Andrew Fisher Provides Pro Bono Advice at Groundwork Lab’s Guru Desk

RALEIGH, N.C. – Andrew Fisher, a lawyer in Smith Anderson's Securities and Growth Companies practice, provided pro bono advice to start-up companies as part of Groundwork Lab’s “Guru Desk” at the American Underground in Durham, N.C. on Nov. 16, 2012. The program aims to foster economic development in North Carolina by helping start-ups commercialize their innovations.

Each month a Smith Anderson lawyer volunteers for the program and provides advice to entrepreneurs looking for guidance. The “Guru Desk” is available to start-ups for two hours every day and is staffed by community volunteers who are qualified to give advice on start-up formation, intellectual property protection, contracts, sales, marketing, branding, user interface, public relations, human resources, accounting or finance.

Sponsored by NC IDEA and the Capitol Broadcasting Company, Groundwork Labs is a “no strings attached,” free, community-supported accelerator. They offer mentors, office space, connections and more; however, they do not invest in a company, nor do they take an equity stake.