Louise Leduc Kennedy

Top 6 Lessons Learned at WBENC 2026 – And Why It Matters for Your Business

The West Hill Team spent an energizing week at WBENC 2026. It delivered exactly what great conferences should: fresh ideas, meaningful connections, and a few reminders that challenge the way we think about growth. From AI’s growing role in procurement to the enduring value of relationships and reputation, the conversations in Salt Lake City revealed where businesses need to focus to stay competitive. As a women-owned law firm that works alongside innovators, founders, and growing companies, we left with six takeaways that every business leader should be thinking about right now.

1. Shift from a Know-it-all to a Learn-it-all. 

Staying curious beats being the smartest person in the room. Day to day business issues are rapidly evolving and none of us have all the answers. Stay curious and open to change. Have a conversation that stretches your thinking.

2. Customer obsession still wins–full stop.  

Listen to your customers. Solve real problems–consistently. Corporates want to work with small businesses that are nimble, innovative, and prepared. . Small businesses should be prepared to articulate how they are different, the concrete value they deliver, and how they are positively impacting their communities. Overpromising is expensive. Contracts don’t flex just because your business is growing. Understand what you can deliver—and stand behind it. 

3. AI is already shaping procurement decisions.

Sourcing teams are using AI to find and filter vendors. Your digital presence is no longer marketing—it’s infrastructure. Be precise and consistent. Always test yourself: run sourcing tools against your own brand. If you don’t show up, you don’t exist. That said, AI can shortlist, but humans still choose. References, relationships, and outcomes matter.

4. Get your house in order for an exit – early.  

Sarah Noble from Wells Fargo moderated a panel about mergers and acquisitions and encouraged attendees to work with experts to get their business ready for exit.  Buyers reward readiness–and penalize gaps. M&A professionals are seeing meaningful valuation hits when companies aren’t prepared. Programs like WBENC Lift aren’t optional—they’re upside. 

5. Data drives everything—including your brand. 

Melissa Proctor (CMO, Atlanta Hawks) said it best: data is king. But the takeaway goes further—your brand must connect across every touchpoint and remain consistent. Protect your brand elements and take every opportunity to measure impact. If your story isn’t integrated, it’s forgettable. 

6. “I’m everyone’s wing woman.” People still win the room. 

Amy Acompara from Polaris Direct walked the walk at the WBENC conference by offering introductions, insights, and support to fellow WBEs. Business is—and always will be—about people helping people. Be the connector. Be generous with your time and your expertise. 

WBENC 2026: A week of Impact, Community and Action 

The 2026 WBENC National Conference in Salt Lake City made one thing clear: this community doesn’t just connect–it moves. 

From the first session to the final celebration, women-owned businesses, corporate partners, and industry leaders showed up ready to take advantage of the opportunities in front of them. Conversations turned into next steps. Introductions turned into action plans. 

As one attendee put it, the value of WBENC goes “far beyond business opportunities… it’s about the relationships we build, the ideas we exchange, and the community we continue to strengthen together.” 

There wasn’t just energy. There was action. 

A Community Built to Drive Impact 

WBENC continues to set the standard for what a meaningful business community looks like—connection, execution, and impact.

At West Hill, we were proud to be part of a community that prioritizes supporting and doing—not just discussing. 

WBENC’s 2026 theme—IMPACT—showed up everywhere. From programming to Expo conversations to the way attendees showed up for each other with intention. Not as a tagline, but as a standard. 

Leaders reinforced that this network isn’t just about access—it’s about outcomes. As WBENC Co-Chair Janice Bryant Howroyd put it: 

“WBENC is more than a certification; it’s a powerful network that amplifies the voices of women-owned businesses and drives meaningful progress… Together, we unlock opportunities, build partnerships, and inspire growth.” 

That ethos was visible across every room, every session, and every conversation. 

Monday, June 15: Start with Purpose, Build for Impact 

The week opened with a clear directive: act boldly, lead intentionally and build something that lasts. 

The General Session set the tone early–this isn’t about showing up to listen. It’s about showing up and taking action. As a Host Committee member, West Hill joined the Center for Women & Enterprise to bring this that mindset to life—grounded in long-term investment in women entrepreneurs and the ecosystems that support them.  

