This checklist details all items that must be completed before we onboard a new Chartered Operator to the VSL Community.
Introduction
This article provides a comprehensive guide to the required documents, responsibilities of principals, and the legal entity options available to Chartered Operators. Whether you are operating as a sole proprietor, forming an LLC, or creating a nonprofit, this guide will help ensure you meet all the necessary requirements to begin your journey as a VSL Chartered Operator.
👤 Required Documents: Principals
The following is required of each principal--business owners, executive, and key staff
What is a Principal?
A principal is any individual person seeking to become a Chartered Operator (a sole proprietor) or any owner, co-owner, staff person, or other stakeholder for an entity seeking to become Chartered, who:
- Is the sole business owner, including a sole proprietor (for-profit entities)
- Holds more than 20% ownership as a co-owner or partner (for-profit entities)
- Serves as a Director, Officer, President, Treasurer, Secretary, Clerk, or similar position
- Has significant leadership, operational, or administrative responsibility for the organization
Principal Requirements for VSL Chartered Operators
VSL requires certain documents to be provided by each principal. These documents should be provided in advance of providing any entity documents and can be provided to legal@vanderburghhouse.com for processing.
Checklist for each principal:
⬜ Interview: Schedule and complete a formal pre-Charter interview with VSL
- Learn more: 🤝 Charter Membership
⬜ Operator Info Form: Provide us with contact details, description of your role, photo ID, and resume (or statement of experience) to help us get to know you a bit more.
- Go to the form: 📋 Operator Info Form
Please note: VSL reserves the right to request such additional information as it deems necessary to evaluate the candidacy of a Chartered Operator principal.
🏢 Required Documents: Sole Proprietor
These are documents for sole proprietors (individuals seeking a VSL Charter with no formally organized business entity such as an LLC or corporation)
A sole proprietor is an individual who owns and operates a business alone. There is no legal distinction between the owner and the business, meaning the owner is personally responsible for all liabilities and debts. This is the simplest business structure, often used by freelancers, consultants, or small business owners.
Sole Proprietor Checklist
Sole Proprietor Checklist [if no legal entity]:
⬜ Obtain a separate EIN from the IRS [recommended]
⬜ Obtain a d/b/a certificate from local town/city [if desired]
⬜ Documents provided to VSL: email legal@vanderburghhouse.com and include each of the following:
- EIN letter obtained from IRS (Form SS-4) - if applicable
- If no EIN, a copy of your Social Security Card
- d/b/a if applicable
Additional documents may be requested on a case-by-case basis.
🏢 Required Documents: For-Profit Entities
These are documents required for any for-profit LLC, corporation, or partnership
An LLC is a business structure that provides limited liability protection to its owners, meaning their personal assets are generally protected from the company’s debts and legal issues. It combines elements of both corporations and sole proprietorships or partnerships, offering flexibility in management and tax benefits.
A corporation is a legal entity that is separate from its owners (shareholders). It can enter into contracts, own assets, sue or be sued, and is taxed separately from its owners.
A partnership is a business structure where two or more individuals (or entities) share ownership. Each partner contributes to the business in some way, whether through capital, labor, or expertise, and shares in the profits and losses.
Legal entity resources:
- 📜 Business Entity Formation: A do-it-yourself guide to business entities
- 🏛️ Legal Entity Setup Service: Consider hiring VSL to help you get started
Note: VSL does not require our Chartered Operators use a legal entity, however, operating without a legal entity may open you up to long-term risks that can be easily avoided by operating your recovery home(s) through a separate legal entity.
For-Profit Entity Checklist
For-Profit Entity Checklist:
⬜ Business entity formed (LLC or corporation)
⬜ EIN letter obtained from IRS
⬜ Documents provided to VSL: email legal@vanderburghhouse.com and include each of the following:
- Articles of Organization (LLC) or Articles of Incorporation (corporation)
- Operating Agreement (LLC) or By-Laws (corporation)
- EIN letter obtained from IRS (Form SS-4)
- Certificate of Good Standing (within 90 days)
Additional documents may be requested on a case-by-case basis.
🏢 Required Documents: Nonprofit Entities
These are documents required for any form of nonprofit organization
A nonprofit organization is a type of business that operates to fulfill a charitable, educational, scientific, or cultural purpose, rather than to earn profits for its owners. Any surplus funds are reinvested into the organization’s mission. Nonprofits can apply for tax-exempt status under the IRS, but are not necessarily tax exempt.
Nonprofit Entity Checklist
Nonprofit Checklist:
⬜ Business entity formed (typically a nonprofit corporation)
⬜ EIN letter obtained from IRS
⬜ Documents provided to VSL: email legal@vanderburghhouse.com and include each of the following:
- Articles of Incorporation or Organization
- Corporation By-Laws, executed by all Directors
- EIN letter obtained from IRS (Form SS-4)
- Certificate of Good Standing (within 90 days)
- 501(c)3 IRS Letter (if applicable)
Additional documents may be requested on a case-by-case basis.
📜 Charter Agreement Checklist
A Charter Agreement will be provided after you have been approved to join VSL
Charter Agreement
The VSL Charter Agreement is a commitment to excellence in our field. Joining our community requires your pledge to meet the standards that our community expects from our members.
Charter Agreement Terms: In addition to the terms and conditions contained in the Charter Agreement itself, all Chartered Operators agree to adhere to a set of standards that apply universally to all members of our community:
- 📋 Chartered Operator Standards
- 📋 Chartered Home Standards
- 📋 Facility Standards
- 📋 Establishing a New Chartered Home
Learn more: 🤝 Charter Membership: An Overview
Charter Agreement Checklist
Charter Agreement Checklist:
⬜ Operator has identified a primary point of contact with VSL for onboarding, if there are multiple members on their team
🟦 Charter Agreement drafted, provided to Operator for review (VSL will prepare this document once you are approved to be a Chartered Operator)
⬜ Operator has reviewed the agreement and addressed all questions with VSL
⬜ Operator's principals have each signed the Charter Agreement
✔️ Pre-Onboarding
Before we get started
After you have signed your Charter Agreement, we will reach out to you to collect a few items prior to onboarding you as a Chartered Operator. Please work with a member of our team to best equip us to engage with you as effectively as possible.
Pre-Onboarding Checklist:
⬜ Operator has provided VSL with the following:
- Contact information for you and each member of your team
- The best days and times for onboarding and training events
- Resumes for each member of your team, to allow us an opportunity to get to know you a little bit more and help allocate training resources most effectively based on your experience and professional background
What's next?
Great question! The next step after we've gotten an onboarding plan together is to jump right in. Take a look at what is in store for onboarding and training!