Small Business Forms & Contracts
By Jade Chounlamountry, Esq. | Legally reviewed by Aviana Cooper, Esq. | Last reviewed May 23, 2024
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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.
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.
The Power of Contracts in Small Businesses
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.
Sample Contracts for Your New Business
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.
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Sample Contracts for Your New Business
General information about contract law. Includes resources for how to draft contracts and samples of used forms and contracts. |
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Comprehensive list of FindLaw's various sample business forms and contract templates. |
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A state-by-state directory of links to help you form your business. |
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Lists the information you will need to apply for a startup business loan. |
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A partnership agreement outlines ownership, profit distribution, decision-making, and exit strategies when forming partnerships or joint ventures. |
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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. |
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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. |
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Sample consulting agreements from several well-known companies. |
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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. |
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Examples of language and items you could include in a written workplace anti-discrimination policy. |
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Sample form to give a departing employee. |
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Links to various accounting forms, such as debt collection and securities. |
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When seeking financing, a loan agreement defines terms, interest rates, repayment schedules, and collateral. |
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Links to consumer credit laws and sample debt collection forms. |
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Extensive links for various business transactions such as mergers and acquisitions. |
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For real estate or construction businesses, contracts such as purchase agreements and construction contracts detail property transactions. |
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Template for a general-purpose business sales contract. |
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Service contracts define the scope of services provided and payment terms for clients. |
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Links to forms from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). |
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State-by-state guide with links to workers' comp forms used by employers. |
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Collection of sample forms about the winding-down of a business. |
See FindLaw's Business Lawyers and Resources section to learn more.
Get Legal Help With Your Business Forms and Contracts
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.
Contact a local contracts attorney to learn how they can help your business agreements and prevent problems rather than cause them.
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