A few takeaways that stuck: 

• The future of work is already shifting–if we want to stay relevant, we need to prepare for roles that don’t exist yet. Stay curious. 

• We need to continuously update our operating system. The best leaders aren’t “know-it-alls”–they’re “learn-it’alls” 

• Progress requires clarity, but leadership requires comfort with nuance. 

We also got our hands dirty–collaborating on the Acadia-themed Northeast Region poster and “impact journey” bandanas for the National Parks evening event. A reminder that this community builds together, not just alongside each other. 

Bottom line: Impact is intentional. And it starts on day one. 

Tuesday, June 16: Access that Actually Moves the Needle 

Tuesday delivered what WBENC consistently does better than most: real access. 

Corporate Meet & Greets and Industry Labs weren’t just well-attended–they were productive. The difference is simple: this is access to decision-makers who can actually move your business forward. 

This isn’t networking for the sake of it. It’s business development in real time. 

The biggest takeaway: 
When access is paired with preparation and follow-through, it converts. 

This is where strategies get tested, refined and–if you do it right–advanced. 

Wednesday, June 17: Engagement that Creates Opportunity 

Once the Expo floor opened, the energy shifted into full gear. 

The West Hill booth became what we intended it to be: a point of entry. A way to start a conversation, create a connection, and open the door to more substantive conversations about building and protecting innovative businesses.  

And that distinction matters: 

Engagement isn’t the goal. Results are. 

From quick interactions to deeper conversations around growth, tech, and risk, the throughline was consistent–help businesses move faster, smarter, and with more confidence. 

Across the conference, that same pattern held: 

Relationships aren’t built in a single moment. But moments start them. 

Speaker Spotlight:  Leadership in Action 

Keynote Coach Dawn Staley’s message landed: leadership is discipline, accountability and belief–executed consistently at every level of success. Not theory. Practice.  

Other session themes reinforced that same idea: 

• Growth requires action–not just strategy 

• Procurement is evolving into a strategic driver 

• The businesses that move fastest are the ones willing to step into bigger opportunities, earlier  

Translation: execution wins. Keep taking the next step. 

Speaker Spotlight: Ayana Parsons

Rich and Rundown Is Expected. Wealthy and Free Is Not. – Ayana Parsons

What if the biggest thing standing between your business and your wealth is the story you’ve been telling yourself?

In one of our favorite sessions, Ayana Parsons challenged women business owners to rethink the relationship between entrepreneurship, success, and financial freedom. A venture capitalist, entrepreneur, and co-founder of the Fearless Fund, Parsons brought a candid perspective shaped by her own experience building and selling a successful business.

In her session, she explored a provocative idea: many founders know how to build thriving companies, but far fewer know how to build lasting wealth. Parsons encouraged attendees to move beyond being “rich and rundown” and instead envision a future where they are truly “wealthy and free.”

It was an honest conversation about ownership, valuation, succession, and the difference between running a business and a business running you.

“I confused building my business over building wealth. They are not the same. Because growth is important—but freedom is the ultimate goal.”

Thursday, June 18: From Connection to Conversion 

By Thursday, you could feel the shift. 

Conversations went deeper. Follow-ups started happening in real time. “Nice to meet you: turned into “Let’s do this.” 

This is where WBENC stands apart–people come back, reconnect and move things forward quickly. Relationships strengthened. Opportunities became more tangible. 

And the conversations reflected what our clients are living every day: 

• Speed and agility aren’t optional–they’re expected 

• Compliance and risk management aren’t side considerations–you can’t afford to get them wrong 

• AI, data and operational efficiency are no longer future state–they are now 

The takeaway:  

The businesses that win will be the ones that balance growth with discipline–and move without creating unnecessary risk. 

Closing Moments: Momentum That Doesn’t Stop Here 

As the conference wrapped, the focus stayed grounded in what matters most: collective impact. 

Not a theoretical impact. Economic impact. Real businesses driving growth, innovation, and leadership across industries. 

The energy in Salt Lake City wasn’t just celebratory—it was directional. Momentum that continues well beyond the conference. 

The West Hill Takeaway: Impact isn’t passive. It’s Built. 

WBENC 2026 reinforced something we already believe: 

Impact doesn’t happen by showing up. 
It happens when you do something with the room you are in. 

