Startup and Launch

Are you considering launching a new business? If so our startup and launch articles are an ideal resource for you to dig into and educate yourself. Our blog posts cover everything from selecting the best type of business entity to knowing what state you should incorporate in. Don’t make unnecessary mistakes! Let our startup experts get you headed in the right direction.

The What, Why, and How of Incorporating Out-of-State

A lot of entrepreneurs wonder what state should be used to incorporate a new business. Should it be their own state or maybe another state like Delaware or Nevada? There is no easy answer to that question, however, there are definite benefits for some businesses to...

US Map of States With Connecting Dots

How to Legally Start a Food Truck Business

According to IBISWorld, the food truck industry has 25,476 businesses in 2020. Growth in the industry from 2015 to 2020 averaged 8.7%. With the COVID-19 crisis a reality now, arguably, the food truck industry may be better suited than brick-and-mortar restaurants...

Smiling waiter giving order to customers at counter

Sole Proprietorship vs. Partnership

You have much to think about and many questions to answer when starting a business. One of the most fundamental considerations is what type of business structure is right for you. Often, new small businesses choose to operate as a sole proprietorship or general...

Versus Illustration

How to Start an Amazon Business

If you've been intrigued by the flexibility and income potential of selling online, starting an Amazon business is probably at the top of your to-do list. There's no denying Amazon's reach and reputation, which is why so many Americans have a strong pull toward...

woman working sell online in her home

How to Legally Start a Nonprofit Business

There is nothing more fulfilling than directing time and energy toward helping others in need. If you're passionate about a cause, you may have wondered how to start a nonprofit business. Some aspects of starting a nonprofit organization are similar to starting a...

Happy volunteer looking at donation box

How to Start a Business in West Virginia

A lot of entrepreneurs have decided to start a business in West Virginia and there is good reason. It is centrally located and within an eight-hour drive from major metropolitan areas and it offers some of the country's lowest labor and utility costs. Known as the...

Sunset View of Harpers Ferry, West Virginia

Answering Your Questions About LLCs

If you’re considering forming an LLC, you’ve probably got questions. Fortunately, we’ve got answers. We’ve helped thousands of people form an LLC, so you could say we’re kind of experts on the subject. Here are some of the questions we get the most. What Exactly is...

LLC Letters Built Out of Cubes

Your Complete Guide to Starting a Business in New Mexico

With the 5th lowest labor costs in the country, according to the newest WalletHub study, the “Land of Enchantment” state boasts a thriving small business community. According to the Small Business Administration (SBA), 99% of all businesses in New Mexico are small...

New Mexico Skyline

How to Legally Start an eCommerce Business

If you have been considering starting an eCommerce business, you’re exploring an industry with a promising outlook. The last few years have forced many people to buy products online and this new way of shopping isn't going away anytime soon. In today's article,...

Woman Shipping Product for Online Store

LLC’s: Best Biz Structure to House Multiple Properties

With any property, there are inherent liabilities — from a broken balcony railing to old electrical wiring or mold. The LLC forms a wall that shields individual owners from personal liability. If sued by a tenant or guest, the defendant is the LLC, not you. And the judgment can be collected only from the LLC's assets, and not from your own personal assets.

Mini Houses on Stacks of Coins

What is a Certificate of Incorporation?

When forming a C Corporation, business owners need to file for a Certificate of Incorporation (sometimes referred to as Articles of Incorporation) to register their company with the state. What is a Certificate of Incorporation exactly? It is a legal document...

Man Stamping a Legal Document

How to Start a Vending Machine Business

The vending machine industry is one that has evolved and steadily grown over the last decade. As consumers' lives get busier and people seek convenience and time-saving options while on the go, vending machine operators have many opportunities. According to...

Woman Using a Vending Machine

11 Businesses to Start With $10K

Many entrepreneurs begin successful companies without piles of money in the bank. In fact, some businesses can get off the ground with $10K or less. So, if you’re dreaming of being your own boss but have limited funds, keep your chin up! In this article, I’ll touch...

