Author: Laura

Starting an e‑commerce business

Posted on | by Laura

Starting an e‑commerce business has never been more accessible. Whether you want to sell handmade products, digital downloads, or curated goods, online selling allows you to reach customers far beyond your local community—often with low startup costs. This guide walks you through the foundational steps to start an e‑commerce business with clarity and confidence.

Starting an e‑commerce business is a journey, not a sprint. There will be learning curves, adjustments, and moments of doubt—but with the right foundation, your online business can become a meaningful and profitable venture. Start small, stay organized, and take one step at a time. Every successful online seller once started exactly where you are now.

“Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established.” — Proverbs 16:3

1. Start With the Right Business Idea

Every successful e‑commerce business begins with a clear idea. Ask yourself:

Is this a product people already buy online?

What problem does my product solve?

Who is my ideal customer?

Choose a product that aligns with your skills, interests, and long‑term goals. Passion matters—but so does demand.

My Personal Journey:
Selling online is my success story which started in the early days of the Internet ! My personal journey in online sales serves as a testament to the unlimited money making possibilities of selling online. When my husband and I started selling online , we capitalized on his passion for woodworking and my knowledge of the Internet.

Combining my husband’s passion for woodworking with my knowledge of how to make money online , we ventured into offering unique, handcrafted wooden products. Our business took off quickly and easily turned into a full time career . A couple of our products was featured on prominent TV shows like the Martha Stewart Show and Extreme Home Makeover. I accredit my online success to having learned SEO early in my Internet career!

2. Choose Your Selling Platform

Your e‑commerce platform is your online storefront. Common options include:

  • Etsy – Ideal for handmade, vintage, and digital products
  • Shopify – A powerful all‑in‑one platform for scaling businesses
  • WooCommerce (WordPress) – Flexible and budget‑friendly for those comfortable with WordPress
  • Amazon – Massive reach, but more competition and fees

When choosing a platform, consider ease of use, monthly costs, transaction fees, and how much control you want over branding.

3. Handle the Business Basics Early

Before making your first sale, take care of the essentials:

a. Choose a business name

Choose a business name that is simple, memorable, and reflects your brand identity while being easy to spell and pronounce. Ensure the name is legally available by checking trademarks, the Secretary of State, and securing the domain name and social media handles. Avoid limiting names that could restrict future growth.

b. Decide on a legal structure
A business structure refers to the legal framework within which a company operates. Common structures include sole proprietorships, partnerships, corporations, and limited liability companies (LLCs). Each structure has unique implications for liability, taxes, and regulatory requirements.
Choosing the right business structure is essential as it affects your legal liability, taxation, and operational flexibility. It also influences how much paperwork you need to file and the personal assets you may be putting at risk. You need to decide whether you’ll operate as a sole proprietorship, partnership, LLC, or corporation.

A common business structure is sole proprietorship. A sole proprietorship is a type of business owned and operated by a single individual. It is the simplest and most common form of business structure. It’s easy to form because it requires minimal legal formalities, no complex paperwork, and typically involves just registering the business name and obtaining any necessary licenses. The owner has full control and receives all profits, but also bears unlimited personal liability for debts and obligations.

c. Business Licenses and Permits: Check local, state, and federal requirements to ensure your business is legally compliant.

d. Taxes: Register for state and federal taxes. Understand sales tax obligations, especially if selling across state lines or internationally.

e. Consumer Protection Laws: Be aware of laws regulating advertising, shipping, and return policies.

f. Privacy Policies: Implement a privacy policy to protect customer data and comply with regulations like GDPR or CCPA.

4. Set Up Simple Bookkeeping From the Start

One of the biggest mistakes new sellers make is ignoring bookkeeping until tax time. Even a small e‑commerce business needs a system to track.

  • Sales income
  • Platform fees
  • Payment processing fees
  • Shipping costs
  • Supplies and inventory

Open a separate business bank account. Keeping business and personal finances separate from day one makes bookkeeping, taxes, and growth much easier later. You don’t need expensive software to get started. Free tools like GnuCash or well‑organized spreadsheets can help you stay compliant and confident. Clean books help you understand whether your business is actually profitable.

5. Create Product Listings That Convert

Your product listings do the selling for you. Focus on:

  • Clear, well‑lit photos
  • Benefit‑focused descriptions
  • Honest pricing that covers costs and profit
  • Keywords your customers are searching for

Think like your customer. What questions would you ask before buying this product?

