What is “Small” Business?

In addition to how a business is organized legally, size is also a way to classifying businesses. A small business is generally defined as any independently owned business with fewer than 500 employees that is not dominant in its industry. The Small Business Administration (SBA) is responsible for issuing the specific criteria that render a business a small business. These criteria vary widely by industry. As recently as 2010, in an effort to make more businesses eligible for SBA loan assistance programs and to encourage economic growth and job creation, the SBA issued sweeping changes to the rules governing small businesses.For example, a car dealership is defined as a small business if it has 200 or fewer employees, whereas many manufacturing operations and other businesses can have up to 500 employees and still be considered small. Most experts use 500 or fewer employees as a general rule for defining small businesses. The definition of a small business is not limited to the numbe r of employees, however. The designation as a small business may be imposed based on overall annual sales. For example, hotels, which operate within the service industry, can earn $30 million annually and still be considered small businesses.Other services, such as industrial launderers, can earn $35. 5 million and still be considered small businesses. For example, a car dealership is defined as a small business if it has 200 or fewer employees, whereas many manufacturing operations and other businesses can have up to 500 employees and still be considered small. Most experts use 500 or fewer employees as a general rule for defining small businesses. The definition of a small business is not limited to the number of employees, however. The designation as a small business may be imposed based on overall annual sales.For example, hotels, which operate within the service industry, can earn $30 million annually and still be considered small businesses. Other services, such as industrial launderers, can earn $35. 5 million and still be considered small businesses. Why Is Small Business Important in the U. S. Economy? According to the SBA, small businesses are of critical importance to the U. S. economy in a number of ways, including the following:†¢Small businesses make up nearly 99. 7 percent of all employers in the United States.†¢Outside of farming, small businesses create more than 50 percent of the U. S. gross domestic product and employ more than 50 percent of U. S. private sector workers. †¢Small businesses tend to be highly innovative, thus accounting for nearly 14 times more patents than large corporations that produce patents. In other words, some of the greatest innovations have been started by small businesses. Consider that modern advances, such as the automatic transmission, FM radios, insulin, and penicillin all began with small businesses.†¢Small businesses tend to be spread out throughout the United States, bringing employment, p roducts, and services to nearly every community in the country. In other words, small businesses are not confined to large cities but also serve small towns and rural communities. †¢Small businesses account for nearly 97 percent of U. S. exports and provide 31 percent of the value of those exports. †¢Small businesses are often owned and operated by women and minorities, which has opened the door for many minority groups to participate and invest in the U. S. economy.Minorities and women own more than 4 million and nearly 6. 5 million small businesses, respectively. †¢Small businesses create more than 65 percent of all new jobs in the United States. Despite these tremendous advantages, there are also disadvantages to small business. These businesses, especially new ones, face the risk of failure due to capital limitations. In many cases, small businesses have limited scope and do not necessarily grow into large corporations. Similarly, their owners may achieve limited personal success and wealth and often do not have access to an endless source of capital.Like larger businesses, small businesses can be organized in a variety of ways. In choosing a business form, it is important to weigh the advantages and disadvantages of the available forms. Limited Partnerships The limited partnership alters the structure of the general partnership by introducing a new class of partner, the limited partner. General partners manage and operate the limited partnership and are subject to unlimited personal liability for partnership obligations.Limited partners enjoy limited liability for partnership obligations but have no right to exert meaningful control over day-to-day operations of the business. Formation of a limited partnership requires the filing of a Certificate of Limited Partnership. While a limited partnership may be formed without a written limited partnership agreement,absence of a written agreement may support the inference that the partnership is, i n fact, a general partnership. Thus, imposing unlimited liability upon all partners. Limited Liability PartnershipsIn a general partnership, each partner incurs unlimited liability for partnership obligations. In multi-state partnerships with thousands of partners, there is a significant chance that partners might face financial ruin due to the conduct of a single partner with whom they have never worked and never met. The Limited Liability Partnership, or LLP, sometimes known as a Registered Limited Liability Partnership, or RLLP, was designed to rectify this problem. Although Limited Liability Partnerships are managed like general partnerships, there are different rules governing the liability of partners.Generally, limited liability partners incur unlimited