2025 Business Survival Guide: New Laws You Need to Know
The laws are changing in 2025, and if you're a small business owner in Illinois, you need to be ready! We sat down with small business lawyer Martin Parsons to unpack the key updates and what they mean for you. From the final minimum wage increase to $15/hour, expanded pay stub requirements, and new transparency laws in job postings, we cover everything you need to know to stay compliant and protect your business. We also dove into updates on the Illinois Human Rights Act, including new protections for family responsibilities and reproductive health decisions, as well as the latest on Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) reporting. Since our recording, a federal court has paused BOI reporting requirements, giving businesses a temporary reprieve - but Martin explains why staying prepared is still critical. Whether it's avoiding fines, understanding whistleblower protections, or tackling payroll compliance, this episode is packed with practical advice to keep your business running smoothly in 2025. Don't miss it!
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Small Business Owners, Listen Up: How to Get the Loan You Deserve
Think getting a small business loan is impossible? Think again! In this episode, we're pulling back the curtain on SBA loans - the funding tool every entrepreneur needs to know about. From uncovering the myths to spilling the secrets of how to get approved, we're sitting down with Chris Healy, President of Small Business Lending, to give you the insider knowledge you can't afford to miss. Whether you're dreaming of starting your business or taking it to the next level, this episode is your ultimate roadmap to securing the cash you need to make it happen. Don't skip this one - it could be the game-changer your business has been waiting for!
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The One Thing You're Forgetting for Your Big Event - And It Could Cost You Big!
Planning a big event is exciting - but let's be honest, it's also stressful. You've picked the perfect venue, lined up the vendors, and maybe even splurged on an open bar. But what if everything doesn't go as planned? Imagine a last-minute cancellation, a guest tripping and falling, or an alcohol-related mishap throwing your day into chaos. The good news? There's a way to safeguard your event - and your wallet - from disaster. In this episode, we're sitting down with Debbie Glasco from FSB Insurance to uncover the untold secrets of event insurance, including the one thing you absolutely can't overlook when alcohol is involved. If you're planning an event, you can't afford to miss this!
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Real Talk on Tax Identity Fraud: Expert Advice for Staying Safe
Tax season can be stressful enough without worrying about scams, but tax identity fraud is a growing threat that hits people in ways they might not even expect. In this episode, we're joined by Mary Kay Harris, an independent H&R Block Franchise Owner who's spent 26 years helping people protect their finances. Mary Kay dives into specific tax fraud schemes on the rise, like phishing emails pretending to be from the IRS, fake tax preparers offering refunds that are too good to be true, and social media scams targeting personal information. She'll walk us through how to recognize these red flags, steps to safeguard your data, and what to do if you think you've fallen victim to fraud. This episode is packed with essential advice to keep you and your finances safe this tax season.
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The Power of TIFs: Harrisburg's Development Secret
Ever wonder how places like Harrisburg, Illinois keep moving forward and growing? This week, we're unpacking the magic of TIFs Tax Increment Financing - with two people who know exactly what it takes to make that happen. Mayor John McPeek and finance whiz Alex Jackson break down how TIF funds work, how they're fueling new projects around town, and what that means for the future of Harrisburg. Whether you're a local business owner, a curious resident, or just someone who cares about the community, this is the behind-the-scenes story of how our town invests in itself, and why it matters to all of us.
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