6. Market With Purpose

Marketing doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Start with one or two methods:

  • Social media (Pinterest, Instagram, Facebook)
  • Email marketing
  • Search engine optimization (SEO)
  • Content marketing (blogs, tutorials, videos)

Consistency matters more than perfection. Choose platforms you enjoy and can realistically maintain.

7. Grow at a Sustainable Pace

As your store grows, reinvest wisely:

  • Improve your product photos
  • Streamline shipping and fulfillment
  • Outsource tasks when possible
  • Upgrade systems only when needed

Growth is not about rushing—it’s about building something that lasts.

Popular Selling Etsy Products

Posted on | by Laura

The profitability of products on Etsy can vary based on trends, consumer preferences, and the uniqueness of your offerings. Keep in mind that success on Etsy often depends on finding a niche or creating unique, high-quality products. Here are some general categories and types of products that have been popular on Etsy:

  1. Handmade Jewelry:
    • Customized and personalized pieces tend to do well.
    • Unique designs and high-quality materials can set your products apart.
  2. Printables:
    • Digital downloads such as planners, wall art, and organizational tools.
  3. Personalized Items:
    • Customized items like personalized mugs, T-shirts, and home decor.
    • Monogrammed or custom-designed products can attract buyers.
  4. Home Decor:
    • Handmade or vintage home decor items.
    • Items like handmade candles, throw pillows, or unique wall art.
  5. Wedding and Party Supplies:
    • Handmade wedding invitations, party favors, and decorations.
    • Niche items for specific themes or styles.
  6. Craft Supplies:
    • Unique and hard-to-find craft supplies.
    • Materials for popular DIY projects.
  7. Vintage Items:
    • Unique vintage finds and collectibles.
    • Retro clothing, accessories, or home decor.
  8. Natural and Organic Products:
    • Handmade skincare products, organic candles, and bath bombs.
    • Increasing demand for eco-friendly and natural products.
  9. Pet Accessories:
    • Handmade pet collars, toys, and accessories.
    • Unique and personalized items for pets.
  10. Digital Art and Illustrations:
    • High-quality digital art downloads.
    • Unique illustrations and designs for various purposes.

Planners

Planners are popular and profitable, the popularity and profitability of planners can depend on current trends, target demographics, and unique features. Certain types of planners have been popular on Etsy and in the market in general. Keep in mind that trends can change, so it’s essential to stay updated.

Here are some popular and potentially profitable types of planners:

  1. Customizable Planners:
    • Planners that allow buyers to personalize covers, layouts, and sections.
    • Customization options for names, colors, or even additional pages.
  2. Productivity Planners:
    • Planners designed to enhance productivity and time management.
    • Goal-setting features, habit trackers, and priority lists.
  3. Minimalist Planners:
    • Clean and simple designs with a minimalist aesthetic.
    • Focus on functionality and a streamlined approach to planning.
  4. Fitness and Wellness Planners:
    • Planners designed for tracking fitness goals, meal planning, and overall well-being.
    • Sections for workouts, nutrition, and self-care.
  5. Financial Planners:
    • Planners that help users manage their budgets, expenses, and financial goals.
    • Trackers for savings, debt repayment, and financial milestones.
  6. Travel Planners:
    • Planners specifically for organizing travel plans and itineraries.
    • Sections for packing lists, travel budgets, and sightseeing plans.
  7. Wedding Planners:
    • Planners catering to engaged couples planning their weddings.
    • Sections for budgeting, guest lists, vendor contacts, and timelines.
  8. Homeschool Planners:
    • Planners designed for homeschooling families.
    • Sections for lesson plans, attendance tracking, and educational goals.
  9. Bullet Journals and Dot Grid Planners:
    • Customizable planners with dot grids for creative journaling.
    • Popular among those who enjoy artistic and detailed planning.
  10. Seasonal or Themed Planners:
    • Planners with designs specific to seasons, holidays, or special occasions.
    • Limited edition or holiday-themed planners can attract seasonal buyers.

When creating planners for sale, consider the quality of materials, the layout’s user-friendliness, and any unique features that set your planners apart from others on the market. Additionally, pay attention to customer reviews and feedback to continuously improve your products. Keep in mind that staying abreast of current trends and incorporating them into your designs can contribute to the profitability of your planner products.

