Advertising Law: What Small Businesses Need to Know
Being an entrepreneur requires you to wear many hats. Not only do you have to provide a great product or service, but you’re also responsible for all of the financial details like setting prices, learning how to use accounting software, managing expenses; long term strategic planning, especially if you plan to grow the business; and human resources and the never-ending challenging of managing people. But no matter what kind of business you run, it seems like your “real” job is sales and marketing. After all, none of the other staff matters if you can’t get customers or clients to buy what you’re selling.
What You Need to Know About Closing Down Your Business
You might decide to close your business for a number of reasons. Perhaps it is no longer financially feasible, or maybe you are moving on to something else. Regardless of the reason, there are several legal tasks you’ll need to undertake to protect yourself, your credit, and your reputation within the community—especially if you think […]
Can I Start a Business While I am Still Employed?
You still have a job—yet you are itching to start a business. You might wonder if you have the time to do so, or if you are even allowed to do so. The answer depends on whether you signed an employment agreement and what kind of role you have with your current employer. Here are […]
Nonprofit Bylaws Checklist
Ohio’s nonprofit corporate law uses “bylaws” and “regulations” interchangeably. Under Ohio law, the incorporators (the people who establish the nonprofit corporation by filing Articles of Incorporation with the Secretary of State) may adopt regulations or bylaws that govern the organization
Piercing the Corporate Veil: Limited Liability? Not So Fast!
Forming a business entity like an LLC or a corporation typically provides limited liability protection to the owners. But in certain situations, you can find yourself personally on the hook for the debts and obligations of the business. This week we’re discussing the legal concept of “piercing the corporate veil” and why it’s used so often against small business owners.
Best Practices for Nonprofit Board Governance
Running a nonprofit organization can be quite different from running a for profit business. Instead of a single owner(s) who can largely do whatever they like, you have a board of directors to answer to, extensive oversight from the IRS and Ohio Attorney General, not to mention keeping both donors and grant funders happy. And […]
Why Your Business Website Must Have a Privacy Policy
If your business has a web presence (and in the 21st century, you really should), then you probably need a privacy policy on your website. Several relatively recent laws require business websites to post a privacy policy, but these laws aren’t universal in their applicability, especially when it comes to small businesses. Complicating matters, this area of the law is developing and changing rapidly.
Terms of Service: What Small Businesses Need to Know About These Oft-Used but Unread Agreements
If you provide a web or app-based service and have questions about your Terms of Service, schedule a consultation today.
Yes, YOU! You Need an LLC Operating Agreement!
Just like you shouldn’t do business on a handshake, you shouldn’t operate your business on a handshake either. But too many entrepreneurs regularly go into business without any formal documentation. If you have business partners, so-called “silent” investors, or took money from friends and family, I cannot stress enough how important it is to have the terms of these partnerships documented in a formal written agreement. Otherwise, it’s just a dispute waiting to happen.
Non-Profit Advocacy, Part 2: Using a Related Entity to Engage in Lobbying
So what is your non-profit organization to do if it decides that the best way to advance the mission is to influence legislation? This is where other types of tax-exempt status come into play.
