Partner Event: Business Law 101

Starting or growing a business means facing a variety of legal decisions — from choosing the right structure to protecting your brand and managing workers. This workshop offers practical legal insights for business founders and operators at an early stage of business start-up and development. You’ll get a clear, working understanding of essential business law concepts to help you avoid costly mistakes and work more effectively with legal professionals.

We’ll cover business structures, contracts, intellectual property, employment obligations, and more —all tailored to the startup and small business context.

What you will learn:

• What business structure is right for me—and when should I incorporate?
• Do I need a shareholders’ agreement or other key contracts?
• How can I protect my business name, ideas, or brand?
• What legal risks do I face with employees and how do I stay compliant
• How do I work effectively with lawyers without getting overwhelmed or overbilled?

Speaker Bio:

Robert Wakulat has practiced corporate/commercial law for more than 15 years while based at Toronto’s Centre for Social Innovation (CSI). He is a proud Mentor in the CSI Skill Share Program which offers CSI Members access to professional expertise as they start-up, grow, and maintain their social enterprises. Over the years, Robert has also obtained certifications in change management and strategic thinking, such as LEGO Serious Play and Playmobil Pro.Play. This enables him to support clients in better understanding how legal structure can support their strategic business goals.