Financial planners are most popular

Financial planners come in various types, and their popularity often depends on the needs and preferences of the users. The popularity of a financial planner can also be influenced by trends in personal finance and productivity. Here are some types of financial planners that have been popular:

  1. Goal-Oriented Financial Planners:
    • Planners that help users set and track financial goals, such as saving for a vacation, buying a home, or retirement.
    • Sections for budgeting, expense tracking, and savings goals.
  2. Budgeting Planners:
    • Planners focused on day-to-day budgeting, expense management, and income tracking.
    • Categories for fixed and variable expenses, as well as savings allocations.
  3. Debt Repayment Planners:
    • Planners designed to help users pay off debts systematically.
    • Strategies for debt snowball or debt avalanche methods.
  4. Investment and Retirement Planners:
    • Planners that assist with investment tracking, retirement planning, and portfolio management.
    • Tools for calculating retirement savings goals and investment performance.
  5. Expense Tracker Apps:
    • Digital planners or apps that allow users to track expenses, set budgets, and analyze spending patterns.
    • Integration with bank accounts and credit cards for automatic expense tracking.
  6. Cash Envelope Systems:
    • Physical or digital systems that simulate the cash envelope method for budgeting.
    • Allocated envelopes for different spending categories.
  7. Personal Finance Journals:
    • Journals that combine financial planning with journaling.
    • Space for reflection on financial habits and goals.
  8. Financial Fitness Planners:
    • Planners that focus on overall financial well-being, including budgeting, saving, investing, and improving financial habits.
    • Sections for tracking net worth and financial milestones.
  9. Business and Entrepreneurial Planners:
    • Planners designed for small business owners and entrepreneurs.
    • Sections for business expenses, income tracking, and goal setting.
  10. Family Finance Planners:
    • Planners that cater to families, addressing joint budgeting, savings for children’s education, and family financial goals.

Keep in mind that trends in personal finance and planning may evolve, and new types of financial planners may gain popularity. It’s crucial to stay informed about current financial management practices and incorporate relevant features into your financial planner products. Additionally, user-friendly interfaces, clear goal-setting capabilities, and customization options can contribute to the popularity of financial planners.

Before deciding on a product, it’s essential to research and stay updated on current trends. Additionally, consider your own skills, interests, and resources to create a product that you can passionately market. Keep an eye on Etsy’s own resources and guides for sellers, as they provide valuable insights into what works best on the platform. Remember that customer service, high-quality photos, and effective SEO optimization are crucial for success on Etsy.

Starting A Blogging Business

Posted on | by Laura

Blogging is a trend on the Internet that has become extremely popular and can be very profitable! Every business owner should be Blogging, Blogging is an excellent way to establish yourself as a leader in your niche, increase brand awareness, gain new clients and strengthen relationships with existing ones.

What is a Blog?
The word blog is derived from the combination of the two words web and log. The subject of a blog can range from personal diaries to music personal hobbies to consumer product reviews to tips & tricks on everyday-life topics like saving money or parenting …where users post thoughts and comments.
People all over the world write on a variety of topics. Basically, anyone can easily share their knowledge on the Web. Updates are often frequent and done on a regular basis.

What Is A Niche Blog?
A Niche blog is a site that focuses on specific information.  An often-used technique is to create an Internet-based niche segment of larger markets. Niche blogs can be developed and promoted quickly to uniquely serve a targeted customer base.

For example, starting a craft blog can be a fantastic idea for several reasons, many craft bloggers find fulfillment in sharing their knowledge and expertise with others, helping them learn new skills and discover the joy of crafting. The sense of community and connection that comes from interacting with readers can be incredibly rewarding.

A craft blog can serve as an online portfolio of your work. You can share your projects, tutorials, and techniques with a global audience, establishing yourself as an expert in your craft niche. This can be particularly beneficial if you’re looking to attract clients for custom commissions, freelance work, or collaborations with brands.

You also have the freedom to express your creativity and pursue your passions on your own terms. Overall, a craft blog can be a valuable platform for turning your passion into a profitable full time business venture.

Example Of Starting A Craft Blog:

Choose Your Niche:
Decide what type of “Craft Niche” you want to focus on for your blog. Consider your interests, expertise, and what you think will resonate with your target audience. You could specialize in a specific craft, such as knitting, sewing, woodworking, jewelry making or paper crafting, or explore a variety of crafts.

The Niche Blog Tips:
1-The Niche based site you create should stand out from the crowd.

2- It should be something you have extensive knowledge of and are passionate about.

3-It should offer something that no other site is currently offering or the same thing that a popular craft site does but in a more impressive or valuable way.

Choose a Blogging Platform: Select a platform to host your blog. Some popular options include:

  • WordPress: A versatile and customizable platform that powers a significant portion of the internet. You can choose between WordPress.com (hosted) or WordPress.org (self-hosted).

Pick a Domain Name:
Choose a domain name for your blog that reflects your brand and is easy to remember. Ideally, it should be related to crafting and available as a .com domain. You can use domain name registration service to check availability and purchase your domain.

