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The following businesses filed for Chapter 11 or 7 protection in U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Detroit during the week of March 25-29. Under Chapter 11, a company files a reorganization [...]

Judges named Covenant House Michigan Corp., Girl Scouts of Macomb County-Otsikita Council Inc. and Guest House Inc. as runners-up in the 2001 Crain's Best-Managed Nonprofit Contest. * Detroit-based Covenant House [...]

The following businesses filed for Chapter 7 or 11 protection in U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Detroit the week of Dec. 3-7. Under Chapter 11, a company files a reorganization plan [...]

Buying a franchise is like starting your own business while still working for someone else. Although franchisees own the business, the franchisor owns the product, service and other parts of [...]

Small-business owners can obtain capital in ways other than traditional bank loans. The quickest way is to ask friends and family, said Carol Lopucki, state director of the Michigan Small [...]

* Ask family and friends to invest. * Make sure you have a good business plan that explains your business proposition. * A business counselor can help fine-tune your business [...]

Choosing the right financial institution is one of the most important decisions a business owner will make. However, choosing a lender based on the interest rates it offers may not [...]

A business's office is not only where employees work and information is stored. The look and atmosphere of the workplace also communicate an image to potential customers. Michael Gerard, executive [...]

Advertising and public relations can be an important part of a successful business. Selecting the right ad agency or public-relations firm is not difficult and can be enjoyable if you [...]

* Find a bank with a good reputation for commercial lending. * Make sure you are comfortable working with your potential loan officer. You will be telling this person about [...]

Providing a good employee-benefits package can help reduce employee turnover. Small businesses can stay competitive by creating packages that are comparable to those of competitors and that meet employees' needs. [...]

* Narrow the location to one city, so you don't waste time looking at too many locations. * Allow yourself six to nine months to look for the right spot. [...]

Laying the groundwork for interaction between management and investors in a written document can help prevent future hassles for businesses. A shareholders agreement is the legal document that provides this [...]

* Research the franchising company. * Talk with current and former franchise owners. * Read the franchise agreement with an attorney. * Make sure you feel comfortable with the franchisor. [...]

* Find shareholders who bring industry experience, access to customers or other valuable resources to the table. * Shop for an attorney with whom you feel most comfortable drafting an [...]

An increasingly common way to advertise and to deliver information to the public and employees is through the Internet. However, before small businesses begin designing their Web sites, they should [...]

With many business travelers uneasy in the wake of the September terrorist attacks, travel and conference-related companies are experiencing a slowdown. Meeting planners and others in metro Detroit say they [...]

Event planners increasingly evaluate the entertainment options available when planning a meeting for the corporate crowd. There always is down time during corporate events, so entertainment options are important, said [...]

With a slowing economy, bankruptcy filings for the second quarter of 2001 rose by 28.9 percent in Southeast Michigan compared with the same period last year, well ahead of the [...]

Focuses on the significance of videoconferencing and electronic mail as an alternative to personal meetings in Detroit, Michigan. Consideration of the alternatives in relation to the terrorist attacks; List of events cancelled; Benefits of videoconferencing.

Reports developments related to the business industry in Michigan as of September 2001. Market losses on automotive and telecommunication industry; Business expansion program of Comerica Inc.; Announcement of the initial operation of the Community Bank Mortgage Inc.; Presentation of business promotions and administrative changes.