Is your board of directors arguing about bylaws and policies? Is there are difference between bylaws and policies? Yes, there is a difference. Determining which it should be is not that difficult. The answer is usually apparent if you consider the different purposes of bylaws and policies. Bylaws Bylaws are the primary governance document of...
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Christine Kuntz in Nonprofit Organizations
How to Dissolve a Nonprofit in Pennsylvania
Has your nonprofit reached the end of its lifespan? It happens. Funding dries up, the mission is accomplished, or more nimble nonprofits overtake the space. Whatever the reason, when a nonprofit no longer wants to operate, it cannot simply close its doors. Instead, there is a legal process to dissolve a nonprofit in Pennsylvania....
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4 Essential Contracts for Pennsylvania Small Businesses
Starting a new business can feel overwhelming. There are so many items on your business plan to implement before you even open for business. Unfortunately, for a variety of reasons – such as cost, lack of awareness, or lack of time – owners often overlook contracts until after a problem arises. While we can’t list...
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Quick Guide to using a DBA name in Pennsylvania
Clients often ask about “doing business as” names, commonly known as DBA names. Given the confusion, I have put together a quick guide to using a DBA name in Pennsylvania that applies to both for-profit and nonprofit businesses. What is a DBA name? A DBA name is another name for a fictitious name. It is...
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Does My Website Need A Privacy Policy?
Clients often ask whether their website needs a privacy policy. If your website collects personal information from its users, then yes, you need a privacy policy. (This applies also to apps, so pay attention!) What Laws Regulate Online Privacy? The US regulates children’s online data privacy through the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act. Unlike Europe...
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Can I Trademark the Name of an Event?
Clients often ask if they can trademark the name of an event, such as an annual fundraiser, art festival, hackathon, or conference. Yes, you can trademark the name of an event if you meet the general requirements for a trademark. How To Trademark An Event Name While you cannot trademark the activities that occur or...
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How to Check if a Business Name is Available in Pennsylvania?
Clients often ask me how to check if a business name is available in Pennsylvania. Rightfully so. In order to register your corporation, nonprofit, partnership, or LLC in Pennsylvania, you must have a name that is distinguishable from the other registered businesses. On a more practical level, you want to check name availability before you...
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Pennsylvania Makes It Harder To Classify Workers As Independent Contractors
On April 22, 2020, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court made it harder for employers to classify workers as Independent Contractors. In the closely watched case, A Special Touch v. UC Tax Services, the employer (a salon) argued several workers were independent contractors. This situation was discovered during an audit by the Pennsylvania Department of Labor. However, these...
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5 Popular Legal Structures for Pennsylvania Businesses
It often seems like there is a miles-long checklist for first-time business owners. One extremely important item on this list is deciding the best structure for your company. Each entrepreneur has wildly different products, services, and goals. You should always consult with multiple professionals before officially forming your business. To get you started, though, I...
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How to Legally Change the Name of your Pennsylvania Nonprofit
Did you outgrow the name originally selected for your organization? Perhaps your mission or location changed? No problem. The process of changing your name is simple and something you can do yourself (that saves you money!). Here is how to legally change the name of your Pennsylvania Nonprofit Organization. Step 1: Board of Director approval...
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How to Stay Afloat During COVID-19
5 Budgeting Tips To Stay Afloat During COVID-19 I have been fielding calls from small business owners who are wondering how to stay afloat during COVID-19. Cash flow is at an all-time low. Sales are down (or even halted, for many personal service businesses). So, how do you budget to account for the uncertainty of...
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4 Benefits of Protecting Your Business’s Intellectual Property
Starting out, many entrepreneurs do not think about registering their intellectual property. Others think it is not worth spending the time and money. After all, whenever you start a business, money is extremely tight; whatever isn’t directly helping you keep the lights on isn’t essential, right? Unfortunately, this line of thinking is a common mistake...
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6 Common Mistakes When Starting a Nonprofit
Before you start a nonprofit organization, consider these 6 common mistakes founders make with starting a nonprofit. Given how easy it is start a nonprofit, I have seen too many people rush into things without first examining whether a nonprofit is even the right choice. Here are 6 common mistakes. Mistake # 1 – Having...
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5 Common Legal Mistakes To Avoid When Starting A Business
Starting a new business is challenging. There are so many so many decisions to make before you even open your doors. You want to start off on the right foot. Here are 5 tips to avoid common mistakes when starting a new business. Mistake # 1 – Not consulting an attorney and accountant Starting a...
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