KARLO Insights Blog
Potential Longshoremen Strike: What Small Businesses Need to Know and How to Prepare
This article discusses the potential longshoremen strike and its likely impact on small businesses. It explains the role of longshoremen in global trade and highlights key issues fueling the strike, such as wage disputes, automation, and working conditions. Small businesses are advised to review their contracts, particularly force majeure clauses, and to communicate with suppliers and insurance providers to mitigate disruptions. Government contractors are urged to review their agreements and provide timely notice if their performance may be hindered by the strike.
Important Update on SBA's SDVOSB Program: Certification Changes Ahead
The SBA is amending its SDVOSB program to implement Section 864 of the FY 2024 NDAA, effective October 1, 2024. The changes include eliminating self-certification, requiring VetCert certification for all SDVOSB contracts and subcontracts, and setting an application deadline of December 22, 2024. SDVOSBs need to start the VetCert certification process early and familiarize themselves with the requirements to avoid disruptions. The goal is to enhance program integrity and ensure only genuinely eligible businesses receive contract opportunities.
Navigating Foreign Business Qualification: Quick Guide for the Small Business Entrepreneurs
This article provides an overview of foreign business qualification, explaining its importance and when it's necessary. Focusing on Maryland and D.C. requirements, it highlights the straightforward process while emphasizing the additional responsibilities and potential penalties for non-compliance, offering insight into why foreign businesses may need to seek certification in these states.
The American Small Business: A Post-Pandemic Powerhouse with Persistent Challenges
In this article we discuss the post-pandemic economy of small businesses. Is the pandemic truly gone, and how prepared are businesses to withstand present and future hurdles that threaten stability and relevancy in an ever-changing society. We explore the leverage of technology and the potential pitfalls that lurk for small businesses learning to navigate our post-pandemic reality.
Women Making History: The Rise of Women-Owned Small Businesses in the US
We are celebrating Women’s History Month by celebrating women entrepreneurs. In this article, we pay homage to the strides that women business owners have made over the last several years. These incredible leaders have changed the course of history during a critical time in our society and our economy. Here’s to more successful women-owned business ventures for many years to come.
DC Business Access Capital Program: Expanding Access to Capital for Recovery and Growth
In this article we discuss Mayor Bowser’s commitment to empowering small businesses with the DC BizCAP program. Offering loan guarantees, reduced rates, and down payment assistance, this initiative unlocks crucial capital for both established and aspiring businesses. Fueled by a recent $62 million boost from the American Rescue Plan, DC BizCAP is ready to fuel your growth. Read more to see how this program can help you and your business thrive!
Striking at the Core: Can the Small Business Contracting Fairness Act Deliver Real Impact?
In this article we review the Small Business Contracting Fairness Act proposed by Georgia Senator Jon Ossoff and the commentary surrounding the potential impact it would have on the procurement efforts that arise out of the already passed Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.
Gearing Up for $15: How Maryland Small Businesses Can Thrive in the New Minimum Wage Landscape
As Maryland sets sail into the $15 minimum wage waters, navigating its impact on small businesses becomes the top priority. This article charts the course, exploring both the challenges, like absorbing increased costs, and the potential opportunities, like enhanced productivity and customer focus. For small business owners – we'll equip you with trending tips to help you not just stay afloat, but thrive in this new economic tide.
Avoiding Compliance Conundrums: Guide to Legal Do's and Don'ts for Tech Startups in the SaaS World
This article outlines essential legal do's and don'ts for tech startups venturing into the SaaS world. It navigates vendor agreements, procurement, general regulatory compliance, and data security & privacy, empowering entrepreneurs to avoid compliance pitfalls and build a trustworthy, sustainable business. Remember, legal due diligence and proactiveness are your keys to sailing smoothly through the complex, yet crucial, realm of compliance.
Department of Labor Reinstates Economic Realities Test for Independent Contractors: A Shift in Employment Classification Rules
On January 10, 2024, the Department of Labor makes a debated return to the economic realities test for evaluating employee v. independent contractor status.
Under the Microscope: Corporate Transparency Act Shines Light on Small Business Ownership
We provide a brief summary of the Corporate Transparency Act’s requirement that Small Businesses register with FinCen by January 1, 2025.
Introducing Kenesha A. Raeford, Law Offices
We are open for business. We hope that our firm will serve as a beacon of legal excellence founded with a mission to redefine client service. At the start of 2024, Kenesha A. Raeford, the firm's visionary founder, embarked on this journey to place clients' needs at the forefront, prioritizing service over monetary gains.