Legal, Insurance, Accounting, and Technology

Useful Resources

• How to Choose the Right Business Structure

• Essential Contracts Every Startup Needs

• Protecting Your Intellectual Property: A Guide for Startups

• 60 Pro Bono (free) Law School clinics - certified by the USPTO

• ICanInvent YouTube Channel

• Legal Lessons for Startups

• Founder Legal Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them

• Inventor and entrepreneur resources by the United States Patent & Trademark Office (USPTO)
• Types of IP Protection
• USPTO Events
• USPTO Free Services
• USPTO Resources Near You
• Patents Basics
• Trademark Basics

• Understanding Business Insurance for Startups - A comprehensive guide on different types of insurance coverage.

• Podcast: Risk Management for Startups - A conversation with industry experts on mitigating business risks.

• Guide: A Founder's Guide to Startup Insurance - A deep dive into insurance policies tailored for startups.

• IRS Small Business Tax Guide – A resource for understanding tax obligations, deductions, and compliance.

• Financial Statements 101 – A beginner-friendly explanation of how to read and interpret financial statements.

• The E-Myth Accountant – A must-read for business owners looking to systematize their accounting practices.

• Understanding Cash Flow Basics – A recent lesson on cash flow management strategies for small businesses.

• Summiter App (iOS) – A tool for outdoor and adventure tech enthusiasts.

• Summiter App (Android) – The Android version of Summiter for tracking and adventure planning.

• Into the Outerverse – A blog exploring the intersection of technology and the outdoor industry.

• Outside.io – Exploring NFTs and digital experiences in the outdoor space.

• Kit Supply & Co – A platform offering high-quality outdoor gear and supplies.

• Branded Fruit – A marketing solution for brands looking for customized promotional products.

• HighTag – Specializing in tech solutions for outdoor industries.

Recommended Tools

• Clerky: A platform for startups to handle legal paperwork, from incorporation to fundraising.

• Rocket Lawyer: Provides customizable legal documents and access to attorney consultations.

• Trademarkia: A tool for searching and registering trademarks.

• HelloSign: A secure way to sign legal documents electronically.

• Fashion Law Studio – Provides affordable legal resources tailored for fashion, beauty, and wellness entrepreneurs.

• Google Patents - searching patents

• USPTO Patent and Trademark Search – Official tools to search existing patents and trademarks.

• Next Insurance – Provides business insurance specifically designed for small businesses and startups.

• Embroker – A digital platform that helps compare insurance policies tailored to startups.

• CoverWallet – A streamlined way to compare and purchase business insurance.

• Founder Shield - Specializes in providing customized insurance for startups and growing businesses.

• Policygenius - A tool to compare insurance policies and get personalized recommendations.

• QuickBooks – A popular bookkeeping and accounting tool for small businesses.

• Wave – A free accounting and invoicing platform for small companies.

• Bench – A bookkeeping service that provides real accountants to manage financial records.

• Xero – A cloud-based accounting software with automated financial tools.

• Webgility – Integrates with e-commerce platforms to automate accounting tasks.

• Quicken

• Expensify – A tool for managing receipts and automating expense tracking.

• Divvy – A financial planning tool for managing startup budgets and expenses.

• Bookkeeping Services:
• SW Strategic Solutions
• Clear Books CPA
• Gem Numerics
• Marisa/Alchemy

• Project Management Software (Trello, Asana): Helps teams stay organized and collaborate efficiently.

• AI-Powered Analytics (Tableau): Enables data-driven decision-making through intuitive visualizations.

• Cybersecurity Solutions (LastPass, 1Password): Ensures secure password management for individuals and teams.

• No-Code Development Platforms (Bubble): Empowers non-developers to build functional applications without coding.

Founded Outdoors Community Tips and Insights

• Clear Legal Contracts: Ensure all business agreements, including partnerships, collaborations, and supplier contracts, are well-documented and reviewed by a lawyer to avoid disputes.

• Choosing a Business Structure: LLCs are popular among founders due to their simplicity and liability protection, while S-Corps may offer tax advantages for growing businesses.

• Comprehensive Insurance Coverage: Review policy exclusions carefully and consider negotiating terms directly with providers to ensure adequate protection for outdoor businesses.

• Accounting Software & Practices: Implement bookkeeping software early to track finances efficiently and maintain separate accounts for business and personal expenses.

• Tax Planning & Deductions: Work with an accountant to maximize deductions, including expenses for equipment, travel, and home offices.

• Staying Compliant: Keep up with federal, state, and local business regulations, especially for businesses operating in multiple locations.

• Selecting the Right Insurance Provider: Compare providers based on coverage, customer service, and claim response time, not just price.

• Resolving Business Disputes: Mediation and arbitration can be cost-effective alternatives to court when handling legal conflicts.

• Liability & Risk Management: Regular safety assessments, liability waivers, and proper protocols help mitigate risks for outdoor businesses.

• Financial Planning & Funding: Seek financial advice early, maintain a clear cash flow strategy, and work with professionals to manage finances efficiently.

Vendors

• LegalZoom – For business registration and legal document templates.

• UpCounsel – Connects startups with experienced lawyers for consultations.

• Rocket Lawyer – Affordable legal services for small businesses.

• Basecamp Legal – Offers legal services tailored for startups, recommended by community members.

• Doola – Supports company formation and compliance for startups.

• LawTrades: A platform to hire on-demand legal professionals for startup needs.

• Stripe Atlas: Helps founders incorporate and set up banking efficiently.

• Berkley – Provides specialized insurance solutions for various industries.

• Redwoods Group – Focuses on insurance for community organizations and programs.

• EventHelper – Great for one-off event insurance needs.

• West Bend – Covers activities like yoga and hiking.

• CBIZ – A broker that works with many rafting companies.

• Hiscox – Business insurance tailored to small businesses.

• Thimble – Short-term insurance for projects and outdoor businesses.

• The Hartford – A well-established provider offering a variety of business insurance options.

• Everest – Covers activities like rock climbing and wilderness medicine.

• Philadelphia Insurance Companies – Offers coverage for new hiking guiding businesses.

• Hiscox - Offers small business insurance tailored for startups.

• Chubb - Known for comprehensive business insurance coverage.

• Next Insurance - A startup-friendly provider offering flexible policies.

• The Hartford - Provides a wide range of business insurance solutions.

• Gusto – Payroll and benefits management for small businesses.

• Pilot – Bookkeeping and CFO services for startups.

• FreshBooks – A cloud-based accounting solution designed for small businesses and freelancers.

• TaxJar – Automates sales tax calculations and filings.

• Carta – Helps manage equity and cap tables for startups.

• Justworks – A PEO service that handles payroll, benefits, and HR compliance.

• Float – A cash flow forecasting tool used by startups to manage financial planning.

• Cloud Service Providers: AWS, Google Cloud, Azure

• Cybersecurity Firms: CrowdStrike, Palo Alto Networks

• Software Development Agencies: TopDevCo, CodeSprint

• Outdoor & Adventure Tech Vendors: HighTag – Specializing in tech solutions for outdoor industries.