Startup and Launch

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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,...

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.

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...

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...

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...

New York is a great place to start a business and begin your journey of entrepreneurship. This article will walk you through the many things business owners should know and address to get their new businesses up and running.

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...

Wondering how to start a tutoring business? This step-by-step guide will help you through the planning and launch process.

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...

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,...

Wondering how to start a virtual bookkeeping business? This article shares what aspiring self-employed bookkeepers need to think about.