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MBE Certification and Special Funding for Minority-owned Businesses in 2024

MBE Certification and Special Funding for Minority-owned Businesses in 2024 published on

Minority-owned Businesses with MBE Certifications get Special Funding and Benefits in 2024

Government programs are available for minority-owned businesses with an MBE certification. Obtain an MBE certification and benefit from business loans, investment capital, disaster assistance, surety bonds, special grants, commercial and federal contracts, business networks, and client databases by obtaining one of the following:

  • MBE (Minority-owned Business Enterprise)
  • MWBE (Minority/Women-owned Business Enterprise)
  • DBE (Disadvantaged Business Enterprise)
  • NMSDC (National Minority Supplier Development Council)

Over 4.7 million small businesses are owned and operated by women, minorities, and veterans—and are to thank for creating 4.7 million jobs within the last 10 years. Unfortunately, such small businesses face a layer of vulnerability obscure to their majority counterparts. Minority-owned businesses are much less likely to get contracts, loans, and on average, get half of what they otherwise would from lenders and investors. To stimulate the economy and help disadvantaged small businesses compete, the government is offering special programs to those that get certified. The programs are not designed to be charity, nor do they give minority-owned businesses special treatment; it is an attempt to level out the playing field by increasing visibility and the number of potential opportunities.

How to get Minority-owned Business Certification?

To get a minority-owned business certification, you and your company or corporation must meet specific criteria and qualifications. First, your business must be at least 51% owned, managed, and operated by minority group members of U.S. citizenry and have good moral character. The company, corporation, partnership, sole proprietorship, or franchise must be for-profit and located in the U.S. or its trust territories.

How to register as a minority-owned business?

To register as a minority-owned business and obtain an MBE certification, you can start the process today by filling our online form or by calling (800) 603-3900. Applying for an MBE certification is a legal process; our in-house lawyers can help you meet the certification criteria and qualify for the special funding and benefits it provides. Please note that a minority-owned business MBE certification includes legal documents such as the articles of incorporation or certificate of organization, stock certificates, company minutes, operating agreements, and corporate bylaws, among other records. Our law firm helps minority-owned businesses incorporate, litigate, and satisfy government guidelines, giving you a fair chance to grow into a profitable and sustainable entity. Utilize our arsenal of legal and business abilities to your full advantage. Call us for a free consultation now!

Company records book and seal are important in obtaining your MBE certification. If you’ve lost your corporate kit, we can help you replace it when processing your application.

MBE Certification Benefits

The MBE certification benefits minority-owned entities by enabling access to many business opportunities and connections, such as:

  • Prospective Buyers
  • Government Agencies
  • Procurement Professionals
  • Capital Funders
  • Supplier Databases
  • Commercial Contracts
  • Federal Contracts
  • Technical Assistance
  • Leadership Tools
  • Technology Programs
  • Educational Programs
  • Affordable Consulting
  • Networking Opportunities
  • Exposure to other MBE’s
  • Partnership Opportunities
  • Business Opportunity Exchange
  • Annual Golf Tournament
  • Business Alliance Forum
  • MBE Annual Business Meeting

MBE Tax Benefits

As an MBE-certified minority-owned business, you don’t receive any special federal tax breaks or incentives. However, you can receive tax benefits for working with other MBE’s and those that operate in low-income areas. You can also get tax relief from establishing your business in specific zones or locations. Also, entities of certain types may be eligible for tax credits and programs to promote economic development in disadvantaged markets and industries.

Minority-owned Business MBE Certification Checklist

The MBE certification checklist below will give you a general guideline on the process of this effort:

  • ☑ Review Criteria for Certification.
  • ☑ Gather Personal and Business Documentation.
  • ☑ Complete the Online Form.
  • ☑ Application Review for Accuracy.
  • Legal Advice from Our Lawyers.
  • ☑ Application Review by Authorities.
  • ☑ Final approval.
SUBMIT DETAILS AND GET OUR ATTORNEYS TO CALL YOU
* Please give our attorneys up to 4 business hours to call your phone. Thank you.

