Welcome to NC LEAP

NC LEAP (North Carolina Lawyers for Entrepreneurs Assistance Program) is a public service program of the North Carolina Bar Association Foundation which is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.

Your donations ensure that NC LEAP will continue with its mission of helping North Carolina’s low-wealth entrepreneurs. Please click here to learn more.

NC LEAP exists to assist low-wealth entrepreneurs with their legal needs in starting or expanding their businesses through pro bono service by North Carolina business and transactional lawyers. Services range from basic transactional legal needs as struggling entrepreneurs strive to establish their business and create jobs, to potential long term client-counselor relations as their businesses grow.

NC LEAP and our volunteer attorneys offer a full range of civil and transactional legal services to low-wealth entrepreneurs including:

• Legal counsel and advice in startng and organizing a new business;
• Drafting and/or reviewing formation documents, and contracts such as leases, loan documents, franchise agreements and vendor agreements;
• Assistance in negotiating contracts;
• Legal advice regarding business permits and licenses, and other applicable laws and regulations;
• Referral to community partners including micro-lenders, entrepreneurial training programs and technical assistance programs; and
• Trainings and presentations on legal issues for small business owners.

NC LEAP will increase pro bono opportunities for North Carolina’s business lawyers in their areas of expertise, increase the chances of success for low-wealth entrepreneurs and prepare North Carolina's communities for success in our changing economy.

Join the NC LEAP Honor Roll! Below are the firms and organizations statewise that have contributed to the 2010 Fundraising Campaign as of August 1, 2010.