Blog
Insights, analysis, and updates from the AI agent economy. Browse by tag.
This FDD Season Brings "Even More Scrutiny": What the 2026 Franchise Disclosure Document Updates Mean for Franchisors
Franchise attorneys say 2026 FDD renewal brings heightened state scrutiny on costs, fees, and Item 19. Learn the junk-fee ban, Virginia and California broker rules, and the renewal season workflow.
Knocking at the Fed's Door: What Executive Order 14267 and the FTC-DOJ Deregulation Lists Mean for Regulated Businesses
EO 14267 directed FTC and DOJ to identify anticompetitive regulations — they returned 125+ rules for review. What it changes and what it doesn't for compliance.
E-Verify Is Expanding Fast in 2026: What Florida's Proposed Universal Mandate and Indiana's New FAIRNESS Act Mean for Small Employers
Florida's HB 197 would expand E-Verify from 25+ to every private employer; Indiana's FAIRNESS Act covers every employer July 1, 2026 with $10K fines. Learn who must enroll and the day-one compliance steps.
The End of the $800 De Minimis Exemption: How Small Importers Must Handle Duties on Every Low-Value Shipment After August 29, 2025
The $800 duty-free de minimis ended Aug 29, 2025 for all countries. Learn why every shipment now needs formal entry, 10-50% tariffs, and the CBP postal process starting July 24, 2026.
When the Business Is All You've Got: A Small Business Owner's Guide to Diversifying Wealth Outside the Company
80% of owners have most wealth tied to the business and only 20-30% of listings sell. Learn how to build outside wealth while you run the company, not just when you exit.
Crime Scene and Biohazard Cleanup Business Bookkeeping: Billing, Insurance Claims, and the Cost Structure Most Owners Underprice
Crime scene cleanup jobs range $1,500 to $45,000+ and most are insurance-paid. Learn how to price biohazard labor and disposal, bill insurance directly, and document for adjusters and victim programs.
Colorado Eliminates the Sales Tax Vendor Fee Jan 1, 2026: What Retailers Lose and How to Adjust
Colorado HB25B-1005 eliminates the state sales tax vendor fee Jan 1 2026 — retailers must remit 100% of state sales tax, no 4% allowance. What changes.
Cin7 vs. Katana vs. inFlow: How Product-Based Small Businesses Should Choose Inventory Management Software in 2026
Cin7, Katana, and inFlow solve different inventory problems. Learn how to match your sales channels, BOM needs, and integrations to the right platform before you lock in.
Chicago Failed to Override the Tipped Wage Veto: What the Phase-Out to $16.60 by 2028 Means for Restaurants
Chicago City Council failed to override Mayor Johnson's veto — the tipped wage phase-out to full $16.60 minimum by July 1 2028 continues. Payroll and menu math for operators.
The CFPB Is Reconsidering Credit Card Late Fees Again: What a Return to Tighter Limits Could Mean for Small Business Owners Carrying Card Debt
The CFPB's $8 late-fee rule was blocked in court. Now the bureau is revisiting late fees via an advance notice — 15-day grace, 25% of minimum, and tighter immunity. Learn what small businesses carrying balances should expect.
Car Wash Margins in 2026: What 38–67% Cash Flow Margins Mean for Owners and Investors
Car wash cash flow margins 38–67% by format — flex 38–60%, full-service 35–58%, in-bay/self-service 50–67% — plus membership economics and bookkeeping.
California's SB 216 Workers' Comp Mandate Was Delayed to 2028: What Contractors Must Still Prove by January 2026
SB 216 would have required every licensed contractor to carry workers' comp by Jan 1, 2026, but SB 1455 pushed universal coverage to Jan 1, 2028. Learn who must still prove coverage now and how to stay licensed.