"Life is too short to live with a bad deal"
      - David Geffen

Business and Law go hand in hand, each one shaping the other. As a small business owner or as someone thinking about starting a business, you should be aware of how the law affect your business at every stage of its development. This section considers the main legal issues guiding the business world and provides valuable sources of information to help you understand them and deal with them.

Disclaimer: These documents are for informational purposes only and are merely starting points to deal with the issues they address. We recommend that you seek professional legal counseling when dealing with the following issues or entering into any contract or agreement. Legal advice of any nature should be sought from competent, independent, legal counsel in the relevant jurisdiction. To find a lawyer near you, phone the Alberta Lawyer Referral service at:1-800-661-1095.

• Legal Issues in Starting a Business
  This fact sheet deals with legal issues in starting a business.
  
  
• Forms of Business Organization
  This fact sheet provides a brief description of the four types of businesses and the advantages and disadvantages of each.
  
  
• Standard Outline for a Partnership or Shareholder Agreement
  This fact sheet describes a standard outline for a partnership or shareholder agreement.
  
  
• Contracts
  A contract is a legally enforceable agreement between two or more parties.
  
  
• Joint Venture Agreement Checklist
  This fact sheet is a guide to putting a Joint Venture Agreement together.
  
  
• Business and Liability
  There is many situations for which you may be liable including financial losses, bodily injury and property damage. The following is an overview of some of the main types of liability that you may face as a business owner.
  
  
• Credit Investigation
  Many businesses extend credit to their customers. A primary cause for bad debt loss is a credit decision based on an inadequate credit investigation.
  
  
• Collecting Debts
  Time is the essence of credit and collections. The follow-up must be made on a timely basis in order to be effective.
  
  
• Buying a Business
  This fact sheet describes the pros and cons of buying a business and gives a list of questions to help you make an informed decision.
  
  
• Questions to Ask Before You Sign a Lease
  This factsheet lists ten points to help those unfamiliar with commercial leases.
  
  
• Selling a Business
  Learn how to successfully value and sell your small, private business.
  
  
• How to Hire a Lawyer
  Lawyers are highly trained professionals who deal with a full range of personal and business legal matters. Many business transactions have legal implications, so you should try to find a lawyer whom you can treat as a trusted business advisor.
  
  

• Business and Liability (PDF file)  
  There is many situations for which you may be liable including financial losses, bodily injury and property damage. The following is an overview of some of the main types of liability that you may face as a business owner.
  
  
• How To Protect Your Business In 4 Easy Steps
  Consider these four tips to limit the risks and protect your new business.
  
  
• Business Frauds or Scams
  Links to various agencies providing information about questionable business practices and fraudulent activities.
  
  
• Guest Advisor Program
  Looking for 'expert' advice? The Business Link's Guest Advisor Program provides you with the opportunity to speak with lawyer, who volunteer their time to discuss your business concerns.

Other Sources of Information

• Government Programs and Services Database
  Search various categories of business-oriented programs, services and some regulations of the provincial and federal government departments and other organizations that are partners in the Canada Business Service Centres and The Business Link Business Service Centre.
  
  
• Legal Links
  These links will transfer you to sites operated by various government departments/agencies and private sector organizations and companies providing information on this topic.
  
  
• The Business Link's Search Engine
  Search our entire site by keyword.
  
  
• The Business Link's Business Officers
  Our business experts are always ready to discuss your business needs in confidence.
  
  
• Library Pathfinders
  Our pathfinders provide a quick reference of The Business Link's library materials available on this topic and many others.