liability for partnership contracts and debts and limited liability for torts committed by another partner. Most states recognizing the LLP require the partnership to maintain a specified amount of liability insurance to compe nsate victims of torts committed by a partner. Formation of an LLP requires the filing of an application or registration. While a written limited liability partnership agreement is not required by law, it is strongly suggested. Limited Liability CompaniesThe Limited Liability Company, or LLC, is perhaps the most advantageous form for most small businesses and for many larger businesses as well. The LLC combines the limited liability of a corporation with the flexible and informal management of a partnership. Federal law allows LLCs the option of taxation as a partnership or as a corporation. Depending upon state law, an LLC may exist in perpetuity, as do most corporations. A document, typically referred to as Articles of Organization, is filed to create a Limited Liability Company.A written operating agreement may be required depending on state law; where a written operating agreement is not required, statutes will generally establish the rights of members and the method by which th e LLC is to be operated and managed. The SBA offers various incentives and programs to help these small businesses thrive, including the following: †¢Financial assistance in the form of grants and low-interest loans help small ventures stay in business and expand—in fact, the SBA helps coordinate lenders and borrowers in an effort to facilitate the financing needs of small businesses.†¢The SBA disseminates information about national and international contract opportunities within and outside of the government and encourages small businesses to apply for these contracts. †¢Assistance is offered to those starting, planning, and growing small businesses, as are general legal information and compliance reports to owners, including specific counsel to small businesses owned by women and accounting and taxation training to help various types of small businesses succeed.†¢Small businesses and entrepreneurial ventures are vital to every industry sector in the U.S. and global economy. Small businesses tend to be more responsive to changing conditions than larger, less-flexible, organizations. They also create the most new jobs and products in today’s economy. More than 65 percent of all new jobs in the U. S. are created by small businesses. Developing and exploiting a sustainable competitive advantage is an important task for small businesses and entrepreneurial ventures, just like larger organizations. †¢Nearly 40 percent of all small businesses exist within the service industry, accounting for more than 2 million firms.Medical practices, accounting firms, engineering and legal offices, nursing and rehabilitation facilities, and other practices are most largely representative of small businesses in the United States. The second largest small business representation is retail which includes grocery stores, pharmacies, bookstores, jewelers, clothing stores, and more. of ways by facilitating lending, offering training, and so on. Th e SBA is responsible for classifying businesses by their size and their income. Small BusinessA business that is independently owned and operated for profit and is not dominant in its industry.Small businesses and entrepreneurial ventures are vital to every industry sector in the U. S. and global economy. Small businesses tend to be more responsive to changing conditions than larger, less-flexible, organizations. They also create the most new jobs and products in today’s economy. More than 65 percent of all new jobs in the U. S. are created by small businesses. Developing and exploiting a sustainable competitive advantage is an important task for small businesses and entrepreneurial ventures, just like larger organizations.Nearly 40 percent of all small businesses exist within the service industry,  accounting for more than 2 million firms. Medical practices, accounting firms, engineering and legal offices, nursing and rehabilitation facilities, and other practices are most largely representative of small businesses in the United States. The second largest small business representation is retail which includes grocery stores, pharmacies, bookstores, jewelers, clothing stores, and more. Small businesses and entrepreneurial ventures are vital to every industry sector in the U. S. and global economy. Small businesses tend to be more responsive to changing conditions than larger, less-flexible, organizations.They also create the most new jobs and products in today’s economy. More than 65 percent of all new jobs in the U. S. are created by small businesses. Developing and exploiting a sustainable competitive advantage is an important task for small businesses and entrepreneurial ventures, just like larger organizations. Nearly 40 percent of all small businesses exist within the service industry, accounting for more than 2 million firms. Medical practices, accounting firms, engineering and legal offices, nursing and rehabilitation facilities, and oth er practices are most largely representative of small businesses in the United States.The second largest small business representation is retail which includes grocery stores, pharmacies, bookstores, jewelers, clothing stores, and more. Small Business Administration (SBA)Helps small businesses in the United States in a variety of ways by facilitating lending, offering training, and so on. The SBA is responsible for classifying businesses by their size and their income. Small BusinessA business that is independently owned and operated for profit and is not dominant in its industry.

