Startup and Launch

A C Corporation is a legal structure for a company that is authorized by the state to conduct business. Its owners, who are referred to as shareholders, are taxed separately from the business, and in most cases cannot be held personally responsible for business...

Some states require business owners to publish a notice in a local newspaper after they form or make certain changes to their business entities. States’ publishing requirements help inform the public about new business entities and significant changes to existing...

A Sole Proprietorship is the most popular business structure in the U.S., with nearly three out of four businesses operating as one. But if you’re running a Sole Proprietorship or thinking about starting a business that will operate as one, it’s important that...

Once entrepreneurs taste what it's like to be their own boss and carve their own career path, some decide to pursue starting multiple businesses. Depending on the situation, owning multiple Limited Liability Companies (LLCs) might make sense. Which leads to the...

Do you need a DBA for your business? It is a common question for evolving and growing businesses. Let's explore what a DBA is, what benefits it offers, and discuss some situations when you might need to file a DBA. What is a DBA? A DBA is a fictitious business...

Besides personal liability protection, flexibility is among the top reasons entrepreneurs choose the Limited Liability Company (LLC) business structure for their companies. An LLC can have an unlimited number of owners, called “members” (with few restrictions on...

Many entrepreneurs who want to form a Limited Liability Company (LLC) think they must hire a lawyer to handle the paperwork. They’re mistaken! While it’s helpful to consult an attorney about which business entity type is right for your business and get answers to...

A professional corporation and a professional LLC are business entities that licensed professionals may wish, or be required, to form. Generally, professions that form professional LLCs or professional corporations include: Attorneys and law firms Accountants and...

Just as there are flavors of ice cream, different varieties of the LLC business structure exist, too. The ideal option for a company may depend on a business's industry, type of commercial activities, number of owners, and even an owners' professional credentials....

When starting a Limited Liability Company or C Corporation, businesses in most states must provide a written statement of business purpose in their formation documents (Articles of Incorporation or Articles of Organization). The business purpose statement describes...

Entrepreneurs cannot succeed in business completely on their own. Successful business owners will leverage their talent, expertise, and skills, while also being quick to delegate tasks and responsibilities to others with the knowledge and proficiencies they lack....

If you have a high level of proficiency, expertise, and experience in a field, you may have thought about how to start a consulting business. Starting a consulting business can be a wonderful career option for individuals who want to leverage their knowledge and...

One of the most important steps you’ll need to make when starting your business is reviewing business entity types and deciding which one you should choose for your company. The structure you pick will affect your business from legal and tax obligation standpoints....

When you’re starting a small business that has more than one owner, you and your partner(s) may have concerns about your personal liability risks. If this is the case, it would be wise to compare LLP vs. LLC business structures. Limited liability partnerships (LLP)...

Maintaining an exceptional staff reigns as one of the essential ingredients for a successful restaurant. With hiring that staff, comes payroll responsibilities and complying with all related federal, state, and local employment and tax laws. Payroll for restaurants...

Have you been thinking of launching a new business or changing your existing Sole Proprietorship to a formal business entity type like a Limited Liability Company, S Corporation, or C Corporation? Are you concerned that you might not be selecting the best time of...

If you're considering starting a new business in Wisconsin, there are a lot of reasons why this is a great option. Wisconsin offers a robust business ecosystem with a skilled workforce, business-friendly policies, and a central location in the U.S. It provides a...

Filing formation paperwork with the state is just one step required to start a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofit organization. Federal income tax exempt status isn’t automatic. A nonprofit must file Form 1023, Application for Recognition of Exemption Under Section...

A Dun & Bradstreet (D&B) D-U-N-S® Number is a unique nine-digit number assigned to a company to help potential lenders, partners, and suppliers assess the business’s stability, creditworthiness, and other qualities. Having a DUNS Number can help a company...

Maryland’s strategic location on the east coast of the U.S. is within easy reach of major metropolitan cities like Washington, D.C., Baltimore, Philadelphia, and New York City. This proximity can give your business access to a large customer base and supply chain...

Launching a new business in Indiana can be a smart move due to the state’s favorable business environment. Characterized by relatively low corporate taxes, reasonable regulatory requirements, and a comparatively affordable cost of living, Indiana’s central location...

Colorado’s economy is just as varied and unique as its people and landscape. Tourists flock from around the world to experience Colorado’s scenery, recreational adventures, and cultural activities. In addition, Colorado has a long successful history of ranching,...

If you’re considering starting a business as a Limited Liability Company (LLC), you’ll want to become familiar with the term “Certificate of Formation.” Sometimes called Articles of Organization or Certificate of Organization, a Certificate of Formation is the...

If you’ve been thinking about starting a business in Michigan, you're in good company. With plentiful resources, incentives, and loans, Michigan is home to 902,000 small businesses that represent 48.3 % of the state's workers. Michigan offers one of the best...

Have you decided to operate your business as a Limited Liability Company (LLC)? If you answered yes, you must comply with your state's requirements for registering your company. Those responsibilities include filing an Articles of Organization (sometimes called a...

People interpret the American dream differently. For many foreigners, it likely represents an opportunity for prosperity and success. Coming to the United States and starting a business is often the start of that prosperity. The United States government allows...

Excited to start your new business in the coming year? Whether you’re forming your company as a sole proprietorship or a Limited Liability Company (LLC), promoting a new business takes strategizing and fresh ideas. Otherwise, it’s challenging to get your new...

Congratulations! You have officially registered your Limited Liability Company or Corporation with the state. But now what? What happens next? While forming an LLC or Corporation is a critical first step to operating a formal business entity, there's more work to...

If you're thinking about starting a business, you’ll want to research which business entity type will be most advantageous to you. As you go through that process, you will discover that various documents and filings need to be submitted to the state to form a...