{"id":4530,"date":"2016-04-04T11:47:33","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T16:47:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/smallbusiness\/business-lawyer-resources\/small-business-forms-contracts.html"},"modified":"2024-05-23T02:06:36","modified_gmt":"2024-05-23T07:06:36","slug":"small-business-forms-contracts","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/business-lawyer-resources\/small-business-forms-contracts.html","title":{"rendered":"Small Business Forms & Contracts"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Small Business Forms & Contracts<\/h1>\n
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\n By Jade Chounlamountry, Esq.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Aviana Cooper, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
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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

\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

Starting and running a small business often requires many legal contracts and processes. Contracts are all around you. They can be a simple order invoice (a contract) or an employment compensation agreement. It’s important to be familiar with the various types of contracts and forms your business may encounter. This is especially the case for the ones you decide to draft yourself.<\/p>\r\n

This section provides forms and contracts to help small business owners. Different points of business operations will need their own forms or contracts. Here, you’ll find real-life examples of business contracts, agreements, and templates for your business.<\/p>\r\n

The Power of Contracts in Small Businesses<\/h2>\r\n

Contracts are the backbone of any small business operation. Written agreements are clear communication and legal protection in business relationships. They provide a documented record of all parties’ rights, responsibilities, and expectations. Business contracts cover a wide range of agreements, each serving a unique purpose for a small business.<\/p>\r\n

Sample Contracts for Your New Business<\/h2>\r\n

You can use contract templates as a starting point for creating tailored agreements. These agreement templates offer a structure you can customize to fit your business requirements.<\/p>\r\n

We make business formation EASY. Click here to start your free LLC.<\/a><\/i><\/b><\/p>\r\n

Sample Contracts for Your New Business<\/h2>\r\n\r\n

Business Contracts and Forms<\/a><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n

General information about contract law. Includes resources for how to draft contracts and samples of used forms and contracts.<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>

Forms & Contracts: A to Z<\/a><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n

Comprehensive list of FindLaw’s various sample business forms and contract templates.<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>

Business Formation Forms: State Guide<\/a><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n

A state-by-state directory of links to help you form your business.<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>

Startup Loan Intake Form<\/a><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n

Lists the information you will need to apply for a startup business loan.<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>

Partnership Agreements<\/a><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n

A partnership agreement outlines ownership, profit distribution, decision-making, and exit strategies when forming partnerships or joint ventures.<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>

Employment Contracts and Agreements<\/a><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n

When hiring full-time employees, you can use employment agreements or offer letters to detail roles, responsibilities, compensation, and benefits. An employee handbook complements this by outlining company policies and procedures.<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>

Independent Contractor Agreements<\/a><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n

Small businesses often collaborate with independent contractors for specialized services. An independent contractor agreement clarifies the project scope, payment terms, and ownership of work created.<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>

Consulting Agreements: Real-Life Examples<\/a><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n

Sample consulting agreements from several well-known companies.<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>

Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs)<\/a> and Non-Compete Agreements<\/a><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n

NDAs protect confidential information when sharing business plans or ideas. Non-compete agreements prevent former employees or contractors from competing against the business within a specified timeframe and geographical area.<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>

Sample Anti-Discrimination and Harassment Policies<\/a><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n

Examples of language and items you could include in a written workplace anti-discrimination policy.<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>

Sample Employment Termination Contract<\/a><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n

Sample form to give a departing employee.<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>

Accounting Forms and Contracts<\/a><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n

Links to various accounting forms, such as debt collection and securities.<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>

Loan Agreements<\/a><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n

When seeking financing, a loan agreement defines terms, interest rates, repayment schedules, and collateral.<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>

Credit & Debt Collection: Forms and Contracts<\/a><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n

Links to consumer credit laws and sample debt collection forms.<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>

Mergers & Strategic Transactions: Forms and Contracts<\/a><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n

Extensive links for various business transactions such as mergers and acquisitions.<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>

Real Estate<\/a> and Construction Contracts<\/a><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n

For real estate or construction businesses, contracts such as purchase agreements and construction contracts detail property transactions.<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>

Sample Sales Contract<\/a><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n

Template for a general-purpose business sales contract.<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>

Service Agreements<\/a> and Consulting Agreements<\/a><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n

Service contracts define the scope of services provided and payment terms for clients.<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>

Federal Government Business Forms<\/a><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n

Links to forms from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA).<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>

Workers’ Compensation (for Employers) Forms: State Guide<\/a><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n

State-by-state guide with links to workers’ comp forms used by employers.<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>

Closing a Business: Forms and Contracts<\/a><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n

Collection of sample forms about the winding-down of a business.<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr><\/tbody><\/table>\r\n

See FindLaw’s Business Lawyers and Resources<\/a> section to learn more.<\/p>\r\n

Get Legal Help With Your Business Forms and Contracts<\/h2>\r\n

Entrepreneurs encounter many legal forms and contracts during any business venture. Everything from employment contracts to other legal documents. Contract templates are a helpful starting point. Getting legal advice to ensure the contracts follow local laws and protect the business is essential.<\/p>\r\n

Contact a local contracts attorney<\/a> to learn how they can help your business agreements and prevent problems rather than cause them.<\/p>\r\n

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