Our Services

LEGAL SERVICES

CAFE provides entrepreneurs and small business owners who have a demonstrated need with free legal services through our network of volunteers.

ENTITY SELECTION

Make an informed decision about the best legal structure for your business based on complexity, control, flexibility, tax treatment, and cost. Common options include Sole Proprietorship, Limited Liability Company (LLC), and S-Corporation. We also assist with Cooperatives, Benefit Corporations, and Nonprofits.  

ENTITY FORMATION

Register your business with the state to create a formal legal entity, get help drafting bylaws and/or an operating agreement and other organizational documents, file the correct forms, and take all the required formation steps. 

CONTRACTS

Document in writing all important business agreements and arrangements, including with investors, independent contractors, suppliers, customers, and website users.

COMMERCIAL LEASES

Avoid potential pitfalls by understanding your rights and obligations under a proposed or existing lease, including allowed uses, restrictions, common terms, hidden costs, and other lease terms. Discuss potential lease negotiation techniques.

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

Understand and implement all applicable corporate formalities, including holding required annual meetings, keeping corporate minutes, and separating business and personal finances.

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY

Learn how to protect ideas, designs, brand identity, works of creative expression, software, and trade secrets, through trademark and copyright registrations and other methods.

RISK ASSESSMENT

Assess your small business’s operating risk and potential exposure to liability. Consider and get assistance implementing risk mitigation strategies, including planning, insurance, and limiting liability through contracting.

 

BUSINESS SERVICES

CAFE provides entrepreneurs and small business owners who have a demonstrated need with free business services through our network of volunteers.

MONEY MANAGEMENT

Separate business and personal finances, select and implement an appropriate bookkeeping system, and understand banking products, finance options, and business tax requirements.

PROJECTIONS & PLANNING

Create financial projections and goals for your business, and determine whether cash flow will be sufficient for survival and growth or if additional funds will be needed (and, if so, how much).

FINANCING OPTIONS

Consider the options for obtaining additional funding for your business, and get assistance with creating and pursuing a funding plan.

TAX RESPONSIBILITIES

Understand tax obligations and pay all required taxes, including income, FICA or self-employment, and sales taxes (if required).

EMPLOYMENT CONCERNS

Consider the line between independent contractors and employees. Understand employer responsibilities and maintain sufficient employment documentation. Learn more about payroll taxes, discrimination laws, wage & hour rules, mandatory leave, workers compensation, disability, possible benefit plans, and personnel files.

MARKETING AND SOCIAL MEDIA STRATEGY

Develop a plan for improving business exposure through business development, marketing, advertising, and social media, including goals and ways to measure success.