Set Up Your Blog:
Sign up for your chosen blogging platform and follow the instructions to set up your blog. Customize your blog’s design and layout to reflect your style and branding. Choose a clean and user-friendly design that makes it easy for visitors to navigate your site and discover your content.
One way to discover an ideal model for your blogging web site is to look at the sites that have successfully captured a blogging audience already,  to determine if you can appropriate some of their strategies to help realize your vision. Of course, you will also need to add a unique flair to your project in order to stand apart from your competition.  

Create Compelling Content:
Start creating content for your blog. Write blog posts that showcase your craft projects, share tutorials, tips, and inspiration, and provide valuable information to your readers. Use high-quality images and multimedia (such as videos) to enhance your posts and engage your audience.

Engage with Your Audience:
Encourage interaction and engagement on your blog by responding to comments, asking questions, and inviting feedback from your readers. Foster a sense of community by encouraging readers to share their own craft projects and experiences.

Attract a Targeted Audience: 

People interested in crafting often search online for inspiration, tutorials, and tips. By publishing valuable and engaging content on your craft blog, you can attract a targeted audience of craft enthusiasts who are interested in what you have to offer.

Optimize for SEO:
Optimize your blog for search engines to improve its visibility and attract organic traffic. Use relevant keywords in your blog post titles, headings, and content, and optimize your meta tags and descriptions. Regularly publish high-quality content and build backlinks from reputable websites to improve your blog’s search engine rankings.

Promote Your Blog:
Share your blog posts on social media platforms like Instagram, Pinterest, Facebook, and Twitter to attract visitors to your blog. Join online communities and forums related to crafting to share your content and connect with like-minded individuals. Network with other craft bloggers and consider guest posting on established blogs to reach a wider audience.

Audience Engagement:
Credibility and authority help you build a loyal audience that actively engages with your content. Engaged readers are more likely to interact with your blog, share your content with others, and participate in discussions, which can increase traffic and attract potential customers.

Partnerships and Collaborations:
Brands and businesses are more inclined to collaborate with bloggers who have established authority and credibility in their niche. They see value in partnering with influencers who can authentically promote their products or services to a targeted and engaged audience.

Monetization Opportunities:

Establishing authority and credibility in your niche is essential for making money with your blog for several reasons:
Consistently sharing high-quality content on your craft blog can help you establish authority and credibility in your niche. As your blog gains traction and followers, you’ll become a trusted source of information and inspiration within your community. 

When you’re recognized as an authority in your niche, your audience trusts your expertise and opinions. They’re more likely to value your recommendations and be receptive to the products or services you promote on your blog.

As an authority in your niche, you have various monetization opportunities available to you.
This could include display advertising (using ad networks like Google AdSense), affiliate marketing (promoting Other Businesses products and earning a commission on sales), sponsored content (collaborating with brands), brands are willing to pay a premium to reach your audience because they trust your recommendations and expertise. You could also sell your own digital products including eBooks, offer premium content or courses, offer consulting or coaching services, and more.

Higher Conversion Rates:
Credibility and authority can lead to higher conversion rates for your monetization efforts. When you recommend products or services that align with your audience’s interests and needs, they’re more likely to convert into paying customers. Your reputation as an authority gives your recommendations added weight and persuasiveness.

Long-Term Success:
Building authority and credibility in your niche is an investment in the long-term success of your blog. It sets you apart from competitors, establishes your blog as a go-to resource for valuable content, and positions you as a trusted voice in your industry. This can lead to sustained growth, increased opportunities, and greater earning potential over time.

Overall, establishing authority and credibility in your niche is crucial for building a successful and profitable blog. It lays the foundation for trust, engagement, partnerships, and monetization opportunities that can help you achieve your blogging goals and generate income.

Track Your Progress:
Use analytics tools like Google Analytics to track your blog’s performance and understand your audience’s behavior. Monitor metrics like traffic, engagement, and conversion rates to identify what’s working well and where you can improve. Use this data to refine your content strategy and grow your blog over time.

By following these steps and staying consistent with your blogging efforts, you can start a successful crafting Blog Business.

Read more: Starting A Blogging Business

Start A Youtube Channel

Posted on | by Laura

Starting a YouTube channel can be a fun and rewarding endeavor for several reasons. However, it’s important to note that building a profitable YouTube channel takes time, effort, and consistency. YouTube has billions of users worldwide, offering a massive potential audience for your content. With the right marketing strategies and quality content, you can attract viewers interested in your niche from all around the globe.

