Business Law Foundations for New Entrepreneurs
A legal and business education program for people who are ready to build something.
What is SEAP?
If you received a letter from the Washington State Employment Security Department about the Self-Employment Assistance Program, you're in the right place. SEAP allows eligible unemployment claimants to collect benefits while enrolled in an approved entrepreneurship program, instead of conducting a traditional job search. It's designed for people who are serious about starting a business and want structured support to do it right.
Understory Advising PLLC is an approved SEAP provider. Our program counts toward your SEAP enrollment requirement and gives you something most programs don't: direct access to a practicing business attorney who will help you build your business on a solid legal and operational foundation from day one.
What is included with enrollment?
Entrepreneurial Training
Six structured sessions covering business law, entity structure, contracts, employment, and risk management.
Delivered in cohort or 1:1 sessions
Individual Counseling
Scheduled one-on-one sessions. Available to all participants throughout the program & for 12 months after training completion.
Booking available immediately after enrollment
Technical Assistance
Legal and practical support for starting and running your business, including document review, compliance guidance, and referrals.
Available upon request
Supplemental Resources
A printed workbook, business plan templates, Washington State reference materials, and capital and funding resources.
Delivered at your first session
Curriculum
Six sessions. Four core topics every participant covers, plus two elective topics selected based on your cohort's business types and goals.
Session 1 : Getting Legal
Entity structure, the corporate veil, and the practical steps to set up your business correctly from day one.
Session 2: The Paper
Contract fundamentals for non-lawyers. What to look for, what to push back on, and how to read anything before signing.
Session 3: The People
Employment and contractor basics, Washington State requirements, and the most common hiring liability traps.
Session 4: The Risk Map
A guided inventory of your business's legal and operational exposure, customized to your specific situation.
Sessions 5 and 6 are selected from the following electives based on participant interest:
Leases & Real Property | Insurance | Branding & IP | Vendor & Client Contracts | Regulatory Basics | Winding Down or Pivoting
Your elective preferences are collected at signup. The two most-requested topics by your cohort are selected before the first session.
Two Tracks
Foundation Cohort
Group Program, In-Person
Six two-hour sessions at our Tacoma office with up to seven participants. Direct instruction and discussion led by Morgan Bobadilla, Esq. Individual counseling available to book immediately after enrollment.
Every other Tuesday, 9:00–11:00 a.m. at 6 N. Tacoma Avenue, Tacoma, WA
Maximum 7 participants per cohort | Must attend 5 of 6 sessions to complete program
$125/Session | 12 Week Program
$750 Program Total | Due at enrollment
Foundation Cohort sessions are educational workshops. Participants who want an attorney-client relationship should enroll in the Individual Track.
Individual Track
One-on-one, Your Schedule
Twelve one-hour sessions with Morgan Bobadilla, Esq., scheduled at your convenience. The same curriculum delivered individually, with dedicated attention to your specific business.
In person, by phone, or by video (scheduled via online booking).
One session every two weeks minimum
$250/Session | 24 Week Program
$3000 Total Program Cost | Paid Per Session at booking
Individual Track participants enter a limited-scope attorney-client relationship with Understory Advising PLLC. Your sessions are confidential and protected by attorney-client privilege.
Individual Track participants have a limited scope attorney-client relationship with Understory Advising PLLC. Foundation Cohort is an educational workshop program. Not sure which is right for you? Book a Q&A call.
Currently Enrolling
Foundation Cohort - Cohort 1
This cohort starts two weeks after the fourth participant enrolls. Reserve your spot now to help set the start date. Spots 5 through 7 remain open until the first session.
Format In person | Tuesdays 9:00–11:00 a.m.
Location 6 N. Tacoma Avenue, Tacoma, WA 98403
Earliest start May 12, 2026
Spots Filled: 0/7
Individual Track
Individual Track enrollment is open on a rolling basis. Book your first session to get started.
Get Started
About SEAP eligibility: To participate as a SEAP enrollee and collect unemployment benefits during the program, you must be eligible through the Washington State Employment Security Department. We'll confirm your eligibility before your first session. If you're unsure whether you qualify, contact ESD directly at 877-600-7701 or visit esd.wa.gov.
Reserve a Cohort Spot
Ready to enroll in the Foundation Cohort? Complete the enrollment form to reserve your spot.
Book Your First Individual Session
Ready to start on the Individual Track? Book your first session directly and we'll take it from there.
Book a Q&A Call
Have specific questions about fit, format, or logistics before committing? Book 15 minutes. This call is for questions, not a program overview.
Self-Employment Assistance Program (SEAP) Details
Eligibility
SEAP participants must be eligible through the Washington State Employment Security Department. We confirm eligibility before your first session. Contact ESD at 877-600-7701 or esd.wa.gov if you have questions about your status.
Participation & Completion
Foundation Cohort participants must attend at least five of six sessions. Individual Track participants must complete at least one session every two weeks.
Location
All Foundation Cohort sessions are held in person at 6 N. Tacoma Avenue in Tacoma's Stadium District. Individual Track sessions are available in person, by phone, or by video call.
Refunds
Cohort: full refund before Session 1, 50% refund before Session 3, no refund after Session 3. Individual Track: full refund with 24+ hours notice, no refund for late cancellations.