Protect Your Business
Protect Your Business

At Start Small Think Big, lawyers aren't a luxury reserved for big businesses. We connect our NY and CA small businesses with pro bono lawyers at top firms — at no cost to you. Our volunteers will help you learn how to set up your legal business structure, review contracts, and protect your intellectual property (IP). With their guidance, you'll avoid costly mistakes and protect your business from potential risks.

Work with our experts to find solutions to your small business questions on the following:

Starting a business can be challenging, but choosing the right business structure doesn’t have to be. Get expert guidance to help you select the best legal entity type for your small business—whether it’s an LLC, C-Corp, S-Corp, or Sole Proprietorship. Understand the legal and tax implications of each option and receive support to form the business structure that aligns with your business stage and goals.

Work with an expert to evaluate the strength of your business’s intellectual property (IP) and identify the steps needed to protect it. From trade secret protection and non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) to trademark registration, understand the costs and benefits of different IP strategies. Partner with an intellectual property attorney to put the right tools in place to ensure your business is fully protected.

Understand what your business contracts say and how to structure them to protect and get the best results for you and your business. Learn the key elements of a business contract with expert advice on drafting and reviewing agreements. Get guidance on contract negotiation and enforcement techniques to minimize legal risk and ensure your agreements are effective.

Misclassifying workers can result in costly fines and legal consequences. Get expert guidance on properly classifying employees vs. independent contractors, and ensure you're in full compliance with state and federal labor laws when hiring, onboarding, and managing your workforce. Receive professional support in drafting, reviewing, and updating worker agreements to meet your business's specific needs.

Whether you're seeking investors or exploring small business loans, get clear insights into the legal aspects of securing and managing investments in your business. Receive expert legal advice to understand how different funding options impact business ownership, compliance obligations, and your business’s future growth.

Forming an LLC? Running a corporation? Make sure you're up to date on the legal requirements that apply to your business structure. Work with legal experts to review and draft your operating agreements, bylaws, partnership terms, and other important internal documents that keep your business running smoothly. Stay aware and keep up with basic reporting and filing obligations, like annual reports. Receive expert advice on when and how to update your legal structure.

Signing a commercial lease? Make sure your small business is fully protected. Get help understanding the key provisions in a commercial lease agreement and the most important terms to watch out for. Work with a legal expert to review your lease and develop strategies for negotiating better lease terms. Fully understand your financial responsibilities and tax obligations under the lease to set your business up for long-term success.

Learn about the internet laws and digital regulations that apply to your business, and how to stay compliant as you build and manage your online presence. Ensure your website’s Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy have up-to-date disclosures that accurately reflect how you do business online, including what personal data you collect and how you use it.

 

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START SMALL THINK BIG

Workshops for Protecting Your Business

  • Beyond Formation: Making the Most of Your LLC or Corporation
    Thursday, October 30, 2025
    12:00PM ET / Thursday, October 30, 2025 PT
  • Contracts Made Simple: A Guide for Entrepreneurs
    Wednesday, November 5, 2025
    12:00PM ET / Wednesday, November 5, 2025 PT
  • Making Food for Sale in Your Home Kitchen (Cottage Food Laws)
    Wednesday, November 12, 2025
    12:00PM ET / Wednesday, November 12, 2025 PT
  • Navigating the Legal Landscape of Online Business
    Wednesday, November 19, 2025
    12:00PM ET / Wednesday, November 19, 2025 PT