Essential Legal Guidance for Your Growing Business

Join the Massachusetts Small Business Development Center Network for an in-depth workshop on navigating the essential types of contracts for small businesses, including service agreements, consulting agreements, and terms and conditions.

Discover how each contract type addresses different business needs and learn how to select the right agreement for your situation. We will delve into the foundational principles of contract law, covering what constitutes a legal contract, the essential elements required for enforceability, key legal terminology, and defining the scope of work. Explore the distinction between “nice to have” and “need to have” elements in your agreements and learn how to set the appropriate tone for your business. Gain a clear understanding of the critical components of a contract—offer, acceptance, consideration, and mutual consent—and see how even email exchanges can form enforceable contracts. We’ll also discuss how pre- and post-agreement communications can impact your contracts. Master effective negotiation techniques to secure favorable terms and conditions.

Additionally, we’ll cover the basics of vendor agreements, including drafting and reviewing contracts with suppliers, understanding what constitutes a breach of contract, and the steps to take if a contract is violated. Learn about remedies for breaches and how to enforce your rights effectively.

The speaker will be Tania Shah, managing member and CEO with Shah Law, PLLC. Ms. Shah is a business attorney, serial entrepreneur, and full-time professor of law who dedicates her law practice to assisting mom-owned and woman-owned businesses.