Monetization Opportunities:
Once you meet YouTube’s eligibility requirements (generally 1,000 subscribers and 4,000 watch hours in the past 12 months), you can apply to monetize your channel through the YouTube Partner Program. This allows you to earn money through ads displayed on your videos.
In addition to ad revenue, you can generate income through other means on your YouTube channel, such as sponsored content, affiliate marketing, merchandise sales, and crowdfunding platforms like Patreon.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get started:

1. Plan Your Content
It’s essential to focus on creating high-quality, engaging content that sets your channel apart. Identify Your Target Audience: Understand who your viewers will be and what type of content they enjoy.

Define Your Niche: Choose a topic you’re passionate about and that has a potential audience. This could be anything from cooking, fitness, and beauty to tech reviews, gaming, or educational content.

Posting tutorials and DIY projects often have long-term appeal, as people continue to search for inspiration and instructions for various topics over time. Once you publish a video, it can continue to generate views and revenue for months or even years to come.

2. Set Up Your Channel

  • Create a Google Account: You’ll need a Google account to sign in to YouTube.
  • Create Your Channel: Go to YouTube, click on your profile icon, and select “Create a channel.” Follow the prompts to set up your new channel.
  • Channel Name and Branding: Choose a memorable channel name and create a logo and banner that reflect your brand. Consistent branding helps build recognition.

    A successful YouTube channel can help you build a personal brand and establish yourself as an authority in your niche. You can engage with your audience through comments, live streams, and social media, fostering a sense of community around your channel.

3. Equipment and Software

  • Camera: A good camera is essential for high-quality videos. You can start with a smartphone camera or invest in a DSLR.
  • Microphone: Clear audio is crucial. Consider getting an external microphone for better sound quality.
  • Lighting: Good lighting makes a big difference. Natural light or affordable ring lights can improve video quality.
  • Editing Software: Use video editing software like Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro, or free options like DaVinci Resolve or iMovie to edit your videos.

4. Content Creation

  • Script and Plan: Plan your videos ahead of time. Create scripts or outlines to keep your content organized and engaging.
  • Shoot Your Videos: Record your content, paying attention to framing, lighting, and audio quality.
  • Edit Your Videos: Edit to remove any mistakes, add transitions, music, and other elements to make your video more engaging.

5. Upload and Optimize

  • Upload Videos: Click on the “Upload” button on YouTube, choose your video file, and follow the prompts to upload.
  • Title and Description: Write a catchy title and detailed description with relevant keywords to help your videos rank in search results.
  • Tags and Thumbnails: Use tags to help YouTube understand what your video is about. Create custom thumbnails to attract viewers’ attention.

6. Promote Your Channel

  • Social Media: Share your videos on social media platforms to reach a broader audience.
  • Engage with Viewers: Respond to comments, ask for feedback, and engage with your community to build a loyal following.

    Opportunities for Collaboration:
    Partner with other YouTubers to reach new audiences and grow your channel. As your channel grows, you may have opportunities to collaborate with other creators, brands, and businesses in your industry. Collaborations can help you reach new audiences and create additional revenue streams through sponsored content and joint projects.

7. Monitor and Improve

  • Analytics: Use YouTube Analytics to track your performance, understand viewer behavior, and identify what’s working.
  • Consistent Posting: Upload regularly to keep your audience engaged. Consistency helps build your channel over time.
  • Learn and Adapt: Stay updated on YouTube trends, algorithm changes, and best practices. Continuously improve your content based on feedback and analytics.

Starting a YouTube channel takes time and effort, but with dedication and creativity, you can build a successful and rewarding presence on the platform.

Diversification of Income:
By diversifying your income streams (e.g., ad revenue, sponsored content, merchandise sales), you can reduce reliance on any single source of income and increase your overall profitability.

Tips For Selling Your Handmade Products Online

Posted on | by Laura

Selling your handmade crafts online can be an exciting venture. Here are some simple tips to get your started:

  1. Choose Your Platform: Decide where you want to sell your handmade crafts. Some popular options include:
    • Etsy: A marketplace specifically for handmade, vintage, and unique goods.
    • Amazon Handmade: A section of Amazon dedicated to handmade products.
    • eBay: An online auction and shopping website where you can sell a variety of items, including handmade crafts.
    • Your Own Website: Create your own e-commerce website, you can use platforms like WooCommerce (a WordPress plugin).
    • Social Media: Use platforms like Instagram, Facebook, or Pinterest to showcase and sell your crafts directly to your audience.

2. Research and Plan:
Take some time to research your chosen platform(s) and understand their fees, policies, and audience demographics. Develop a business plan outlining your goals, target market, pricing strategy, and marketing approach.

