Access to legal services for Your Small Business

Some small business owners know that they need legal help to form their business correctly, protect their products, and write smart contracts. And some may know they need some help but not know exactly what or how to find out. But access to legal information and services can be the difference between a successful pursuit and a closed business. The Vermont Small Business Law Center aims to fill that gap.

Legal Information to Empower You, and an Attorney to Help

Our services usually start with a 30- or 45-minute free educational consultation with a team of practicing attorneys, faculty, and student clinicians. We research and prepare to answer your questions, and provide helpful resources to guide you. When you meet with our team of legal experts, you are on your way to protecting yourself and your business.

In our educational session, you will gain a general understanding of the legal rules and procedures you might need to navigate, and we help you prepare to make the most out of your time with a lawyer. We hope to receive future funding to let us continue to offer up to 10 hours of paid attorney services, though a referral from our partners at the Vermont Bar Association. We can no longer offer the services after March 15, 2026 but will continue to offer our one-on-one educational consults.

What can SBLC help with?

Common Questions

Do I really need to set up a business entity for my business?

How does it protect me?

What are the tax consequences?

And, how do I write an operating agreement?

How do I protect my creative or innovative work?

When can I use someone else’s work, and when do I need permission?

And, how do I make sure customers don’t confuse me with a competitor?

Do I need a contract?

What should go into it?

What happens when I break a contract, or someone else does?

How do I protect my business if someone gets hurt?

How can I protect my personal assets from my business?

Do I need insurance?

Uncommon Questions

 Do I need a zoning permit?

Can I operate my business out of my home?

Do I have to get an Act 250 permit?

What needs to go on my labels?

Do I need other environmental permits for my business?

Do I need to register with any government agencies?

How do I negotiate with a commercial landlord?

What steps do I need to take before I purchase property?

What goes into commercial leases, and why?

How do I transition from a for-profit organization to a non-profit organization?

How do I sell my business, or how do I acquire someone else’s business?

What steps do I need to take to shut down my LLC and dissolve it?

How do I bring in a partner, and what happens with their contribution to the business when they join?

How do I interpret term sheets?

What do I need to be aware of when it comes to business debt?

How do I pass my business to my children?

What if I want to go coop?

How do I make sure my business and my family are protected after I die?

Who is Eligible?

Any Vermont small business owner (with 50 or fewer employees) qualifies for our services.

Client Testimonials

"The program was incredibly helpful in getting our business started by providing the general legal guidance we needed and connecting us with a fantastic lawyer to help us navigate the specifics. As a cash-strapped startup, it freed up resources for other things while giving us the peace of mind that our business was set up correctly. The program was enormously helpful both with the tangibles and the knowledge gained." –Alpine Gremlins Outdoor Gear Design and Manufacturing

"I was fortunate to be able to work with the program with a new product I developed. I got to work with faculty and students who gave me feedback and education to inform my next steps. I was able to consult with a lawyer to get legal advice about my product. Though I learned I would not be able to get a patent for my product, I felt that I got sound advice and felt comfortable moving forward. I am very appreciative for this fabulous help and peace of mind." – Everlasting Herb Farm