Business owners are regularly confronted by legal questions and problems. But with lawyers typically charging $250 an hour, calling one can be a fast track to the poorhouse.Fortunately, Legal Guide for Starting & Running a Small Business clearly explains how to: -- raise start-up money -- get licenses and permits -- buy or sell a business -- negotiate a favorable lease -- hire freelancers and employees -- understand business tax rules -- pick and protect a name -- resolve legal disputes -- and much more

The inside scoop . . .for when you want more than the official line Want to be your own boss but aren't quite sure how to make it happen? This savvy guide will show you the way. Now revised and updated to cover the latest regulations, techniques, and trends, it walks you step by step through the entire start-up process, from coming up with a business plan and lining up financing to setting up shop, marketing to your customer base, and dealing with accounting, taxes, insurance, and licenses. Packed with real-world tips and tricks that you won't find anywhere else, it delivers all the know-how you need to declare independence from the 9-to-5 world, launch your business--and watch the profits grow! * Vital Information on real-world entrepreneurship that other sources don't reveal. * Insider Secrets on how to secure financing and choose a winning location. * Money-Saving Techniques, including low-cost ways to market your business. * Time-Saving Tips for creating a business plan and handling legal and accounting basics. * The Latest Trends, including how to launch a profitable home- or Web-based business. * Handy Checklists and Charts to help you plan your start-up and succeed in the marketplace.

SmartStart Your Business Today! How to Start a Business in California is your road map to avoiding operational, legal and financial pitfalls and breaking through the bureaucratic red tape that often entangles new entrepreneurs. This all-in-one resource goes a step beyond other business how-to books to give you a jump-start on planning for your business. It provides you with: Valuable state-specific sample forms and letters on CD-ROM Mailing addresses, telephone numbers and websites for the federal, state, local and private agencies that will help get your business up and running State population statistics, income and consumption rates, major industry trends and overall business incentives to give you a better picture of doing business in California Checklists, sample forms and a complete sample business plan to assist you with numerous startup details State-specific information on issues like choosing a legal form, selecting a business name, obtaining licenses and permits, registering to pay taxes and knowing your employer responsibilities Federal and state options for financing your new venture Resources, cost information, statistics and regulations have all been updated. That, plus a new easier-to-use layout putting all the state-specific information in one block of chapters, make this your must-have guide to getting your business off the ground.

This nuts-and-bolts guide provides clear, plain-English explanations of the laws that affect businesses every day. A perrennial bestseller, the book covers: - partnerships and corporations - taxes- independent contractors - leases- trademarks- service marks- licenses- permits- buying and selling a business

Lawyers can provide you with the legal information you need, but their fees are often prohibitive. This comprehensive guide will answer many of your questions, saving you both time and money - money that you can keep in your pocket.

All the plain-English legal and business information you need to get your business off the ground and running.