Penn State Law Clinic offers no-cost advice to entrepreneurs across the Commonwealth
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Do you know the difference between an LLC and a sole proprietorship, and which one is best for your new business? Don’t worry, the Penn State Law Entrepreneur Assistance Clinic (EAC) is here to offer no-cost assistance to answer that question and many others.
The EAC can help with foundational aspects of starting a new business with services like choice of entity and business formation assistance. They also draft and review contracts. In 2022, the EAC has represented almost 1,300 new clients and formed nearly 600 companies.
“The EAC provides free legal services to entrepreneurs and emerging small businesses across the Commonwealth,” Staff Attorney Stephanie Wilusz said. “Our legal work is performed by Penn State Law students under the supervision of three licensed attorneys.”
Wilusz had this key piece of advice for entrepreneurs: “Legal advice for small businesses and startups can be especially helpful in the early stages. Many startups may feel that it isn’t necessary to seek legal advice until the business has grown, but a mistake in the early stages can become more costly and difficult to fix for your business in the future. There are many reasons why you should seek legal advice when forming and growing your business, including entity selection, formation, organization, founder agreements and other contracts to formalize arrangements and mitigate risk.”
The EAC is part of the Alleghenies entrepreneurial ecosystem. “If you are considering starting a business, the EAC is a great place to start,” Debbi Prosser, Director of Business Development for the Southern Alleghenies Planning & Development Commission, said. “In addition to offering free legal advice, the team also provides webinars and educational presentations.”
Unsure which Penn State law clinic you need? Jessica Lattanza, who is the assistant director of the Altoona LaunchBox supported by the Hite Family, offered this clarification.
“If you are looking for information and assistance about legally protecting your product, process, idea, or creative work, head to the Intellectual Property Clinic. The IP clinic can help with patent, trademark, and copyright-related needs. Need legal advice and assistance with other items related to business startup and entrepreneurial endeavors? The Entrepreneur Assistance Clinic is the place for you!”
Fill out this intake form today to be connected to the EAC which is located in downtown State College, but offers remote video meetings across the Commonwealth.
Startup Alleghenies helps startup and emerging small businesses succeed by providing free coaching to entrepreneurs in Bedford, Blair, Cambria, Fulton, Huntingdon and Somerset counties. To access personal, one-on-one support from a coach in your county, including guidance, resources, tools and networking opportunities, sign up at startupalleghenies.com