Analyzing SQ3R Process

Associate Level Material Appendix H SQ3R Worksheet Selected reading: p 193 Chapter 7 SurveyDescribe the value of surveying the reading. Surveying the reading is almost like skimming the assignment. In my opinion, it is like the appetizer of the assignment, almost the teaser to the full reading that will be done in the near future. QuestionWhat questions did you ask as you were reading? †¢What are the important points? †¢What are the new vocabulary words? †¢What is the topic and how does the reading pertain to it?ReadHow did surveying and questioning help you read better? I like surveying an assignment before I start really reading it thoroughly. Surveying allows me, in a sense, to whet my appetite for the reading assignment. Plus, surveying and asking questions gives me a chance to highlight key words and passages. ReciteHow did you decide what parts of your reading you needed to recite? For me, I personally recite the words that are highlighted and the words that are in bold type.These are word that I do not know or in some cases, words I need to learn. In my process of studying, these words are the ones I write out and then type to learn them better. ReviewHow often do you plan to review? My process for reviewing occurs pretty frequently. When I was learning medical terms, I had a cd I would listen to in my car while I drove. I also review every evening with vocabulary by using index cards. I find these methods to work the best for me personally.Wrap-up questions: How successful was the SQ3R process in helping you grasp the concepts in the section you selected? Will you use SQ3R in the future as a way to master the content in academic readings? I think the SQ3R method is an excellent way for me to learn. I think it is very similar to the way I already do my studying so I would have no trouble incorporating it into my studies. Not everyone uses these methods, but I definitely find them to be simple for me.

Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar Disorder Essay Bipolar Disorder Essay Bipolar affective disorder has been a mystery since the 16th century. History has shown that this disorder can appear in almost anyone. Even the great painter Vincent Van Gogh is believed to have had bipolar disorder. It is clear that in our society many people live with bipolar disorder; however, despite the amount of people suffering from it, we are still waiting for explanations for the causes and cure. The one fact of which we are aware is that bipolar disorder severely undermines its victims ability to obtain and maintain social and occupational success. Because bipolar disorder has such debilitating symptoms, it is important that we keep looking for explanations of its causes and for more ways to treat this disorder. Bipolar has a large variety of symptoms, divided in two categories. One is the manic episodes, the other is depressive. The depressive episodes are characterized by intense feelings of sadness and despair that can turn into feelings of hopelessness and helplessness. Some of the symptoms of a depressive episode include disturbances in sleep and appetite, loss of energy, feelings of worthlessness, guilt, difficulty thinking, indecision, and reoccurring thoughts of death and suicide. The manic episodes are characterized by elevated or irritable mood, increased energy, decreased need for sleep, poor judgment and insight, and often reckless or irresponsible behavior. These episodes may alternate with profound depressions characterized by a deep sadness, almost inability to move, hopelessness, and disturbances in appetite, sleep, problems with concentrations and driving. Bipolar affective disorder affects approximately one percent of the population (approximately three million people) in the United States. It occurs in both males and females. Bipolar disorder is diagnosed if an episode of mania occurs whether depression has been diagnosed or not. Most commonly, individuals with manic episodes do experience a period of depression. Symptoms include elated, excited, or irritable mood, hyperactivity, pressure of speech, flight of ideas, inflated self-esteem, decreased need for sleep, distractibility, and excessive involvement in reckless activities. As the National Depressive and Manic Depressive Association (MDMDA) has found out in their research, bipolar disorder can create marital and family disruptions, occupational setbacks, and financial disasters. Many times, bipolar patients report that the depressions are longer and increase in frequency as the person ages. Many timess bipolar states and psychotic states are misdiagnosed as schizophrenia. The onset of Bipolar disorder usually occurs between the ages of 20 and 30 years of age, with a second peak in the mid-forties for women. A typical bipolar patient may experience eight to ten episodes in their lifetime. However, those who have rapid cycling may experience more episodes of mania and depression that follow each other without a period of remission. The three stages of mania begin with hypomania, in which patients report that they are energetic, extroverted and assertive. Hypomania progresses into mania and the transition is marked by extreme loss of judgment. Often, euphoric grandiose characteristics are displayed, and paranoid or irritable characteristics begin. The third stage of mania is evident when the patient experiences paranoid delusions. Speech is generally rapid and hyperactive behavior sometimes turns into violence. Sometimes both manic and depressive symptoms occur at the same time. This is called a mixed episode. Those affected are at special risk because there is a combination of hopelessness, agitation, and anxiety that make them feel like they could jump out of their skin. Up to 50% of all patients with mania have a mixture of depressed moods. Patients report feeling dysphoric, depressed, and unhappy; yet, they have the energy associated with mania. Rapid cycling mania is another form of bipolar disorder. Mania may be present with four or more episodes within a 12 month period. Lithium has been the primary treatment of bipolar disorder since its introduction in the 1960s. Its main function is to stabilize the cycling characteristic of bipolar disorder. In four controlled studies by F. K. Goodwin and K. R. Jamison, the overall response rate for bipolar subjects treated with Lithium was 78% (1990). Lithium is also the primary drug used for long- term maintenance of bipolar disorder. .

