by eclewis | Aug 14, 2014 | Business News
New businesses and entrepreneurship are on the rise in the Centennial State. The Quarterly Business and Economic Indicators Report from the Secretary of State’s office, covering the second quarter of this year, has shown that new business entity filings have increased 4 percent compared to second quarter of 2013. This also represents a 4.8 percent increase overall for the past 12 months, when compared to the previous 12 month period.
Other positive trends for the second quarter include higher employment levels in Colorado and nationwide, as well as an increased rate of renewal filings of existing entities. Renewal filings increased 3.9 percent in the second quarter from the first quarter of this year. These and other economic indicators led to the predictions within the report for continued employment and economic growth for the next two quarters of this year thanks to new jobs from startups and growing businesses.
The report specifically projected more increases in filings over the third quarter of this year as well. While these filings are projected to slow down some during the fourth quarter of the year, as they typically do, they are nevertheless expected to be higher this year than last year’s final quarter.
Business Insider also recently ranked all 50 state economies growth rate by comparing them across eight economic indicators like unemployment, gross domestic product, average wages, and size of the working age population. Colorado earned the top spot on their list at #1 due to being within the top fifteen states in all eight of their metrics, as well as having a highly diversified economy. This further signals a growing economy for Colorado.
On June 9th, the Secretary of State announced a filing fee holiday for new business entity filings, which reduces the fees from $50 to $1. The holiday was prompted by budgetary surpluses with the Secretary of State’s Office and it will continue through the rest of the summer. After the summer, the fee will be reevaluated on a monthly basis. This holiday, when combined with the already positive economic trends that are being forecasted for the state, may help spark additional business formation and growth here in Colorado.
Now is a great time to consider starting or expanding your own business with the positive outlook of Colorado’s economy behind you, as well as reduced new business filing fees. In order to get started, be sure to reach out to the Law Office of E.C. Lewis PC, home of your Denver Business Lawyer, Elizabeth Lewis, 720-258-6647 or email her at Elizabeth.Lewis@eclewis.com.
by eclewis | Aug 14, 2012 | Business News, Misc. Legal Tidbits
thedenverchannel.com recently reported that only 5% of lenders have eased their standards to loan to small businesses. This confirms what many small businesses already know – it is tough to get funding. So what is a small business to do when it needs money?
If your business needs a loan to survive, there are several things that you should do as a small business owner first. While these strategies cannot guarantee a loan, they can help you have the best chance to secure funding when you need it.
1. Get your personal credit in order. If you are borrowing money from a financial institution, the institution is going to want to see your personal credit unless your business has substantial assets and financial backing. In most cases, you will need to personally guarantee the loan. If your credit score is low, you have had recent bankruptcies, or you are requesting a large loan amount and have no collateral, you may need to look at other funding sources.
2. Have a good business plan. Banks want to know you have thought about your business. The lending officer will want to see the business plan and know that the financial targets are achievable. As part of the business plan, be able to clearly define where the funds will be used. If you can’t explain your business and its goals (and why you have), a bank can’t determine what type of risk you are.
3. Have good tax and legal records. Make sure you have copies of your Articles filed with the Secretary of State and any periodic reports (and make sure your periodic report has been filed!). Have current bylaws or an operating agreement. Have proper paperwork between the owners of the business. Have intellectual property agreements when needed. Have copies of the business’s tax returns for at least the previous three years (and maybe up to five). If the business is closely held (especially with fewer than four owners), have copies of the owners’ personal tax returns. Make sure all local, state, and federal taxes are current – including employment taxes and unemployment insurance. Finally, do a checks to see if there are any liens or UCC filings.
4. Lastly, schedule a small business checkup with your attorney and your CPA. I can go through all your paperwork and see what is missing from a legal perspective, make sure everything is up to date, and then be a reference for the bank to call with any questions. A CPA would be able to do the same thing from a financial perspective.
If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to call me, your small business attorney serving the Denver Metro Area, the Front Range, and beyond at 720-258-6647.
