Erie News Now | WICU & WSEE in Erie, PA
Are you an aspiring entrepreneur looking to start a small business? Or maybe you're a baby boomer looking to retire and transition ownership of your business to a younger entrepreneur. Whatever your situation may be, Rust Belt Legal is here to help.
Adam Williams, the founder of Rust Belt Business Law, was recently interviewed on a local news show, where he discussed the legal services his firm provides to small businesses and startups. Williams and his team have helped many entrepreneurs in the Erie community get a leg up on the competition by providing legal expertise and guidance throughout the business formation process.
One of the unique aspects of Rust Belt Legal is their focus on an industry that isn't necessarily a hot topic area. Williams points out that while there aren't many big entrepreneurial ventures starting up in Erie, there are still many people in the community who have a passion for being self-employed or creating small businesses and creating jobs. Rust Belt Legal is there to help those individuals through the process.
When it comes to their client base, Williams notes that they see both less seasoned and more seasoned clients. One trend that Rust Belt Legal is seeing right now is the large number of businesses in Erie that are owned by baby boomers who don't have a succession plan in place. Williams sees this as an opportunity for younger entrepreneurs to acquire those businesses and run something that's already running and profitable.
Williams gives the example of The Brewerie at Union Station, the first microbrewery in Erie, and how it was a crazy idea at the time, but now it's a staple in the community. Rust Belt Legal helped Chris and his family get started, and now they have a thriving business that has become part of the Lake Erie Ale Trail.
Looking ahead, Williams sees a trend of side hustles and the gig economy, which has brought many opportunities during the pandemic. Rust Belt Legal has a global team with members in South Africa, Mexico, Missouri, and Philadelphia, and Williams believes there is an opportunity for people to start a side hustle and outsource some of the lower level administrative type work.
In terms of what Rust Belt Legal can do for someone who is trying to start a new business, Williams notes that they are the epicenter of all the knowledge that small businesses need. While they can't provide insurance, accounting advice, or wealth management, they can point clients in the direction of people who understand how small businesses and entrepreneurs work.
Rust Belt Legal's mission is to help small businesses and startups succeed, and they do so by providing legal expertise, guidance, and connections to resources. Whether you're just starting out or looking to transition your business to a new owner, Rust Belt Legal is there to help.
