Phoenix Attorney Assisting Minority- and Women-Owned Businesses 

Arizona lawyer provides strategic guidance to help entrepreneurs

Members of many minority groups, and women in general, have faced historical disadvantages operating businesses. In response, federal and state governments created programs to enhance their opportunities. As the legal landscape continues to change, you can understand your options by speaking with Donald Hudspeth, a Phoenix minority- and women-owned business attorney. Our firm is here to provide legal support for historically underrepresented business owners. 

Certification for minority and women-owned businesses in Arizona

Before minority and women-owned businesses can take advantage of business opportunities afforded by the government, their status must be certified by the appropriate agencies. To qualify for federal benefits, a business must be certified as at least 51-percent owned by women or members of a legally designated minority group. These owners must be U.S. citizens. The Arizona Commerce Authority offers similar certification for state programs to Blacks, Hispanics, Native Americans, Asian Pacific and Subcontinental Asian Americans.

Government contracting opportunities in Phoenix and Maricopa Counties

The federal government has set aside government contracts for some minority- and women-owned businesses, although the legal qualifications for obtaining them has changed recently, and could change again in the future. If you want your Arizona minority- or women-owned business to take advantage of these opportunities, we can determine if you qualify under current law and help you navigate the government requirements.

Business formation and structuring for diverse entrepreneurs

Minority- and women-owned businesses have a number of options for structuring themselves, such as corporations and limited liability companies (LLCs). Both of those types of entities give their owners protection from liability for the debts the former may incur. At the same time, corporations are more formally structured than LLCs, which may clarify the ownership structure of the business for purposes of certification, but may have less operational flexibility and some tax disadvantages. If you are contemplating creating a minority or women-owned business, we can discuss starting an LLC, corporation or other type of entity is the option that best fits your needs.

Protecting against discrimination and unfair business practices

Regardless of whether you intend to take advantage of government contracting and other benefits available to minority and women-owned business, it might be necessary to protect your business from being targeted by discrimination and other unfair practices. Federal and state laws tend to protect employees rather than businesses, but we will take advantage of any laws that may protect your business from discrimination as well. We will assist you in reporting and litigating instances of discriminatory contracting practices and other unfair business practices.

Access to capital and investment structuring in Arizona

Because majority ownership by members of a minority or by women may be so important to your business goals, you should make sure that capital investments do not dilute that ownership requirement. An Arizona business lawyer from our office can help you structure investment agreements to protect that ownership interest.

Contact an experienced Arizona business lawyer

At the Law Offices of Donald W. Hudspeth P.C. in Phoenix, we provide comprehensive legal support for Arizona businesses owned by minorities and women. To speak to an experienced attorney, call us at 866-696-2033or contact us online today.