The holiday and party season is here! Customers are flocking to businesses for everything from event services and products to last-minute gifts, making it one of the busiest times of the year. But with the rush, there’s always the chance of encountering a frustrating situation: a client refusing to pay or leaving without settling their bill.

It’s unfair and inconvenient, especially during such a hectic time, but how you handle it matters. Staying calm and professional is essential to protecting your reputation and ensuring you can recover the payment. Here’s a guide to help small business owners navigate this tricky situation during the holiday rush.

Raising capital is one of the biggest hurdles for startups. Founders need funds to grow but often want to avoid giving away too much ownership or dealing with complex debt. One flexible, founder-friendly solution is the Simple Agreement for Future Equity (SAFE). Initially introduced by Y Combinator in 2013, SAFEs provide a straightforward way for startups to raise funds without immediate valuation discussions or diluting ownership right away.

In recent years, medical marijuana has gained traction in many states as a legitimate treatment for various health conditions. While this has been a win for patients in need, it has also created a unique challenge for small business owners who want to create a safe, fair, and compliant workplace. Balancing the needs of employees, compliance with state and federal laws, and workplace safety is no easy task, especially for small businesses with limited resources.

Starting a business requires making decisions that lay a foundation for future growth, and one of the most crucial decisions is choosing a business structure. For many startups, an S-Corp (S Corporation) can offer benefits that align well with their growth plans, financial goals, and tax preferences. Here’s an in-depth look at when using an S-Corp might be right for your startup.

For health tech startups, compliance is not just a regulatory box to check—it’s a commitment to data privacy, security, and trustworthiness. By integrating these compliance practices from the start, your company can focus on innovation, safe in the knowledge that it’s meeting industry standards. Compliance is an essential foundation that not only protects users but also positions your health tech startup for sustainable growth in an ever-evolving healthcare landscape.

An affiliate agreement is more than just a contract—it’s a roadmap for a successful partnership. By setting clear terms, protecting your brand’s interests, and fostering open communication, you can create lasting and productive relationships with your affiliates. With a well-drafted affiliate agreement, your brand can grow its reach, drive sales, and maintain brand integrity across every platform.

Beyoncé’s trademark battle over "Blue Ivy Carter" underscores the importance of a well-planned trademark strategy, no matter your business size. For startups and SMEs, understanding the trademarking process, from research and selection to navigating objections, can be vital to long-term success. With the right approach, you can secure a trademark that strengthens your brand’s identity and protects it from potential misuse in the marketplace.