Frequently Asked Questions
Q. WHAT DO WE DO?
A. The Law and Business Center offers consulting services to small businesses with law and business related concerns. In addition to consultation, the Law and Business Center hosts an Annual Conference, Speaker Series, Small Business Presentations, and Workshops. The Law and Business Center office contains a plethora of small business resource material that clients are encouraged to take advantage of during business hours.
Q. IS THERE AN APPLICATION PROCESS?
A. Yes. Prospective clients complete a short application that asks entrepreneurs to describe their specific area of concern and will conclude with an interview. Applicants are accepted into the program based upon the complexity of their concern as well as the estimated time it will take to complete the project.
Q. WHO IS ELIGIBLE TO RECEIVE CONSULTATION SERVICES?
A. Businesses are eligible if their projects can be concluded within an 11 to 14 week timeframe. There is also an income threshold that businesses must meet in order to be considered.
Q. WHAT IS THE ROLE OF STUDENTS?
A. School of Law and Business students, under the supervision of faculty members, work in small groups to assist businesses in resolving their issue. Students work directly with the entrepreneurs throughout the 11 to 14 week session. Students will also give presentations on legal and business topics throughout the year.
Q. ARE THE STUDENTS SUPERVISED?
A. Yes. The students work under the supervision of Law and Business School faculty.
Q. WHAT IF I HAVE A MORE IN DEPTH ISSUE/PROBLEM?
A. If clients have a more in depth issue or problem that cannot be resolved by the Law and Business Center students, they may be referred to local attorneys and small business consultants who have asked the Center to be listed as a resource. These additional services may have fees attached.
Q. WHERE IS THE LAW AND BUSINESS CENTER?
A. The Law and Business Center is an office located on the Western New England College campus, on the 1st Floor of the S. Prestley Blake Law Center, at 1215 Wilbraham Road in Springfield, Massachusetts. Office hours are between 8:30am and 4:30pm, Monday through Friday. Summertime hours are 8:30am to 4:00pm. Please call 413-796-2030 with any questions, or to make an appointment.
To learn more, contact us at Tel.: 413-796-2030 or email: jgadson@law.wnec.edu.