Tag Archives: small business

Business Owners: Understand the Real Cost of Litigation.

This morning I was reading a legal blog  “Above the Law” – the article was written by an attorney named John Balestriere  The article was titled “The Un-Sweet Spot Of Litigation“ This article provides very practical advice for my clients – small/closely-held businesses. John makes a great point – the court system is impractical for “most disputes”.Continue reading “Business Owners: Understand the Real Cost of Litigation.”

Recent Court Decision Provides an Important Lesson for Businesses

I just read an interesting opinion from the Court of Appeals. The case involved  a dispute between a property management company and an out of state construction company. You can check out the case here New River Construction LLC v National Field Network Why this case was interesting to me… This case illustrates a classic example ofContinue reading “Recent Court Decision Provides an Important Lesson for Businesses”

West Michigan Business and Community Partners

The first week of May marked “National Small Business Week” It’s a time to celebrate small business. Locally… On that note, on June 6th a West Michigan organization that supports local business, Local First will be hosting its annual street party, you should check it out. More on Nat’l Small Business week… As the U.S. Small BusinessContinue reading “West Michigan Business and Community Partners”

Social Entrepreneurs and Small Businesses – Update on Intrastate Crowdfunding

A recent Detroit Free Press article highlights the success of Tecumseh Brewing Co, the first business in Michigan to utilize Michigan’s intrastate crowdfunding exemption to securities registration, commonly referred to as the MILE Act. Crowdfunding: Potential for Start-up Businesses. As the Free Press article explains, The story of Tecumseh Brewing Co highlights why equity crowdfunding isContinue reading “Social Entrepreneurs and Small Businesses – Update on Intrastate Crowdfunding”

Business Case Law Update: Personal Guaranty…a “Special Kind of Contract”

Over the last few years I’ve posted a few articles on Personal Guarantees in a business transaction. I’ve noticed recently people coming across my articles while searching for “enforceability of a personal guarantee” – so this article, and the new case law I just reviewed is timely. To summarize –  Yes – a personal guarantyContinue reading “Business Case Law Update: Personal Guaranty…a “Special Kind of Contract””

What’s Going on With Banks? Part II: Comptroller on Currency and Community-Based Banks

In my March 11th Post on “What’s Going on With Banks” I made an observation: such worldwide bad press on big banks might lead to increased lending at community based banks. No sooner than I hit “publish” on my post did I receive several more news headlines regarding big bank lawsuits. I get regular  “Enforcement Actions”Continue reading “What’s Going on With Banks? Part II: Comptroller on Currency and Community-Based Banks”

Celebrating Entrepreneurship and Crowdfunding

February is the time to celebrate Entrepreneurship. The National Entrepreneurship Week is slated for February 21 – 28 – you can check out the National website here to see what’s going on nationally to celebrate entrepreneurship. What’s going on In Michigan… Detroit is currently in its Entrepreneur Week – you can check out some of what’s beenContinue reading “Celebrating Entrepreneurship and Crowdfunding”

Legal News Update Begs the Questions: are Universal Legal Forms a Good Investment for a Business Start-up?

Happy Friday! The ABAJournal reported today that LegalZoom “has gotten a green light to operate in the United Kingdom as an alternative business structure.”  You can read the entire article here The ABAJournal also has an interesting extensive article about the value of these alternative legal service providers see that article here I’ve previously commentedContinue reading “Legal News Update Begs the Questions: are Universal Legal Forms a Good Investment for a Business Start-up?”

Detroit’s Blight Removal: Opportunity For Social Entrepreneurs to Utilize Crowdfunding?

Today’s Detroit Free Press had an article about Detroit’s blight removal campaign – see it here The article reports that through various avenues, including the Detroit Land Bank Authority: “Detroit now demolishes 200 eyesores a week,“ The article goes on to report all of the challenges ahead for Detroit, including a vast amount of blighted propertiesContinue reading “Detroit’s Blight Removal: Opportunity For Social Entrepreneurs to Utilize Crowdfunding?”

Michigan Crowdfunding Law Update: Viable Tool for Social Entrepreneurs?

I had a client come in yesterday  – a local restaurant owner. A startup business. – quick comment –  Gotta love local start up businesses. I love their value in being an active part of a local community – their entrepreneurial spirit –  willingness to take risks. – Ok – back to where I was going… One ofContinue reading “Michigan Crowdfunding Law Update: Viable Tool for Social Entrepreneurs?”