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Do I Need an LLC to Freelance?

Do freelancers need an LLC? That’s a question many solo professionals ask as they start and grow their small businesses. While freelancers aren’t legally obligated to form a Limited Liability Company, doing so offers some advantages over operating as a Sole...

Male Freelancer Working Remotely

How to Start a Dropshipping Business

It's estimated that a third or more of e-commerce brands use dropshipping as a way to provide products to customers. If you've been thinking about starting an online store but don't want to deal with the costs and hassle of maintaining inventory, you may find the...

Dropship Concept Illustration

How to Start a Business as a Kid or Teen

Starting a business as a kid or teen is exciting! With it, comes an opportunity to learn life-long skills that will help you become a successful adult. And, of course, there's the money you can earn! But how do you start a business as a kid or teen? Well,...

Four Kids Selling Lemonade

How to Start a Trucking Business

If you’ve always wanted to start a trucking business, now could be the perfect time to put your plan into action. The trucking industry has had an immense impact on the U.S. economy. According to American Trucking Association, 71% of the freight tonnage moved in...

Truck and highway at sunset - transportation background

How to Start an Accounting Business

Whether you’re a finance major fresh out of college or have been working in an accounting firm or department for years, I’ll bet you’ve thought about being your own boss. There’s a lot to consider when exploring how to start an accounting business. Let's dig into...

Serious business man working on documents

Should I Incorporate or Form an LLC for My MLM Business?

Also sometimes called network marketing companies, a multilevel marketing company (MLM), offers income opportunities to folks who want to set their own schedule and work at their own pace—without having to build a business from the ground up. Many people who want...

Woman Working at Desk

Choosing the Best State to Start a Business

Choosing the best state to start a business is an important detail in your overall business plan. When it comes to launching a small business, “Location, location, location” is part of the formula for success. If you’re wondering if a specific location would give...

Map of the United States

Do Amazon Sellers Need an LLC?

Amazon sellers, like other entrepreneurs that sell products online, should think about how their business structure affects them professionally and personally. The business entity type chosen has an impact on income tax obligations, ongoing business compliance...

Amazon-Truck

How to Apply for an EIN

One of the essential steps new business owners must take when launching their companies is to apply for an EIN. An Employee Identification Number (also known as a Federal Tax ID Number or Tax ID Number) is a nine-digit number assigned to a business for filing...

Employer Identification Number (EIN) written on legal document

What Is 501(c)(3) Status and How Do You Obtain It?

Have you always dreamed of starting a nonprofit organization so you can give back to your community? Maybe you have a charity that’s close to your heart, such as research for autism or helping the homeless, and you’ve always wanted to have the same kind of impact...

Volunteers Working Outside

Ten Tips for Creating a Business Name

Creating a business name is one of the most exciting and important startup tasks that entrepreneurs must tackle. The name you choose for your business will serve to distinguish you from your competitors and give customers insight into the experience they will have...

Branding Work on Desktop Compute

Do I Need Articles of Organization For a Michigan LLC?

If you're considering forming a Limited Liability Company (LLC) in Michigan, you're probably wondering what paperwork the state requires. For example, do you need Articles of Organization for a Michigan LLC? That's one of the common questions we field here at...

Aerial view of downtown Detroit at twilight

How to Register a Business in Oregon

Have you been thinking about making your dream of starting your own business in the beautiful Pacific Northwest a reality but not sure how to begin?  This post will help guide you through the process of registering a business in Oregon. That said, let’s get started...

Oregon on Old Road Sign

What Are Payroll Deductions?

Payroll deductions are monies that employers withhold from an employee’s pay. These deductions include withdrawals such as federal income taxes, state income taxes, local income taxes, FICA tax (Social Security and Medicare taxes), medical benefits, retirement...

Calendar With Pay Day Circled

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