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Business Matters

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Scams & Cons
Taxes
The Work Place

Advertising

How To Advertise Without Getting Into Trouble (Nolo.com)

Deceptive Advertisements (Federal Trade Commission) 
Rules & Regulations against such.

Stopping Other Companies From False Advertising
Find out where companies advertise and contact their advertisers to put a stop to their false claims. This site offers a free 7 day trial membership where you can find information such as types of advertising media used, advertising agencies employed by the company, approximate dollars spent in each type of advertising medium, a breakdown of the products handled by each agency employed by the company, and e-mail addresses for key personnel.  

The Applicability of FTC Law to Internet Advertising

Information On US & International Companies
Find the company behind the brand name, where they're located, their financial info, their officers, subsidiaries, who they advertise with, what media they use, and more.

Thomas' Food Industry Register can tell a company's name, address and phone number, the products it produces and the government agencies that regulate both the products and the company itself.

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Dealing With Other Businesses
Can The Business Be Trusted?
Complaints & Help Agencies
Money Matters
Scams
Forms

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Money Matters

Bad Check Laws in Michigan

Demand Letter For Payment Of Debt
Generic fill in the blank form for demanding payment on an outstanding debt.

Collecting A Debt-Legal Ways To Locate Someone's Bank Account If They're Hiding Money From You

Business Forms (Consumer-SOS)
State specific and general business forms for all occasions.

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Scams

AIC Consumer Alert: Protecting Small Business from Fraudulent Health Plans (Michigan)

Scam Proofing Your Business (BBB)

Scams Against Businesses (The Most Common)

See Also Scams & Cons

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Forms

Michigan Business One Stop
An array of resources and tools to help you start and operate a business in Michigan.  From tips on writing a business plan to financing your business, our resource center has it all.

Free Business Forms A-Z

Business Sample Form Letters on 40 subjects

General Forms For All Occasions (The 'Lectric Law Library)
Scroll down their forms page for forms on general business matters, living wills, power of attorney, promissory notes, employment and contracting.

Small Business Tax Information & Forms (National)

General & State Specific Forms (Consumer-SOS/Lawyers)

See Money Matters

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Checking If They're Legitimate Or Trustworthy

Can The Business Be Trusted? (Consumer-SOS)
Don't get swindled! Learn how to do background checks on a business or business before you get scammed.

BBB National Complaint Database
Find the business by name, phone number or web address. To increase the chance of finding the company you are looking for just enter a part of the company's name.

UCC Online (Michigan)

May be able to search for debtors names, i.e. to see if the business owners are trustworthy,  but not search friendly and they may charge.

One Stop License Search (Michigan)
Not every business in Michigan is required to be licensed by the State of Michigan. To find out if your new venture requires a state license, use the alphabetical directory provided below to find your occupation. You can also use the search box above to search this site.

Find Out Where A Business Is Incorporated (All 50 States)
Want to sue a business or just see if it's legit? Then you'll need to know it's registered agent and where it's incorporated. 
Every Inc., Corp. or CO. must have a state of incorporation. To find such, first check the Secretary of State where you know the company is doing business.  Next try The Secretary of State in Delaware, which is a very popular place to incorporate. Beware of any "Inc.", "Corp." or "Co." that has not incorporated.  Chances are they're frauds.

Better Business Bureaus (Links Throughout The U.S.)

Corporation Reverse Lookup-Find out Who Owns it and Who Are The Officers
Type in the business name (Won't show up unless a Corp, LLC, or Inc.) and leave the state blank. To narrow results add the state of incorporation.

Obtaining Corporate Records (On Specific Companies)
Comb through Securities & Exchange Commission fillings, trademark applications, and pending patents. Register here and the free site will stakeout up to ten companies of your choice and send you the information via email.

Resources On How To Profile Businesses
Whether it's researching their track record or looking for sanctions, this is the place.

Finding The Company's Headquarters (Large List Of Addresses & Links)


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Salesman & Solicitations
Dealing With Salesmen/Spotting The Legitimate Offer
Things To Watch Out For When Signing Sales Agreements
Determining The Legitimate Business Opportunity (Includes Franchises)

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Starting Your Own Business
Where To Begin
Loans & Business Development Centers
Corporations, Partnerships & LLCs
Non-Profits
Your Business Name/Protecting Your Intellectual Property
Salesman & Solicitations & Franchises
Other Legal Matters

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Where To Begin

Michigan Business One Stop
An array of resources and tools to help you start and operate a business in Michigan.  From tips on writing a business plan to financing your business, our resource center has it all.

Corporations, Partnerships & LLCs (Consumer-SOS)
Specifics on these types of business entities.

Non-Profits (Consumer-SOS)

Michigan Business Tax Calculator

One Stop License Search (Michigan)
Not every business in Michigan is required to be licensed by the State of Michigan. To find out if your new venture requires a state license, use the alphabetical directory provided below to find your occupation. You can also use the search box above to search this site.

The Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (Lara)
LARA oversees the licensing and regulation of more than 1.2 million individuals and entities in Michigan on an annual basis. It supports the health, safety and economic well-being of the public through services to and regulation of the activities of organizations and individuals. As a part of LARA, the ORR is responsible for creating a regulatory environment and regulatory processes that are fair, efficient, and transparent.

SCORE-Service Corps Of Retired Executives (All 50 States & DC)
Ex CEOs give free or low cost advice on how to start and run  your business.

Business Forms (Consumer-SOS)
State specific and general business forms for all occasions.

Articles & Brochures From The U.S. Small Business Administration 
Everything you need to know about starting and running a business.

Writing A Business Plan (Google)

Search Engine For Starting And Running A Business
Articles and Tips on What You Need To Know.

Steps to Starting Your Own Business (BBB)

Find Your Secretary Of State (All 50 States)
Your Secretary Of State often has information on corporations, stated trademarks and licensing boards.

Starting A Business, Business Plans & Marketing
Click here for samples from A to Z.

Fact Sheet on Record Keeping Requirements Under the FLSA
Under the the Fair Labor Standards Act, employers must keep  detailed records on the wages they pay, the ages of their workers and the hours they work. 

Employment Laws Assistance for Workers and Small Businesses 
This is an interactive system designed to help employers and employees understand and comply with numerous employment laws enforced by The  Department Of Labor. Each elaws Advisor gives advice and provides information on a specific law or regulation based on the user's particular situation.

Handy Reference Guide to the Fair Labor Standards Act
Includes Employer guidelines for record keeping.

Why It's Good To Moonlight (Article)
(Don't quit your day job when starting a business.)

For More Resources & Great Tips, Check Out Nolo.com

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Articles & Brochures From The U.S. Small Business Administration 

Starting Up Your Business (SBA)
Has good general explanations of all you need to know plus helpful links to state & federal agencies as well as SBA programs.

Checklist For Going Into Business (SBA)

Starting Your Business-Most Frequently asked Questions (SBA)

Selecting The Legal Structure Of Your Business (SBA)

Online Brochures on over 100 Business Issues (SBA)

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Loans & Business Development Centers

Loans & Start Up Assistance (National Links/Phone#s)

The Facts About SBA Business Development Centers

Micro-Enterprise FAQs

Micro-Enterprise Dev Programs (50 States & DC)

SBA Borrower's Guide (The Ins & Outs Of Small Business Loans by The SBA)

Micro-loans (Small Loans From Lenders in All 50 States & DC)

Articles & Brochures From The U.S. Small Business Administration  
Everything you need to know about starting and running a business.

Find The SBA Office Nearest You (All 50 States & DC)

For More Resources & Great Tips, Check Out  Nolo.com

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Employee Illness & Separations (Quits, Discharges, Insurance Benefits)

The Family Medical Leave Act (US Dept of Labor Wage & Hour Division)
Generally, employees don't qualify unless the employer has at least 50 employees within a 75 mile radius of where they work, and the employee has worked at least 1250 hours. But some states will apply the law to employers with under 50 employees.

Severance Agreements (Samples from Yahoo)
For state law, add your state to the search box.

10 Things Companies Want in Their Severance Agreements
Don't forget a mutual anti disparagement clause such as "The parties agree that henceforth they shall cease and refrain from making any disparaging or defamatory remarks or comments regarding one another, expressly or by implication, including but not limited to any parties' personal or business dealings and reputations."

For More See Insurance And Benefits (Consumer-SOS)

Unemployment Insurance (Consumer-SOS)
Some pro employer and lots of pro-claimant.

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Your Business Name/Protecting Your Intellectual Property

Corporations, Partnerships & LLCs

Michigan Business One Stop
An array of resources and tools to help you start and operate a business in Michigan.  From tips on writing a business plan to financing your business, our resource center has it all.

Selecting The Legal Structure Of Your Business (Excellent!)

Business Forms (Consumer-SOS)
State specific and general business forms for all occasions.

Michigan Business Tax Calculator  

UCC Online (Michigan)

May be able to search for debtors names, but not search friendly and they may charge.

One Stop License Search (Michigan)
Not every business in Michigan is required to be licensed by the State of Michigan. To find out if your new venture requires a state license, use the alphabetical directory provided below to find your occupation. You can also use the search box above to search this site.

The Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (Lara)
LARA oversees the licensing and regulation of more than 1.2 million individuals and entities in Michigan on an annual basis. It supports the health, safety and economic well-being of the public through services to and regulation of the activities of organizations and individuals. As a part of LARA, the ORR is responsible for creating a regulatory environment and regulatory processes that are fair, efficient, and transparent.