Minority Loan Programs

You can find several potential loan options for minority-owned businesses that obtain the MBE certification, including:

  • SBA (7) Loans – Up to $5M
  • SBA Community Advantage Loans – Up to $250,000
  • SBA Microloan Program – Up to $50,000
  • Union Bank Business Diversity Lending Program – Up to $2.5M
  • Business Center for New Americans – $500 to $50,000
  • Business Consortium Fund Loan – $500 to $50,000

How to apply for a minority business grant?

There are grant opportunities for minority-owned small businesses that you can find online after obtaining your MBE certification, among those are:

  • Grants.gov
  • Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR)
  • USDA Rural Business & Waste Disposal Grants
  • Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA)
  • The National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE)
  • Asian Women Giving Circle Grants

MBE Certification Requirements

The requirements for an MBE certification include:

Meeting the Certification Criteria

  • United States Citizen.
  • Minority-owned businesses must be at least 51% owned and operated by minorities.
  • Must be a for-profit entity.
  • Must be located in the United States or its Trust Territories.

Requirements for All Businesses

  • Driver’s License
  • Proof of U.S. Citizenship
  • Two Years of Federal Tax Returns
  • Current Financial Statements
  • Applicable Business Licenses
  • Business Lease Agreements
  • Proof of EIN

Requirements for Corporations

Requirements for LLC’s

The development of your minority-owned business or agency

At Spiegel & Utrera, P.A., we have been committed for decades to providing minority-owned businesses affordable business formation with complete records book and seal, experienced legal and business counsel, and written agreements. We’re open Monday to Friday from 8:30 am to 5:30 pm. Feel free to give us a call at (800) 603-3900 with any business or legal questions; we’re happy to help your MBE-certified business get to the next level.

GIG ECONOMY LLC

GIG ECONOMY LLC published on

The gig economy is also known as the sharing, on-demand, or access economy. It usually includes businesses that operate a digital platform to connect people to provide services to customers.

While there are many types of gig economy businesses, ride-sharing and home rentals are two of the most popular. Users of the digital platform (e.g., Uber, Lyft, Door Dash, VRBO) earn income providing on-demand work, services or goods.

Workers operating as drivers or other on demand work in the gig economy are classified as independent contractors rather than employees. It is recommended that Uber, Lyft, or other on demand workers form a Gig Economy LLC and use this tool to lower your tax bill and to protect your assets.

Benefits of Spiegel & Utrera, P.A.’s Gig Economy LLC

Lower your Tax Bill with a Gig Economy LLC

By reporting Uber, Lyft, Door Dash, VRBO, etc. earnings under the umbrella of a business structure you may be able to lower your tax bill. An accountant or tax preparer will be able to assist you with deductions related to paying for health insurance, setting up a retirement account, claiming the qualified business income deduction, car expenses, depreciation expenses, home office deductions, financing costs for your business.

Avoid Personal liability with a Gig Economy LLC

Working in the gig economy can mean freedom and a better income, but it also means personal liability if there’s an accident or misunderstanding between you, the client, or the digital platform.

You will want to protect yourself and family assets by forming a Gig Economy LLC. LLCs generally don’t require a ton of maintenance, the LLC protects your assets, and offer potential tax savings.

Operating your business as a sole proprietorship (yourself) or as a DBA is not recommend because your personal assets — like your house, car, personal bank accounts, etc. — would be at risk if you are sued.

What are the benefits of forming a Gig Economy LLC

Limited Liability Protection

Starting with the most crucial benefit of a GIG ECONOMY LLC, limited liability can separate the financial and legal obligations of the company from its members. In case of a lawsuit, you can be protected due to a legal shield the entity provides, which defends personal assets. Keep in mind that this liability protection is limited and will not shield a member from wrongful or illicit acts.

Pass-Through Taxes

Another vital benefit of a GIG ECONOMY LLC is its ability to avoid federal income taxes. Taxation will bypass the LLC and go directly for the members’ profits. In this scenario, all of the money earned by the LLC can go straight to the member, and taxation will only occur on their income. Other entities such as a C-Corporation don’t have this advantage, and its leaders are essentially taxed twice.

Simplicity and Flexibility

Other GIG ECONOMY LLC benefits include its ease in formation and simplicity to sustain when compared to other entities. You don’t need to maintain certain company formalities or file taxes for the single-member LLC. You also have the flexibility of functioning as a single-member LLC, a multi-member LLC, or a multi-member LLC led by an operating manager.

