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Legal Lift for Small Businesses – City Connect Series Event

April 21 @ 9:30 AM - 4:30 PM

Presented in Partnership with Smith Anderson.

Registration opens March 10, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. and will be posted here.

Calling all local business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs! Join us for a FREE event designed to empower and help you navigate common legal concerns that all businesses face every day in Raleigh. 

What to Expect:
  • Info Sessions hosted by Smith Anderson and EisnerAmper
  • Small Business Panel Luncheon
  • Resource Exhibitors
  • Opportunity for Individual Coaching Session with Smith Anderson

 

Agenda

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Time Title Description
9:30 – 10:30 a.m. Getting Started: Company Formation, Tax and Best Practices – Smith Anderson This session will provide a primer on the fundamentals of choosing the appropriate entity for your business and basic tax effects of each. In addition to learning about differences between corporations, limited liability companies, and other entities, you will also receive an introduction to key tax and compliance concepts and certain best practices to keep your business running smoothly.
10:40 – 11:40 a.m. The Numbers: Business Accounting Primer – EisnerAmper in partnership with Smith Anderson This session will provide some insight into the accounting do’s and don’ts for small businesses.  We will cover topics, such as, accounting basics, accounting software, 1099 compliance, an overview of sales tax, how and when estimated payments play a part, and some of the tax consequences of choosing various entities.
11:45 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Start Up and Small Business Employment Law Landscape: What Always Matters and What Matters More (or Less) in 2025 – Smith Anderson This session will cover employment law issues about which start ups and growing companies must be aware, with a particular focus on employee count thresholds for various employment laws and the implications of hitting those marks. We will also explore key employment documents you should consider using – even if you have not yet triggered the previously discussed employment laws. Finally, we will discuss key considerations for employment versus independent contractor arrangements, noncompetition and nonsolicitation agreements, and wage and hour considerations that apply to all employers, regardless of size.
12:45 – 1:45 p.m. Panel Luncheon – hosted by the City of Raleigh’s Small Business Development Team Hear about the resources that the City of Raleigh has available to you and learn about other entrepreneurial support organizations
1:45 – 2:45 p.m. Next-Level Issues: Considerations for Data Privacy and Security and Intellectual Property – Smith Anderson This session will offer a primer on intellectual property and data privacy considerations for businesses. We will cover a broad overview of the types of intellectual property and take a deeper dive into brand protection through prosecution and maintenance of trademark rights. Further, in an era where data breaches and privacy violations dominate headlines, the significance of robust data privacy and security practices cannot be overstated. We will not only explore an overview of relevant laws and real-world examples of data breaches, but will also discuss best practices for data protection and how your business can foster an organizational culture that prioritizes privacy and security.
3:00 – 4:00 p.m. Money Talks: Funding Your Company and Exit Strategies – Smith Anderson This session will discuss common ways of funding your business from bootstrapping and bankrolling to loans, non-dilutive grants and outside investments and special considerations — particularly when trying to navigate federal and state securities regulations. We also discuss common exit strategies and succession planning issues for small businesses.

Meet Our Partners!

Smith Anderson:

Smith Anderson is the largest business and litigation law firm headquartered in the Research Triangle. Smith Anderson is a combination of legal innovators with a culture and heritage that has been shaped for more than 100 years.

EisnerAmper

EisnerAmper services large enterprises, privately owned companies, governmental entities, and high-net-worth individuals have complex short- and long-term financial and accounting needs.

These clients rely on EisnerAmper for comprehensive audit, accounting, advisory, consulting and tax services, delivered with integrity, reliability, and expert insights.

The City of Raleigh’s Small Business Development Team

The City of Raleigh’s Small Business Development Team serves as an ally for small, minority, and women-owned businesses throughout our community. The Small Business Development Team recognizes the challenges and rewards of starting or expanding a business, and is committed to offering a range of resources to meet the unique needs and promote equity in the business community.

Legal Disclaimer:

Information provided at this event is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.  No attorney-client relationship is established.  The City of Raleigh and Smith Anderson may not be held liable for errors or omissions in information or any losses, injuries, or damages arising from its use.

Details

Date:
April 21
Time:
9:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Event Category:
Website:
https://raleighnc.gov/doing-business/events/legal-lift-small-businesses-city-connect-series-event

Venue

Raleigh Convention Center
500 South Salisbury Street
Raleigh, NC 27601 + Google Map