Don't get me wrong, you can start and run a business just fine without any donations at all. It's just that when you want a special favor like making a discrimination case go away without the formalities you need to have donated. Local donations for things like road permissions. (see also killdozer) Governor's donation for things like pollution permits. Senate donations for things like tax breaks. DA and police union/widow's fund donation for things that are a little dirtier.