North Adams Chamber
Technical Assistance Program

Join us for the 2025 cohort sessions offered for free by the North Adams Chamber of Commerce featuring workshops led by professionals, entrepreneurs, and local business owners on various topics to help strengthen your business, achieve goals, and improve systems.

June 11 @ 3:30 PM

Legal Foundations for Small Business: Forming, Funding, and Protecting Your Business

Presenter: Jeff Grandchamp, North Berkshire-based Lawyer
Date: Wednesday, June 11, 2025
Time: 3:30 to 5:30 p.m.
Location: Norad Mill: 3West Events, 60 Roberts Drive, North Adams, MA 01247
RSVP Link: https://wkf.ms/4ju9wrB

 Starting or growing a small business? You’ve likely asked questions like:

  • Should I form an LLC or a corporation?

  • What’s the difference between a partner and a co-owner?

  • Do I really need a contract if I trust someone?

  • Can I just call my employee a contractor?

  • How do I protect myself legally if things go wrong?

North Berkshire-based lawyer Jeff Grandchamp will walk you through the legal basics every business owner should understand—from choosing the right business structure to managing risk, raising funds, and protecting your work.

Topics include:

  • Why forming a legal entity matters (and what it won’t protect you from)

  •  LLC vs. Corporation vs. Partnership – what’s right for you?

  •  Setting ground rules with partners or co-owners

  •  Hiring help – employees, contractors, and volunteers (and the legal risks of each)

  •  Intellectual property and ownership of ideas

  •  Lease pitfalls, zoning, and permits

  •  Why contracts matter (even if you trust someone!)

  •  What banks and lenders look for

  •  And yes… taxes.

This session will be jam-packed with practical tips and real-world examples, with plenty of time for Q&A. Whether you're launching your first venture or formalizing a longtime side hustle, this workshop will help you establish a strong legal foundation.