By Michael Podesta, CPA, Audit Manager
ASL Emerging Business Group
Early-stage companies have several options when it comes to obtaining seed round funding; however, selecting the best vehicle for your company involves weighing the benefits and downsides of each option. Three popular debt-based financing vehicles are convertible debt, SAFE (Simple Agreement for Future Equity) agreements, and KISS (Keep It Simple Securities) agreements. (more…)
By Mark Sheffield, CPA, Principal
ASL Emerging Business Group
Yes, if you engage in business in California and sell tangible personal property that is typically subject to sales tax if sold at retail. If your business is just selling temporarily, such as a rummage or liquidation sale, you should apply for a temporary seller’s permit. (more…)
By Mark Sheffield, CPA, Principal
ASL Emerging Business Group
The marketplace for funding start-ups and ramp-up companies has been disrupted. Here’s what we see and hear on the street today: (more…)
By Mark Sheffield, CPA, Principal
ASL Emerging Business Group
For years, ASL has published a well-received resource for entrepreneurs called the “New Business Start-Up Guide.” The newest edition adds helpful sections on how to value a start-up, and how to value an ongoing business. In addition, there are new exhibits on: “Top Five Challenges Facing Start-ups Today” and “Ten Governing Principles for a Start-up.” All the other sections have been updated for the latest best practices, and links to useful resources. (more…)
By Mark Sheffield, Principal
Entrepreneurs of the past wrote a long business plan, developed a product over one or two years, and hoped they could sell it. Today, because change is so rapid, flexi-planning is the best practice. This is called pivoting, which is evaluating and changing strategies and tactics every three months as necessary.
By Mark Sheffield, Principal
When the Sarbanes-Oxley Act was passed in 2002, large public companies were forced to implement and document formal internal controls. Large companies had to think more about risk and how to strengthen business oversight. Small companies have risk too. Perhaps relatively more risk, because they don’t have the controls the larger companies now have in place. What can small business learn from large business to reduce risk? Here are five processes big companies have that small businesses should also implement.
By: Mark Sheffield, Principal
It’s not business as usual in 2015. Best practices for an emerging business to succeed have changed. Today’s keys to success are different, even compared to five or ten years ago. That’s because the playing field has completely changed. The business environment has utterly transformed. Here are five ways the system has changed:
