Description

Starting and owning a small business remains one of the most powerful ways to build long-term wealth, alongside investing and real estate ownership. But today’s business environment is fundamentally different than it was even a few years ago. Entrepreneurs must navigate rapid technological change, artificial intelligence, shifting workforce expectations, evolving regulatory frameworks, fluctuating capital markets, and increased federal and state scrutiny in areas such as non-compete agreements, data privacy, and employment law.

Every large business begins as a small business, yet the risks and complexities of launching and scaling a company have increased. Owners and their advisors must address critical issues including selecting the proper entity, liability protection, financing, intellectual property protection, employment contracts, noncompete, insurance coverage, operations, and technology adoption. Decisions made at formation can materially affect a company’s long-term value and ability to grow and ultimately sell.

This course provides a practical, up-to-date overview of the legal, financial, and strategic considerations that business owners and their professional advisors must evaluate in today’s environment. Drawing on current research, regulatory developments, and real-world trends, the program focuses on helping entrepreneurs build resilient, compliant, and scalable businesses in a rapidly changing economy.

Instructor: Jason Cornell, Esq.

Target Audience

Anyone in the accounting or financial services profession who seeks to understand proven strategies to establish and grow a small business or who counsels individuals who own, or are considering owning, a small business

Course Objectives

Understand how to successfully start and grow a small business or advise clients who are starting a small business

Understand basic legal issues that need to be addressed when forming a business

Explore marketing and financing plans to launch and develop a business

Recognize ways to protect business assets and owners from different forms of liability

Subjects

Understanding the time commitment required to start and run a business

Selecting a corporate structure to protect your personal assets

Building your product or service

Sales and marketing in your business

Establishing your owners, investors, managers, and employees

Accounting, recording-keeping, and other software programs

Leases, contracts, and employee agreements

Protecting intellectual property

Insurance

Business plans

Financing

Market position

Prerequisites

General familiarity with accounting and business principles