That means: 

• Engaging with intention 

• Following through quickly 

• Turning conversations into action 

That is how we approach our work. And that is why the WBENC community fits.  

We don’t just show up. 
We help businesses move forward. 

Because impact isn’t what you talk about. 
It’s what you build.  

COMMUNITY EVENTS: Highlights from the NSTC’s Fourth Annual Women in Technology Forum

On Wednesday, October 15, 2025, the North Shore Technology Council (NSTC) held its Fourth Annual Women in Technology Forum themed “Navigating Transitions: Resilience Fueled by Passion.” West Hill is proud to support this dynamic event, which brought together some inspiring voices in tech and innovation to share stories of perseverance, growth, and transformation.

An Evening of Inspiration and Insight

The night began with a powerful keynote from Helen Greiner, PH.D., Co-founder of iRobot. From being captivated by R2D2 in Star Wars as a child to developing the iconic Roomba and groundbreaking military robotics, Grenier shared the highs and lows of her entrepreneurial journey. Her story was a vivid reminder that innovation often emerges from persistence in the face of failure and the courage to reinvent.

Real Stories from Real Trailblazers

Moderated by Tracey Curley, CEO and CFO of iSpecimen and NSTC Board Member, the panel featured a powerhouse of women leaders:

• Cynthia Bamdad, PH.D., CEO of Minerva Biotechnologies
• Liz Reczek, PH.D., Co-Founder & CEO of Sempresto, Inc.
• Michelle Chao, Co-founder & former COO of Phoenix Tailings
• Christine Ortiz, PH.D., Director, MIT Technology & Policy Program

Each panelist shared raw and real accounts of navigating life’s curveballs–from health challenges and personal setbacks to business pivots and team struggles. Despite the varied paths, a common thread ran through their stories: grit and resilience driven by passion.

Whether facing breast cancer of a loved one, divorce, or start-up failures, these leaders leaned into challenges as opportunities to learn, grow, and adapt. Their stories highlighted the importance of collaboration, calling on mentors, peers, and partners to forge new paths when traditional routes failed. From formative guidance in early career stages to reciprocal relationships with mentees, the discussion highlighted how meaningful connections can drive personal and professional transformation. The room buzzed with energy as the audience engaged with questions, sparking conversations of shared struggles and triumphs.

A Night for Connection

The Women in Technology Forum remains a platform for celebrating innovation, authenticity, and resilience within the tech community. As West Hill reflects on the evening, we remain inspired by the courage and wisdom shared on stage and are honored to support the NSTC in fostering a more inclusive and empowering future in technology.

“West Hill remains committed to supporting and elevating women in the legal community and in the technology businesses we work with,” said Louise Kennedy. 

About the NSTC

The evening concluded with remarks from NSTC President Gene Wong, the Dean of Science & Technology at Endicott College. For more information on the North Shore Technology Counsel please follow the NSTC on LinkedIn and visit NSTC.org for more info on joining their community and events.

About West Hill Technology Counsel

West Hill Technology Counsel is a boutique business and technology law firm. We offer proactive, practical legal guidance designed to prevent problems before they arise. Our clients are innovative start-ups and growth-stage companies that create or leverage technology as a core part of their business model. The support and empowerment of women is a critical component of the West Hill vision and mission. 

WBENC 2025: A Week of Connection, Celebration, and Community

The 2025 WBENC National Conference in New Orleans was was a powerful and inspiring gathering of Women-Owned Businesses (WBEs), corporate partners and industry leaders. From the moment we arrived to the final farewell, the week was filled with energy, empowerment, and unforgettable moments—both joyful and deeply meaningful.

Celebrating and Honoring a Powerful Leader

While the week overflowed with excitement, an unmistakable reflection of the passion and momentum driving the WBENC community, it was followed by heartbreaking news: the sudden and tragic loss of WBENC President and CEO, Pamela Prince-Eason.

Pam’s presence throughout the week in New Orleans was felt deeply. She led, as she has for decades, with strength, grace, and a commitment that has defined her legacy. A visionary leader, tireless advocate, and unwavering supporter of women-owned businesses, Pam inspired throusands with her dedication to changing the narrative and creating space for women to thrive.

