Resource Center
Stay in the know with the latest news and expert insights from StartSmart Counsel. Our dedicated team of advisors regularly shares valuable updates, industry trends, and business wisdom to help you navigate the entrepreneurial journey. Explore our curated collection of news articles and blog posts to gain valuable insights and stay ahead in your startup endeavors.
Turning Your Hobby Into a Business in 2026: 20 Legal and Strategic Steps to Get Started the Right Way
Taking your hobby seriously is the first step toward building something sustainable. If you are earning income or planning to, you owe it to yourself to do it the right way with the right legal structure and protections in place.
When Verbal Agreements Break: Why Your Growing Business Needs Written Contracts Yesterday
Most entrepreneurs don’t launch a business because they love paperwork. They launch because they see a problem worth solving. In the early days, trust runs high, time runs short, and “We’ll put something in writing later” feels harmless.
Your First Internal Policies: The Quiet Power Move Every Growing Business Should Make
Most founders think internal policies belong in corporate HR manuals, tucked between “business casual guidelines” and “printer etiquette.” But your first set of policies isn’t about bureaucracy. It’s about protecting your time, money, and team from avoidable chaos.
SAFE Notes vs. Convertible Notes: Which One Actually Fits Your Startup’s Fundraising Strategy?
Early-stage founders often pick their first fundraising instrument because “another startup used it,” or because an investor suggested it, or because someone sent them a template. But SAFE notes and convertible notes behave differently—and picking the wrong one can complicate future funding rounds.
Need an Advisor Agreement, NDA, or Contractor Agreement? A GC Can Cover It All
Startups and small businesses often juggle numerous legal tasks with limited internal resources. From engaging advisors to hiring independent contractors, ensuring that all agreements are professionally drafted and legally sound is critical. A General Counsel (GC), whether in-house or fractional, can serve as a strategic legal partner to help cover it all.
This article explores how a GC can support your business in drafting, negotiating, and maintaining essential legal agreements—ensuring compliance, reducing risk, and facilitating long-term growth.
What You Get with a GC on Demand: Real Startup Case Studies
In today’s fast‑moving startup world, having access to legal expertise whenever you need it—without the overhead of a full‑time General Counsel—can be a game‑changer. “GC on Demand” services provide flexible, subscription‑style access to seasoned in‑house attorneys who understand the unique challenges of emerging companies. Below, we explore what you actually get when you engage a GC on Demand, through three real‑life startup case studies.
What to Include in Your Contract to Handle Terminations Smoothly
Every business relationship carries some level of risk—and sometimes, despite everyone’s best efforts, you need to part ways. A well‑drafted termination clause (and related provisions) can save time, money, and goodwill down the road.
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