You've got a cause you care about — now you just need the legal status that will help your organization raise money and work for that cause. Here are four steps to help you understand the process, but as always, call Wick Law for more details.

Right now, developing new ideas to supplement core products and services is one way businesses are continuing to operate and stay relevant. Post COVID-19, your small business may need to pivot and re-configure the day-to-day.

In the aftermath of COVID-19, many small businesses are making necessary pivots to their business model in order to stay afloat.

Many business owners choose to form their business as a Limited Liability Company (“LLC”) because of the protections afforded by this business structure. LLC members are able to protect themselves from certain debts and threats (lawsuits) that they would otherwise be exposed to. In other words, an owner/operator will not generally be held personally liable for the acts of the LLC.

. UNEMPLOYMENTPandemic Unemployment Assistance Program — The CARES Act, through the temporary Pandemic Unemployment Assistance program gives access to individuals not traditionally eligible, including self-employed, independent contractors and “gig workers” and those with limited work history, who are unable to work as a direct result of the coronavirus.

The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act allocated $350 billion to help businesses keep workers employed during the pandemic and recovery. Most important to small businesses:•$10 billion has been set aside for emergency loans to help small businesses keep workers employed, including some that are forgivable;•$17 billion for loan subsidies through the SBA;•and $350 billion in loan guarantees.

Wick Law wants to provide small business owners with the latest COVID-19 related policies that could impact your business. See below for recent policy updates impacting your taxes, unemployment and workers’ compensation.

Wick Law is committed to helping small business owners be informed during this tough time.

The Families First Coronavirus Response Act was signed into law on March 18, 2020. The Act provides for emergency paid sick pay, emergency expansion of family and medical leave, and tax credits for employers.Wick Law is here to answer all of your questions during the uncertain and unprecedented time.

Thinking about buying or selling an existing business? Here are some things you should know before you take the plunge.

It stands to reason that, if you have a business, you need to take steps to protect your business interests.  For example, courts recognize trade secrets, confidential information, customer lists, pricing methods, sales, and marketing strategies as legitimate business interests worthy of protection.  One way to protect your business interests is to have an attorney draft a non-compete agreement.  But, before you go down that road, make sure there is a legitimate need for one.  Recently, there is a movement away from upholding non-competes and so if you chose to have one drafted, make sure your lawyer does it the right way.

Small business owners—make sure you are not calling workers independent contractors when, under Ohio Law, they are actually employees.  If you get this wrong, it can be a costly mistake.

Women−It’s not a confidence problem.  It’s not just about promoting yourself. We know there is a wide and stubborn gender gap, both in terms of pay and leadership opportunities.It is fair to say studies have shown that a combination of factors contribute to this long-standing problem. And, most definitely sexist cultural norms, not women’s actual lack of confidence, play the biggest part.

In 2018, only 3% of venture capital in the U.S. went to companies with a female CEO. All the while, the number of female-owned businesses has risen in the U.S. Funds aren’t being allocated to the best investment opportunities, and some experts blame the pitch process.

Are you considering creating a give-back program for your company? Check out these 8 tips that will help you create a strong philanthropic program without bursting your bottom line.

Although filling as a corporation or LLC helps limit your personal liability, merely incorporating by registering your business with the Ohio Secretary of State isn't the only requirement you need to follow to protect yourself.  Legal requirements - officially called "corporate formalities" - are the rules set down by the State of Ohio that a business must follow to become a formal legal entity. Failure to observe corporate formalities can lead to significant legal issues, including potential attempts by others to “pierce the corporate veil,” a legal claim recognized by Ohio courts. All Ohio corporations and LLCs - regardless of size, type of entity, or age - are required to follow corporate formalities.  A single-owner LLC is just as responsible as a billion dollar corporation in the eyes of the law.

Whether you’re a pro in your field or you are literally just stating out, there are several things you really need to take care of, but today I’m just going to cover six that fall under the Pretty Big Deal department of business law.

In the words of Blake Mycoskie, owner of TOMS and creator of the “one for one” business model, “Start something that matters!” Businesses can be designed so that making a social impact doesn’t diminish revenue or profit.

1. Form a Legal Entity.2. Provide yourself with Exit Strategies from the Business.3. Take Active Steps to Protect the Most Important Aspect of your Business-Its Assets!...and more!

Shrewd business owners know one simple truth about negotiating a business deal: if you aren’t watching your own back, no one is; especially not the other guy. Even if the other side is saying all the right things, you owe it to yourself to make sure the deal goes the way you need it to go.