Thought Leadership
August 2020
So You Are (Or You Want to Be) an Owner-Operator – Here are Five Considerations
You are thinking that the time may have come to launch your own trucking business and become an owner-operator. Maybe you have driven for... Read more
August 2020
Manufacturing: How to Continue to Build Resilient Businesses
Last week, Jim Seifert (head of FMJ’s Manufacturing practice) presented on a webinar with Choice Bank‘s, Crystal Hatcher (EVP, Chief Risk Officer). During the... Read more
July 2020
Unmasking the Mask Mandate: What Employers Need to Know to Comply with Executive Order 20-81
After much discussion and contemplation, Governor Walz announced a statewide mask mandate for indoor businesses and public indoor places. Executive Order 20-81 mandates that businesses must... Read more
July 2020
Banks: Your Customer Was Just Notified Their PPP Loan is Being Audited By the SBA – What Do You Do?
You are making your best efforts to familiarize yourself with all of the Paycheck Protection Program requirements. But, the constantly changing guidance issued by... Read more
June 2020
Will Summer 2020 Bring the Resurgence of the Pandemic? COVID-19 Preparedness Plans are Here to Stay
As the country started to open up with the return of restaurants, shopping centers, and gyms, it appeared our lives might start to return... Read more
June 2020
SBA Announces New PPP Forgiveness Application, Including a PPP EZ Forgiveness Application
The U.S. Small Business Administration (“SBA”) and the U.S. Department of Treasury (“Treasury”) announced a borrower-friendly Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”) Forgiveness Application and a... Read more
June 2020
PPP Changes Over the Last Two Weeks, Including Paycheck Protection Program Flexibility Act Signed into Law
Over the last two weeks, the U.S. Small Business Administration (“SBA”) and the U.S. Department of Treasury (“Treasury”) have been busy issuing long sought... Read more
June 2020
PPP Loan Borrowers May Consider Applying for Forgiveness as Soon as Monday, June 8
Three weeks ago, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and the U.S. Department of Treasury released the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan forgiveness application... Read more
May 2020
Waves of the Pandemic: Why Manufacturers Need to Have a Back-Up Plan
COVID-19 has been with us for only 144 days – a little less than 5 months. In that short time, we have had nearly... Read more
May 2020
Gifting Opportunities During an Economic Downturn
While the current COVID-19 environment has depressed stock prices and likely the value of many businesses, there are potential opportunities for those looking to... Read more
May 2020
SBA Releases Paycheck Protection Program Loan Forgiveness Application, Detailed Instructions, and Guidance
Late on Friday, May 15, 2020, more than two weeks after the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES Act) deadline passed, the U.S.... Read more
May 2020
Businesses’ Transition from Stay Home MN to Stay Safe MN: Why COVID-19 Preparedness Plans are Key
On Wednesday night, Governor Walz announced a series of efforts targeted at keeping Minnesotans safe as the economy gradually reopens for business. That same... Read more
May 2020
SBA Issues Guidance to Further Clarify the Audit Process for PPP Loans and Creates New Safe Harbor
On May 13, 2020, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) issued guidance that further clarified the audit process for Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans... Read more
May 2020
COVID-19 Stimulus Checks: How to Return if the IRS Sent a Stimulus Check to a Deceased Individual
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act provided for cash rebates to certain qualifying Americans. The IRS started sending out stimulus checks in... Read more
May 2020
Department of Treasury PPP Loan Audits: How to Ensure Your Businesses’ Loan Application Certification Was In Good Faith
UPDATE: Since this original article was published, the SBA has issued an extension for the repayment date of safe harbor from May 7, 2020... Read more