Update on Fintech, Social Entrepreneurship and Special Purpose National Bank Charters for Fintech Companies.

Last month, Thomas J. Curry, Comptroller of the Currency gave remarks about Special Purpose National Bank Charters for Fintech Companies. You can read Mr. Curry’s remarks here. Mr. Curry announced that the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) would move forward with considering applications from financial technology (fintech) companies to become special purpose national banks. Mr. Curry had

A “Fierce Urgency.”​ Reflections on Community Development/Affordable Housing.

“We are now faced with the fact that tomorrow is today. We are confronted with the fierce urgency of now. In this unfolding conundrum of life and history, there “is” such a thing as being too late. This is no time for apathy or complacency. This is a time for vigorous and positive action.” –

Encountering the homeless in Downtown Grand Rapids and Mel Trotter’s Season of Hope.

Occasionally when I am walking in downtown Grand Rapids I will run into a guy with dirty clothes, smelling bad, looking homeless. When this guy asks me for money, my gut reaction is to want to help. Honestly though, oftentimes I have no idea what is the right response. I will invariably pray for them,

Prince Died Without a Will. Business Owners: who are your advisors?

CNN just posted an update on the Prince Estate dispute: possible heirs narrowed down to six @CNN https://t.co/imje7PyaqR A while back I posted about some lessons from Robin Williams’ Estate. I wrote about Robin Williams’ Estate as “an example of the problems that can erupt after a loved one passes away – even if that loved

B-Corporations and the Rise of Social Entrepreneurship

  A few months back I sat on a panel to discuss Non-Profit Sustainability and Social Entrepreneurship. You can check out the video here. I was asked to provide some comments on B Corps – or Benefit Corporations. To cover some basics – B-Corps have a dual purpose – To create profit and “create a

City of Lansing Settlement Agreement and a Non-Disparagement Clause with a $10k Penalty

I read an article a few days ago about the City Lansing’s Mayor, Virg Bernero and a settlement agreement he apparently negotiated that included a payout that was made, as reported by the Free Press,  “so everybody would be happy.” What I found interesting was “the settlement agreement signed by Bernero and McIntyre also includes a

Startups – Don’t Make this Mistake!

Happy Friday! A few months back I wrote a post titled Business Startups: Don’t make these mistakes. I discussed a recent case that highlighted mistakes that business startups can make – including, shutting down a business, then starting a new one just to avoid debts/creditors. Generally speaking, that doesn’t work! A May 3rd Cour of appeals

Michigan Corporations: Maintain your Corporate Formalities and Keep up your Guard.

This morning I received an e-mail reminder from the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) Corporation owners are reminded that annual filing fees and statements must be filed by May 15, 2016. “Annual statements and annual reports can be filed online at http://www.michigan.gov/fileonline  LARA sent a reminder that failure to file will result in

Small Business Owners: Avoid these Pitfalls

Happy Friday, and a conclusion to “Small Business Week”. President Barack Obama has proclaimed May 1-7, 2016 “National Small Business Week.” I follow the Small Business & Entrepreneurship Council, if you are a small business owner you should check the organization out. In regards to National Small Business Week, SBE Council president & CEO Karen

“Prince Died Without a Will.” Business Owners Should Ask the Question: Who Are My Advisers?

Yesterday, the ABAJournal posted that Prince’s sister filed in court claiming Prince died without a will. A year ago I posted about some lessons from Robin Williams’ Estate. I wrote about Robin Williams’ Estate as “an example of the problems that can erupt after a loved one passes away – even if that loved one