Increased Perception of Credibility and Reliability

As a formal business entity, a limited liability company receives the perception of a more trustworthy business structure when compared to an individual or a sole proprietorship. Starting a GIG ECONOMY LLC adds an extra layer of reliability for employees, customers, and other businesses. Your LLC is required to adopt ‘LLC’, ‘L.L.C.’ or ‘limited liability company’ into its name, which immediately lets people know that you are a formal business and not just a fly-by-night company.

Who participates in the Gig economy?

Gig economy workers accounted for 14.1 percent to 20.5 percent of all workers in the United States. Gig economy workers on average are older than the entire workforce and the average age of gig workers has increased more rapidly. In addition, gig economy workers are more likely to be married than all workers, but the spouses of gig economy workers are less likely to have full-time jobs.

ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION 2.0 UPGRADE

ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION 2.0 UPGRADE published on

Over the years, just like updates, improvements, and filings for your business are required, an upgrade of your Articles of Incorporation or Certificate of Organization may be required as well. If you used our firm to form your company, you may already have comprehensive incorporation or articles of organization documents. However, as time goes on and changes occur in your business, a second revision or upgrade to the articles or certificate of organization may be required. Go here to request your Articles of Incorporation 2.0 Upgrade.

Articles of incorporation or certificate of organization serve as the foundational documents for your entity. They outline the name of the corporation, structure of your entity, effective date of formation, purpose, registered agent, principal office, duration, authorized shares, board of directors information, incorporator information and other clauses to protect you and your business.

SHOULD YOU UPGRADE YOUR ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION OR CERTIFICATE OF ORGANIZATION?

Upon review of your Articles of Incorporation or Certificate of Organization, it may be that your document is missing restrictions on the transfer of shares, missing indemnification clauses, and missing special voting rights provisions. Amending your documents to include the ladder mentioned, is a significant upgrade to protect your business, members and directors.

Additionally, the entity will want to have it’s company documents upgraded prior to there being a need for another party or investor to review these documents. It’s important to note that while (in some states) articles of incorporation are a publicly accessible document, certain details and information about the corporation can also be found in other documents, such as annual reports, bylaws, and filings with regulatory agencies. When sharing your articles of incorporation, it’s a good practice to provide complete and accurate company documents to ensure accurate representation of your corporation’s structure and purpose. It’s good practice to keep all your company documents in one place and keep them handy and organized in your company book and binder.

Here are just a few items that may trigger an upgrade to your Articles of Incorporation:

  1. Change in Company Name: If your business decides to change its legal name, you will typically need to upgrade the Articles of Incorporation to reflect this change.
  2. Change in Business Purpose: If there is a significant change in the primary purpose or activities of your business, you may need to upgrade the Articles of Incorporation to reflect the new business purpose.
  3. Change in Share Structure: Any changes to the authorized shares, classes of shares, or the rights and privileges associated with those shares may require an upgrade with an amendment to the Articles of Incorporation.
  4. Change in Directors or Officers: If there is a change in the board of directors or officers of your business, you may need to upgrade the Articles of Incorporation to reflect the new individuals in these positions.
  5. Amendments to Governing Documents: If you wish to make other amendments to the governing documents of your corporation, such as changing the bylaws, you may need to upgrade the Articles of Incorporation to reflect these changes.
  6. Conversion or Merger: If your business undergoes a merger, consolidation, or conversion into a different type of entity, you may need to upgrade the Articles of Incorporation to reflect these structural changes.

GO HERE TO REQUEST YOUR ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION 2.0 UPGRADE

