{"id":4331,"date":"2016-04-04T10:47:27","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T15:47:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/smallbusiness\/business-contracts-forms\/business-operations-forms-and-contracts.html"},"modified":"2024-05-24T01:00:57","modified_gmt":"2024-05-24T06:00:57","slug":"business-operations-forms-and-contracts","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/business-contracts-forms\/business-operations-forms-and-contracts.html","title":{"rendered":"Business Operations: Forms and Contracts"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"fl-sectionWithSidebar fl-container fl-flex fl-flex-wrap fl-gap30  wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 fl-sectionWithSidebar fl-container fl-flex fl-flex-wrap fl-gap30\">\n    \n    <div class=\"fl-section-main fl-page-articles fl-section-main fl-section-main-full-width\">\n        <h1 class=\"fl-no-margin-top\">Business Operations: Forms and Contracts<\/h1>\n<section class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline\">\n    <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-content\">\n                    By <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team.html\">FindLaw Staff<\/a> | Legally reviewed by <a\n                href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/aviana-cooper-esq\/\">Aviana Cooper, Esq.<\/a>\n                | Last updated\n        <time>\n                            May 24, 2024\n                    <\/time>\n    <\/div>\n\n            <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-editorial-note fl-text-sm\">\n            <p>Editorial Note: We earn a commission from affiliate partner links on FindLaw. Commissions do not affect the editorial integrity of our legal content.<\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    \n    <details class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle fl-gutenberg-byline-legally-reviewed\">\n        <summary>\n            <i class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n            Legally Reviewed\n        <\/summary>\n\n        <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle-content\">\n            <p><em>This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team.html\">FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/company-history\/editorial-policy.html\">our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/details>\n\n    <details class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle fl-gutenberg-byline-fast-checked\">\n        <summary>\n            <i class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n            Fact-Checked\n        <\/summary>\n\n        <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle-content\">\n            <p><em>The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/contributing-authors.html\">contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please <a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/?fli=bylinelink\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/details>\n<\/section>\n<p>It can be exciting to\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/starting-a-business.html\">start your own business<\/a>. Being a startup also means that all aspects of the business fall on your shoulders. As a small-business owner, you will encounter various issues while\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/business-operations.html\">operating your business<\/a>. This article provides sample legal documents to assist you in your business operations.<\/p>\r\n<h2>Starting a Business<\/h2>\r\n<p>A solid business plan can start your business on the right footing. A\u00a0business plan\u00a0is good for defining and identifying business goals. It can also help in obtaining financing.<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/cannabis-law\/starting-a-cannabis-business\/marijuana-dispensary-business-plan-example.html\">Business Plan<\/a>: See a real-life example of a business plan on FindLaw.com.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h2>Accounting<\/h2>\r\n<p>Effective finance management and\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/business-finances\/business-accounting.html\">accounting<\/a>\u00a0are key to a successful business. It&#8217;s important to keep close track of the income and liabilities of your business. The samples below can help you create tools to track your\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/business-finances.html\">business finances<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/starting-a-business\/sample-profit-and-loss-statement.html\">Sample Profit and Loss Statement<\/a>: Information in a profit and loss statement.<\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/business-finances\/reading-a-balance-sheet.html\">Reading a Balance Sheet<\/a>: A sample balance sheet with definitions and descriptions of key elements.<\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/starting-a-business\/sample-business-balance-sheet.html\">Sample Business Balance Sheet<\/a>: Information generally included in the balance sheet.<\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/starting-a-business\/operating-budget.html\">Sample Operating Budget<\/a>: Common expenses and overhead costs associated with operating a business.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h2>Business Taxes<\/h2>\r\n<p>Small businesses must pay taxes to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and other taxing authorities. Some of the taxes are due monthly. Some of the taxes are due quarterly.<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/business-taxes.html\">Business Taxes<\/a>: Explains business tax basics, including deductions and recordkeeping basics.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h2>Contracts<\/h2>\r\n<p>Every business will deal with different types of contracts, whether\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/legalblogs\/law-and-life\/are-oral-contracts-enforceable\/#:~:text=Despite%20popular%20belief%2C%20oral%20contracts%20are%20enforceable.