With more than 4,800 conference attendees—including over 2,500 certified women-owned businesses—the conference reflected years of innovation and intentional growth, much of it driven by Pam, her dedicated team, and her incredible network. The programming, connection, and impact of this year’s event were a testament to her leadership.

This unforgettable week served to elevate the voices, visibility, and networks of women entrepreneurs, reinforcing their role as key drivers of economic growth. West Hill is honored to have participated in such a meaningful event, and we remain committed to supporting the vibrant WBENC community.

As we celebrate the success of the 2025 conference, we also remember and honor Pam Prince-Eason–her vision, her leadership, and her enduring legacy. Her impact will be felt for generation, and we are grateful to have been a part of the community she so powerfully built.

Monday, June 23rd, General Session Kick-off and RPO Meet up

The conference was kicked off with an energizing General Session to set the tone for an inspiring week of connection, innovation and empowerment. Louise Kennedy represented West Hill Technology Counsel and welcomed the Center for Women & Enterprise group as a member of the Host Committee. The group joined together to build the Northeast RPO float with the theme: “To Plant a Seed is to Believe in Tomorrow.” The meet-up was followed by the float parade where the group tossed New England themed candy, Boston Baked Beans and Mary Janes, to the crowd.

The West Hill Team Kicked of the WBENC Conference in Style!

The West Hill team laced up their favorite kicks and hit the Sneaker Jam to kick off the 2025 WBENC National Conference with style, sparkle, and serious energy!

This high-vibe evening was the perfect mix of fun and purpose–with dinner, music and a vibrant Women Owned Pop-up Shop featuring so many incredible brands to explore and support. From blingling out our sneakers to connecting with fellow WBEs and corporate partners, Sneaker Jam set the tone for an inspiring week ahead.

Corporate Meet & Greets, Industry Labs and Women Owned Pop-Up Shop

Tuesday included a jam packed day of Corporate Meet & Greets, Industry Labs, expo booth set-up and finished up with an evening event to celebrate the Community Resource Groups.

Wednesday Highlights from the WBENC Confernce

Wednesday kicked off with an energizing General Session, followed by the highly anticipated opening of the Expo floor–and the West Hill team was ready!

We had a blast meeting and connecting with fellow attendees throughout the day. Our booth turned into a hub of friendly competition with our paper airplane toss contest–a fun way to spark conversations and add a little extra excitement to the expo experience.

Many stopped by to chat and give it their best shot at hitting the target…but only a few skilled flyers walked away with the prizes!

It was a day full of meaningful connections, great energy, and of course, a bit of paper airplane fun. We’re so grateful to be a part of this incredible community of women entrepreneurs and supporters.

Thursday Recap: Momentum and Meaningful Conversations

On Thursday, the West Hill booth was buzzing with even more energy, connection, and inspiration. The paper airplane toss kept the fun going, sparking conversations and plenty of laughs, while meaningful business discussion continued to take flight.

We loved seeing familiar faces return and new ones stop by to share ideas, stories, and a little friendly competition. It’s been incredible to watch how a simple activity can open the door to impactful conversations.

Thursday Evening: Masquerade Magic to Close out an Incredible Week

On Thursday evening, the West Hill team donned some masks and joined fellow attendees for a spectacular Masquerade on the Bayou at the Grand Oaks Mansion. The evening was the perfect way to close out an unforgettable week–filled with dinner, music, fun and most importantly, meaningful conversations and lasting connections.

It was a celebration of the vibrant WBENC community and the powerful spirit of women in business. We’re grateful for every moment, and especially the incredible people we met along the way.

West Hill Named to 2025 Best Law Firms List by Best Lawyers

West Hill is pleased to announce that our firm has been ranked among the nation’s top law firms by Best Lawyers^®, achieving recognition in the Best Law Firms^® 2025 edition. Firms in the Best Law Firms rankings are recognized for excellence and have impressive ratings from clients and peers.

The 15th edition of Best Law Firms, independently produced by Best Lawyers, serves as a benchmark for excellence in the legal industry, providing a comprehensive and reliable guide to the top-performing law firms across 127 practice areas and 188 local jurisdictions. The rankings are meticulously compiled based on a rigorous evaluation process that includes client feedback, peer reviews, industry leader interviews, and detailed analysis of law firm data. Best Law Firms received more than 100,000 client references and observed a 65% increase in client participation in its survey for the 2025 edition. 

