I have a question that I can't seem to get any answers to... I called the IRS, SBA, my SOS, and my county recorders office, and they keep sending me in circles!

I was wondering if it is legal for a Sole Propriertor to form a local chapter in different states, and possibly even different countries?

I was also wondering how much anyone thinks it would cost for me to get a charter agreement drawn up by a lawyer... is there any organizations out there that I can contact to get this drawn up for a discounted price. Plus I was wondering if it would be OK if I just drew up a preliminary agreement to just get some of the chapters started and off the ground. I have found some charter agreements I could model mine after.

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks
Heather :D

"local chapter"

Not sure what you are talking about,

It sounds like you are speaking of some sort of franchise program.

Many international companies are owned by one person, and you can well have 1000's of franchises and merely own them. Now it would be well worth looking into a corporation if you start getting larger to protect your personal money and property.

It would appear you are not talking to the proper business attorney, since the making of corporations and francihise programs should be no problem

Hi Heather:

The Padre is right. I think you need to learn some business terms, certainly if you're going to go into business.

If you're going to establish a club or some other type of organization where the business of making money might not be the main goal. Certainly, these kinds of associations can have "chapters" all over.

However, you're mixing up your terms. A sole proprietor runs his own business. He doesn't need any organizing documents, licenses from the government, or anything at all, in fact, to establish his sole proprietorship. Anyone can do that in any state in this country, and associate with you or not as they choose. Now, if you want CONTROL, or you want to mandate how they run their organizations, then that is a different matter.

In any case, I suggest that you take a few steps back to get a lay of the landscape, rather than take a few steps ahead, as you are proposing.

excon