The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “Act”) made effective on December 22, 2017 repealed the old section 199 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (the “Code”) which used to provide for an income tax deduction equal to approximately 9 percent of the “qualified production activities income” from the taxpayer’s domestic production (“DPAD”) subject...

Most new commercial ventures fail within their first five years, and entrepreneurs in Minnesota and around the country are frequently warned that taking action without meticulous planning beforehand could be a recipe for disaster. However, some of the most successful business owners in America built their fortunes by ignoring words of caution and taking bold...

Minnesota entrepreneurs who are looking to start new businesses may be interested to know that industry insiders say seeking venture capital may not be the best way to obtain funding. According to a member of a Southern California venture capital firm, out of the more than 1,000 proposals his company reviews annually it invests in...

Minnesota, as with many other states, has laws that protect residents from deceptive trade practices. Deceptive trade practices are those that either restrain trade or attempt to provide incorrect information to consumers. For example, it is illegal for car dealerships to adjust a vehicle’s odometer to make it appear as though the automobile has lower...

Minnesota entrepreneurs may want to learn about the potential benefits of preparing a six-year business plan. This perspective extends far beyond the two or three years that the conventional business plan addresses. Instead of just considering the short-term needs of the company, the six-year plan provides business leaders and investors with more insight into the...

Some people go into business so that they can have a legacy to pass on to their family. Many others are interested in creating a form of income to take them to retirement, at which point they will sell their business to boost their retirement funds. Whatever someone intends to do, it is important that...

In today’s environment, banks face an ever-changing set of rules and regulations with regard to lending, portfolio management, fees and even operational issues. Given the speed at which the environment can change, it’s important that a bank has a trusted partner who can guide them through the complex web of rules and regulations. A skilled...