Comment on FR Doc # 2012-17442

From starting and growing a business to managing operations day-to-day, one thing is certain in business – dealing with laws and regulations. Whether you are hiring your first employee, formalizing your business structure, or applying for a license, you’ll encounter a hairball of ever-changing federal, state and local rules and regulations. To help business owners unravel the hairball and get answers, SBA.gov offers a variety of helpful tools and resources. 1. Comply With Universal Business Laws Whatever your business type, size or industry, there are many universal laws and regulations that will apply to you. To help you navigate this landscape, SBA.gov’s Business Law Guide provides an overview of common business laws and regulations that currently impact small business. These include licenses and permit requirements, employment and labor laws, tax regulations, advertising law, finance, intellectual property, workplace health and safety, and data privacy laws. In addition to this general guide, SBA also offers some useful step-by-step guides and tools that can help new business owners, in particular, take the right steps towards compliance: SBA Direct – This interactive and customizable tool gives you quick access to information you need by filtering content from across the SBA.gov website and matching you to business resources, advice and training in your region. 10 Steps to Starting a Business – This includes information on key legal steps that all new business owners need to be aware of as they start up. 5 Steps to Registering your Business – This provides information on incorporation, registering your business name and obtaining a tax ID. Hiring your First Employee – These 10 steps outline what you need to do to ensure you comply with key federal and state regulations when hiring. Business Licenses – All businesses need some form of license or permit to operate legally, even home-based businesses.