WHO MAY NEED TO REVIEW YOUR ARTICLES OR CERTIFICATE OF ORGANIZATION

  1. Government Authorities: State and local government agencies, such as the Secretary of State’s office or the relevant state’s corporate regulatory body, will have access to your Articles of Incorporation. These agencies use this document to officially recognize and register your corporation.
  2. Internal Use: Members of the corporation, such as shareholders, directors, and officers, often need to access the Articles of Incorporation to understand the organization’s legal structure, purpose, and governance provisions.
  3. Lenders and Financial Institutions: When seeking loans or financing, banks and lenders may request a copy of your Articles of Incorporation to verify your business’s legal existence and structure.
  4. Investors: Potential investors and venture capitalists may request or review the Articles of Incorporation to understand the company’s structure, share classes, and any special rights associated with shares.
  5. Business Partners: When entering into contracts or agreements with other businesses, your partners or vendors may request a copy of the Articles of Incorporation to ensure that they are dealing with a legitimate legal entity.
  6. Legal Counsel: Your corporate attorney or legal advisors may need access to the Articles of Incorporation when providing legal advice or making amendments to the document.
  7. Regulatory Agencies: Depending on your industry, specific regulatory agencies or bodies overseeing your business may require access to your Articles of Incorporation to ensure compliance with industry-specific regulations.
  8. Shareholders or Members: Shareholders and members may request copies of the Articles of Incorporation when participating in corporate governance decisions or to understand the company’s governing rules and structure.
  9. Courts and Litigation: In the event of legal disputes or litigation, courts may require access to the Articles of Incorporation to understand the corporation’s legal structure and relevant details.
  10. Prospective Buyers: If you are considering selling your business, potential buyers may request or review your Articles of Incorporation to understand the company’s legal and financial standing.

GO HERE TO REQUEST YOUR ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION 2.0 UPGRADE

WORKPLACE RECORDINGS AND WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

WORKPLACE RECORDINGS AND WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW published on

Can employees record almost anything at work now? If you’re an employer, here is what you need to know:

In the digital age of smartphones and social media, employee workplace recordings have become increasingly common, capturing moments of confrontation with rude customers or venting about work-related issues. However, in some states, employers must be aware of the broader legal implications such recordings can have in the workplace.

The prevalence of workplace recordings has led some employers to consider an outright ban on such activities to avoid potential complications. Nevertheless, federal labor law, particularly the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA), grants employees the right to record in the workplace during “protected concerted activities.” These activities include discussing wages, benefits, and working conditions, as well as union organizing and collective organizing efforts.

Workplace Recordings and What You Need to Know

RECORDING POLICIES AND MORE FOR WHEN HIRING WORKERS

The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) reinforced this protection in a recent ruling in February 2023. The NLRB found that two employees who secretly recorded management conversations engaged in protected concerted activity as they were concerned about potential retaliation for their unionization efforts.

However, this protection under the NLRA does not necessarily give a party the green light to record in the workplace. Workplace recordings may inadvertently violate wiretapping laws, privacy laws, and confidentiality and trade secret concerns. Several states have specific wiretapping laws that prohibit recording conversations without the consent of all parties involved, potentially rendering some employee recordings unlawful.

Employers must tread carefully when implementing recording policies. A blanket ban may violate NLRA rights, while a laissez-faire approach may jeopardize the security of confidential information. Employers are encouraged to craft tailored workplace recording policies that protect sensitive information and respect employee rights to engage in protected concerted activities under the NLRA. Striking the right balance will be crucial for California businesses to navigate this complex legal landscape effectively.

RECORDING POLICIES AND MORE FOR WHEN HIRING WORKERS

ADVANTAGES OF A MONEY SAVING 501(C) Non Profit IRS Classification

ADVANTAGES OF A MONEY SAVING 501(C) Non Profit IRS Classification published on

Having a 501(c), converting an existing corporation to a 501(c), or using a 501(c) organization under the umbrella of your entity can help your business save money, get money, attract people to the corporation and your cause, get discounts on services for the corporation, get access to specialized services for your corporation, and more. And of course, is complete with limited liability protection for your corporation. Having a 501(c) organization, which refers to a tax-exempt nonprofit organization under the Internal Revenue Code section 501(c), comes with many benefits.

Here is an expanded and complete list of the different Money Saving 501(c) nonprofit classifications recognized by the IRS:

501(c)(1): Corporations organized under the Act of Congress (including Federal Credit Unions)

501(c)(2): Title-holding corporations for exempt organizations

501(c)(3): Charitable, religious, educational, scientific, literary, testing for public safety, or prevention of cruelty to children or animal organizations

501(c)(4): Civic leagues, social welfare organizations, and local associations of employees

501(c)(5): Labor, agricultural, or horticultural organizations

501(c)(6): Business leagues, chambers of commerce, real estate boards, etc.

