Financing your business: Ask the right questions from the start
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…
How many members do you need to form an LLC in Pennsylvania?
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…
What kinds of employee discrimination complaints can companies face?
As someone who manages or owns a business, you want to do everything in your power to reduce the financial liability your business incurs through its daily operations. Careful product testing, adequate insurance and compliance with the law can all help reduce your liability. So can having a proactive approach toward potential discrimination claims made by your workers.The bigger your business becomes and the more people you have on staff, the greater your risk is for facing discrimination or even harassment claims from someone you employ…
Protect your business with a confidentiality agreement
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.
Tips for negotiating a favorable commercial lease
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…
When someone doesn’t deliver on a contract on time
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…
Hiring employees? It’s time for an employee handbook
When you started your company, you didn’t ever imagine you’d get to a point where you needed employees. You were such a small business at the time that you barely had enough clients for yourself. Today, you need at least three employees to keep up. Before you get started with hiring, you may want to sit down to talk to your attorney about drafting a solid employee handbook. Your employee handbook can have all kinds of business and legal information ranging from how you’ll handle violations of the code of conduct to how employee resignation or termination has to happen. Employee handbooks are great for a few reasons.
Choosing the right location for your business
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?
Considering a handshake deal? Read this first
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…
3 reasons you should reconsider a sole proprietorship for your business
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. ..