Join us for a practical overview of the legal fundamentals every business should know. Designed for non-lawyers and targeted toward small business owners and entrepreneurs, it demystifies key legal concepts, from choosing the right business structure to protecting your assets, so you can make informed decisions, avoid costly mistakes, and build your business on a solid legal foundation.
By the end of this presentation, attendees will be able to:
Identify the right business structure — Understand the differences between sole proprietorships, LLCs, partnerships, and corporations, and how each affects liability and taxes.
Protect their business with essential contracts — Recognize which agreements (client contracts, NDAs, vendor agreements) are critical and what key clauses to look for.
Understand employment law basics — Know the difference between employees and independent contractors, and be aware of wage, hiring, and workplace compliance obligations.
Safeguard intellectual property — Learn the basics of trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets, and how to protect what makes their business unique.
Navigate business licensing and permits — Identify the registrations, licenses, and permits commonly required to operate legally.
Recognize when to call a lawyer — Know which legal situations require professional counsel versus what can be handled independently
Join Virginia PACE Authority and Counterpointe SRE to learn how C-PACE can help finance a hole in one on your projects. We’ll have nibbles, drinks, and networking with other CRE leaders. Use the button below to secure your spot.
Do you need personalized, one-on-one assistance for your small business?
Office hours provide small business owners time to sit down with our team to receive personalized advice on operations, finance, and marketing and sales.
Browse the available dates below to register for an upcoming office hour. Times are available on Wednesdays, in 45-minute slots. If you don't see a time or location that fits your schedule, please contact Alberto Fernandez or Jenn Goldman.
Join One Million Cups for two engaging events this month.
1 Million Cups (1MC) is a national, licensed entrepreneur support program that provides community connections and a peer-to-peer forum in which people can help get their business problems solved. Twice a month on every 2nd and 4th Wednesday morning at 9:00 AM, entrepreneurs have an opportunity to present their business concept, startup or re-invented company to a diverse audience of advisors, business people, entrepreneurs and service providers. Presenters have 8 to 10 minutes to share their business and problem(s) they are having. Participants provide supportive feedback and help you solve your challenges.
As a small business owner, understanding how money comes into and out of your business is crucial to the long-term success and sustainability of your business. Throughout 2026, Loudoun Economic Development is offering a variety of classes in their Ashburn office, hosted by Cheryl Wiehn, that will walk you through the essential financial concepts every entrepreneur should know, including accounts receivable, accounts payable, e-commerce, financial reports and budgeting. You’ll learn how to interpret and leverage these tools to make informed decisions, avoid common financial pitfalls, and ensure the financial health of your business.
Budgeting and Chart of Accounts
Take control of your business finances from the ground up. This class covers how to organize your chart of accounts and build a realistic budget that helps you plan, track, and grow with confidence. Perfect for new business owners who want to start off strong and set themselves up for long-term success.
We recommend you bring a laptop or tablet, but it is not required.
