Microenterprise Project
The VOLS Microenterprise Project helps existing and aspiring small business owners and microentrepreneurs access high-quality free legal services from our dedicated staff and our network of pro bono lawyers. For many New Yorkers, owning a small business is an effective path out of poverty and into financial stability and independence. VOLS provides assistance with drafting contracts, reviewing government documents, protecting intellectual property, and advising on commercial leases. We partner with community and economic development organizations to connect with clients who would benefit from our legal assistance, focusing on minority, women, immigrant, and veteran-owned businesses. We then help them identify their legal needs and create an action plan to address them. By providing our clients access to high caliber pro bono attorneys at our partner law firms, we strive to level the playing field for small business owners who are otherwise unable to pay the high cost of hiring a lawyer.
Our Contact Information
If you have any questions, concerns, or would like assistance, please call our help line or contact VOLS Microenterprise Project, at microenterprise@volsprobono.org
Call the MEP Help Line at (347) 521-5729
VOLS x BE NYC
To apply, please fill out our contact form.
View our press release to learn more.
Pro Bono Stories: Microenterprise Project
What's New: Microenterprise
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…
VOLS Submits Testimony To The NYC Council Committee On Aging
On Tuesday, December 12, VOLS Microenterprise Project Director Andrea Tan gave testimony at the New York City Council’s Committee on Aging…
VOLS Microenterprise Project Director Testifies at NYC Council Committees on Veterans & Small Business Hearing
VOLS Microenterprise Project (MEP) Director, Andrea Tan, testified at the October 13th New York City Council Committees on Veterans and…
VOLS testifies at New York City Council Committee on Small Business
On March 14, 2022, VOLS’ Staff Attorney, Julia Currie, testified at the Annual Preliminary Budget Hearing of the NYC Council…
VOLS testifies at New York City Council Committee on General Welfare – February 28, 2022
On February 28, 2022, VOLS’ Staff Attorney, Imran Hossain testified at a hearing on the “Impact of the Expiration of…
VOLS Guide to e-filing for Pro Se Small Business Defendants
In early Fall 2021, the VOLS Microenterprise Project team began working with the Fordham Law Small Business Society on a…
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
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.