According to Best Lawyers, achieving a tiered ranking signals a unique combination of quality law practice and breadth of legal expertise. Ranked firms, presented in three tiers, are recognized on a national and regional scale. Firms that receive a tier designation reflect the highest level of respect a firm can earn among other leading lawyers and clients from the same communities and practice areas. West Hill has been recognized in Boston as Tier 2 for Litigation–Intellectual Property. 

“We are both delighted and proud to be awarded this prestigious designation and recognized for our firm’s expertise in intellectual property law,” said Louise Leduc Kennedy, Founding Attorney, West Hill.

About Best Lawyers Best Law Firms

For more information about Best Lawyers® and the Best Law Firms list, click here.

About West Hill

West Hill Technology Counsel is a boutique business and technology law firm. Providing proactive, practical legal advice to solve problems before they arise. Our clients are new and growing businesses that create or leverage technology as a core business model.

West Hill named to Mass Lawyers Weekly Inaugural Best Women-Led Law Firms List 2024

West Hill is proud to be recognized in the inaugural Best Women-Led Law Firms List 2024 by Mass Lawyers Weekly. We congratulate fellow recipients for their shared commitment to the support and advancement of women in the legal community.

The Best Women-Led Law Firms Award celebrates the incredible contributions of female-led law firms across Massachusetts, and a law firm’s commitment to hiring and promoting women, providing mentoring and opportunities for professional advancement to women attorneys, and establishing programs and policies to help women attorneys thrive professionally.

“We are both delighted and proud to be awarded this designation and recognized for our firm’s continued commitment to supporting and elevating women in the legal community,” said Louise Leduc Kennedy, Founding Attorney, West Hill. 

A Better Way to Practice Law

West Hill was founded on and remains committed to hiring and providing professional development for women attorneys and support staff.  Louise Kennedy established West Hill in 2008, after working in the Boston office of a regional law firm and as an in-house counsel at IBM. When Louise attended her 10^th law school reunion, she was the mother of two daughters.  She was distressed to learn how many women in her class had abandoned the practice of law because the pressures of large firm practice were incompatible with the needs of a growing family. Louise was looking for a better way to practice law and allow attorneys to integrate their commitments to family. She created a sophisticated technology law practice that is dynamic, challenging, and innovative.   

West Hill Values

Louise built a team of motivated and upbeat legal professionals looking for flexibility while still practicing law at a high level. In 2022, Shehla Syed was elevated to shareholder and assists in the day-to-day management of the firm. West Hill values innovation, integrity, open and honest communication, and diversity. These values shape the positive and inclusive firm culture. West Hill believes – and clients have affirmed – that happy lawyers = happy clients.   

Certified Women-Owned Business

West Hill is a WBENC- and SBA-certified women-owned business actively redefining the concept of private law practice. When working with West Hill, clients get the benefit of hiring a diverse supplier, which helps them meet state, federal and industry-based diversity procurement requirements and goals.

Best Women-Led Law Firms

For more information about Mass Lawyers Weekly and the Best Women-Led Law Firms list, click here.  

About West Hill

The support and empowerment of women is a critical component of the West Hill Vision and Mission. 

COMMUNITY EVENTS: Better Together–The Power of Partnering and Mentoring in Times of Uncertainty

On Wednesday, October 9th, 2024, the North Shore Technology Council (NSTC), held its Third Annual Women in Technology Forum: Better Together–The Power of Partnerships and Mentoring in Times of Uncertainty. Louise Kennedy, West Hill’s Founding Attorney, moderated the panel of inspiring women who discussed their entrepreneurial journeys while highlighting key mentoring and partnership stories from their careers.

The Speakers and Their Stories

The evening started with an inspiring keynote from Julie Chen, Ph.D., Chancellor at UMass Lowell, focused on partnerships with stories from her personal and professional journeys. She highlighted LINC, the Lowell Innovation Network Corridor, which was the result of more than a decade of developing public and private partnerships. This project is an excellent example of multiple stakeholders sharing a vision of mentoring and inspiring the next generation of STEM students and bringing top innovators to the City of Lowell.

