If you decide to go into business with a partner, you’re looking forward to the many benefits it will bring to your company. For example, they may have specific experience and knowledge that will help get your company off the ground in the early days. While it’s common to go into business with a partner (or several partners), there’s something you need to remember: You’re not working alone. And for this reason, you must make sure you take steps to protect against business partner disputes…

Getting started in your business isn’t always as simple as it would appear. There are many steps you’ll need to take to protect yourself and your interests. For most new business owners, one of the best things to do is to speak with an attorney about business law. You have many options for the way you set up your business. There are multiple kinds of contracts and employment agreements you can create, too. Understanding and having a plan is key to helping your business survive…

There is a broad range of factors that you need to consider when determining what structure to use when forming a new business in Pennsylvania. A limited liability corporation or LLC is a popular choice in part because of the protections they can offer to someone starting a new business. An LLC offers separation from you as the founder or owner of the business and the business itself when it comes to liabilities such as claims by creditors or civil action by customers or workers who believe they have a claim against the company. However, it is a complex process…

Your business is working on something that will revolutionize your industry. It’s not ready to roll out yet, but your staff is working hard on it. How do you know, though, that your great idea will stay within the four walls of your Pennsylvania facility? How can you be sure that your valued employees won’t disclose confidential information to a third party or that someone who shouldn’t see something won’t? It’s essential to put regulations in place that will protect your company secrets. To do so, start by creating a proprietary information confidentiality agreement that an employee must sign.

It doesn’t matter if you’re signing your first commercial lease or have past experience, negotiating favorable terms is easier said than done. And if you make a mistake upfront, it could cost you time and money in the long run…

A contract may specify far more than just what goods or services are to be provided or how much will be paid for them. Breaking any of the stipulations in the contract can be grounds for a breach of contract claim as long as the breach is not immaterial. One key factor can be the time at which the deliveries are to be made…

Perhaps the oldest advice in the business world is that you need to find the right location. When asked what is most important for your success, people will often simply say “location, location, location. ”So, if that is what matters most, how do you find the right location?

You’re going to start working with another local business owner. It should benefit both of you. Maybe you need parts and supplies for your end products, for example, and the other owner can provide them. They get the sale upfront and you make your money back -- and more -- when you sell your products. Everyone wins. As you sort things out, though, you ask who is going to write up the contract for you both to sign. The other business owner waves it off and extends their hand. They tell you to just shake on it and then you can trust them to hold up their side of the bargain…

Many people know that one of the easiest kinds of business entities to set up is the sole proprietorship. However, with this entity, there are some issues. While it’s simple and often the cheapest route to starting a business, it can have long-term consequences if you’re not prepared to protect yourself against lawsuits or bankruptcy. Sole proprietorships leave you completely liable for anything that happens on the job or as a result of your products or services. Here are three reasons to consider other business entities before choosing a sole proprietorship. ..

When you do business of any sort, your actions will have an impact on the world around you. From the traffic implications of customers or workers coming to your facility to the impact on air quality that your facility could have, there are many ways in which your business could affect other people nearby and their property values.It is your job as an existing or prospective business to ensure that you comply with state and local regulations. Awareness of your environmental impact is critical to honestly discussing the impact of your business with the local community. Especially in areas that have typically had lax environmental enforcement, your business may need to make extra efforts to operate cleanly…