Start Your Business with Confidence
If you are looking for information on starting your own business, you are in the right place! Here you will find essential resources and step-by-step advice on how to successfully launch your company. While you are here, schedule a free consultation to see how we can protect your brand!
Where to Start
Starting a business can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. Whether you’re exploring an idea, figuring out the paperwork, or preparing to launch, we’re here to simplify the process.
Our goal is to provide you with the knowledge, tools, and confidence you need to turn your vision into a successful reality. From actionable advice to practical resources, you’ll find everything you need to take the first steps toward building your business.
Let’s get started on your journey to success!
Your Step-by-Step Business Roadmap
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Ensure your business idea is viable by researching your market, identifying your audience, and analyzing competitors.
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Outline your goals, strategies, and financial projections to create a solid roadmap for your business.
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Decide whether to operate as a sole proprietorship, LLC, or corporation based on your needs and goals.
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Secure your business name, obtain any required licenses, and register with the appropriate authorities.
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Open a business bank account, track expenses, and understand your tax obligations to stay financially organized.
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Create a memorable brand, design a professional website, and establish a strong presence on social media.
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Start delivering your product or service, refine your approach, and scale your business as you gain traction.
Business Structure Overview
Sole Proprietorship
Description: A simple structure where the business is owned and operated by one individual. The owner and the business are legally the same entity.
Key Features:
Easy and inexpensive to set up.
Full control over business decisions.
Profits and losses are reported on the owner’s personal tax return.
Unlimited personal liability for business debts and obligations.
Best For:
Freelancers, consultants, and small business owners starting with low risk.
Those who want minimal paperwork and costs.
Partnership
Description: A business owned by two or more people. Partnerships can be general (all partners share responsibilities and liabilities) or limited (some partners are investors with limited liability).
Key Features:
Simple to establish with a partnership agreement.
Shared profits, losses, and decision-making.
General partners have unlimited liability; limited partners are only liable for their investment.
Best For:
Businesses with two or more co-founders sharing responsibilities.
Professionals like lawyers, accountants, or architects.
Limited Liability Company (LLC)
Description: A hybrid structure offering the liability protection of a corporation and the tax advantages of a partnership or sole proprietorship.
Key Features:
Owners (members) are not personally liable for business debts.
Flexibility in taxation (can be taxed as a sole proprietorship, partnership, or corporation).
Requires formal registration and compliance with state laws.
Best For:
Small to medium-sized businesses wanting liability protection without the complexity of a corporation.
Businesses with moderate risk, such as real estate, retail, or services.
Corporation
Description: A separate legal entity owned by shareholders. Corporations can be C Corporations (C-Corp) or S Corporations (S-Corp), with differing tax implications.
Key Features:
Owners have limited liability.
C-Corps are taxed on corporate profits and shareholder dividends (double taxation).
S-Corps avoid double taxation but have stricter ownership limits.
Requires more formalities, including bylaws, shareholder meetings, and annual filings.
Best For:
Businesses planning to scale or seek outside investment (e.g., tech startups).
Companies needing significant liability protection or operating in high-risk industries.
Nonprofit Organization
Description: A business that operates for a charitable, educational, religious, or social cause. Profits are reinvested in the mission rather than distributed to owners.
Key Features:
Exempt from federal income taxes.
Must meet specific IRS requirements and file annual reports.
Can receive grants and tax-deductible donations.
Best For:
Organizations focused on charitable missions or community service.
Groups wanting to qualify for tax-exempt status.
Cooperative
Description: A business owned and operated by its members for their mutual benefit. Profits are distributed among members based on participation.
Key Features:
Democratic decision-making (one member, one vote).
Members share profits and benefits.
Focused on serving members rather than maximizing profit.
Best For:
Member-focused organizations like credit unions, agricultural co-ops, or housing co-ops.
Businesses emphasizing collective decision-making and benefits.
Tools & Templates
Tools & Templates
Starting a business is easier when you have the right tools at your fingertips. We’ve compiled a collection of free resources to guide you through each step of the process. Download and customize these tools to fit your needs:
Protecting Your Brand
Starting a business is no small feat. As a startup ourselves, we know how much money, time, and energy it takes to make a business successful. That’s why we highly recommend that your business’s brand be trademarked. A federal trademark will give you the reassurance that your brand is protected from malicious actors. Do not wait until it’s too late!
Schedule your appointment with a bar certified attorney today and secure the future of your brand for years to come!