Think of the gig economy as jobs with short term contracts that you choose to work. These types of gigs vary from delivery and rideshare to design and home care. As of February 2020, there were 6 million more gig economy workers than in the previous decade. And, while COVID-19 has negatively affected some gigs,…
What Is the SBDC & Should You Make an Appointment?
The SBDC (Small Business Development Center) is a business consulting service provided by the government. It offers no-cost consulting and low-cost training to current and aspiring business owners. The consulting topics vary depending on the center and background of the consultants. Every business owner should make an appointment to learn more about your local center…
23 Best Free Business Software Solutions for 2021
Free business software helps your company save money and become efficient. You can use free business tools to do accounting, accept payments, and pay employees. To evaluate and rank this kind of software, we analyzed features, overall quality, online user reviews, and our personal experience with the tools. Below is our list of 23 of…
28 Home-Based Business Ideas for 2021
Home business ideas are on the minds of many people trying to start a full-time or side business during COVID-19. Fortunately, with new technology and software, the opportunities to create a low-cost at home business has never been easier. Online platforms such as , , and help connect people looking for products and services with…
IncFile vs LegalZoom: What’s Best in 2021?
IncFile and LegalZoom are online legal services that help you start and operate your business. They differ in pricing and the number of services offered. IncFile has lower pricing to form a business—no cost plus state fees. However, LegalZoom provides a more extensive selection of legal services such as attorney advice and IP. When to…
SWOT Analysis for Your Small Business in 5 Easy Steps
A SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats) analysis is an exercise to help you make a business decision. The decision could be for a simple endeavor: adding a new product—or more complex like starting a business. You may choose to do a SWOT analysis on your own. However, we recommend doing it with others to get…
How To Set up an LLC With LegalZoom – Step by Step
LegalZoom is an online legal service that assists you with the LLC (limited liability company) registration process. While you can register your LLC yourself through the designated state website, many business owners choose to have an expert, such as LegalZoom, assist with the process. Throughout LegalZoom’s LLC registration, you may see questions and other products…
11 Best Websites To Find Franchises
Numerous websites help you find franchises—but they are not all the same. Some websites have in-depth reviews, list international franchises, and provide direct support. Other websites may specialize in franchise resales such as BizBuySale and BusinessBroker.net. Here are the 11 best websites to find franchises: 1. Franchise Business Review Locations: USA-only Offer franchise resales: No…
How Much Does a Patent Cost? The Beginner’s Guide
A patent’s cost varies depending on its type, complexity, and if you hire an attorney. In general, you can expect the following costs to file a patent: USPTO fee (government): $50 to $700 Maintenance fee (renewal): $400 to $7,400 per year Patent lawyer (search and application): $1,000 to $10,000 Total patent cost: $1,500 to $15,000…
14 Strategies To Increase Profits
How to increase profits is on the mind of most business owners. There are only two ways to do it: increase prices or cut costs. The question is, what are the best and most affordable options for each, particularly during COVID-19? Consider the following 14 strategies to make you and your business more money in…
17 Vision Statement Examples To Spark Your Imagination
A vision statement presents an inspirational vision of a company to guide growth, motivate employees, and connect with consumers. Aside from expressing your company’s goals and aspirations, the vision statement also provides a strategic planning framework to follow as a business. It instructs how you and employees should move forward and ultimately tells you where…
LLP vs LLC: What’s Best for Your Business?
The main difference between an LLP (limited liability partnership) and LLC (limited liability company) is that the LLP provides business asset protection from another partner’s negligence. If one partner were to get sued because of negligence, only that partner’s assets are held liable. Common LLP businesses are law, accounting, and architecture firms. When To Form…