While there is no clear definition, small businesses share some common characteristics. They are independently owned and operated, organized for profit, and are not dominant in their field, as defined by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA).
The vast majority of businesses in the U.S. are considered small businesses, which employ roughly half of all workers in the country. FindLaw’s Small Business Law section covers everything from obtaining financing and hiring employees to choosing the right insurance policies and filing taxes. You can find business lawyers and resources to help with your business legal issues.
States typically have a wide range of laws that apply to business operations. Choose a state from the map below or use the link list by clicking “show all states.” Find information about state-specific business laws, laws for incorporating a business, antitrust laws, and more.
Legal matters can sink a business if handled poorly or ignored altogether. Certain things can sometimes be done without a lawyer, such as creating a legal partnership agreement, submitting necessary tax forms, and drafting contracts with partners. But some issues are too time-consuming, too complex, or too high-stakes to handle without the care and expertise of a business lawyer. These include defending against wrongful termination claims by former employees, making a “special allocation” of profits and losses, or negotiating for the acquisition of another company’s assets. Seeking counsel for complex legal issues is smart and retaining an attorney to help prevent legal problems from occurring in the first place may be even smarter.
Meeting with a lawyer can help you understand your options and how to best protect your rights. Visit our attorney directory to find a lawyer near you who can help.
