You can sue for the money: ultimately, that is how you get paid when someone owes you money but will not voluntarily pay it. You would sue the business and/or its owner (if the business is an LLC or corporation, as it likely is, just sue the business; if not, name the business and owner(s) in the lawsuit) for the money owed you, based on "breach of contract": for violating the agreement, even if only an oral (unwritten) one pursuant to which you agreed to work in exchange for pay. If you did your part (you worked), the employer is not contractually obligated to do its part (that is, pay you). Suing in small claims court, as your own attorney or "pro se," is a cost effective and quick (small claims court is faster than other courts) option.