Legal Foundations for Entrepreneurs
By its nature, the law touches on many aspects of entrepreneurship, making it an applicable and versatile topic of study. For aspiring entrepreneurs, it’s important to understand how to form the business and work with the initial customers. For active entrepreneurs, there are critical considerations on employment law and operating policies. For everyone, the role that the law plays in managing the company, and its associated risks, must be properly understood to navigate challenges and capitalize on opportunities.With the aspiring and active entrepreneur in mind, this course focuses on the foundational elements of law. We’ll begin with an introduction to the nature of law and modern legal systems and sources. Initial priorities, including what legal activities you may pursue on your own, versus when and how to select and work with an attorney, are explored. Business formation choices and considerations are also central points of discussion. Employments laws and liabilities are examined, with the closing topic being entering and existing your business.
“Legal Foundations for Entrepreneurs” is one of three courses in the “Legal Aspects of Entrepreneurship Specialization” by Coursera and the University of Maryland. This specialization explores the critical legal and business issues entrepreneurs face as they build and launch a new venture. Learners examine real-world scenarios and address legal and business issues from ideation to all of the important junctures along the path to success. Significant attention is placed on new venture formation, intellectual property management, and contracts and financing arrangements.
Understand how the law influences the success of entrepreneurs.
Know your options for establishing and managing a new company.
Build awareness of employment laws and policies impacting entrepreneurs.
Avoid the legal pitfalls that can encumber new and established entrepreneurial ventures.
Syllabus
Syllabus - What you will learn from this course
Week 1
Introduction to Legal Foundations for Entrepreneurs
Legal Fundamentals
Week 2
Mechanics of Business Formation
Organizing Your Business
Week 3
Employee Status
Employment Law and Liability
Week 4
Entering and Exiting Your Business
Next Steps
FAQ
When will I have access to the lectures and assignments?
Access to lectures and assignments depends on your type of enrollment. If you take a course in audit mode, you will be able to see most course materials for free. To access graded assignments and to earn a Certificate, you will need to purchase the Certificate experience, during or after your audit. If you don't see the audit option:
What will I get if I subscribe to this Specialization?
When you enroll in the course, you get access to all of the courses in the Specialization, and you earn a certificate when you complete the work. Your electronic Certificate will be added to your Accomplishments page - from there, you can print your Certificate or add it to your LinkedIn profile. If you only want to read and view the course content, you can audit the course for free.
Is financial aid available?
Yes. In select learning programs, you can apply for financial aid or a scholarship if you can’t afford the enrollment fee. If fin aid or scholarship is available for your learning program selection, you’ll find a link to apply on the description page.
Reviews
It was a great course. It is refreshing to review my knowledge on Corporation Law, Partnership, and even Employment law. Thank you, Coursera and University of Maryland.
