1/9/2012 7:26:41 AM | Susan Schreter
The news isn't necessarily good for entrepreneurs who will turn to venture capital funds in the future for capital.
According to Thomson Reuters, 38 funds raised $5.6 billion in the fourth quarter of 2011 -- a healthy boost in dollars committed, but a 41% decline by the number of funds involved. This means that a few funds will seek bigger deals from a few big idea companies. Overall, don't expect VCs to be the big job producers for the economy.
1/3/2012 5:17:00 PM | Susan Schreter
For business owners that manage their payrolls in house or for budgeting purposes, here are changes to state wage rates:
Arizona : Minimum wage increases from $7.35 to $7.65 an hour. Minimum wage for tipped employees increases from $4.35 to $4.65 an hour.
Colorado : Minimum wage increases from $7.36 to $7.64 an hour. Minimum wage for tipped employees increases from $4.34 to $4.62 an hour.
Florida : Minimum wage increases from $7.31 to $7.67 an hour. Minimum wage for tipped employees increas... Continue reading »
12/27/2011 5:23:53 PM | Susan Schreter
On December 21, 2011, the SEC finalized its amendments to the individual accredited investor net worth standards under Regulation D of the Securities Act of 1933. Issuers that conduct private offerings of securities under an exemption from securities registration usually rely on the exemption found under Regulation D that permits sales of the securities in the offering to persons who are “accredited investors,” as defined under Rule 501 of Regulation D. One way an individual investor may qualify... Continue reading »
12/27/2011 4:25:41 PM | Susan Schreter
From the USPTO...
USPTO Director David Kappos has launched a pilot program that will give small entity inventors having two or more patent applications currently pending greater control over the priority in which their applications are examined while also reducing the backlog of unexamined patent applications pending before the USPTO. This pilot will allow a patent application from a small entity to receive special, accelerated status if the applicant is willing to abandon an application th... Continue reading »
11/29/2011 12:56:34 PM | Susan Schreter
The Good News:
36 states and the District of Columbia saw their unemployment rates drop in October, according to figures released by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The decreases in unemployment were statistically significant in 12 states. Among the most impressive reports, Alabama, Michigan and Minnesota each saw unemployment drop by half a percentage point during October, while unemployment dropped in South Carolina and Utah by 0.4 percent.
Employment increased in 39 states. Illinois ... Continue reading »
11/28/2011 6:35:34 PM | Susan Schreter
Here is a great example of David and Goliath doing battle at the USPTO. A Vermont artist is marketing t-shirts that simply say "Eat More Kale." I don't care for kale, but I get it. The t-shirt is designed to draw attention to local Vermont farming.
A mighty Atlanta based restaurant chain of perhaps less healthy fried foods, has a few well paid attorneys sending nasty legal letters to the startup entrepreneur claiming that the public will be confused (an important trademark term) and think the... Continue reading »
11/14/2011 1:14:16 PM | Susan Schreter
Some politicians just don't get it!
During a recessionary environment a high unemployment state like California probably shouldn't tinker with rules that discourage or scare business owners from taking on new employees.
Here is a summary of "AB 469" -- a new law that creates more work for HR specialists than unemployed Californians.
In sum, AB 469 requires employers to provide non-exempt employees at the time of hire with a notice specifying among other things (1) the rate and basis of ... Continue reading »
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