CLIMB serves entrepreneurs and small businesses who:
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live in the city of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County or employ individuals or serve a community in the city or county;
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meet certain income-based eligibility guidelines; and
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are currently selling goods/services; or for those entrepreneurs without an existing business, can demonstrate that the venture is at a stage in which legal assistance would be appropriate.
CLIMB prioritizes applications from small businesses whose ownership consists primarily of people of color, women, members of the LGBTQ+ community, veterans or disabled persons.
During the pilot program, CLIMB will accept applications through its initial referral partners:
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The Boost Pad
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Carolinas–Virginia Minority Supplier Development Council
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Charlotte Business INClusion
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Charlotte LGBT Chamber of Commerce
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National Black MBA Association, Inc. – Charlotte Chapter
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Prospera
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Women’s Business Center of Charlotte
These are separated under three different headings: location, income, and consulting. A few edits were made to this. They also added “will work with referral sources that serve individuals and businesses in those groups. If an applicant does not meet eligibility requirements, CLIMB will make a referral to a (partner?) lawyer or law firm.”
CLIMB serves entrepreneurs and small businesses who:
-
live in the city of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County or employ individuals or serve a community in the city or county;
-
meet certain income-based eligibility guidelines; and
-
are currently selling goods/services; or for those entrepreneurs without an existing business, can demonstrate that the venture is at a stage in which legal assistance would be appropriate.
CLIMB prioritizes applications from small businesses whose ownership consists primarily of people of color, women, members of the LGBTQ+ community, veterans or disabled persons.
During the pilot program, CLIMB will accept applications through its initial referral partners:
-
The Boost Pad
-
Carolinas–Virginia Minority Supplier Development Council
-
Charlotte Business INClusion
-
Charlotte LGBT Chamber of Commerce
-
National Black MBA Association, Inc. – Charlotte Chapter
-
Prospera
-
Women’s Business Center of Charlotte
These are separated under three different headings: location, income, and consulting. A few edits were made to this. They also added “will work with referral sources that serve individuals and businesses in those groups. If an applicant does not meet eligibility requirements, CLIMB will make a referral to a (partner?) lawyer or law firm.”
SERVICES
CLIMB volunteer lawyers provide legal assistance for the following business law needs:
FORMING A BUSINESS ENTITY
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Make an informed decision on the legal structure best for a business (Sole Proprietorship, Partnership, LLC, C-Corporation, S-Corporation) based on an understanding of the differences in cost, complexity, flexibility, control and tax treatment.
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Register a limited liability entity for a business, draft bylaws/operating agreement and other organizational documents, and take all formation steps required by regulators, licensors and taxing authorities.
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
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Understand and observe all applicable corporate formalities, including separation of business and personal finances and required corporate meeting minutes.
FINANCING TRANSACTIONS
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Review and understand documentation related to loans from banks, government agencies and other sources.
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Document and understand structure, negotiation and requirements for taking on investors in a business.
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Explain the rights and obligations under an existing loan, including working with creditors to negotiate and restructure debt that is in default.
CONTRACTS
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Document all important business arrangements and agreements in writing, including with customers, website users, investors and independent contractors.
COMMERCIAL LEASES
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Explain the rights and obligations under an existing or proposed lease, including lease negotiation techniques, common terms, hidden costs and other potential pitfalls.
EMPLOYMENT ISSUES
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Maintain adequate employment documentation and understand employer responsibilities, including wage and hour, discrimination laws, workers comp, disability, payroll taxes, personnel files, and employee versus independent contractor.
CLIMB volunteer lawyers do not provide litigation representations.