10 steps to start your business | U. S. Small Business Administration You’ll use it to convince people that working with you — or investing in your company — is a smart choice Learn more about writing your business plan; Whether you’re setting up a brick-and-mortar business or launching an online store, the choices you make could affect your taxes, legal requirements, and revenue
Register your business | U. S. Small Business Administration The articles of incorporation — or a certificate of incorporation — is a comprehensive legal document that lays out the basic outline of your business It's required by every state when you incorporate The most common information included is the company name, business purpose, number of shares offered, value of shares, directors, and officers
Choose a business structure | U. S. Small Business Administration Limited liability company (LLC) One or more people: Owners are not personally liable: Self-employment tax Personal tax or corporate tax Corporation - C corp: One or more people: Owners are not personally liable: Corporate tax: Corporation - S corp: 100 people or fewer; certain trusts and estates; no partnerships, corporations, or non-resident
Launch your business | U. S. Small Business Administration Set up your IDs to allow your small business to pay state and federal taxes Get your tax IDs Apply for licenses and permits These depend on laws, location, and activities, and vary at the state and federal level Explore your business needs Open a business bank account Stay compliant and protected once your business is ready to accept or
Open a business bank account | U. S. Small Business Administration Business banking usually comes with the option for a line of credit for the company This can be used in the event of an emergency, or if your business needs new equipment Purchasing power Credit card accounts can help your business make large startup purchases and help establish a credit history for your business
Hire and manage employees | U. S. Small Business Administration Before finding the right person for the job, you’ll need to create a plan for paying employees Follow these steps to set up payroll: Get an Employer Identification Number (EIN) Find out whether you need state or local tax IDs; Decide if you want an independent contractor or an employee; Ensure new employees return a completed W-4 form
Sole Prop or LLC - Small Business Administration What business structure is best for your venture? How do you legally set up your small business as a specific entity? In this 1-hour webinar, WBC Business Advisor, Grace Mo-Phillips will review the differences between Sole Proprietor and Limited Liability Company (LLC) business structures Grace will demonstrate: What the benefits are to Sole Prop vs LLC What you need to have to formally set
SBA account login and registration portals | U. S. Small Business . . . For other SBA loans, you can continue to set up and manage online payments at Pay gov Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) direct forgiveness application portal For Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) borrowers whose lender is participating in direct forgiveness , you can use the direct forgiveness application portal
Apply for licenses and permits | U. S. Small Business Administration Some licenses and permits expire after a set period of time Keep close track of when you need to renew them — it's often easier to renew than it is to apply for a new one You'll have to research your own state, county, and city regulations Industry requirements often vary by state