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....
Continue ReadingChristine Kuntz in Business Formation, Small Business
Christine Kuntz in Business Formation, Small Business
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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Tune-Up Your Business Today!
September 25th is National Tune-Up Day. Just as you tune-up your heating system before winter arrives, you also need to periodically tune-up your business to keep it operating efficiently and effectively. How Do I Tune-Up My Business? Business Basics. Start with the basics. Your entity formation and governing documents. Re-read your LLC Operating Agreement or...
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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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What are Employer Obligations under the ADA
Thirty years have passed since the landmark Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) became law. This law was the most significant piece of civil rights legislation for those with disabilities. The ADA offers individuals with disabilities important protections from discrimination in the workplace so they can pursue meaningful employment. Nearly all employers agree that individuals with...
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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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How to Create Enforceable Online Terms of Use
Many online businesses want to limit their legal risk. They publish Terms of Use on their website to limit warranties, control how and where claims can be made, and identify when they can revoke users’ use of the site. Are these agreements enforceable? Read these tips to learn how to create enforceable online Terms of...
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How to Legally Use Copyrighted Material in Advertising
Do you use photos, videos, music, or infographic in your advertising, social media, or website? Unless you are an intellectual property law geek like I am, there’s a good chance you may be unintentionally violating copyright law. That’s not good for business. So, let’s finds out how to legally use copyrighted material in advertising. Copyright...
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The Difference Between Bylaws and Policies
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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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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