Free Legal Services Empower Small Business Owners

Strategic Insights -

Entrepreneurial spirit and access to free legal services can lead to unexpected success stories. The story of Joshua Danrich, the 16-year-old founder of Mr. Fresh, a line of oil-based air fresheners for cars, is a remarkable example of how free legal assistance can create opportunities for small business owners. Joshua's mother, Shay Danrich, who has a business background, helped her son pursue his dream of creating a successful product line. With the assistance of the Community Economic Development Microenterprise Program at Legal Services of Eastern Missouri (LSEM), they were able to navigate the complex legal process of trademarking their brand. Their product is now sold by Walmart, and they have built a solid business.

Key Takeaways:

  • Joshua Danrich, a 16-year-old entrepreneur, created a successful product line, Mr. Fresh, with the help of his mother and the Community Economic Development Microenterprise Program at LSEM.
  • The Microenterprise Program at LSEM provides free legal assistance to local entrepreneurs without the means to hire an attorney, helping with issues like setting up an LLC, copyright, trademarks, contracts, and commercial leases.
  • The program has assisted a range of small businesses, including a custom perfume bar, a pet trainer, makeup artists, cosmetic brands, cleaning product makers, a lemonade business, and a mother-son pair who developed a product to help children learn math through art.
  • Marlene Elliot, managing attorney for the Microenterprise Program at LSEM, advocates for increased funding for microenterprise programs to support small business owners, particularly women and minorities.
  • Small businesses serve as a catalyst for community wealth building, providing income and autonomy for entrepreneurs.
  • The Talk Justice podcast, hosted by Lee Rawles, features stories of entrepreneurs who have benefited from the Microenterprise Program.

Statistics:

  • In 2011, LSEM launched the Microenterprise Program for local entrepreneurs without access to an attorney.
  • There are currently 130 independent nonprofit legal aid programs funded by the Legal Services Corporation (LSC) in every state, the District of Columbia, and U.S. territories.
  • LSC has provided financial support for civil legal aid to low-income Americans for over 50 years.
  • The Microenterprise Program at LSEM has assisted numerous small businesses, including those owned by women and minorities.

Sources:

  • "Small Business Owners Discuss the Importance of Free Legal Services." Legal Services Corporation.
  • "Legal Services Corporation." Wikipedia.
  • "LSEM Community Economic Development Microenterprise Program." Legal Services of Eastern Missouri.