3. Create High-Quality Products:
Ensure that your handmade crafts are of high quality and meet the expectations of your target customers. Pay attention to craftsmanship, materials used, and overall presentation.

4. Photography and Descriptions:
Take clear, well-lit photographs of your products from multiple angles. Write detailed and engaging product descriptions that highlight the features, dimensions, materials, and any special characteristics of your crafts.

5. Set Up Your Shop:
Create a seller account on your chosen platform(s) and set up your online shop. Customize your shop with a memorable name, logo, banner, and branding elements that reflect your style .

6. List Your Products:
Upload your product photos and descriptions to your online shop. Be sure to accurately categorize and tag your listings to make them easy to find for potential customers.

7. Price Your Products:
Determine your pricing strategy, taking into account factors such as materials, labor, overhead costs, and desired profit margin. Research similar products on the platform to ensure that your prices are competitive.

8. Set Up Payment and Shipping:
Set up payment processing and shipping options for your customers. Decide which payment methods you’ll accept (e.g., credit/debit cards, PayPal) and establish shipping rates and policies (e.g., domestic/international shipping, shipping carriers, packaging).

9. Promote Your Shop:
Market your online shop to attract potential customers. Use social media, email marketing, blogging, and search engine optimization (SEO) to drive traffic to your shop. Engage with your audience, participate in online communities, and collaborate with influencers or bloggers in your niche.

10. Provide Excellent Customer Service:
Offer exceptional customer service to build trust and loyalty with your customers. Respond promptly to inquiries, address any concerns or issues promptly, and provide a positive shopping experience from start to finish.

11. Monitor and Adapt:
Track your sales, customer feedback, and marketing efforts to identify what’s working well and where you can improve. Continuously adapt and refine your strategies to grow your online craft business over time.

By following these steps and staying committed to your craft business, you can start selling your handmade crafts online and turn your passion into a successful venture.

How to Incorporate a Nonprofit?

Posted on | by Laura

To Incorporate a Nonprofit You Need to Do The Following:

–Choose a business name:
Check the state-by-state information on the various laws that apply to name a nonprofit in your state.

–Appoint a Board of Directors:
Draft your bylaws with guidance from your Board of Directors. These are the operating rules for your nonprofit.

–Decide on a legal structure:
Choose whether your organization will be a:

Corporation:
In general, a corporation is formed under state law by the filing of articles of incorporation with the state. The state must generally date-stamp the articles before they are effective. You may wish to consult the law of the state in which the organization is incorporated. Note that for a corporation to qualify under section 501(c)(3) of the Code, its charter or articles of incorporation must contain certain language. Publication 557 contains suggested language.

Association:
In general, an association is a group of persons banded together for a specific purpose. To qualify under section 501(a) of the Code, the association must have a written document, such as articles of association, showing its creation. At least two persons must sign the document, which must be dated. The definition of an association can vary under state law. You may wish to consult the law of the state in which the organization is organized. Note that for an association to qualify under section 501(c)(3) of the Code, its articles of association must contain certain language. Publication 557 contains suggested language.

–File your incorporation paperwork:
You must next file formal paperwork or articles of incorporation, and pay a small filing fee to your state. State law may require charitable organizations to register and file periodic reports.

–Apply for tax-exempt status:
A nonprofit organization may be eligible for exemption from federal income tax to determine your eligibility you must Apply for Section 501(c)(3) Status.  

–Obtain necessary licenses and permits:
Check with your state, federal and local authorities for the nonprofit licenses and permits needed to comply with federal, state, and local rules?

free bowling tickets

Free Summer Bowling Tickets for Kids

Posted on | by Laura

“Free Summer Bowling Tickets for Kids” is aimed at providing children with opportunities for recreational activities during the summer months. Bowling alleys offer complimentary or discounted bowling tickets specifically for kids during this time. It is designed to encourage families to engage in physical activity together and provide children with a fun and social outlet during their break from school.

Kids Receive 2 FREE GAMES Of Bowling Each Day Of The Kids Bowl Free Program All Summer Long! More than 800 bowling centers participate in the program from coast to coast for children 15 and under.

Children whose age does not exceed a limit by a participating bowling center are eligible to register for 2 free games each day of the Kids Bowl Free program, all summer long, courtesy of the participating bowling centers along with the schools and organizations.

The program is designed by bowling centers to give back to the community and provide a safe, secure, and fun way for kids to spend time in the summer

Parents do not have to buy the optional family pass to participate. But, they do offer a great deal if you do want to bowl with your kids but it’s not required. Each center is different. Some even offer an unlimited shoe rental pass for the summer.