501(c)(7): Social and recreational clubs

501(c)(8): Fraternal beneficiary societies and associations

501(c)(9): Voluntary employees’ beneficiary associations

501(c)(10): Domestic fraternal societies and associations

501(c)(11): Teachers’ retirement fund associations

501(c)(12): Benevolent life insurance associations, mutual ditch or irrigation companies, mutual or cooperative telephone companies, etc.

501(c)(13): Cemetery companies501(c)(14): State-chartered credit unions, mutual reserve funds

501(c)(15): Mutual insurance companies or associations for casualty, etc.

501(c)(16): Cooperative organizations to finance crop operations

501(c)(17): Supplemental unemployment benefit trusts

501(c)(18): Employee-funded pension trusts (created before June 25, 1959)

501(c)(19): Post or organization of past or present members of the Armed Forces

501(c)(20): Group legal services plan organizations

501(c)(21): Black lung benefit trusts

501(c)(22): Withdrawal liability payment fund

501(c)(23): Veterans’ organizations (created before 1880)

501(c)(24): Section 4049 ERISA trust organizations

501(c)(25): Title-holding corporations or trusts with multiple parents

501(c)(26): State-sponsored organization providing health coverage for high-risk individuals

501(c)(27): State-sponsored workers’ compensation reinsurance organization

501(c)(28): National Railroad Retirement Investment Trust501(c)(29): Qualified nonprofit health insurance issuers participating in the CO-OP program

501(c)(30): Qualified nonprofit organizations that provide health coverage for patients in certain areas

501(c)(31): Qualified nonprofit organizations operating as Medicare Prescription Drug Card Sponsors

TAX EXEMPT APPLICATION PROCESS AND 501(c)(3) CORPORATE RECORDS COMPLIANCE

To obtain a favorable Federal Income Tax exemption determination from the Internal Revenue Service, your corporation will be subjected to a lengthy (about 6 to 9 months regularly, 2 to 3 months if expedited) and often cumbersome Internal Revenue Service investigation and approval process. During this period, the Internal Revenue Service will review the documents provided, make additional demands, and scrutinize corporate records and detailed information regarding your corporation’s activities. Your Articles of Incorporation, Corporate By-laws, and other corporate documents must include the proper information to comply with Internal Revenue Service Regulations. If you have an existing non-profit corporation that does not meet the requirements of 501(c)(3), it will be necessary to make changes to the Articles of Incorporation and draft the appropriate corporate documents so that your non-profit corporation is in compliance.

LIST OF ADVANTAGES FOR A MONEY SAVING 501(c) ORGANIZATION

1. Tax-exempt status: The primary benefit of being a 501(c) organization is the exemption from federal income tax. This means that the organization’s income, donations, and certain activities are generally not subject to federal income tax, allowing more resources to go toward the organization’s mission.
2. Deductible donations: Donors to 501(c) organizations can generally deduct their contributions from their taxable income, incentivizing individuals and businesses to support charitable causes. This can help attract more donations and support for the organization.
3. Eligibility for grants and funding: Many foundations, government agencies, and other grant-making organizations provide funding exclusively to tax-exempt 501(c) organizations. Having 501(c) status can enhance an organization’s eligibility for grants and increase opportunities to secure funding for projects and programs.
4. Credibility and trust: Being a recognized tax-exempt organization lends credibility and trustworthiness to the organization. Potential donors, supporters, and stakeholders often view 501(c) status as a mark of legitimacy, which can boost confidence in the organization’s mission and activities.
5. Eligibility for certain exemptions and discounts: 501(c) organizations may be eligible for various exemptions and discounts, such as property tax exemptions, reduced postal rates for mailings, and discounts on certain goods and services.
6. Access to certain resources and services: Nonprofits with 501(c) status may have access to specialized resources and services, such as discounted software, volunteer support networks, capacity-building programs, and training opportunities offered by nonprofit associations or foundations.
7. Limited liability protection: Forming a nonprofit corporation under 501(c) status can provide limited liability protection to the organization’s officers, directors, and members, shielding them from personal liability for the organization’s debts and obligations in most cases.