%20They,rule%2C%20and%20it%27s%20called%20the%20Statute%20of%20Frauds.\">oral<\/a>\u00a0or written. Contracts are binding agreements. It&#8217;s a good idea for all business owners to have a basic understanding of\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/business-contracts-forms\/contract-law.html\">contract law<\/a>. Below are a sample sales contract, a checklist for common contract terms, and a sample letter in the event of a billing dispute.<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/business-contracts-forms\/sample-sales-contract.html\/\">Sample Basic Sales Contract<\/a>: Sample sales contract to help you draft or enter into your sales contract.<\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/business-contracts-forms\/contract-terms-checklist.html\">Contract Terms Checklist<\/a>: Basic provisions that may be important to include or consider in a business contract.<\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/consumer\/credit-banking-finance\/sample-billing-dispute-letter.html\">Sample Billing Dispute Letter<\/a>: If you notice a billing error, it&#8217;s important to provide the creditor with written notice. This section offers a sample billing dispute letter.<\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/corporate.findlaw.com\/contracts\/compensation\/independent-contractor-agreement-intraware-inc-and-mark-p.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Independent Contractor Agreement<\/a>: Small business development often includes\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/employment\/hiring-process\/independent-contractors-overview.html\">independent contractors<\/a>. Freelancers get the work done and save employers costs associated with employees.<\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/incorporation-and-legal-structures\/should-an-independent-contractor-form-an-llc-.html\">Limited Liability Company<\/a>: Many small businesses start as sole proprietorships. Small-business owners soon wonder if they should change their business structure. Here&#8217;s a\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/incorporation-and-legal-structures\/single-member-llc-operating-agreement.html\">single-member LLC operating agreement<\/a>. FindLaw also offers streamlined\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/forms\/business-formation.html\">business entity and formation services<\/a>.<\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/corporate.findlaw.com\/contracts\/operations\/joint-venture-agreement-lycos-inc-and-singapore.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Joint Venture Agreement<\/a>: A joint venture is a cooperative business deal between two or more parties. It often includes the sharing of resources.<\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/corporate.findlaw.com\/contracts\/formation\/partner.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Partnership Agreement<\/a>: A\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/incorporation-and-legal-structures\/write-a-partnership-agreement.html\">partnership agreement<\/a>\u00a0provides an understanding of the partners&#8217; business responsibilities. It also explains how the parties will divide business profits.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h2>Equipment and Services<\/h2>\r\n<p>Seeing examples of how others have made decisions can be helpful.\u00a0Below are examples of service agreements and equipment leases.<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/corporate.findlaw.com\/contracts\/operations\/services\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Services Agreements<\/a>: Real-life examples of service contracts.<\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/corporate.findlaw.com\/contracts\/operations\/equipment\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Equipment Leases<\/a>: Real-life examples of equipment leases.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h2>Sales and Marketing<\/h2>\r\n<p>Effective\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/business-operations\/marketing-and-advertising-laws.html\">marketing and advertising<\/a>\u00a0are important\u00a0to reach prospective customers. Figuring out the best place to start for effective sales and marketing can be difficult. Below are sample sales and marketing agreements and a marketing strategy questionnaire.<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/corporate.findlaw.com\/contracts\/operations\/sales\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Sales and Marketing Agreements<\/a>: Real-world examples of sales and marketing agreements.<\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/starting-a-business\/questionnaire-marketing-strategy.html\">Marketing Strategy Questionnaire<\/a>: Items to consider when developing a marketing plan or strategy for your business.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h2>E-Commerce Checklists<\/h2>\r\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/business-operations\/internet-and-e-commerce.html\">Internet and e-commerce<\/a>\u00a0play a large role in how people learn about and engage with businesses. It&#8217;s important for your business to have a strong internet presence. The checklists below provide helpful information about how to have the best internet exposure for your business.<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/business-operations\/checklist-choosing-a-domain-name.html\">Choosing a Domain Name<\/a>: Guidelines to assist you in choosing a business name with an internet presence in mind.<\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/business-finances\/disclosure-and-the-internet-checklist.html\">Disclosure and the Internet<\/a>: Steps businesses can take to reduce the legal risks when sharing company news online.<\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/business-operations\/checklist-establishing-a-web-site.html\">Establishing a Website<\/a>: Basic procedural information for establishing a business website.