As small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) that serve identity-based groups, your mission is likely rooted in uplifting historically disadvantaged communities. Whether you run a minority-focused nonprofit, a women’s business network, a scholarship fund, or a supplier diversity initiative, recent legal challenges—including Supreme Court rulings on affirmative action and increased scrutiny under anti-discrimination laws—highlight the need for careful program design to avoid liability.

If your business or organization offers government contracts, scholarships, or preference-based programs, it’s essential to structure them in a legally defensible way while still achieving your mission. Below are key strategies to help minimize legal risk while maintaining impact.

Executive Order 14209 signals a significant shift in how FCPA violations will be handled, at least in the short term. However, FCPA compliance remains crucial—especially since a future administration could easily reinstate aggressive enforcement and prosecute violations that occur today.

Small businesses must stay the course, keep compliance programs strong, and avoid assuming this temporary shift in enforcement means long-term immunity from liability. If anything, this is a time to be more strategic and vigilant, not less.

On February 1, 2025, President Trump announced a new wave of tariffs on imports from Canada, Mexico, and China, citing national security concerns related to border security and drug trafficking. These tariffs have already sparked negotiations with the affected countries, and while some have been temporarily paused, small businesses must prepare for the potential financial strain these new trade policies may impose.

This article breaks down what the new tariffs mean, their implications for small businesses, and how you can mitigate their impact on your operations.

Private equity (PE) and venture capital (VC) firms operate in an increasingly complex regulatory landscape. As regulators tighten scrutiny on fund management, investor protections, and anti-money laundering (AML) measures, compliance has become a critical component of fund operations.

Traditionally, PE and VC firms relied on in-house legal teams or external law firms to handle compliance. However, the growing complexity of regulations—such as SEC oversight, Know Your Customer (KYC) requirements, and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) disclosures—has driven many firms to outsource their Chief Compliance Officer (CCO) role.

Bringing in an outsourced Chief Compliance Officer (CCO) is a strategic move for businesses in highly regulated industries such as financial services, fintech, healthcare, and private equity. Whether your company is facing regulatory scrutiny, expanding operations, or simply tightening compliance protocols, an outsourced CCO provides the expertise needed without the overhead of a full-time hire.

The fintech and cryptocurrency industries are rapidly evolving, with innovation often outpacing regulation. While startups in these sectors are focused on scaling their products, they must also navigate a complex web of financial regulations, including Anti-Money Laundering (AML) laws, Know Your Customer (KYC) requirements, and Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) guidelines.

Crowdfunding can be a powerful fundraising tool, but success requires strategic planning, strong marketing, and clear communication. If you’re prepared to put in the work and have a product or idea that excites backers, it could be a game-changer for your business.