Ecosystem Toxic Chemical Threat Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words - 1

Ecosystem Toxic Chemical Threat - Essay Example As such, human activities drive the greenhouse gas-mediated environmental effects, and only human activities can prevent the worsening of earth degradation due to these gases. Another reason why greenhouse gases should be discussed is the still ongoing debate on whether greenhouse gases caused global warming and climate change. Apparently, not all people agree that humans caused the apparent changes happening in the environment. In a website called greatglobalwarming.com, articles that disagree with either the increased global temperature or its man-made nature are collated. It discusses that unlike the findings of global warming advocates, polar bears are increasing in number, Himalayan glaciers are not melting, and global warming and climate change are actually inevitable natural occurrences. Some articles in the website even said that the government and environmental organizations only publicize an apparent human-made global warming to get more funding (â€Å"Great Global Warming : News and Truth about Global Warming†). Section Two: Address the vulnerability of the environment - ecosystem to the specific Chemical Threat 1. Is this an acute or chronic environmental threat? Greenhouse gases are chronic environmental threat. ... 2. Is this a systemic or targeted species threat? Since it affects temperature, it influences all life forms, from microorganisms to plants and animals, which exist on a specific range of temperature. This makes greenhouse gases systemic environmental threats. 3. How likely is it that the chemical will be released in sufficient amounts to do serious harm? The naturally-occurring gases contribute to climate change because the mechanisms that regulate their amounts in the atmosphere become less efficient. Although the temperature in earth started increasing since the 1800, the most rapid increase has been observed in the recent decades, most possibly due to human activity (Environmental Protection Agency). In the case of carbon dioxide, it is regulated by the carbon cycle. Despite the production of carbon dioxide by animals, the atmospheric carbon dioxide remained constant at 280 parts per million (ppm) 10, 000 years before the start of the industrial era. However, its increasing level in the atmosphere is partly attributed to industrialization that started 150 years ago, which emit the gas by biogas burning to power the machineries At that time, the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere increased by almost 40% to 389 ppm. Since then, it continuously increases by 1.5 ppm during the 1990s, by 2.0 ppm during 2000s, and currently by 2.3 ppm, due to the increased electricity and transportation use, as well as continuing deforestation. It now causes 64% of global warming (World Meteorological Organization). Methane from landfills, coal mines, oil and gas operations, and agriculture is the second most important greenhouse gas, contributing 18% to total global warming. Similar to carbon dioxide, the industrial era marked the

