News & Resources

Is angel investing right for your business?

By Steven StraussQuestion: I started my business about a year ago with some personal funds and the help of friends and family. My problem is that in order to take my business to the next …

January 31, 2013

What to look for in a credit card payments processor

For most business people, choosing a payments processor is much like choosing a car mechanic. Unless you are knowledgeable about maintenance, parts, and pricing, you must trust that the person you go to is honest …

January 31, 2013

SBAM and Mobile Technology Association of Michigan launch new radio show today

“This Week in Small Business Technology” will stream every Thursday from 10 a.m. – 11 a.m. (replayed at 3 p.m. and 8 p.m.) on the Michigan Business Network. The show is co-hosted by SBAM’s Vice …

January 30, 2013

What you need to know about Right to Work. Today on Business Next!

Tune in today at 10am (repeats at 3pm and 8pm) on the Michigan Business Network.Today on Business Next, excerpts of SBAM’s Clark Hill webinar on Right to Work. Presented by Clark Hill attorneys Thomas Brady …

January 30, 2013

Tracking employee name changes

Frequently Asked Question: If a female employee gets married and asks you to start issuing paychecks in her married name, what are the record-keeping responsibilities of your business?Answer: When an employee has an official name …

January 28, 2013

Kick your small business marketing plan into high gear. Today on Business Next!

Tune in at 10am (repeats at 3pm and 8pm) on the Michigan Business Network.How to activate your marketing plan to foster small business success. Also today, a legislative update, and a report on how Michigan …

January 28, 2013

Update: Michigan Insurance Exchange – Employer to employee letter due date has been postponed

By Scott Lyon, SBAM's Senior Vice PresidentThe Department of Labor has concluded that the notice requirement under FLSA section 18B will not take effect on March 1, 2013 for several reasons. First, this notice should …

January 25, 2013

How to make a great small business email newsletter.

Tune in at 10am (repeats at 3pm and 8pm) on the Michigan Business Network.Advice on how to make and manage a great small business email newsletter for your customers and potential customers. Michael Rogers talks …

January 24, 2013

Steven Strauss: Tax tips every entrepreneur should know

By Steven StraussQuestion: The thing I hate most about running a business are the taxes, and yet I prefer not to incur the cost and hire a CPA to help me and instead rely on …

January 24, 2013

Independent contractor misclassification: A major headache likely to get worse under PPACA

Article courtesy of SBAM Approved Partner ASEBy Anthony KaylinMisclassification of employees has been a long-term major issue in the workplace. In 2001 Microsoft settled a misclassification suit over “long-term temp/contractors” who should have received Microsoft …

January 23, 2013

How to build great customer lists for your email campaigns! Advice today on Business Next.

Tune in today at 10am (repeats at 3pm and 8pm) on the Michigan Business Network.Today on Business Next, David Fant, owner of Market Mapping plus, has great suggestions on effective email marketing for your small …

January 22, 2013

Important tax figures for 2013

Every year, the dollar amounts allowed for various federal tax benefits are subject to change based on inflation adjustments and legislation. Here are some important tax figures for 2013, compared with 2012, including the estate …

January 22, 2013

Vague benefit policies are risky

Article courtesy of SBAM Approved Partner AdvanceHRAt your company, everyone is familiar with the paid time-off benefits. You rarely think about the issue. So what happens when a new employee requests more paid time-off than …

January 21, 2013

Get the scoop on what you need to know right now about health insurance reform. Today on Business Next!

Tune in at 10am (repeats at 3pm and 8pm) on the Michigan Business Network.Nationally known employee benefits expert Gary Kushner provides in-depth analysis of what every small business employer needs to know about the Patient …

January 21, 2013

BCBSM/BCN needs employee counts from customers to comply with reform law

The federal Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act requires that health insurance carriers annually report Medical Loss Ratio (MLR).In order to report the MLR for the 2013 period, BCBSM and BCN must know the average …

January 18, 2013

SBAM’s analysis of the governor’s state-of-the-state address.

Tune in at 10am (repeats at 3pm and 8pm) on the Michigan Business Network.SBAM Director of Government Relations Dave Jessup analyzes Gov. Snyder’s state-of-the-state address. Also on today’s program, more interviews with brewery entrepreneurs at …

January 17, 2013

IRS releases income tax withholding tables reflecting 2013 changes

Article courtesy of SBAM Approved Partner ASEAs employers begin issuing 2013 paychecks, here is a summary of new withholding rates and changes affecting Social Security and Medicare rates, directly from the IRS.Updated tables, which were …