The Must-Have Contracts Every Small Business Owner Needs

(And Where to Get Them Without a 4-Figure Lawyer Bill)

You’ve got a service to deliver, a brand to build, and maybe even a waitlist full of dream clients. But without the right legal foundation? One sticky situation could throw everything off track.

Let’s be real—starting a business comes with a long list of decisions. But one of the smartest things you can do early on?

Protect yourself.

If you’ve ever wondered:
❓ What if a client ghosts me and we never signed anything?
❓ What if someone steals my content?
❓ What if I need to cancel a contract but don’t know how?

You’re not alone—and you’re asking the right questions.

The truth is, you don’t need to hire an expensive lawyer to get legally legit. You just need the right contract templates and a solid plan to implement them.

Enter: The Creative Law Shop®.

They offer professionally written, lawyer-drafted contracts designed for real-world business owners—without the legal jargon, stress, or sky-high fees.

Let’s break down exactly which contracts you need, based on where you are right now, and how to grab them without overthinking it.

First—Legal Disclaimer Because, Well, It’s a Legal Post

This post isn’t legal advice, and I’m not a lawyer. This info is here to help you make smart decisions, but always talk to a licensed attorney for advice specific to your business. Oh, and yep, some of the links below are affiliate links. That means I may earn a small commission if you purchase through them (at no extra cost to you). I only recommend tools and templates I use myself—nothing shady.

👉 Rebel Tip: Save 10% on all purchases from The Creative Law Shop® by using code BROOKEOLSEN10!

Why You Can’t Afford to Skip Contracts

Contracts aren’t just about legal protection—they’re about clarity, boundaries, and professionalism. They help you:

✔️ Clearly outline expectations
✔️ Protect your time and income
✔️ Respond confidently when things go sideways
✔️ Show up like the expert you are

If you’re working with clients, selling online, or building anything long-term—contracts are a must.

Start with These Must-Have Contracts

Here’s a breakdown of what you need (and where to get it), whether you’re brand new or tightening up your systems.

▶︎ If You’re Just Starting Your Business

Sign up for The Creative Law Shop® email and get access to their free resources. It’s packed with solid info for beginners!

And for the “I’m just getting legit” crowd, check out these eBooks:

Use code BROOKEOLSEN10 to save yourself an extra 10% at checkout.

▶︎ If You’re Already Working With Clients

Start with the Independent Contractor Agreement.

It’s flexible, easy to customize, and perfect if you’re a creative, coach, service provider, or consultant doing client work.

You can also find specialized agreements, like:

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▶︎ If You Formed an LLC

Your LLC isn’t official without an operating agreement. This doc keeps your business protected and legally separate from your personal assets. The Creative Law Shop® has you covered if you are a solo or multi-member LLC.

Use code BROOKEOLSEN10 to save yourself an extra 10% at checkout.

▶︎ If You Have a Website

If your website does more than just look pretty, such as collecting emails, using a contact form, or tracking analytics, then listen up.

You’re required to have a Privacy Policy if you collect emails, run a contact form, or use analytics.

Add a Terms & Conditions page to protect your content and spell out expectations. This one isn’t required, but it can help you out in case someone tries to copy you.

Pro Tip: Grab the Website Basics Bundle to get both and save.

Use code BROOKEOLSEN10 to save yourself an extra 10% at checkout.

▶︎ If You Sell Stuff Online

Whether it’s digital downloads or physical goods, protect your biz with:

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▶︎ If You Sell an Online Course

Cover yourself with:

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▶︎ If You Run an Affiliate Program

Use the Affiliate Agreement to establish terms, kickback schedules, and expectations for the program, while protecting both you and your affiliates.

Use code BROOKEOLSEN10 to save yourself an extra 10% at checkout.

▶︎ If You Need an Exit Strategy 

Sometimes, business gets messy. Be ready with:

Use code BROOKEOLSEN10 to save yourself an extra 10% at checkout.

Not fun, but essential tools to have in your back pocket.

▶︎ Want Smarter, Faster Legal Support?

Say hello to The Foundry by The Creative Law Shop® (save 10% using code BROOKEOLSEN10)—your on-demand legal sidekick for running a business like a pro.

Inside The Foundry™, you can create customizable, attorney-drafted contracts in 15 minutes or less. Just follow the step-by-step setup and use their GPT-powered legal assistant, AskLex, to get real-time guidance—like sitting down with a lawyer, minus the hourly invoice. Want to change who owns the copyright? Add a rush clause? Understand what that clause actually means? AskLex has your back.

It’s the next level of legal protection: clear, fast, and built for small business owners who don’t have time to waste.

Your Quick Legal Starter Kit

Ready to cover your bases without drowning in legalese? Start with these essentials—your Quick Legal Starter Kit.

👉 Rebel Tip: Save 10% on all purchases from The Creative Law Shop® by using code BROOKEOLSEN10!

SituationContract You Need
Working with ClientsIndependent Contractor Agreement
LLC FormationSingle or Multi-Member Operating Agreement
Website LivePrivacy Policy + Terms & Conditions
Selling Digital ProductsOnline Sale or Course Terms & Conditions
Running a Referral ProgramAffiliate Agreement
Needing an Exit PlanTermination Agreement + Cease & Desist

Want to Back Your Contracts with Better Systems?

Your systems and your contracts aren’t just paperwork—they’re the backbone of a business that runs without chaos. At Rebel CEO, we help you build systems that support your success, that include contracts to protect your business.

→ Ready to grab your contracts now? Shop The Creative Law Shop® and don’t forget to use BROOKEOLSEN10 for that sweet 10% off.

→ Want support setting up your CRM to include these contracts? See What Systems We Build

→ Grab the CRM Success Checklist to start setting up your client experience the Rebel CEO way—professional, protective, and smooth as hell.

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