Microenterprise Project
For many New Yorkers, owning a small business is an effective path to financial stability. The VOLS Microenterprise Project helps existing and aspiring small business owners access high-quality free legal services. We advise on entity selection and formation, creating and maintaining governance documents, drafting and evaluating contracts, compliance with employment law, protecting intellectual property, cybersecurity and other matters that impact a small business. Our team also acts as a vital resource through our community education workshops and clinics and provides up-to-date information on new or changing legal issues for businesses.
Are You Eligible for Free Legal Services from VOLS MEP?
We offer transactional legal support for businesses and nonprofits. Please note that we do not handle landlord-tenant litigation or disputes with third parties. If your request falls within the scope of our services, and you are eligible to receive pro bono services, we will contact you. Thank you for understanding.
We serve nonprofits (i) incorporated in New York or community-based organizations (BIDs, local development corporations, merchants’ associations, etc.), (ii) operating in low- and moderate-income neighborhoods within NYC’s five boroughs, (iii) with assets below $100,000, and (iv) unable to afford legal representation.
We serve businesses (i) where the owner residents in NYC or the business operates in NYC; income is below 500% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, and (ii) personal assets are below $100,000 (excluding primary home).
If you are eligible, please call our help line (347) 521-5729 or email us at microenterprise@volsprobono.org.
VOLS x BE NYC
View our press release to learn more.
Pro Bono Stories: Microenterprise Project
What's New: Microenterprise
VOLS Legal Alert: FinCEN Issues New Exemptions for Beneficial Ownership Reporting
The Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) has announced an important update to its Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) reporting requirements, bringing…
VOLS Legal Alert: Treasury Department Suspends Enforcement of Corporate Transparency Act for U.S. Citizens and Domestic Companies
The Treasury Department announced on March 2, 2025, that it will suspend enforcement of penalties and fines related to the…
VOLS Submits Testimony To The NYC Council Committee on Small Business and Committee on Economic Development
On Thursday, January 30, VOLS MEP testified before the New York City Council Committee on Small Business jointly with the…
VOLS Legal Alert: Supreme Court Decision Keeps Beneficial Ownership Reporting on Hold Amid Ongoing Legal Challenges
On January 23, 2025, the Supreme Court approved the government’s request to pause anationwide injunction imposed by a federal judge…
VOLS Submits Testimony To The New York City Council Committees On Small Business Oversight: Preliminary Budget Hearing
On Tuesday, March 12, VOLS Microenterprise Project testified before the New York City Council Committee on Small Business Oversight: Preliminary…
VOLS Submits Testimony To The New York City Council Committee On Consumer And Worker Protection
On Wednesday, December 13, VOLS Microenterprise Project Staff Attorney Annie Xie testified before the New York City Council's Committee on…
Microenterprise Resources
- VOLS Microenterprise Project is a member of the United for Small Business NYC coalition
- Video: FAQ’s for Commercial Tenants in English/En Español
Guides and Written Materials
- Review our Know Your Rights (also available in Spanish and Chinese) materials for commercial tenants
- Review our Bankruptcy Guide (also available in Spanish and Chinese) for small business owners
- Review our Business Insurance Guide (also available in Spanish and Chinese) to understand business insurance and the steps to take in filing a claim
- Review our New York State Courts Electronic Filing (NYSCEF) Guide for Supreme Courts and Court of Claim Cases to help small business defendants file a motion or answer
- Navigating Funding Options: A Beginner’s Guide to Debt, Equity, and Legal Considerations
If you would like to request the following resources in another language, please email microenterprise@volsprobono.org.
Microenterprise Stories
VOLS Files “Friend Of The Court” Brief In Support Of Small Businesses
On September 23, 2022, VOLS requested permission to file its third amicus curiae or “friend of the court” brief in…
VOLS Microenterprise Project Welcomes Pro Bono Scholar Parth Kalaria
VOLS Microenterprise Project Pro Bono Scholar Parth Kalaria has had a longstanding interest in the intersection of business and law.…
Attorney Spotlight: Meet Imran Hossain
For VOLS Microenterprise Project staff attorney Imran Hossain, his journey into public interest law was a surprise. As a law…
Community Partners
This content has been prepared for general information purposes only. It is not meant to provide legal advice and should not be acted upon without consulting a legal professional. If you have any questions or require additional information regarding this or other matters, please contact VOLS. This may be considered legal advertising pursuant to the rules of professional conduct.
VOLS MEP is a proud recipient of a grant from the New York Bar Foundation.