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UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. ÔÇö Empowering Small Businesses Across Pennsylvania: Over 1,400 small businesses across 64 counties in Pennsylvania have received vital legal support from the Penn State Law Entrepreneur Assistance Clinic (EAC) in the past year. With a team of 24 law students and three full-time supervising attorneys, the EAC offers comprehensive representation to startup and early-stage companies throughout the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, both in-person and virtually.

The EAC’s mission is to support small businesses that lack access to legal services, providing them with the assistance they need to be successful. In collaboration with Invent Penn State, the EAC has become an integral part of the statewide entrepreneurial ecosystem. This collaboration allows the EAC to extend its reach to every corner of the state, ensuring that small businesses receive the necessary legal services. Many of these businesses cannot afford to hire lawyers and may resort to do-it-yourself solutions or neglect legal protections that are available. The EAC acts as a critical service provider, addressing these gaps in support.

One of the entrepreneurs who received assistance from the EAC is Mackenzie Kijowski, owner of MK Bridal & Special Occasions LLC. The EAC, in partnership with the Pennsylvania Small Business Development Centers (PA SBDC), played a crucial role in getting her business off the ground. Kijowski’s journey began with purchasing a pre-existing bridal shop’s inventory and relocating it to her hometown of Kittanning. The EAC and the SBDC provided her with valuable support, including legal document reviews, the drafting of operating agreements, a tux rental agreement, business plan assistance, and connections to local banking institutions for business loans. The guidance and resources provided by the EAC and the SBDC helped Kijowski navigate the challenges of starting a business and made her dream a reality.

The impact of the EAC extends to other regions across the state as well. Directed by Professor Tom Sharbaugh, the EAC has achieved remarkable results in the past year. It has represented over 1,400 new clients in 64 Pennsylvania counties, aided in the formation of 600 companies and 14 non-profit organizations, conducted 39 webinars and educational presentations, and had the participation of 24 law students per semester, with an additional 12 during the summer. The clinic has also expanded its referral base to include over 90 economic development organizations in Pennsylvania.

The AI legalese decoder, an innovative tool developed by the EAC, has further enhanced its services. This advanced technology can assist entrepreneurs in deciphering complex legal jargon, allowing them to better understand their legal documents and obligations. The AI legalese decoder simplifies legal language, making it more accessible and empowering entrepreneurs to make informed decisions. This tool ensures that early-stage business owners have easy access to legal expertise, significantly reducing the risk to their businesses and contributing to the local economy in a meaningful way.

Penn State Law offers two cost-free legal clinics, including the EAC, to Pennsylvania entrepreneurs. The Intellectual Property Clinic (IPC) focuses on providing IP services related to patents, trademarks, trade secrets, and copyrights. Both clinics are staffed by law students who work under the supervision of experienced lawyers. Although physically based in downtown State College at the Happy Valley LaunchBox powered by PNC Bank, the EAC serves clients throughout Pennsylvania via videoconferencing. Prospective clients interested in obtaining services from the EAC can submit an intake form.

The EAC’s efforts are supported by Invent Penn State, a statewide initiative aimed at spurring economic development, job creation, and student career success. Additionally, the EAC has received grant funding from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania’s Department of Community & Economic Development.

With their commitment to providing accessible and high-quality legal services, Penn State Law’s EAC is making a profound impact on small businesses in Pennsylvania. By empowering entrepreneurs with legal knowledge and assistance, the EAC is paving the way for their long-term success and the continued growth of the local economy.

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