At the Piatchek Law Firm, our business attorneys can assist you in pursuing your dream of starting a business in Missouri. We understand that starting a business can be exciting, scary, and stressful all at once. After all, I, Joseph Piatchek, started this business once upon a time. Even though we are an established business now, we are still growing, just like you, and we’re still excited about business.
One of my favorite parts about being a business attorney is assisting new business owners as they pursue their goals and dreams. I enjoy all aspects of business law, and I am always excited to help my clients explore new business ideas and watch those ideas come to life. First, you simply have a thought. Then, that thought leads to action. Eventually, what began as a mere thought becomes a tangible thing that you can feel, touch, and interact with. Isn’t business wonderful?
Although the Piatchek Law Firm is a full-service firm that offers legal services in many different areas of the law, I must admit that there is nothing like helping a client start a new business in Missouri. I love watching a small business start from scratch, work through growing pains, thrive, and then come to maturity. It is wonderful not only to watch how the business changes, but also how the owners themselves change over time.
We love meeting with new business owners. Sometimes they have a lot of questions, and sometimes they are so overwhelmed, they don’t know where to begin or which questions to ask. We routinely assist both new business owners and existing business owners. While not all new businesses succeed, it is the many success stories from our clients that keep us going and keep us excited about business law.
Success Stories Happen Every Day
Our law firm is lucky to be in a position to witness success stories everyday. How many people can say that what they do for a living is to help others pursue their dreams? That is why we are business law attorneys – we literally get to help clients make their dreams come true by helping them pursue their lifelong dream of owning and operating their own business.
However, we also understand that starting a business in Missouri can be an overwhelming and sometimes complicated process. Potential business owners must consider numerous factors, including financing the business, setting up a business plan, choosing the best business entity; naming the business, addressing licensing, addressing permits and zoning matters, hiring and paying employees, and securing business insurance.
The law surrounding these areas is diverse and often specific to your locale. For help, contact our business attorneys to begin navigating the process of starting a new business in Missouri. We can assist with a variety of tasks, including the following:
- Discussing what type of business entity to utilize
- Setting up a business entity
- Drafting employment agreements for clients to sign
- Reviewing and creating contracts of all kinds
- Accepting payment, including credit cards
- Banking issues
- Setting up a website and answering e-commerce questions
- Leasing business space and lease agreements
- Buying commercial real estate
- Acquiring licenses and permits
- Print, online, TV, and radio advertising questions and contracts
- Dealing with zoning and real estate concerns
- Ongoing general business advice
- Business litigation
Hiring Employees
Did you know that many state and federal laws govern the actions of business owners during the hiring and employment process? New business owners must be aware that the following concerns apply when advertising job openings or interviewing, hiring and supervising employees:
- Avoid illegal discrimination
- Observe and respect privacy rights
- Safeguard against hiring illegal immigrants
- Observe relevant age regulations
- Conduct a thorough interview and background check of new employees
Compensating Employees
New business owners often have questions about the minimum wage, overtime pay, child labor, employee sick leave, and record keeping. The US Department of Labor and certain state agencies are charged with enforcing employee rights, and many times the law is complex and detailed. A new business owner should stay informed in order to avoid legal difficulties by consulting a competent and experienced attorney.
Insuring the Business, Owners, and Employees
New business owners should understand the insurance policies available for both businesses and their employees. It is important to analyze risk exposure before determining the type and amount of insurance that will best protect your new investment. In addition, laws or contractual agreements may require certain types of policies. A business attorney can assist you with your questions today. A business owner typically needs to consider premises liability insurance, errors and omissions insurance (or malpractice insurance), general liability insurance, renter’s insurance, disability insurance, life insurance, umbrella insurance, worker’s compensation insurance, and health insurance.
Links and Resources for Starting a Business
Small Business Administration (SBA)
The SBA’s mission is to provide assistance and advice to small businesses. This is a great resource for all topics involved with starting a new business.
The Department of Labor provides guidance on labor regulations for business owners while protecting the interests of workers, retirees, and job seekers.
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
This US Department of Labor organization advocates for worker safety by setting and enforcing workplace standards and offering guidance for employers.
Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)
The EEOC is responsible for enforcing anti-discrimination laws, including Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Equal Pay Act (EPA), the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA), and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
Employee Benefits Security Administration
This agency, which is part of the Department of Labor, informs benefit plan administrators of applicable laws and develops and enforces regulations. It also helps employees obtain the most out of their pensions, health plans, and other benefits.
How to Get Started
For caring, professional legal representation, contact our offices to arrange a confidential consultation. Evening and weekend appointments are available upon request, and we may be able to arrange a home or business visit if you are unable to travel to our offices. We serve the entire state of Missouri and beyond, including Springfield, Branson, Nixa, Ozark, Joplin, Columbia, St. Louis, Kansas City, Jefferson City, Lake of the Ozarks, and Osage Beach.
