Nellie Akalp is a trailblazing entrepreneur, devoted business expert, and the dynamic CEO of CorpNet.com, known as the smartest way to start a business, register for payroll taxes, and maintain compliance across the United States. Since 1997, Nellie has been a pioneer in the online legal filing space, transforming how half a million entrepreneurs and professionals launch and sustain their businesses. Under her leadership, CorpNet has grown from a pioneering start-up into a powerhouse offering incorporation, LLC formation, DBA filings, registered agent services, and comprehensive corporate compliance monitoring in all 50 states.
Nellie’s expertise and visionary approach have positioned CorpNet as a trusted resource for entrepreneurs, accountants, and lawyers nationwide. Recognized internationally, she is a frequent contributor to notable media outlets like Entrepreneur and Forbes, empowering millions each month with actionable business advice. Her journey is not only a story of business acumen but of resilience, customer focus, and dedication to advancing the entrepreneurial spirit.
Welcome, Nellie Akalp, CEO of CorpNet.com
Q1. What inspired you and your husband to start CorpNet after selling your first company to Intuit?
NA: After selling our first company to Intuit, my husband and I thought we might take a step back—but entrepreneurship was still very much in our DNA. We realized there was still a real need for a customer-focused, education-driven filing service that supported business owners beyond just the initial startup phase. We launched CorpNet.com to bring that passion back to life: helping entrepreneurs start, manage, and grow their businesses with guidance they can trust and a human touch they can feel.
Q2. How has the landscape of online legal filings changed since you first entered the space in 1997?
NA: When we started in 1997, online incorporation was still a brand-new concept. Most filings were done manually, timelines were longer, and very few states offered digital systems. Today, the technology, automation, and access to state portals has dramatically improved. But what hasn’t changed is that business owners still struggle to navigate compliance on their own. The tools have evolved, but the need for expertise and hands-on support remains just as strong.
Compliance Challenges in Small Businesses
Q3. What are the most common compliance challenges small businesses face, and how does CorpNet help address them?
NA: The biggest challenges are staying on top of deadlines—annual reports, payroll tax registrations, business license renewals, and entity changes. Many entrepreneurs don’t even know these requirements exist until it becomes a problem. CorpNet solves this by offering comprehensive compliance monitoring, automated reminders, and full-service filings handled by our team. We remove the guesswork so business owners can focus on running their companies, not researching state regulations.
Q4. How did CorpNet adapt and grow during the COVID-19 pandemic?
NA: The pandemic created a wave of new entrepreneurs and also introduced complex state-level requirements like payroll tax accounts for PPP funding. We quickly adapted by launching free resources, offering expedited registration services, and building new tools to help business owners navigate the rapid changes. Our team operated fully remotely without missing a beat, and we grew significantly because we became a trusted partner during a time of uncertainty.
Mental Wellness and Balance
Q5. Can you share insights on how entrepreneurs can maintain mental wellness and balance while growing their business?
NA: Entrepreneurship is exhilarating—but it can also be emotionally taxing. For me, balance comes from setting boundaries, accepting that I can’t control everything, and prioritizing what truly matters. I also lean heavily on routines: daily exercise, time with family, and moments to unplug. Entrepreneurs should give themselves permission to pause, delegate, and ask for help.
Q6. CorpNet offers automated compliance reminders and filings—how important is technology in ensuring business compliance today?
NA: Technology is absolutely essential. Compliance involves hundreds of deadlines and nuanced rules across all 50 states. Automation allows us to monitor these requirements at scale and deliver real-time reminders so nothing slips through the cracks. But technology isn’t enough on its own—business owners also need a knowledgeable team behind the scenes. That blend of automation + human expertise is where CorpNet truly stands out.
Business Ideas Into Reality
Q7. What advice do you have for aspiring entrepreneurs who want to turn their business ideas into reality?
NA: Start with clarity: understand your “why,” define the problem you’re solving, and validate your idea with real customers. Then take action. Too many entrepreneurs get stuck waiting for perfect conditions. There is no perfect time. Surround yourself with people who support your vision, and stay curious. And of course, make sure your business is set up properly from day one to avoid compliance headaches later.
Q8. How does CorpNet support businesses across different states and industries while maintaining personalized service?
NA: We’re nationwide, but we operate with a boutique mindset. Whether a client is filing in one state or managing compliance across all 50, we assign dedicated specialists who learn their needs, timelines, and pain points. Our team communicates directly—no call center model, no outsourced support. It’s personal, consistent, and relationship-driven. That’s how we’ve built trust with accountants, lawyers, and entrepreneurs for decades.
Future of Small Business Compliance
Q9. What trends do you see shaping the future of small business compliance and incorporation services?
NA: We’re seeing increased digitization from state agencies, more real-time reporting requirements, and a growing emphasis on payroll tax compliance as more businesses hire across state lines. AI and automation will also play a larger role in helping entrepreneurs stay compliant proactively. But the human element—guidance, interpretation, and support—will remain critical, especially as regulations become more complex.
Q10. How do you envision the next phase of growth for CorpNet and your leadership role?
NA: The next phase is all about scale paired with service. We’re expanding our technology, deepening our integrations, and continuing to build tools that simplify multi-state compliance. My role will continue to focus on innovation, thought leadership, and empowering our team to deliver the exceptional service we’re known for. Ultimately, my mission is the same as the day we launched: to make business compliance simple, accessible, and stress-free for every entrepreneur.
Closing Notes
Nellie Akalp’s journey with CorpNet exemplifies the power of innovation, dedication, and customer-centric leadership in the evolving world of business formation and compliance. Her deep expertise, grounded in decades of legal and entrepreneurial experience, continues to shape CorpNet’s mission to simplify complex legal requirements for entrepreneurs everywhere. By fostering technology-driven solutions paired with thoughtful human support, Nellie and her team empower business owners not only to launch with confidence but to sustain growth with clarity and compliance. As she continues to share her knowledge through media and speaking engagements, Nellie remains a beacon for small business owners seeking to thrive in a competitive market. Her story is a testament to the impact smart legal solutions can have on changing lives and creating opportunities nationwide.