<\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/legal\/technology\/modern-law-practice\/social-media.html\">Social Media<\/a>: Information on social media issues. Corporate use policies, blogging tips, social marketing, and more.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h2>Day-to-Day Business Operations Checklists<\/h2>\r\n<p>Once you have everything set up for your business, it&#8217;ll be time to run the day-to-day operations. The documents below provide helpful guidance on aspects affecting your daily business operations.<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/liability-and-insurance\/minimize-business-risks-and-losses-checklist.html\">Minimizing Business Risks and Losses<\/a>: Items to consider for\u00a0implementing a risk management and loss prevention program.<\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/liability-and-insurance\/making-an-insurance-claim-checklist.html\">Making an Insurance Claim<\/a>: Information to help you organize and justify an insurance claim.<\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/business-operations\/choosing-a-business-location-checklist.html\">Choosing a Business Location<\/a>: Questions you should think about and answer when deciding where to open your business.<\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/business-operations\/choosing-a-facility-checklist.html\">Choosing a Facility<\/a>: Questions that will help you determine if a building fits your business well.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h2>Special Considerations<\/h2>\r\n<p>There are set-asides for certain types of businesses at the local government, state government, and federal government levels. The set-asides generally occur in the areas of government contracting and subcontracting.<\/p>\r\n<p>Eligibility\u00a0targets\u00a0small disadvantaged businesses such as\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.sba.gov\/business-guide\/grow-your-business\/minority-owned-businesses\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">minority-owned<\/a>,\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.sba.gov\/federal-contracting\/contracting-assistance-programs\/women-owned-small-business-federal-contract-program\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">women-owned<\/a>, and\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.sba.gov\/federal-contracting\/contracting-assistance-programs\/veteran-contracting-assistance-programs\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">service-disabled veteran-owned<\/a>\u00a0businesses. Eligibility requirements also include\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.sba.gov\/federal-contracting\/contracting-assistance-programs\/women-owned-small-business-federal-contract-program\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">net worth and adjusted income<\/a>\u00a0standards.<\/p>\r\n<p>Several government agencies offer business programs. The Small Business Administration (SBA) offers the Women-Owned Small Business Federal Contract Program and the\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.sba.gov\/federal-contracting\/contracting-assistance-programs\/hubzone-program\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">HUBZone<\/a>\u00a0program. The HUBZone program limits competition for certain contracts to small businesses in historically underutilized business zones.<\/p>\r\n<p>Forms are available\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/business-lawyer-resources\/small-business-forms-contracts.html\">here<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n<h2>Questions About Business Operations Forms and Contracts? Ask an Attorney<\/h2>\r\n<p>If you have questions about starting and running a small business, an attorney can help. Contact an experienced\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/contracts\/?fli=dcta\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">contracts attorney<\/a>\u00a0in your area to get those inquiries answered.<\/p>\r\n<div class=\"was-this-helpful\">\n    <div\n            class=\"was-this-helpful__question-container\"\n            aria-labelledby=\"was-this-helpful__question\"\n            role=\"group\"\n    >\n        <span\n                id=\"was-this-helpful__question\"\n                class=\"was-this-helpful__question fl-text-lg-bold\"\n        >Was this helpful?<\/span>\n        <button\n                class=\"was-this-helpful__button fl-text-sm\"\n                aria-label=\"Yes\"\n                value=\"yes\"\n        >\n            <span class=\"was-this-helpful__button-text fl-text-bold\">Yes<\/span>\n            <i class=\"was-this-helpful__button-icon\">\n                <svg width=\"22\" height=\"22\" viewBox=\"0 0 22 22\" fill=\"none\" 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<span class=\"fl-button-content\">Submit<\/span>\n                    <i\n                        class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\"\n                        aria-hidden=\"true\"\n                    ><\/i>\n                <\/button>\n                <button\n                    class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-button was-this-helpful__feedback-button--cancel fl-button primary disabled\"\n                    type=\"reset\"\n                >\n                    <span class=\"fl-button-content\">Cancel<\/span>\n                    <i\n                        class=\"fa fa-times-circle medium\"\n                        aria-hidden=\"true\"\n                    ><\/i>\n                <\/button>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/form>\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"was-this-helpful__thank-you-message\" role=\"status\">\n        <i class=\"was-this-helpful__thank-you-message-icon fa fa-check\"><\/i>\n        <p class=\"was-this-helpful__thank-you-message-text\" 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