Louise Kennedy introduced the panel and told the story of West Hill and some key mentors, mentees, and partnerships from her professional journey. “The firm remains committed to supporting and elevating women in the legal community and in the technology businesses we work with,” said Louise. Louise concluded the panel discussion with a challenge to the room to write down and connect with a mentor or mentee today who impacted your career.

The room was buzzing as the panel answered questions and told their own stories of mentorship and partnership– both successes and failures. The panel included:  Elise Strobach, Ph.D., CEO & Co-Founder at AeroShield Materials, Elizabeth Graham, J.D., CEO at Ada IQ, Amanda Wagner, President &CEO at Immunitas Therapeutics and Martha Farmer, Ph.D., EVP & Board Member at VirTech Bio.

The NSTC and the Event Sponsors

The evening concluded with remarks from NSTC President, Gene Wong, the Dean of Science & Technology at Endicott College. For more information on the North Shore Technology Counsel please follow the NSTC on LinkedIn and visit NSTC.org for more info on joining their community and events.

West Hill Technology Counsel is a proud supporter of NSTC along with the following sponsors of this event: Endicott College, Cohn Reznick, Applied Materials, Cummings Properties, Integrative Leadership Strategies, Ci Software Staffing, Bond Building, Cross Insurance and Green Path Strategies.

What You Need to Know About the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA)

UPDATE as of 12/13/24: In December 2024, a federal court in Texas issued an order granting a nationwide preliminary injunction against enforcement of the CTA. FinCEN’s is appealing the order, but until further notice, reporting companies are not required to file but may do so voluntarily if they wish. We will monitor the status of this matter and will provide an update if enforcement resumes.

As a business owner, you may already have heard that the Corporate Transparency Act (“CTA”) took effect on January 1, 2024. The CTA requires all entities formed or registered to do business in the United States to report beneficial ownership information to the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) unless an exemption applies.

What’s the Purpose of the Corporate Transparency Act?

The Corporate Transparency Act was designed to increase transparency and combat tax fraud, money laundering, and other illegal activities. While the government can easily look into information on business structure and ownership of large corporations, there has been little to no transparency when it comes to small businesses. With over 27,000,000 small businesses without employees in the United States, this act aims to target these small businesses. 

Do You Need to File?

The CTA applies to most small businesses in the United States, including foreign companies that are registered to do business in the U.S. These types of businesses include limited liability companies, limited partnerships, business trusts, most general partnerships, and corporations created by filing a document with the secretary of state or similar office under their state law. 

There are several exemptions to the filing requirements, but we expect that the majority of our clients will be non-exempt reporting entities and will be required to file. Additional information, including filing instructions and a complete list of exemptions, is available here: Beneficial Ownership Information Reporting | FinCEN.gov.

What Information Does the CTA Require?

The act refers to owners of companies as “beneficial owners.” These are defined as any individuals who, either directly or indirectly:

• Exercise substantial control over a reporting company, or
• Own or control at least 25% of the ownership interests of a reporting company

Each such beneficial owner is required to report his or her name, date of birth, address, and an identifying document (such as a passport or driver’s license) as well as a photo of that document.

Are There Any Privacy Concerns? 

Although you are reporting personal information, this information will not be made publicly available. It is only going to be accessible by certain government agencies, financial institutions, and used for law enforcement, national security, and intelligence purposes. 

What are the Deadlines to File?

The deadlines for filing vary depending on when you started your business. There are three primary deadlines that you should be aware of. 

January 1, 2025:

All non-exempt entities formed before January 1, 2024, to comply with the reporting requirements need to file by January 1, 2025. 

Within 90 Days of Business Formation or Registration:

Any new non-exempt entities formed or registered to do business in the United States between January 1 and December 31 of this year must file within ninety days of the date of formation or registration. 

Within 30 Days of Business Formation or Registration:

Any new non-exempt entities formed after December 31, 2024, must file within 30 days of the date of formation or registration.

Do I Need to File Every Year?

No, this is a one-time filing, however, if there are any changes to the reported beneficial ownership, an amended report must be filed within thirty days of such change.

Are There Any Penalties for Noncompliance?

If you choose not to file or provide false information, you can be subject to fines and even criminal penalties. The CTA provides for civil fines of $500 per day and up to $10,000 per violation of the act. If you fail to comply or find yourself with multiple violations, you can face tens of thousands of dollars in fines. Additionally, the criminal penalty for violations of the act is up to two years of imprisonment.

