7 Steps to Start a Business in Ohio

7 Steps to Start a Business in Ohio

Starting a business in Ohio can be a rewarding and exciting venture, but it can also be overwhelming and challenging. There are many steps to take and decisions to make, and it’s important to be well-informed and prepared in order to set your business up for success.

Here are 7 steps to consider as you begin starting a business in Ohio:

  1. Choose a business structure: One of the first decisions you’ll need to make is what type of business structure you want to have. The most common options in Ohio are sole proprietorship, partnership, limited liability company (LLC), and corporation. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages, so it’s important to consider your needs and goals before making a decision.
  2. Obtain any necessary licenses and permits: Depending on the type of business you are starting, you may need to obtain various licenses and permits in order to operate legally in Ohio. This can include things like a sales tax permit, food service permit, or liquor license. It’s important to research what licenses and permits are required for your specific business and to obtain them before starting operations.
  3. Create a business plan: A business plan is a detailed document that outlines your goals, strategies, and financial projections for your business. It helps you identify your target market, define your competitive advantage, and set measurable objectives. A business plan is an essential tool for any small business, as it helps you stay organized and focused on your long-term goals.
  4. Secure financing: Most small businesses require some form of financing to get off the ground. This can include loans, grants, or investments from friends and family. It’s important to research your financing options and create a financial plan that outlines how you will use the funds to grow your business.
  5. Choose a location: The location of your business is an important consideration, as it can impact things like foot traffic, rent, and access to customers. It’s important to research different locations and consider factors like parking, foot traffic, and proximity to your target market.
  6. Set up your business: Once you have chosen a business structure and secured financing, it’s time to set up your business. This can include things like choosing a business name, creating a logo, setting up a website, and purchasing any necessary equipment or supplies.
  7. Market your business: Marketing is an important aspect of running a small business, as it helps you attract and retain customers. There are many ways to market a small business, including social media, email marketing, and local advertising. It’s important to find marketing strategies that work for your specific business and to consistently promote your products or services.

Careful planning and preparation.

Starting a small business in Ohio requires careful planning and preparation, but with hard work and dedication, it can be a rewarding and fulfilling experience. It’s important to stay organized and focused on your goals, and to seek out resources and support as needed. With the right approach, you can successfully launch and grow your small business in Ohio. Please call Brenden Kelley Law at 216-644-3359 so that we can assist you starting your small business.


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Consumer Law Issues for Dentists: What You Need to Know

Consumer Law Issues for Dentists: What You Need to Know

Starting a new dental practice is an exciting time, but it’s important to ensure you’re in compliance with all relevant laws to prevent legal issues down the road. As a dentist, you must comply with all consumer laws, including those specific to medical professionals. Here are some of the most important issues to consider.

Consent: What You Need to Know

One of the most important issues for dentists is obtaining informed consent from patients before performing any dental procedure. Informed consent requires that you provide detailed information about the proposed treatment, viable alternatives, and any foreseeable risks of the procedure. You must answer any questions and get the patient to sign an informed consent form. Failure to obtain informed consent can result in legal action. If you’re unsure of the requirements where your practice is located, consult a dental lawyer.

Dental Patient Rights

As a dentist, you must uphold dental patient rights, as set forth by the Ohio licensing board. This includes standards related to care, reporting, records, and other dental patient rights issues. Any violations of these rights can lead to sanctions and lawsuits.

HIPAA: Protecting Patient Data

HIPAA sets the standard for protecting sensitive patient data, including dental records. This means that you must take the necessary steps to protect physical and digital records and information regarding patient diagnosis and treatment. Patient data must be kept confidential except when given written permission to disclose it to others, such as insurance providers.

Dental Malpractice and Clinical Negligence

Dental malpractice lawsuits can arise when a dentist fails to follow the generally accepted standard of care when treating a patient. This can result in nerve injuries, failure to diagnose oral cancer or periodontal disease, and wrongful tooth extraction. If you’re facing a dental malpractice lawsuit, consult a malpractice lawyer immediately. Clinical negligence lawsuits can be costly and complicated cases to resolve, even though payouts should ultimately be covered by malpractice insurance.

Associate Agreements: What to Look Out For

When considering associate agreements, carefully assess the merits of the offer and scrutinize for any limiting clauses, such as transfer of ownership of patient charts, non-solicitation provisions, and non-compete clauses. If you’re unsure of the potential legal implications of an offered associate agreement, discuss the contract with an attorney.

Practice Buy-Ins and Partnership Agreements: Know What You’re Getting Into

Partnership agreements will dictate your tax burden, legal liability, management responsibilities, and many other factors of your business. It’s important not to sign such a document unless you are sure that all the legal consequences are in your best interests—or at the very least that you are fully informed of their consequences.

Running a dental practice comes with a variety of legal issues that need to be carefully considered to avoid legal action. From obtaining informed consent to protecting patient data, upholding patient rights, and dealing with malpractice lawsuits, it’s important to work with a dental lawyer who can help you structure your practice to avoid problems and assist. Please call Brenden Kelley Law at 216-644-3359 so that we can assist you.


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5 Reasons A Lawyer Can Help Start Your Business

5 Reasons A Lawyer Can Help Start Your Business

Opening your first business can be an exciting, yet complex and challenging endeavor.. There are many legal considerations to keep in mind, and it is important to have the right support and guidance to ensure that you are able to successfully launch and operate your business. One key element of this support is having a lawyer to help you navigate the legal landscape and protect your interests.

Here are some reasons why you may need a lawyer to start your small business in Ohio:

  1. Choosing the right business structure: One of the first decisions you will need to make when starting a small business is what type of business structure to use. Options include sole proprietorship, partnership, limited liability company (LLC), and corporation. Each type of business structure has its own advantages and disadvantages, and it is important to choose the one that is right for your business. A lawyer can help you understand the pros and cons of each option and advise you on the best choice for your business.
  2. Protecting your intellectual property: If you have developed a unique product or service, you will want to protect it from being copied or used without your permission. A lawyer can help you understand the various options for protecting your intellectual property, such as trademark, copyright, or patent protection. They can also assist with the process of registering your intellectual property and enforcing your rights.
  3. Drafting contracts and agreements: As a small business owner, you will likely enter into various contracts and agreements with employees, customers, suppliers, and other parties. It is important to have these documents carefully drafted to protect your interests and avoid disputes. A lawyer can help you understand the legal implications of these documents and ensure that they are written in a way that is clear and enforceable.
  4. Managing legal issues and disputes: Even if you take steps to protect your business, there is always the risk of legal disputes arising. A lawyer can help you navigate these issues and work to resolve them in a way that is favorable to your business. They can also represent you in court if necessary.
  5. Complying with regulations: There are many regulations that apply to small businesses in Ohio, including employment laws, tax laws, and health and safety regulations. A lawyer can help you understand your obligations under these laws and ensure that you are in compliance. This can help you avoid costly fines or legal action.

In short, having a lawyer to support you as you start your small business in Ohio can provide valuable guidance and protection as you navigate the legal landscape. Our firm has experience helping businesses get off the ground and make the right first steps. Please call Brenden Kelley Law at 216-644-3359 so that we can assist you and your business.


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