Founder Fundamentals - Legal Basics for Entrepreneurs

Interested in building your entrepreneurial skills to launch your startup?

YSpace, York University’s innovation hub, is partnering with the Markham Small Business Centre (MSBC) to host an 12-week educational program called Founders Fundamentals.

Whether you are a professional services company, brick and mortar or technology startup, the program aims to equip you with the essential skills and knowledge needed to succeed. Spanning across topics such as finance 101, to how to write a business plan, to legal basics and more, this program provides a wide range of learning. In addition, the program connects you with local resources for potential next steps as you progress in your entrepreneurial ventures.

Individuals who attend at least 9 out of the 11 workshops will receive a YSpace, York University Certificate of Completion, illustrating your dedication to learning about the essentials of launching a successful business.

About the Workshop

We know entrepreneurs think and dream big, and that is what makes them so unique. But, as you are dreaming up the next best idea, it is important to take a step back and ensure that you build and secure the legal foundation of your business. Your lawyer will help you do this, but it is important to know the right questions to ask and to understand some key legal principles to spot potential issues and resolve them early. 

The goal of this workshop is twofold: (1) to ask and answer some of the key questions every entrepreneur should ask his or her lawyer at the early stage of starting a business, and (2) to explain in plain English and to help you understand the key legal principles with which you should be familiar. 

This workshop aims to cover the following questions and principles: 

• Business Structures: Choosing between incorporation, partnership, and sole proprietorship.  
• Shareholders Agreements: What they do and why your business may need one.  
• Confidentiality Agreements: Importance, key terms and provisions.  

• Hiring Employees and Contractors: The critical differences between employees and contractors.  
• Entering into a Commercial Contract: Understanding the critical terms and provisions to consider.  
• Website Terms of Use & Privacy Policies: Understanding the importance of these and when they are required.  

About the Presenter - Alexander R. Levy

Alexander is a Partner at Houser Henry & Syron LLP and has been with the firm for over 7 years. He is focused on general corporate and commercial law, with a special interest in mergers, acquisitions, corporate governance, and succession planning. In addition, Alex specializes in setting up and facilitating the growth of start-ups and early-stage ventures.

Alexander regularly advises both purchasers and vendors of multi-million-dollar mid-market private companies across various industries. He also routinely advises companies on employment matters and works with individuals on estate planning.

Alexander is a graduate of the JD/MBA program at Osgoode Hall and the Schulich School of Business and seeks to provide practical legal advice within the context of a client’s business needs.

*To Register visit our Registration Page. Zoom link will be accessible in your Order Confirmation page emailed to you after registration (click on "Go to Online Event").