Thinking about creating a company? Here's a guide on how to start a business, outlining which type of business to choose & how to register the business name.6 min read

You may have a great idea that just might sell, whether a product or service, so you want to start a business. Before you jump in head first, you should know that starting a business is more than just filing the appropriate documents with your state's Secretary of State office.

Steps to Start a Business

Starting a business may seem to be simple; however, starting a business that is not set up to fail is not so simple. It takes a lot of planning and time to create a business that will serve your needs for many years to come.

The Foundation

1. Come up with a business idea.

If you don't have an idea but want to start a business, brainstorm ideas. Once you get an idea, do market research to find out if your products or services are needed or wanted.

2. Choose a company name and check with the Secretary of State to ensure that it's not already in use.

This step is not incredibly important in the early stages, but it will help you get started. Don’t stress about this step - you can always change it, and remember, you can always file a ‘doing-business-as’ form within minutes. While you’re at it,

3. Check out domain names and see if you can purchase one for cheap.

But, don’t stress about this - it’s a small part that you can worry about much later in the process.

4. Create a business plan.

You'll be able to find sample business plans at Bplans. While they may seem to be more than what you need, they are not – a business plan contains all you need to ensure that your business does not fail. These plans are crucial and will help you identify everything from the equipment you will need, ideal locations, and even help you develop a very specific budget. You will also use this plan to entice investors and lenders to getting your business of the ground.

5. Choose the type of business and decide if your business will do better in a brick and mortar location or online.

If you choose brick and mortar, find a good location based on some of your market research. Also, think about parking and street access. If you can, try to start your business from home. It will be cheaper and easier, will allow you to save money, and also offers many tax write-offs.

The Paperwork

Great - you have done a lot of the major foundational work for your business!

6. Next, register your business with the Secretary of State's Office.

Choose an entity type, whether corporation, limited liability company, partnership, nonprofit corporation, s corporation, sole proprietor or limited partnership. Each of these have different legal and tax consequences, so do your research or consult an attorney who can guide you.

7. Get your employer identification number (EIN) from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).

Not all business structures require the use of an EIN, but it’s a good idea anyway. You can use it instead of your personal social security number, which could reduce fraud and identity theft.

8. Apply for or register for licenses, permits, and tax certificates.

Depending on your location, you may need both at the state, county and local levels.

9. Get any business permits you may need.

This may include special permits to sell alcohol, special permits if you are handling hazardous materials, or general business permits. Some counties and cities also require business permits.

Duties and Responsibilities

As a business owner, you will be in a new leadership role. Therefore, if you have employees or contractors you will need to do additional tasks as a employer including, but not limited to:

10. Learning how workers' compensation and unemployment works.

11. Understanding the types of insurance you may need

You may wish to find a lawyer or advisor to provide specific insight since the kind of insurance you need depends on the type of business you are starting.

12. Deciding how you will classify the people working for you as independent contractors or employees

13. Making sure employees complete the appropriate documents including W-4s and I-9s.

14. Learning the rules of health insurance

These are constantly changing under the Affordable Care Act, so stay on top of any publications and notices about this. Your business may have to provide health insurance to employees. Some states further require employers to get temporary disability insurance. Even if you are a sole proprietor, you'll need business insurance to cover any lawsuits and disputes that may arise due to your business. You might consider joining a trade group or subscribing to a publication for small business owners to help you stay on top of common concerns.

Funds and Bookkeeping

Now, it’s time to actually start the business.

15. Understand your finances.

If you do not have enough to start your business, you may have to borrow from banks, investors, family and friends. Explore the possibility of grants and special deals for small business owners, or first-time entrepreneurs.

16. If you do not have enough capital, consider start up financing for your business.

This will be used in the crucial first few months of running your business such as paying the rent for a building, or purchasing a plot of land. The money will also likely go to stocking inventory, purchasing business machines and supplies, or buying other important equipment (like stoves and refrigerators if you decide to open a restaurant for example). Finally, it will prime the pump to pay any employees you might hire, as well as pay yourself so you can make ends meet and support yourself or your family.

17. Consider dedicating a small portion of the financing to advertising and marketing.

This can go towards branding yourself. You should make a logo or catchphrase, but make sure your brand is not already protected under trademark or copyright laws.

18. Set up an accounting system to keep up with your expenses and assets.

Invest in a good accounting system so that tax time is much less harried and stressful. Figure out if you need to follow any special procedures to fill out your taxes. Some states require additional paperwork, depending on the business.

19. Get a business bank account and use this account only for business expenses.

One of the easiest ways to get the IRS after you is to commingle your business and personal funds.

Reason to Consider Starting a Business

If you have an idea that you think will be popular and you can get the financing for it, then, go for it.

Keep in mind that ninety-nine percent of businesses are small businesses, and of these, over half (52%) are home-based. Let this factor into your decision for the location you decide to use in starting your business.

If you start a business, you will also get major tax benefits. You can write off meals, travel and other business expenses, as well as your home business, including a portion of your utilities.

Deadlines

When you start a business, there are no deadlines. However, you may have deadlines to meet for tax certificates and licenses throughout years after you start the business. Furthermore, you may not be able to start operations without getting the tax certificates and licenses.

Common Mistakes People Make When Starting a Business

Don't overlook mistakes you could make when you start a business. You will just set yourself up for failure. Instead, learn from others' mistakes.