EVERYONE COUNTS! 

By Kevin Scanlan  Certified SCORE Mentor  2020 is a census year. Every 10 years, the federal government is required to conduct a census to determine the number of people who live in each state/community.  The results of the census have two impacts on us.  First, based on the recorded population of Illinois, a determination will be made as to how many representatives […]

5 Small Business Trends in 2020 

5 Small Business Trends in 2020  By Kevin Scanlan, Certified SCORE Mentor  If you have a small business, it’s essential to keep up with the latest trends in technology, marketing, customer service and other areas that could impact the success your business. Inc. Magazine identified the following trends that may affect your business in 2020.  Many customers prefer businesses that are “green” and socially […]

SCORE Mentor Gets Businesses Up and Running 

By Kristin Boza  Invaluable business advice is available right in the neighborhood, thanks to SCORE mentor Kevin Scanlan and BAPA. SCORE, or Service Corp of Retired Executives, is a national group of retired business executives in a variety of industries who volunteer their time to help others get started. Scanlan holds office hours at BAPA, and is available to meet with […]

What’s the SCORE? 

By Kevin Scanlan  Certified SCORE Mentor  Legalized Recreational Marijuana Challenges for Employers  The Cannabis Act, legalizing the use of recreational marijuana for residents in Illinois over 21 years of age, went into effect on Jan. 1. Individuals can possess 30 grams of marijuana flower (buds) and 5 grams of marijuana concentrate for their personal use.   The Act provides the most extensive workplace protections for employers of any marijuana legalization statute in the country. (NOTE: […]

What‘s the SCORE? 

By Kevin Scanlan  Certified SCORE Mentor  In my October column I wrote about the SCORE Virtual Conference on Start Up Success that was planned for November.  I hope area entrepreneurs had an opportunity to participate. I did and found several of the presentations very helpful.  One in particular was on Financial Dashboards, tool that helps businesses manage their financials. This topic comes up regularly in my mentoring.  […]

What’s the SCORE?

By Kevin Scanlan  Certified SCORE Mentor  Tax Reduction Steps to Consider Before the End of The Year  The holidays are almost here, ushering in the end of another year.  If your business is on a calendar year basis, there may be some tax reduction steps to consider before 2020 arrives.  (NOTE: this information is provided as general educational information and not tax advice.)  Pay all Outstanding […]

WHAT’S THE SCORE?

By Kevin Scanlan  Certified SCORE Mentor  The Tax Man Giveth and He Taketh Away  It’s that time of year again, Income Tax Season.  As we prepare to file our 2018 taxes there are several changes to our tax laws and regulations that may impact you, both positively and negatively. NOTE: This article is not intended as legal or tax advice. You […]