Ask Entrepreneur

Legal Issues
Do teens starting a small after-school business have to have a license or register their business?
We are developing a program for teens in a community center to learn how to set up their own businesses (such as landscaping, pet sitting, jewelry making, etc.). What regulations govern these businesses?

Asked by K. Roos
Posted: Friday, March 28, 2008  |  Found in Legal Issues

More answers by Nina Kaufman
Answer by Nina Kaufman
Teens starting a business have all of the same legal issues as adults starting a business--and then some. They need to form a business entity, meet licensing requirements (depending on the state--see http://www.sba.gov/hotlist/license.html), have contracts with their clients, get insurance, and possibly get bonded (depending on the business). They also have to ensure that an adult is part of the process when it comes to things like forming an entity, signing contracts, and getting loans. I would recommend that as part of your program, you bring in an attorney to speak on these issues. He or she could also better address the specific licensing requirements (if any) of the kinds of businesses the teens want to form.
Nina L. Kaufman is an award-winning business attorney, author and speaker. For more than 15 years, she has successfully navigated thousands of small businesses through the legal hurdles they face in starting and running their companies. Under her AskTheBusinessLawyer.com brand, she reaches thousands of entrepreneurs and small business owners with her legal services, professional speaking, information products, and LexAppeal weekly ezine.

Search Answers



Have a burning question? Ask now!

Featured Video


Meet the Experts