Legal, Insurance, Accounting, and Technology

Useful Resources

• Fashion Law Studio - founded by the Managing Director of the Fashion Incubator San Francisco. Our mission to democratize the law by providing affordable, practical, and easy-to-use legal resources and tools to Fashion, Beauty, & Wellness entrepreneurs.

• 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

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

• ICanInvent YouTube Channel

Articles

• Understanding Business Insurance – A breakdown of different insurance policies and what they cover.

• Accounting for Startups – Key financial principles every founder should know.

• Small Business Compliance Guide – Covers legal and regulatory obligations for businesses.

Videos

• Legal Considerations for New Businesses – A short explainer on business structures and contracts.

• How to Choose the Right Insurance for Your Business – A practical guide on evaluating risk and selecting policies.

• Transcript: Making money from AI — Searching for a 'killer app' – An exploration of practical AI applications and their potential profitability.

Podcasts

• Startup Legal Matters (Listen Here) – A podcast on common legal issues faced by early-stage companies.

• Financial Foundations for Founders – Discusses bookkeeping, tax strategies, and financial planning for startups.

Books

• The Entrepreneur’s Guide to Business Law (Amazon Link) – An essential read on legal basics for startups.

• Profit First (Amazon Link) – A practical book on financial management for small businesses.

2. Recommended Tools

• Google Patents - searching patents

• Clerky – Helps startups handle legal paperwork efficiently.

• Docracy – A free resource for open-source legal documents.

• HelloSign – E-signature software for legally binding contracts.

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

• 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.

• 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

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

3. Founded Outdoors Community Tips and Insights

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

2. 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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

4. Vendors

Legal Services

• 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.

• Clerky – Helps startups handle legal paperwork efficiently.

• Doola – Supports company formation and compliance for startups.

Insurance Providers

• 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.

Accounting & Financial Services

• 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.