LGS3050 Small Business Law

Advanced · 1 credit · HRH - Health, Recreation, and Human Services

Description: Students learn about laws relating to starting a business, running a business and ending a business. Students also explore challenging issues that affect small business.
Prerequisite: None
Supporting courses: LGS1010: Private Law LGS1020: Public Law LGS1030: Relationship Law

Outcomes The student will:

1 examine the legal considerations of starting a small business
- 1.1 analyze the various ways of organizing a small business; e.g., sole proprietorship, partnership, corporation
- 1.2 consider whether franchising is an appropriate business model; e.g., benefits, history, franchise legislation
- 1.3 describe the advantages and disadvantages of using workspace in the home, leasing premises or buying a property
- 1.4 describe the various methods of financing a small business and the legal implications; e.g., government grants, personal guarantee, investment capitol
- 1.5 describe the taxation concerns of a small business in Canada; e.g., payroll, corporate taxes, benefits, GST, employment insurance, Canada Pension Plan
- 1.6 describe the environmental and health regulations in starting and operating various types of businesses; e.g., dry cleaner, gas station, beauty salon or spa, daycare, garage, hazardous waste transport, feedlot
2 examine the legal implications of operating a small business
- 2.1 describe specific legislation as it relates to the sale of goods and services
- 2.2 discuss the elements of a contract to determine what is required to be in writing; e.g., are faxes or electronic communications legally effective?
- 2.3 give examples of the laws regarding the protection of personal information
- 2.4 describe the importance of protecting the intellectual property (e.g., copyright, patent, trademark, design) of a small business
- 2.5 discuss the rights and responsibilities of employees and employers; e.g., employment standards, workplace safety, workers compensation, human rights legislation
- 2.6 describe alternative methods of securing and/or collecting the debts owing to a business or by a business
- 2.7 identify special legal considerations when importing or exporting goods
3 examine the legal considerations involved in dissolving a small business
- 3.1 outline the process of the voluntary dissolution of a business; e.g., sale, winding up
- 3.2 describe the process of the involuntary dissolution of a business; e.g., death of an owner, creditor protection and bankruptcy
- 3.3 identify some challenging issues, such as:
  - 3.3.1 ethics in business
  - 3.3.2 profit motive versus social responsibility
  - 3.3.3 government involvement; e.g., free trade agreements, tariffs, subsidies, bailouts
  - 3.3.4 use of the Internet; e.g., e-commerce, e-mail
4 demonstrate basic competencies
- 4.1 demonstrate fundamental skills to:
  - 4.1.1 communicate
  - 4.1.2 manage information
  - 4.1.3 use numbers
  - 4.1.4 think and solve problems
- 4.2 demonstrate personal management skills to:
  - 4.2.1 demonstrate positive attitudes and behaviours
  - 4.2.2 be responsible
  - 4.2.3 be adaptable
  - 4.2.4 learn continuously
  - 4.2.5 work safely
- 4.3 demonstrate teamwork skills to:
  - 4.3.1 work with others
  - 4.3.2 participate in projects and tasks
5 create a transitional strategy to accommodate personal changes and build personal values
- 5.1 identify short-term and long-term goals
- 5.2 identify steps to achieve goals