It’s important to note that specific benefits and requirements may vary depending on the particular 501(c) classification and applicable state laws. Consulting with legal and tax professionals or nonprofit experts is advisable to fully understand the benefits and obligations associated with obtaining and maintaining 501(c) status.

For example, a 501(c)(3) organization is a non-profit corporation formed to carry out a charitable, religious, literary, educational, or scientific purpose that is recognized by the Internal Revenue Service as tax-exempt. Such a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation doesn’t pay federal or state corporate income tax on profits it makes from events carried out in furtherance of its exempt function. In essence, this is because both state and federal taxing authorities believe that the benefits the public receives from these organizations entitle them to this advantageous tax-exempt status. These corporations are known as 501(c)(3) non-profit corporations because they are granted tax-exempt status from Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

MOVING A BUSINESS TO ANOTHER STATE IN 2023

MOVING A BUSINESS TO ANOTHER STATE IN 2023 published on

There are several reasons why a business might consider moving to another state, a.k.a. domestication. Before moving, business owners will have to do an analysis on the cost and overall benefits to domesticating the business in another state. The cost of doing business can vary greatly from state to state. Businesses may choose to move to states with lower taxes, cheaper labor costs, and more affordable real estate.

INQUIRE HERE ABOUT MOVING YOUR ENTITY TO ANOTHER STATE!

In addition to cost savings, there are other reasons that may cause a business to move to another state. A business may want to move to a state with a larger pool of skilled workers, such as a state with a strong tech industry or a large university system. Moving closer to customers can improve a business’s ability to provide timely and efficient service. Some states are known for having more business-friendly regulations, which can make it easier and less expensive to operate a business.

Additionally, a business may need to move to another state to expand its operations or take advantage of new opportunities. Sometimes, business owners may choose to move to another state for personal reasons, such as to improve their quality of life or be closer to family.

It’s important to note that domesticating a business in another state can be a complex and expensive process, and there are many factors to consider before making a decision. Domesticating involves the “transfer” of an existing corporation to a new jurisdiction. If you are planning to relocate your business outside of the State within which you are now incorporated, you may want to domesticate. Although you have the option of merely dissolving the existing corporation and re-incorporating in your new home state, Domestication may be the more attractive alternative. This is because Domestication allows you to retain the “age” of the corporation, which may be important if you want to keep your existing Federal Tax Identification Number, corporate bank accounts and lines of credit. In addition, retaining the “age” of the corporation may be useful if you are applying for new lines of credit and/or special government exemptions.

It is not necessary for you to have a complete knowledge of the governing laws, rules, policies and/or restrictions relating to each State’s requirements for Domestication. Spiegel & Utrera, P.A. will work with you to make sure your relocation plans move forward expeditiously and your business grows where it needs to grow. Let us know where you would like to go and we will make sure your move is handled properly.

General Counsel Club members can call our member-only line at (800) 734-9900 to discuss moving your business to another state with Larry Spiegel!

BUYING REAL ESTATE WITH AN LLC IN 2023

BUYING REAL ESTATE WITH AN LLC IN 2023 published on

When launching a business in any industry, business owners must consider ways of protecting themselves from liability. This also applies to the real estate business. A limited liability company is a very popular option for those looking to invest in the real estate business. LLCs help to protect you and your personal assets when being faced with a lawsuit, or possible other legal matters. All types of income and losses go through the LLC and then are added to the income on the investors tax return as a write off. A huge advantage of owning property through the LLC is the protection it will provide to your assets like the rental property itself. The LLC helps to separate your personal assets from your business assets, this then provides an extra layer of protection from legal matters. LLCs also allow multiple members to join the business, which would allow them to pool together all their resources and share all of the profits.

When you’re looking for rental property to finance, there are many options at your disposal to facilitate the process. Some of these options are the standard loans from banks or credit unions, or maybe partnering with other investors, or even using a mortgage broker. All of these options have their own advantages and disadvantages, so doing research is important so you can choose the one that best fits for your own business structure. Remember, everyone’s situation is different and should be carefully revised to apply the right strategies. This way one could maximize on profits and minimize on losses.

We can assist you with setting up an LLC entity for the purpose of buying property.

Submit contact details for immediate assistance:
* Please give our attorneys up to 4 business hours to contact you. Thank you.