For more information and to find participating centers, near you. visit kids bowl free at Visit their Website

Benefits and Responsibilities Of 501(c)3 Tax Exemption

Posted on | by Laura

Before you can be sure that tax-exempt status is right for you, you’ll need to understand some of the benefits and responsibilities that come with tax-exemption, the steps required to become tax-exempt, and the rules your organization must follow after you apply.

You must admit there are a lot of financial benefits to applying for tax exempt:

-exemption from federal income tax

-contributions to your organization are tax-deductible

-you may be exempt from paying state income, sales, and employment taxes.

-you have access to reduced postal rates

-you are exempt from paying federal unemployment tax, and

-you can receive tax-exempt financing.

-With all these great benefits, comes great responsibilities.

Responsibilities

Responsibilities include recordkeeping, certain annual filing requirements, and disclosure requirements.

Record-keeping
• Keep detailed record-keeping
o Financial
o Non-financial

You should keep detailed records, including records you’d probably want to keep for any business. For example, you’re required to keep books and records detailing all activities, both financial and non-financial.

Annual Filings can include
• Form 990
• Form 990-EZ
• Form 990-N (Post Card)

The IRS doesn’t need to see all of your records on a regular basis. But the records you keep will allow you to have everything you may need to submit your required annual filings.

Most public charities recognized as tax-exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the Code are required to file an annual information return: either Form 990 or Form 990-EZ.

Certain categories of organizations are exempted from filing Form 990 or Form 990-EZ – including churches and very small organizations. However, most small organizations that aren’t required to file Form 990 or 990-EZ must file an annual electronic notice, the Form 990-N, also known as the e-Postcard.

Public Disclosures

There are specific records that need to be made public upon request. Section 501(c)(3) organizations must make their exemption application and the three most recent annual information returns (your Form 990s) available to the public, upon request and without charge (except for a reasonable charge for copying). If your organization has $1,000 or more in gross income from an unrelated business, it must file Form 990-T,
Exempt Organization Business Income Tax Return, and that must be made available as well.

You should make the documents available at the organization’s principal office during regular business hours and requests can be made in person or in writing

Free Opensource Software Commercial Alternatives In 2024

Posted on | by Laura
1. LibreOffice An Alternative to Microsoft Office

LibreOffice is a powerful office suite – its clean interface and feature-rich tools help you unleash your creativity and enhance your productivity. LibreOffice includes several applications that make it the most powerful Free and Open Source office suite on the market:

LibreOffice free office suite that can be used for a variety of tasks, including: 
  • Word processing: Use the Writer tool to create documents like letters, faxes, agendas, and minutes. Writer includes features like AutoComplete, which suggests words and phrases based on what you’ve typed. 
  • Spreadsheets: Use the Calc tool to create spreadsheets and perform calculations. Calc includes DataPilot technology, which allows you to import raw data from databases and convert it into meaningful information. 
  • Presentations: Use the Impress tool to create presentations. 
  • Vector graphics: Use the Draw tool to create vector graphics and flowcharts.
  • Databases: Use the Base tool to create databases, tables, queries, forms, and reports. Base includes a relational database engine and support for dBase flat files. 
  • Formula editing: Use the Math tool to edit math formulas. 
  • Edit PDFs: Open PDF files in LibreOffice and edit the text line by line.
LibreOffice is compatible with Microsoft Office (365) and is backed by a non-profit organization.

2. Inkscape Alternative to Adobe Illustrator

Inkscape is open-source vector software, intended to serve as a replacement for Adobe Illustrator, CorelDraw, or Xara X. The program uses the Scalable Vector Graphics (SVG) format for files. It serves as a formidable replacement for more complex and expensive program suites and supports some of the more advanced features of SVG graphics editors. The program can make a great replacement for proprietary software, especially for beginning freelancers and small businesses.

3. Scribus Alternative to Adobe Indesign

Scribus is an Open Source application that functions very much like Adobe Indesign. Both are used for Desktop Publishing (layout design for brochures, e-books, newspapers, and pdfs). Since Scribus is Open Source, it’s free and free for others to contribute to the application.  You can use one of the included templates for your project, or just start from scratch and use the included tools to design a finished project that’s perfectly in line with your vision. Scribus is a good alternative to more expensive and elaborate desktop publishing programs.

