No images? Click here
When it’s Important to Stay in the Know.
Helpful Tools for Business Owners
Whether you own a long-established business or are just beginning to grow it, it’s important to familiarize yourself with the resources available to help you build and sustain your company. For instance, multiple government entities offer tools and insights through specialized organizations, all to educate the small business community and help it succeed. While BCH specializes in providing insurance and risk management guidance for middle-market companies, every privately-held business has custom needs based on industry, size and revenue. Read on for information aimed at helping you make the most out of the resources available to you.
Risk Reduction Strategies for Family-Owned Businesses
Family-owned businesses have unique risks that require proactive solutions, a strategic risk management approach and written policies that protect team members and business assets. Because internal conflicts between family or nonfamily members can hinder production and profits, it’s important to establish and enforce a professional line of communication between all employees. For smaller businesses without proper professional guidance, legal contracts can put the company in a financial bind. In such instances, business owners can utilize contract review services to protect them from sticky situations. Lastly, family-owned
businesses should have a clear plan of action for succession. These key considerations help ensure a company has the proper paperwork and procedures in place for the road ahead.
Stimulating Success: Assistance for Small Businesses
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) serves to stimulate the small business community by providing resources to assist with funding, establishing business credit, planning or recovering from declared disasters. If you’re looking to expand or are curious about available assistance, check out their business guide services and funding programs. The learning platform is a great tool for growing small businesses and educating their leaders. They also offer specialized services for veterans, women and disadvantaged business owners. The SBA provides all these resources and more through its website.
Government Regulations and Employer Education
USA.gov is another resource that helps small businesses grow through online tools, services, financing and government contracting. Take advantage of the business keyword search tool to find government websites that benefit small business owners, learn about tax incentives for small businesses, find resources specific to your municipality and research regulations for importing and exporting goods. These tools arm small business owners with the knowledge and resources available to them so their business and their community can flourish.
Safety and Health Assistance for Small Businesses
Did you know the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) created the Office of Small Business Assistance to familiarize small businesses with safety and compliance standards? As an employer, it’s important to understand OSHA guidelines and policies to protect your business from penalties. Small business owners should be aware of benefits such as special exemptions, consultation services, cooperative and protection programs, development centers and financing for workplace improvement.