How do young people from ethnic minorities negotiate their identities Essay

How do young people from ethnic minorities negotiate their identities in relation to their media representations - Essay Example In Richard Dyer’s essay The White Man’s Muscle, he talks about stereotypes that have been enforced connecting as far back as the Greek era, and that now dominate film and television basically promoting the superiority of white masculinity. Body hair is animalistic; hair ­lessness connotes striving above nature. The climax of Gli amori di Ercole has Hercules fighting a giant ape, who has previously behaved in a King Kong-ish way towards Herculess beloved Dejanira, stroking her hair and when she screams making as if to rape her; close-ups contrast Herculess smooth, hairless muscles with the hairy limbs of this racist archetype. (Dyer) Here Dyer points out how the uppermost echelon of masculinity is equated with shaven white muscle, through its very contrast to that of hair apes, who are historically associated with blackness. He acknowledges the racist aspects of this archetype, but also gives notice to the private boys’ club-like tradition that has formed from this prejudice. This same ideal of exclusion is expressed in Gamy Robson’s Millwall Football Club: Masculinity, Race and Belonging in which the author points out how Millwall Football Club is a devout fan base-community that excludes those who aren’t born within it and those of different races. In western culture, muscular bodies are associated with much leisure time, discipline, and affluence. Dyer also makes the Christian connection that a muscular body connotes pointing out the ideal of finding salvation or purity through the experience of pain. He points out that historically body building culture has been an equal opportunity medi um when he says, Bodybuilding as an activity has a relatively good track record in terms of racial equality. From the 1950s on, non-white men - and especially those of African descent - became major figures in bodybuilding competitions. Yet the dominant images of the built body remain

Geologic Hazard Risk Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Geologic Hazard Risk - Research Paper Example The most notable area that is likely to suffer from landslide is on the east side of the slough along lake Washington, Boulevard. Most Geological Investigations to date have focused almost extensively on this area (Elliot et al., 53). Different investigations and aerial photographs document extensive pavement damage in these areas; these evidences can only suggest that Washington is likely to suffer Landslides in the future. Aerial Photographs from 1936 to 2004 indicates significant dredging along the lake Washington shoreline and within the Mercer Slough channel proving the possibility of landslides in the future. The past evidences of landslides in Sherwood Boulevard also provide concrete evidence of potential landslides in the future. For instance, in January 2009, Washington state residents discovered a landslide completely blocking South West Sherwood Boulevard in Washington Park. This landslide was approximately forty cubic yards in length and approximately two feet deep. Actually, the landslide not only covered Sherwood road completely, but also blocked normal rain drainage in the area. Besides landslide, other types of geological hazards that can affect Washington are earthquakes (Lynn, 201). Recently, a small earthquake was reported in Southwest Washington in Wednesday. Though there were not immediate reports of injuries and damages, this earthquake proved that if no action is taken soon, then Southwest Washington might suffer another earthquake in future. According to a geological investigation initiated by the Washington State Department of Transport, there are several potential causes of landslides and earthquakes in Washington (Washington Department of Transportation news release and news report, 133). Different areas such as mercer flow have been subjected to intensive studies and various potential factors for earthquake occurrence have been identified. This investigation found out that the major

Interconnectedness & Complexity Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Interconnectedness & Complexity - Coursework Example Woodrow Wilson (1887) meant that the consideration of politics and administration as separate elements they serve different roles. For instance, politics deals with the laws governing the planning of an area while administration is the execution and maintenance of the plans (Rosenbloom, 2015). Despite the two should be separated, they still interact with the urban planning practices because of the laws and administration. In reality, politics control urban planning to promote the interests of the parties and this should not be used in the administration of the urban centers. The concepts of interconnectedness and complexity compare with the theory posited by Woodrow claiming that the administration is separate from politics through the principles involved when executing the concepts (Rosenbloom, 2015). This implies that the two concepts are separate but must be incorporated to produce the desired outcomes. This is because of the usefulness of the separate variables used to determine the traffic flow and enhance time saving. Woodrow claims that the two should be separated to influence distinctiveness and inclusivity (Levy,