What about the Recent Disputes about the Constitutionality of the CTA?

There have been some legal challenges to the CTA in recent months. On March 1, 2024, a federal judge in Alabama ruled that the CTA is unconstitutional. However, at this time, the ruling is limited to the plaintiffs in this particular case at issue (members of the National Small Business Association). Unless the Treasury Department announces that it will suspend CTA enforcement for all reporting entities (which it has not yet done), filings are still required. We will continue to monitor the situation and will update our clients in the event of any change in the reporting requirements.

Contact West Hill if You Have Questions 

While this new requirement may seem overwhelming at first, the best thing you can do is familiarize yourself with the CTA and reach out to a trusted legal professional if you have questions. We anticipate that we will be helping a majority of our clients file, so please do not hesitate to reach out to us if you have any questions or require any assistance to comply with these new filing requirements.

5 Legal Considerations for Developing a Mobile or Web App

While developing a new app for your business, it’s easy to get caught up in the features and functionality and forget about the legal considerations of app development. 

It’s important to make sure that your app is compliant, protects your intellectual property, keeps your user’s data safe, and protects your company from potential liabilities. 

While developing your app, here are five legal considerations to keep in mind: 

1. Intellectual Property Rights

It is never too early to start protecting your intellectual property. When you think about monetizing your app, you probably think about how much to charge your users or how it will enhance your relationships with customers. You might be overlooking the most lucrative asset: your intellectual property. 

When you protect your intellectual property, you can later sell your app, or your business, for significantly more than you could without these protections. 

Additionally, by protecting your intellectual property you can prevent competitors and other software developers from copying or stealing your hard work. 

Here are a few ways to protect your intellectual property: 

• Copyrights: protect your app’s source code, design, and other creative elements
• Trademarks: register your app’s name, logo, and other branding to prevent your competitors from using any of your branding assets
• Patents: protect your unique and innovative features

It is also important to respect the intellectual property rights of others when you incorporate their code into your app.  This can be open source or commercial software or integrations with web services.  In order to avoid infringing the copyright of these companies and developers, you need to keep track of this code and provide copyright notices and disclaimers as required.

2. App Store Guidelines and Review Process

Prior to launching your app, you should review the submission guidelines and policies of the app stores or web services that you plan to distribute your app through. Your app will need to comply with their content and policy restrictions to prevent your app from being removed down the line. 

Nearly all app publishers require that you include a Privacy Policy with your app that complies with their requirements. This is not a copy and paste exercise. You will need a customized privacy policy for your app in order to make it through the app approval process and protect yourself from data privacy claims.

3. User Data Privacy

In developing a Privacy Policy for your app, you need to think through what data you collect from your users during the registration process and other touchpoints throughout their experience. This is the first step to comply with data protection laws and regulations. 

Here are a few things to consider: 

• Where are your users?  Make sure that your app is compliant with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) or the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA).
• Make sure your Privacy Policy informs your users about the type of data that you collect, how you use it, and what security measures you have in place to protect their information. 
• Obtain consent from usersbefore you collect or process their data.

An attorney who specializes in both technology law and privacy can help you understand which laws and regulations apply to your app. 

3. End-User License Agreement (EULA)

In addition to a Privacy Policy, you need to have a clear End-User License Agreement (EULA) for your app. 

The EULA should outline your user’s responsibilities and prohibited actions within the app – including any flow-through terms required by your web services provider. It also protects your company’s rights and interests while also limiting your user’s ability to redistribute your app without permission. In your EULA, you can limit your liability and choose how and where disputes get resolved.

Finally, you should include disclaimers within your app that are required in your industry. 

5. Developer Agreements

If you plan to outsource components of the app development to other app developers, designers, or third-party service providers, you need to make sure that your company and its intellectual property are protected. 

Prior to starting the development process, you should sign clear and comprehensive contracts wwith these vendors outlining the roles and responsibilities of both parties.

These contracts should include confidentiality provisions, explicitly define who owns the intellectual property rights of the app’s components, and the developer’s obligation to report use of third party code. You should also include comprehensive data privacy terms if your developer will have access to your customers’ data.

