My husband and I have an LLC for our work doing small engine repair. Occasionally our son helps a little, but otherwise it's just us.
My husband has a close friend and former co-worker who is losing their job, and we are very busy and could use help, but we are deeply morally opposed to profiting from someone else's labor. I was thinking that perhaps we could subcontract stuff to her for a little bit, and if things are working out, then we figure out how to restructure the business.*
There is a restaurant in a nearby town that is worker-owned, but I haven't asked there for advice partly because their structure is byzantine, and idk if that comparison is apples-to-oranges because of the wildly different industries.
*
I understand that sharing ownership means sharing control. I would have qualms about that with pretty much every person I know because most people aren't as obsessed with details and informed decision-making etc as I am; I am not concerned about that with this friend, because she has the same flavor of AuDHD as I do. I was undiagnosed when we met her, and our striking similarities in personalities and behaviors were a huge part of the reasons for seeking diagnosis.
Also, it's a rural area, everybody knows everybody, and she is someone with deep roots who is pretty universally loved and respected. There are few people I would trust to try to step into my life and fill in for me if I were seriously injured, but I know she would give everything as much or more care than I do. She is the best.
I'm not looking for legal advice from strangers, I'm looking for a better understanding of the jargon so I am more able to do research on my own. But thank you for your concern 😊