Presented by the Federal Trade Commission & Internal Revenue Service: Hear how to identify data security risks for small businesses that can result in ID thieves getting customer information, and get advice from the Federal Trade Commission on how to protect sensitive information.

Identity theft is growing, and the IRS has taken numerous steps to combat it and protect taxpayers. Learn what to look for and how to report tax related ID theft issues, and where to find information and resources on the IRS website.

Click here to register. 

Internal Controls

By Christine Watson, CPA & April Stith, CPA

Who is responsible for internal controls within your organization?  This is an important question that should be addressed.

An internal control is a process put in place by management designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting, effectiveness and efficiency of operations, and compliance with applicable laws and regulations.  Internal controls consist of both "entity-level controls" such as management review and involvement, and "activity-level controls" such as segregation of duties, safeguarding of assets and reconciliations.

How do you know if you have too many ... or too few controls?  The first step is to identify your controls and determine what risks they cover for the financial areas that you are concerned about.  Use this opportunity to meet with those people completing the controls and determine if there are any controls that they do not follow and find out from them how their job could be more efficient.  Also, you can ask your employees if they know of a way to get around any of the controls put in place and commit fraud.

Fraud can happen when four elements are present: opportunity, capacity, rationalization or attitude, and incentive or pressure.   Fraud can come in many areas such as cash, receivables, fixed assets, purchases, payroll, expense accounts, or credit card use.  Each of these areas should have controls in place to reduce the likelihood of an employee committing fraud.

When looking at your organization's internal controls, it is important to balance the risk and internal control.  Excessive risk can lead to misappropriation of assets or bad business decisions, while excessive controls can lead to increased complexity and reduced productivity.  Internal controls are an important element of any successful organization and should be reviewed regularly to ensure they are being followed and benefiting the organization.

SBA-backed loans are made by participating lenders and are used to fund start-up and existing service, retail construction, manufacturing businesses, and more.

Attend a loan briefing to find out:

• types of loans available, eligibility and credit requirements
• things you need to prepare for a lender
• lenders who have been actively doing small business loans
• SBA resources to help you get ready   

Overview of SBA's 8(a) Business Development Program created to assist small disadvantaged businesses become competitive enterprises in the U.S. economy while obtaining business development and federal government contract assistance.    

You will learn about the 8(a) Business Development Program benefits, application process and additional eligibility criteria.

1. Is there more to franchising than food and automotive?
2. What are the risks and rewards of business ownership?
3. How much does it cost to start your own franchise?
4. Where can I get financing?
5. How do I get started on finding the right business?

This will be an interactive webinar where you can get your questions answered and learn more from others online. Bring your questions and the desire to learn more.

This webinar will help small business owners navitage the new national healthcare legislation, the Affordable Care Act (ACA).  We'll answer these important questions:

• Do I have to purchase healthcare for my employees?
• What if I'm a sole proprietor?
• When does the law go into effect?
• Am I eligible for tax credits?