Includes index

Your legal companion for starting and running a small business -- Which legal form is best for your business? -- Structuring a partnership agreement -- Creating a corporation -- Creating a limited liability company -- Preparing for ownership changes with a buyout agreement -- Naming your business and products -- Licenses and permits -- Tax basics for small business -- Raising money for your business -- Buying a business -- Franchises : how not to get burned -- Insuring your business -- Negotiating a favorable lease -- Home-based business -- Employees and independent contractors -- The importance of excellent customer relations -- Legal requirements for dealing with customers -- Cash, credit cards, and checks -- Extending credit and getting paid -- Put it in writing : small business contracts -- The financially troubled business -- Appendix: Checklist for staring a small business

The Legal Guide for Starting & Running a Small Business has helped more than a quarter million entrepreneurs and business owners master the basics, including how to: raise start-up money, decide between an LLC or other business structure, save on business taxes, get licenses and permits, choose the right insurance, negotiate contracts and leases, avoid problems if you're buying a franchise, hire and manage employees and independent contractors, attract and keep customers (and get paid on time), and limit your liability and protect your personal assets