Description:
Whether you are starting up a new business, or want to be sure you are covering your bases with an existing business, there are several important areas to cover. This Multi-Week Course will guide you through various steps that your company should review before opening or on a regular basis even once you are established. Topics we will cover include: (1) choosing a name and protecting your mark; (2) picking the right business entity; (3) complying with local, state, and federal laws; (4) insuring your company; (5) drafting easy to read contracts and documents that will limit your liability; and (6) solid record keeping.
Learning Outcomes: Attendees of this course can expect to:
1. Choose a name for your business that identifies you while at the same time not infringing on other’s rights, and identify and protect your intellectual property.
2. Protect yourself with an appropriate business entity and insurance policies.
3.Ensure that your business complies with all proper filings, registrations, and licenses.
4. Use written contracts that protect your business but remain easy to understand.
5. Keep accurate and complete business records, including key policies and procedures to keep your business running smoothly.
Course Evaluation & Completion: will be determined based on but not limited to:
1. On-time completion of all required homework assignments.
2. Participation, attitude, enthusiasm, and productivity.
3. Grammar, punctuation, clarity, and efficacy of writing; meeting assignment guidelines and criteria provided by the instructor.
Level of Knowledge: Attendees are expected to:
1. Have a dog training business or be in the process of establishing one.
2. Attendees may have no knowledge or only basic knowledge of legal issues involved in running a small business.
This course has the following weekly requirements:
- This course has a lecture (recording) each week that you have one week to listen to.
- Reading and homework assignments are given each week and you have one week to submit.
- You are required to make at least two post per week on the course discussion board. This is an area where you interact with other students and the instructor.
Heidi Meinzer has been practicing as an attorney since 2000. Having handled both litigation and business matters, she is equally comfortable in the courtroom or in the office handling your business needs. In 2013, Heidi set up the Law Office of Heidi Meinzer, PLLC in Alexandria, Virginia to focus her practice on animal law and the pet care industry. Heidi’s clients include successful dog trainer, dog walking, pet sitting and dog daycare companies, and individuals facing dangerous dog allegations, ownership disputes, or other animal law issues.
Heidi is licensed to practice law in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, and Washington State. Heidi devotes countless hours to animal welfare and state and local legislative efforts, and serves as a board member for the Association of Professional Dog Trainers, the Virginia Federation of Humane Societies, and Homeward Trails Animal Rescue.
Recommended Course Materials:
Legal Guide to Starting and Running a Small Business, by Fred S. Steingold (not mandatory but helpful!)
CEUS:
CCPDT-20
IAABC-6
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