down the line. Here are a few key sectors you should be aware of: Agriculture: The U.S. Department of Agriculture issues licenses for transporting or producing animals and byproducts. Aviation: The Federal Aviation Administration requires specific licenses for operating aircraft and related services. Alcohol: Manufacturers, wholesalers, and retailers of alcoholic beverages must obtain a federal license regulated by the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau. Always check if your business falls under these categories to guarantee legal compliance. How to Apply for a Business License Applying for a business license can seem overwhelming, but breaking it down into manageable steps makes the process simpler. First, research the specific licensing requirements for your business type and location, especially if you’re wondering how to get a business license in Washington. Most applications can be completed online through local government websites or the Washington Secretary of State’s office. You’ll typically need to provide a business description, ownership details, and your Employer Identification Number (EIN) if applicable. Application fees vary, so check the specific fee for your area, which can range from $15 to several hundred dollars. After submitting, be ready for a processing wait and understand the renewal schedule, as licenses may need renewal every one to three years. Sales Tax Permits and Resale Certificates When starting your business in Texas, you’ll need to understand the Sales Tax Permit process, as it allows you to collect sales tax on tangible goods and taxable services. If you plan to resell items, obtaining a Resale Certificate is vital, as it helps you avoid paying sales tax on those purchases. Staying compliant with these tax obligations is fundamental for maintaining good standing with the Texas Comptroller and avoiding potential penalties. Sales Tax Permit Process To operate a business in Texas that sells or leases tangible personal property or taxable services, you need to obtain a Sales Tax Permit, often referred to as a seller’s permit. Here’s what you need to know: Submit an application to the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts through the eSystems portal. Provide crucial information, including your social security number, business structure, and the NAICS code for your activities. Complete the application swiftly to avoid tax liabilities and guarantee compliance. As for how much does a business license cost, the sales tax permit itself is typically free, but make sure you’re aware of any associated fees or costs involved in maintaining compliance with state regulations. Importance of Resale Certificates Grasping the significance of resale certificates is vital for businesses looking to optimize their operations and manage costs effectively. A resale certificate allows you to purchase goods intended for resale without paying sales tax, which can greatly boost your profitability. To obtain one in Texas, you must first apply for a sales tax permit from the Texas Comptroller’s office. This step is necessary for engaging in sales activities. Furthermore, if you buy used items for resale, a resale certificate can improve your cash flow by preventing upfront sales tax payments. Comprehending the application process and requirements for these certificates is imperative for compliance and avoiding potential tax liabilities. Remember, knowing how much a business permit costs can likewise factor into your planning. Compliance and Tax Obligations Comprehending compliance and tax obligations is crucial for any business owner, especially in Texas, where specific permits and certificates are necessary to operate legally. Here are three key points to reflect on: A Sales Tax Permit is mandatory for businesses selling or leasing tangible personal property or taxable services, obtainable from the Texas Comptroller. Resale Certificates help you avoid sales tax on items you purchase for resale, enhancing your cost-effectiveness. Failing to secure these permits can lead to significant tax liabilities and penalties. To apply for a Sales Tax Permit, you’ll need pertinent information, including your Social Security number and your business’s NAICS code. If you’re curious about how much a business license in California costs, keep in mind that requirements vary by state, so research is crucial. Professional Licenses for Specialized Industries When starting a business in specialized industries, it’s vital to understand the importance of obtaining the necessary professional licenses. These licenses are significant for fields like medical, legal, and financial services, ensuring that practitioners meet industry standards and regulations. Each state has specific licensing requirements, which may include exams, background checks, and ongoing education to maintain the license. In Texas, the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) manages various professional licenses, and you must register with the appropriate state entity for your industry. Non-compliance with these requirements can lead to legal consequences, including fines and the inability to operate legally. Professions requiring licenses in Texas include medical professionals, therapists, attorneys, and real estate agents, each governed by their regulatory bodies. Resources for Texas Business Licensing Starting a business in Texas requires a clear grasp of the various licensing resources available. Here are some key tools to help you navigate the process: Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR): They manage various licenses and offer online applications for many types. Small Business Administration’s Permit Me: This online tool helps you find local licensing requirements by entering your zip code and business type. Local Government Websites: These are essential for grasping specific licensing and permit requirements as they can vary by city and county. Frequently Asked Questions What License Is Best for a Small Business? The best license for your small business depends on your specific operations. If you’re selling goods, a sales tax permit is fundamental. Home-based businesses often need a home occupation license for zoning compliance. Certain professions, like therapy or legal services, require specialized licenses. If you’re in food service, local health department permits are vital. Furthermore, businesses in regulated sectors, such as aviation or agriculture, need federal licenses customized to their industry. What Certificate Do You Need to Start a Business? To start a business, you’ll typically need an Assumed Name Certificate if you’re using a name different from your own. If you’re selling goods or services, a Sales Tax Permit is crucial. Depending on your industry, specific professional licenses may be required, such as for healthcare or real estate. If your business handles food, a health permit is required. Furthermore, check local zoning regulations to guarantee compliance with area requirements. Should I Get an LLC or Business License First? You should establish your LLC first, as it creates a separate legal entity that protects your personal assets from business liabilities. This structure is beneficial when applying for any necessary local permits or licenses later. After forming your LLC, check your municipality’s requirements, since local regulations might necessitate a business license, regardless of whether the state does not. Comprehending these specifics guarantees you operate legally and avoid potential penalties. Conclusion In conclusion, starting a business in Texas requires comprehension of various licensing and permit requirements based on your specific location and industry. You’ll need to check local regulations, apply for necessary permits, and consider any federal licenses if applicable. Don’t overlook professional licenses for specialized fields. By thoroughly researching these requirements and ensuring compliance, you can set a strong foundation for your business and avoid potential legal complications. Always stay informed about changes in regulations that may affect your operations. Image via Google Gemini This article, "What License Do I Need to Start a Business?" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article