Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

Ask SCORE by Dean Swanson

As an entrepreneur, you are a special breed. Not afraid to dream big and take risks, you also know that a dash of common sense is the key to the best job in the world: owning your own business. In this column I will share an example of the resources that are available on a given topic. I have chosen to use the topic of legal steps that every small business CEO should consider and then provide a resource article for each step as they traverse these challenges for their business. Think of it as your legal toolkit.

Before turning your inspiration into reality, make sure you stay grounded by following these simple steps to launch your small business, boost your sales and limit your liability.

1. Decide on a business type

The type of entity you choose for your business — whether it’s a sole proprietorship, partnership, limited liability corporation, or s-corporation — determines how you file taxes, sets up legal protections and most importantly limits your liability. Incorporating your business also records these details with the government.

Learn more by going to this article: https://www.score.org/resources/matter-type-your-business-entity

2. Protect yourself with a business prenup

Launching with a partner? A buy-sell agreement protects everybody from situations that could complicate ownership. If one partner wants out, gets divorced or passes away, the buy-sell agreement can protect against sticky situations when ownership shares transfer to the wrong person.

Learn more by going to this article: https://www.score.org/resources/covering-your-back-buy-sell-agreement

3. Map out a corporate blueprint

Corporate bylaws specify the structure for your small business. Will you have a board of directors, shareholders or other company officers? Corporate bylaws get these ducks in a row and specify the rules and meeting schedule. It’s basically the blueprint of your company.

Learn more by going to this article: https://www.score.org/resources/define-your-structure-corporate-bylaws

4. Draft a solid business plan

Business plans wear two hats: They provide you with an outline to help you stay focused on your small business goals and strategies, and they can be used to present to banks and investors when you need to drum up some financing.

Learn more by going to this article: https://www.score.org/resources/developing-strategy-business-plan

5. Protect your secrets

As you start to hire folks and form partnerships with other businesses and contractors, a non-disclosure agreement keeps your confidential information from getting in the wrong hands. It also specifies the info that’s actually OK to share.

Learn more by going to this article: https://www.score.org/resources/protect-your-secrets-non-disclosure-agreement

6. Stay compliant with corporate minutes

States require that some kind of record is made of what’s discussed and directed at official board and shareholder meetings. A corporate minutes document can get all these details down for the record so your small business stays in line with all the rules.

Learn more by going to this article: https://www.score.org/resources/keeping-records-why-you-need-corporate-minutes

7. Manage expectations with an employment agreement

People make a small business successful, and an employment agreement protects everyone involved by putting expectations in writing. Injury and discrimination claims are on the rise, and though employment agreements can’t prevent all lawsuits, they reduce risk by outlining rules, responsibilities, and defining everyone’s expectations.

Learn more by going to this article: https://www.score.org/resources/managing-expectations-employment-agreement

8. Expand your abilities with independent contractors

Some situations call for specialized help, like graphic design or public relations. If you hire a non-employee for some support, an independent contractor agreement can make sure everyone is on the same page going forward.

Learn more by going to this article: https://www.score.org/resources/broadening-horizons-independent-contractors

9. Settle on a location

They say location is everything, especially if your business receives clients, sells products or provides services on site. A commercial real estate lease helps make sure the rental agreement is airtight and that the tenant/landlord relationship is solid.

Learn more by going to this article: https://www.score.org/resources/opening-shop-commercial-real-estate-leases

10. Plan ahead

Your small business is an important asset and a source of personal income. Should something happen, a last will and testament can shield your business and family from unnecessary expenses, estate taxes and potential disagreements.

Learn more by going to this article: https://www.score.org/resources/drafting-will-estate-planning-small-business-owners

As you follow the path to entrepreneurship, you might encounter situations where you could use a little guidance from a professional. Work with a SCORE mentor who can lead you in the right direction.

Dean Swanson is a volunteer certified SCORE mentor and former SCORE chapter chairman, district director and regional vice president for the northwest region.