LLCs could also be very flexible and versatile because of the way they are taxed, and they also provide a lot of great tax benefits. LLCs actually offer more flexibility than corporations and partnerships and usually pay the least amount of state taxes than any other business entity. Which also means that there are some unseen benefits of owning real estate in the name of an LLC. Some benefits are that it appears to the renters to be possibly much more professional, this could help to increase any credibility with possibly valuable future tenants.

In conclusion, investing in rental property through an LLC has many advantages. It helps protect investors from being personally liable, they offer tax benefits, and they also provide a good business structure to partner with other investors. It is crucial to consider all of the pros and cons before committing to an LLC, and to do the prior research to ensure that an LLC is the right fit for the investor’s rental property and goals for its coming future.

General Counsel Club members can call our member-only line at (800) 734-9900 to discuss buying property with an LLC directly with Larry Spiegel.

ASSET PROTECTION FOR YOUR PARTICULAR CIRCUMSTANCE IN 2023

ASSET PROTECTION FOR YOUR PARTICULAR CIRCUMSTANCE IN 2023 published on
Spiegel & Utrera, P.A. has helped hundreds of thousands of clients with setting up entities such as Corporations, LLCs, Trusts, and Partnerships over the years. One of the driving forces behind setting up an entity such as a Corporation, LLC, Partnership, or Trust is the idea that you can separate your own personal self from whatever it is you are trying to protect by putting those items into that entity.
Asset Protection
Many people set up entities to protect their assets, and the key to asset protection is asking the right questions! What is it that you are trying to accomplish? Is it a business you’re trying to protect? Is it real estate you’re trying to protect? Is the real estate income producing? Is the business operational? Is it just cash that you are trying to protect? The key to forming an asset protection strategy is to gather what it is you want to accomplish and find out your particular set of circumstances and facts.

Another key to asset protection is anonymity and layering the entity to protect your public records. For example, you may need to create an entity in a state that protects your public records and then use that entity for anonymity in a separate state. Remember, we don’t want anybody to know our strategy as we’re trying to protect our assets.

SUBMIT AN ASSET PROTECTION INQUIRY HERE

If you are a current member of our General Counsel Club, please call our General Counsel Club line at (800) 734-9900 to discuss your asset protection strategy directly with Larry Spiegel.

COMMON PRACTICES FOR STARTUP BUSINESS SUCCESS

COMMON PRACTICES FOR STARTUP BUSINESS SUCCESS published on

For first time business owners, learning and implementing common practices could be over bearing.

However, understanding that sticking to these practices only helps refine and inflate the scale of the services provided to a wider range of clientele. Passion, Customer Experience and Organization, all these practices are particularly important in the mindset of a business owner so they may see it thrive. Most start-ups fail from a lack of implementation of proper business tactics. Tactics that are sometimes overlooked and have inconceivable repercussions which could lead businesses to their unwitting doom!

In business, there must be a want to provide a service or product! And in those services and products the business owner must be passionate! Passion greatly influences the chances a customer is willing to take with you as a business owner. Before a customer is keen on committing to your business, they’ll usually want to find a good reason to pick you, working passionately gives customers the sense that you will give them the best value for their dollar. Passion is in a way a force that business owners use to fuel their business forward.

Once the customer walks into or clicks into your store, the business must be ready to give the customer a great experience. What is a great experience? Greetings and salutations, attention to detail, standout product packaging and presentation are just a few of the ways business owners can go the extra mile for their customer. This will inherently bring repeated clientele. A single sale from a client is great, repeated business with that client is the goal. One bad interaction with the client could deter their business in the future. Bad interactions could be as simple as a wrongly scheduled appointment for a client.

Organization is one of the most important ways to be able to keep records of the crucial information that easily slips through the cracks. Businesses need to keep records of finances, deadlines, and need to plan in order to continue providing good service to its clientele. One cannot perform well within chaos and the unpredictable nature it causes. Consider organization for businesses as a service for its customers, as well as for itself. This goes a long way for many practices aside from business.

Practices that business owners apply to their business should be treated as respectably as the initiative they use to maintain their life. A good business tends to have an extension of a persons combined good habits and practices. Those practices, as simple as they are, become the customer experience that is sought and brings repeated clientele for any business. Which is just what any startup needs in order to do just that, Start going UP!

