6 Reasons to Create a Business Plan December is National Write a Business Plan Month. Whether you are launching a start-up or expanding your current business, use a business plan to take your business to the next level. Despite what you have heard about back-of-the-napkin business plans from hoodie-wearing techies, a business plan is so...
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Christine Kuntz in Business Formation, Small Business
How Do I Form a Business in Pennsylvania?
Forming a business can be overwhelming. You have to navigate government regulations, select the appropriate business entity form, obtain licenses and insurance, and so much more. How-to books and legal websites make it appear simple, but there are many pitfalls for the inexperienced. Here is a brief guide to forming a new business in Pennsylvania....
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Is Your Home-Based Business Legal?
Sole-proprietors, freelancers, and start-ups frequently work from home (or at least begin there). Unfortunately, it is not as easy as putting up the proverbial shingle. There are many legal traps for home-based businesses. Before launching your home-based business, do not forget to investigate these often-overlooked legal matters: Business Formation. Risk management Do you want to...
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8 Elements of a Great Employee Handbook
Do you wonder whether you need an employee handbook? Are you struggling to figure out what to write in your handbook? In this post , we discuss when you need an employee handbook and the 8 elements of a great employee handbook. Why have an employee handbook? An employee handbook sets expectations for the employer...
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Common Funding Sources for Pennsylvania Small Businesses
Money keeps small business owners awake at night. Starting a small business takes a significant amount of courage and cash. Many aspiring entrepreneurs talk themselves out of pulling the trigger for fear of debt. Concerto Law is a proud supporter of small businesses. Each week, our blog provides practical strategies to help you grow...
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How to Be Friends and Business Partners
Should friends go into business together? While business conflicts have irretrievably broken some friendships, many more friends have created successful businesses without hating each other. Read these tips if you are starting a business with a friend. Get it in Writing If you don’t do anything else, put your business agreement in writing. This means...
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It Takes Money to Make Money: Finding Funds for Your New Business
Few entrepreneurs create successful businesses on a shoestring. Most businesses, especially those requiring equipment, inventory, or physical space, need money to get the business off the ground. There is no secret. If you are not independently wealthy or bankrolled by your family, you must rely on loans or investors. Fund Your Business With a Loan...
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Essential Documents for a New Pennsylvania LLC
Starting an LLC in Pennsylvania The limited liability company (LLC) is a popular form of business entity for both seasoned business people and first-time entrepreneurs. Beyond registering with the state, what are the essential documents for a new Pennsylvania LLC? This post discusses the document we, at Concerto Law, believe are the most important. Certificate...
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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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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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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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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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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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