START-UP ADVISORS

We know starting a business is confusing and intimidating.  Let us show you how to do it.  We will:

  • Walk you through the start-up process from pre-incorporation activities through to opening your doors or publishing your web site.

 

  • Flag special legal issues pertaining to your idea including patents/trademarks, licensing, export-import issues, employment issues and more.

 

  • Discuss your financing options and explain debt financing, angel and venture capital financing.

Once you know the start-up process, we can:

  • Offer strategies to best protect your investment and your personal assets.

 

  • Recommend business entity structure for you and your partners.

 

  • Help you create a clear and compelling business plan or pressure test your existing plan.

We can also help jump start you by linking you with our network of other professionals you may need:

Accountants for financial advice and to set up your bookkeeping program.

Web and design professionals for logos, designed materials, an internet presence and a social media plan.

Marketing and communications professionals for a sales and communications plan

Export/Import consultants to help you with the complicated and changing maze of regulations.

And every other type of assistance you may need.

LEGAL SERVICES

  • Business organization
    (LLC, incorporation, S-Corp)

  • Operating/shareholder agreements

  • Registration and Licensing

  • Commercial Leases

  • Patents & Trademarks

  • Contract drafting and review

  • Employee handbooks and agreements

  • Importing-exporting

  • SBA — 8(a), MBE, WBE, WOSB registrations

  • DUNS registration

HOW WE WORK

We assisted a new company from the idea stage through opening a web-based retail sales platform. We set up and registered the limited liability company and provided all other legal support.  We even found an inexpensive, clever way to help the company find new suppliers in Asia.

In addition, we referred the company to our network of consults to provide other necessary start-up services.

Our web and design consultant created the logo, website and shot all product photos. She also helped choose and set-up the best web-based sales platform for the company.

Our marketing consultant helped choose and worked with the video production contractor to create a compelling product video for Youtube.

Our Ex-Im consultants provided the importing documents and shipping arrangements.

Our accounting consultants helped the company set up its Quickbooks® system, provided valuable tax advice and now helps the company prepare all its returns.

We found a good, inexpensive patent attorney to prosecute the patent application.

DOWNS & MARLAIS, PLLC

• Washington DC

• Maryland

• California

• Indiana

202.546.4026

858.933.4543