It has been a tough couple of years for many small businesses, but, as the adage goes, what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.

Small businesses that survived the challenges of 2020 and 2021—the worst pandemic in US history, a nationwide labor shortage, supply chain volatility, and rising inflation during 2022—are heading into 2023 with fresh hope. According to a new survey from the US Chamber of Commerce and MetLife, more than 75 percent of small business owners are optimistic about the future of their business. About 60 percent say their business is in good health, and 42 percent say they plan to invest in their business in the next twelve months.

Does your employment agreement protect your business ?Employment agreements are essential to protect your business and your employees. These agreements create legal obligations and represent the contractual relationships between employers and employees. A word of caution, however: Not all employment agreements are the same. An employment agreement could do more harm than good if it is not carefully crafted for your specific situation. When hiring a new employee, it is vital to ensure that your agreement accurately captures the expectations of both parties. Here are a few guidelines to keep in mind when creating an employment agreement for a new hire.