4. Gimp Imaging Editing Software – Alternative to Photoshop

GIMP is a free image retouching and editing tool, very much like Adobe Photoshop. Tools include free-form drawing, resizing, cropping, and photo montages. It is an extremely capable piece of software with many capabilities. It can be used as a simple paint program, an expert quality photo retouching program, an online batch processing system, a mass production image render, an image format converter, etc

5. e-book Creation and Management Software

Calibre is a free and open-source e-book library management application developed by users of e-books for users of e-books. Calibre converts files to PDF, ePub, and other file types that work well on e-readers.

Here are some of the things you can do with Calibre: 
    • Organize: Create virtual libraries to store and sort your e-books.
    • Edit: Edit EPUB and AZW3 e-books, or convert other formats to edit them.
    • Convert: Convert e-books between different formats.
    • Sync: Sync e-books with a variety of e-readers.
    • Download metadata: Fetch metadata for your books, such as the title, author, publisher, and more. 
    • Download newspapers and convert them to e-books. 
  • Send to e-readers: Email e-books to your Kindle, Android, or other e-reader devices. 
Calibre also has a large collection of plugins contributed by the community.

6. GnuCash Free Accounting Software

Gnucash is a great alternative to commercial accounting software packages, for small businesses and freelancers of all kinds…And Best of all it’s FREE! GnuCash business features are impressive for a free product!  It is designed especially for the small- to midsized-business owner who needs an accounting system that’s not only easy to use but also easy on the budget!

7. Multi-track Audio Editor and Recorder.

Audacity is a free, easy-to-use, multi-track audio editor and recorder for Windows, Mac OS X, GNU/Linux, and other operating systems. The interface is translated into many languages. You can use Audacity to:,•Record live audio., •Record computer playback on any Windows Vista or later machine., •Convert tapes and records into digital recordings or CDs., •Edit WAV, AIFF, FLAC, MP2, MP3, or Ogg Vorbis sound files., •Cut, copy, splice, or mix sounds together. •Change the speed or pitch of a recording. •And more!

8. FileZilla FTP Program

FileZilla is an FTP program that comes in handy when you need to manage the files on your hosting server. FileZilla offers a two-window display. One side is the files on your computer and the other side is your files stored on the hosting company server. Filezilla allows you to quickly and easily upload and download files from your computer to the server and vice versa.

The Tax-exempt 501(c)(3) Process

Posted on | by Laura

Tax-exempt organizations are commonly referred to as 501(c)(3)s. 501(c)(3) includes public charities and private foundations. The 501(c)(3) is a process with a life cycle, there are 5 steps to a life cycle of a tax-exempt organization:

-Starting outnumber

-Applying for exemption number

-Require filings

-Ongoing compliance and

-Significant events

The first two steps, starting out and applying for exemption, are unique because you should only do them once for any single organization. For the purposes of this tutorial, we’re only going to concentrate on creating and maintaining one organization at a time.

What’s different about the other three steps is that a single organization has to deal with each of those issues multiple times. Some required filings are annual, for example:

Lifecycle – Starting Out

When you’re creating your organization, you may need to create organizing documents based on the requirements of your state. You’ll need these if you apply for tax exemption. If you’d like to apply for tax exemption, which is a federal-level status, you’ll need to acquire an employer identification number, or EIN.

Even if you have no employees, you still need an EIN. Your EIN is similar to your personal social security number, only it’s for your business. It identifies you to the IRS.

Next, you need to determine what type of tax-exempt organization you have. You’ll need this information when you apply for tax-exempt status. If you decide to apply, you’ll probably need more information on the EIN.

Lifecycle – Applying for Exemption

-Apply to the IRS for Tax-Exempt Status

-Form 1023

To apply for tax-exempt status, you’ll need to fill out Form 1023 or Form 1023-EZ

You may be eligible to file Form 1023-EZ, a streamlined version of the application for recognition of tax exemption. You must complete the Form 1023-EZ Eligibility Worksheet in the Instructions for Form 1023-EZ PDF to determine if you are eligible to file this form. If you are not eligible to file Form 1023-EZ, you can still file Form 1023.

Lifecycle – Required Filings

Once the IRS has granted your organization tax-exempt status, it’s important that you meet the mandatory annual filing requirements. You’ll need to file annual exempt-organization returns, and you could be required to file unrelated business income tax filings and other returns and reports to StayExempt.

Lifecycle – Ongoing Compliance

An organization can avoid jeopardizing its tax-exempt status. To do that, you’ll need to understand employment taxes, public disclosure requirements, and other ongoing compliance issues.

Lifecycle – Significant Events

Significant events all have to do with your tax-exempt status. The events include, but aren’t limited to:

-Audits
-Private letter rulings and
-Termination proceedings