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Where To Go For Help


Michigan Consumer Protection Division Complaint Directory
State and federal agencies where you can complain about: false advertising, animals, Banks, bill collectors, new and used vehicles, bail bondsmen, builders/home improvement, charities, child support, contractors, credit card fraud, credit unions, discrimination, drugs (prescription and OTC), Private Schools, Employment Agencies, Utilities, Food, Funeral Homes, Gas, Nursing and Health Care Facilities, Housing, Mold, Radon, Insurance, Judges, Landlords, Lawyers, Healthcare Providers, Other Businesses with Licenses, Mail Fraud, Military/Veteran Issues, Mobile Homes, Mortgage Companies, Movers, Product Safety, Product Warranty & defects, Realtors/Real estate, Scams, Savings & Loans, Stocks/Bonds/Securities, Student Loans, Taxes/Cigarettes/Motor Fuel, Telemarketing, Toys, Travel, Utilities and Wages.

Michigan Business One Stop
An array of resources and tools to help you start and operate a business in Michigan.  From tips on writing a business plan to financing your business, our resource center has it all.

State of Michigan Telephone Directory

BBB National Complaint Database
Find the business by name, phone number or web address. To increase the chance of finding the company you are looking for just enter a part of the company's name.

The Michigan State Government Phone and Email Directory

Elder Law of Michigan (Free Legal Help For Seniors 800-347-5297)
For seniors age 60 or over in need legal, financial or medical assistance. We'll also help long distance caregivers or older adults calling about Michigan law that may affect them.
Programs include: Benefits Enrollment, Housing Help, Prevention of Elder Abuse, Food & Medical Assistance, Pension Help and more.

Contact Your Michigan State Representatives
There are 110 Michigan Representatives who are elected by the qualified electors of districts having approximately 77,000 to 91,000 residents. Legislative districts are drawn on the basis of population figures through the federal decennial census. Representatives are elected in even- numbered years to 2-year terms.

Contact Your Michigan State Senators

UCC Online (Michigan)

May be able to search for debtors names, but not search friendly and they may charge.

One Stop License Search (Michigan)
Not every business in Michigan is required to be licensed by the State of Michigan. To find out if your new venture requires a state license, use the alphabetical directory provided below to find your occupation. You can also use the search box above to search this site.

Better Business Bureaus (Links Throughout The U.S.)

The Security Exchange Commission  
for complaints against firms dealing in investments and money management i.e. mutual funds, insurance securities based on variable annuities, and other financial transactions.

The National Association Of Security Dealers  
The NASD is an SEC mandated organization with the power to investigate and revoke the licenses of brokers and brokerage firms. See also Investor Protection-Your Rights 

To find out if an individual broker or brokerage firm has been disciplined by NASD state and federal governments, call their toll-free hotline at (800) 289-9999.  They'll also tell you if the firm or broker has lost a lawsuit or had to go to arbitration because of dubious conduct.

The New York Stock Exchange (212) 656-2523
Has the power to discipline member brokers and brokerage firms.

The North American Security Administrators Association 
Call any of the above organizations for their number. This trade organization may be able to put pressure on members who behave unethically.  They also offers a free copy of "The Investor's Bill of Rights" a booklet that shows how   consumers can better protect themselves.  

Information On US & International Companies
Find the company behind the brand name, where they're located, their financial info, their officers, subsidiaries, who they advertise with, what media they use, and more.

Thomas' Food Industry Register can tell a company's name, address and phone number, the products it produces and the government agencies that regulate both the products and the company itself.

Call For Action (Non-Profit Consumer Advocate)

Find The Company Behind Textile, Fur & Wool Products (RN Lookup)
A registered identification number or RN is a number issued by the Federal Trade Commission, upon request, to a business residing in the U.S. that is engaged in the manufacture, importing, distribution, or sale of textile, wool, or fur products. Such businesses are not required to have RNs. They may, however, use the RN in place of a name on the label or tag that is required to be affixed to these products.

Business Forms (Consumer-SOS)
State specific and general business forms for all occasions.

Find The AARP In Your State
The AARP offers legal advocacy for seniors and may also have state specific consumer brochures which are available to everyone.

Find The SBA Office Nearest You (All 50 States & DC)

Find A Chamber Of Commerce (World Wide) 

National Help Orgs For A Variety Of Consumer Problems
Businesses, The Elderly, Environment, Families, Fraud, Health & Safety, Insurance The Handicapped, Medical Problems, Telemarketing and more.

See Find Or Background A Business (Consumer-SOS)

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Related Topics
Getting Refunds, Replacements or Repairs

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Misc. Legal

The Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (Lara)
LARA oversees the licensing and regulation of more than 1.2 million individuals and entities in Michigan on an annual basis. It supports the health, safety and economic well-being of the public through services to and regulation of the activities of organizations and individuals. As a part of LARA, the ORR is responsible for creating a regulatory environment and regulatory processes that are fair, efficient, and transparent.

Forms (Consumer-SOS)

Bad Check Laws (State By State Statutes For Each Crime)

Other Business Specific Legal Matters (Consumer-SOS)

Find Your City's Municipal Codes (All 50 states & DC)

Rominger Legal

United States Code

The Code Of Federal Regulations (CFRs)

Federal Law Database compiled by GAO for Federal Employees

Find Law

See State Courts & Court Forms (Consumer-SOS)

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