Technology  Law Firm

Navigating the process of protecting your new app can be challenging without the help of skilled business and intellectual property lawyers who understand your technology. At West Hill, we specialize in helping software companies protect their intellectual property and business ideas. Contact us today for more information.

Nine Key Takeaways from the 2024 WBENC National Conference

Attending the 2024 WBENC National Conference was truly an inspiring event. With over 5,000 women entrepreneurs and corporate leaders connecting and supporting each other. West Hill’s Louise Kennedy, Shehla Syed and Jennica Holoquist discovered innovative best practices and celebrated the accomplishments of women-owned businesses.

1. Women entrepreneurs should never be afraid to ask for help.

This conference was all about supporting women business owners, making connections, and sharing ideas. Answers and help were around every corner, from informal advice to corporate mentorship programs for diverse businesses. The focus was on helping women-owned businesses grow and thrive. 

2. Corporate leaders see the value of working with women-owned businesses.

According to WBENC, more than 1,000 corporations in the US have committed to spending over $1 billion each year with Women-Owned Businesses. At the conference this year, many of these corporations were honored for their long-term commitment to diversifying their supply chains. 

3. Be prepared. There’s opportunity around every corner.

Some of the best connections are made while standing in line for coffee, waiting for a program to start, or wandering through the expo. Make the most of these opportunities by introducing yourself. Explain what you do and who you serve. Tell your brand story. Know your differentiators. Ask about others’ businesses. Each person you meet may not be an ideal potential client, but they can be connectors, referral sources and mentors. 

4. Celebrating the accomplishments of women-owned businesses is important.

The conference included a variety of celebrations and fun activities to recognize the achievements of women entrepreneurs. The business journey, particularly in male-dominated fields, is challenging, and it’s important to celebrate wins along the way! Shout out to the 2024 WBE Stars, including the West Hill Founding Attorney, Louise Kennedy, for being recognized for their achievements live at the conference. 

5. Birds of a feather flock together.

Dynamic entrepreneurs are always looking for ways to improve their skills and build their networks. So it’s not a surprise that the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses Program was well represented with both an expo table and lots of alumni in attendance. The 2024 WBE Stars alone included multiple 10KSB alumni, including Louise Kennedy, Barb Smith, Michele Adams, and others.  

6. Roll out the welcome mat.

The vibe of the West Hill conference booth was friendly and approachable. Tucked in a corner but with brightly colored graphics, a bouquet of flowers, and a pitcher of lemonade, WBEs, and corporate members stopped by for a chat. Smiling, friendly, and passionate about what they do, the West Hill team put people at ease (despite their prior experiences talking to lawyers).  

7. WBENC certification is a valuable tool for women-owned businesses.

According to WBENC, women-owned businesses that are certified through their program are more likely to win contracts and secure new business opportunities. The WBENC application (especially the legal documentation section) can be daunting, but if you are ready to get certified as a Women-Owned Business, West Hill can help you navigate the process.  

“West Hill has been WBENC certified since 2013 and it has unlocked countless opportunities for our firm. WBENC is truly the leading women’s business development organization and I encourage all current WBEs and other women-owned businesses to tap into the limitless potential of the WBENC network,”

said Louise Kennedy.

8. Amplify. Collaboration is key to success in business.

Through productive Meet & Greets with corporate members and other networking opportunities at every turn, we were able to connect with other women entrepreneurs and corporate leaders to explore potential partnerships and collaborations. It was also a fantastic opportunity to reconnect with friends from WBENC educational events like WeThrive and the Advanced Leadership Seminar. 

9. Walk the Walk.
The best way to help a woman owned business is to work with a women owned business.

Hire or source products from a woman-owned business. It is good for business and good for your community. Women-owned businesses fuel the economy, representing 39.1% of all businesses – over 14 million – employing 12.2 million workers and generating $2.7 trillion in revenue. According to the 2024 Wells Fargo Impact of Women-Owned Business Report, in partnership with Ventureneer, CoreWoman, and Women Impacting Public Policy (WIPP), the number of women-owned businesses increased at nearly double the rate of those owned by men between 2019 and 2023; and from 2022 to 2023, the rate of growth increased to 4.5 times. 

 “How long do you want to sit and admire the problem before you start working on addressing the issue? Ignite change.”

Nellie Borrero, author of Unwavering

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