 

A SMATTERING OF SERVICES TO HELP YOU ACHIEVE BUSINESS SUCCESS

A SMATTERING OF SERVICES TO HELP YOU ACHIEVE BUSINESS SUCCESS published on

 

INDEMNIFICATION AGREEMENT
Don’t Take Chances: Protect Yourself from Personal Liability
We strongly recommend that you include special provisions in your Articles of Incorporation or Articles of Organization and additional Corporate agreements which trigger this important protection requiring the entity to indemnify and hold harmless it’s Directors and Officers or Managers and Members from any actions they take on behalf of the entity. If a Director, Office, Member or Manager is ever sued for actions taken on behalf of the entity, these provisions require that the entity be held responsible.


SERVICE AGREEMENT

A service agreement is the Foundation for a Successful Service Business – You are LOSING $$$ without it!

You are LOSING MONEY if you do not have a Service Agreement. Without a service agreement you are watching dollars walk away every day. Obtaining a first time customer is very expensive. Yet so many entrepreneurs let that customer walk away after the initial sale. This is a sure fire way to make your business fail. Successful entrepreneurs know that the key to starting a thriving enterprise is repeat business. It is far too costly and time consuming to build your business on first time customers alone. You MUST turn these first time customers into repeat customers. A service agreement is a solid investment in the future of your business and is a fast, easy, and cost effective way to make your business succeed. A service agreement works as a tool not only to secure repeat customers but also to market your business. The Service Agreement is a customized written agreement entered into with its customers and is the bedrock foundation of many service businesses. Many franchises sold for tens of thousands of dollars are business formats revolving around a successful Service Agreement. The key with a Service Agreement is to make it work as a marketing tool offering the business services in the widest variety of formats to your customers. For example, a one-time use customer needs to be converted to a monthly, quarterly or annual type repeat customer. At Spiegel & Utrera we want to help you get, and keep, your customers while looking professional and at the same time maximizing each sale with a friendly service agreement. A Service Agreement starts at $367.95 up to $897.95 depending upon its complexity if ordered at the time of forming your entity. We will prepare a draft of your Service Agreement and deliver the draft by fax or email to you for your review. Once you have had an opportunity to review the Service Agreement we will meet over the telephone to discuss the various aspects of the draft Service Agreement. Thereafter, Spiegel & Utrera will make changes to the Service Agreement to finalize it. Once the Service agreement has been finalized and delivered to you, you should take it to your printer to be printed and padded so it will always look professional and non-negotiable.

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TRADEMARK YOUR COMPANY NAME OR LOGO
Intellectual property is a specialized field where an experienced attorney from Spiegel & Utrera, P.A. can assist you in avoiding Federal Trademark and Federal Servicemark registration pitfalls. Filing a Federal Trademark or Federal Servicemark yourself or using a document preparation service may look cheaper, but in the long run you may very well end up with needless delays and added costs. Although Spiegel & Utrera, P.A.’s filing of your Federal Trademark or Federal Servicemark application does not include representation if the application is rejected or requires amendment, if legal issues do arise, Spiegel & Utrera, P.A. stands ready to represent you in completing the registration process. Give us a call today to discuss protecting your enity name or logo from copycats.


AGREEMENTS PREPARED PROFESSIONALLY
Click here to view our agreements index.

Saving time and money on a legal document is prudent only if you get the job done right the first time. However, if your inexpensive, do it yourself “legal document” never gets completed or worse gets completed but does not hold up in court and costs you thousands of dollars in lost business, you’ve made a poor choice. Call us at (800) 603-3900 to get a free quote to prepare an agreement or submit your details online.


Get Valuable Insights on How to Build and Get More Out of Your Business
Lawrence J. Spiegel is the author of Detours and Contradictions: The Challenge of Being an Entrepreneur. A nuts and bolts resource for the boot strapping entrepreneur who wants to start or grow a business. Lawrence J. Spiegel is also the author of Charlie’s Entrepreneurial Journey: A Guide to Success Through Entrepreneurship. His latest book provides 416 pages of insight into the world of an aspiring entrepreneur named Charlie. Charlie’s journey leads him through topics never discussed in business books but essential to success. Pick up your copy here.


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