Corporate Governance
Effective governance isn't just for large corporations. Startups, LLCs, and small businesses need clear governance structures from the beginning — and the cost of neglecting them rarely appears until the worst possible moment: a fundraising round, an acquisition, or a dispute between founders.
At VMG Business Advisory, I provide practical corporate governance counsel designed for the realities of small and growing companies. The goal is a structure that actually fits how your business operates, not one that creates overhead for its own sake.
What I Help With
Board and Management Structure
Drafting and advising on operating agreements, bylaws, board resolutions, and written consents that establish clear, enforceable decision-making authority. This includes structuring advisory boards, board committees, and management roles in a way that reflects how the company is actually run and where it is headed.
Founder and Shareholder Agreements
Drafting and negotiating shareholder agreements, voting agreements, and buy-sell arrangements that protect each party's interests and establish a clear framework for major decisions, equity transfers, and dispute resolution. These agreements are always easier to negotiate before a dispute than during one — getting them in place early is one of the highest-value things a founding team can do.
Fiduciary Duties and Director Responsibilities
Advising directors, officers, and managers on their duties — including the duty of care and duty of loyalty — and helping companies implement internal policies and procedures that support informed decision-making and reduce liability exposure.
Governance Cleanup Before a Transaction
Many startups operate for years with informal governance and incomplete records. Investors and acquirers conduct detailed diligence that regularly surfaces these gaps and creates friction or delay in closings. I help companies audit their governance posture and address deficiencies before they become deal blockers.
Who This Is For
My corporate governance clients include tech startups, professional service firms, nonprofits, and established small businesses across a range of industries. Whether you are forming a new entity, restructuring after a period of growth, or preparing for a financing event, sound governance is a foundational part of long-term business value — and something a solo practitioner with startup experience can deliver without large-firm overhead.