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Earlier this month, the Polsky Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation hosted Incorporation/Organization Day, an event that connects South and West Side entrepreneurs with attorneys from local law firms to explore the process of establishing a legal business entity.
Twenty-four potential businesses met with attorneys during the event, representing ventures across a range of industries. The event provided entrepreneurs with the opportunity to receive pro bono legal guidance on business formation, incorporation, and organizational structure.
Six businesses completed incorporation or organization filings during the event, taking a major step toward formally establishing their companies. For the other participants, the event helped clarify next steps and provided valuable access to legal expertise that can often be difficult to find.
“The Polsky Exchange is committed to making entrepreneurship more accessible by removing barriers that often prevent small business owners from getting started,” said Abigail Ingram, executive director of the Polsky Exchange. “For many entrepreneurs, access to legal counsel is one of the biggest challenges when starting a business. Incorporation/Organization Day helps simplify that process and connects entrepreneurs with experienced attorneys who can guide them through important early decisions.”
Eight attorneys from four firms provided pro bono consultations at the event, including:
“The event creates meaningful access to legal resources for entrepreneurs who may not otherwise have the opportunity to consult with an attorney,” said Brian Crump, partner at Neal, Gerber & Eisenberg LLP. “It is inspiring for our team to meet so many passionate business owners and help them take important steps toward launching and growing their businesses.”
“We were proud to participate in Incorporation/Organization Day and support entrepreneurs working to build new businesses,” said Jacob Styburski, partner at Dentons. “Access to legal guidance can make a significant difference for early-stage business owners, and it was rewarding to help entrepreneurs better understand the incorporation process and the decisions that come with it.”
