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Register a DBA Using Another Business Name One of the best ways to get a professional logo for your business is to get one online. There are three popular online options for getting a logo design. Discover which one is the best and within your budget. Logo Maker Logo Designer Logo Design Constest Logo Maker A Do-It-Yourself Option Are you interested in designing a logo yourself? Consider using a logo maker, also known as a logo generator. You can quickly generate a logo with a logo maker based on your design preferences and easily customize it if needed. Expect to pay between $50-$100 to create a logo with a logo maker. The price range is based on DesignEvo and Looka's pricing. Recommended Logo Makers Consider using one of these popular online logo makers. Explore each logo maker and see which one has better logo designs for your type of business or industry. Most importantly, you can try out DesignEvo and Looka's logo maker for free. Create a Logo View Pricing Create a Logo View Pricing Logo Designer Hire a Professional Want a unique and original logo design? Hire a logo designer! With a logo designer, you can get a fully custom logo. Your logo can be designed using your ideas, or you can rely on the designer's creativity. A logo designer can cost from $50 to $500 and, in some cases, even above $1000. Prices ranges are based on prices found on Fiverr . Recommended Platform Find the right logo designer online by searching on Fiverr, a popular site many small business owners use to get a professional logo. On Fiverr, you can find designers who design logos in a specific style or for a particular industry. ​ On Fiverr, you can find logo designers that offer affordable and premium design services. Find a Designer on Fiverr Logo Design Contest Explore Different Concepts Make getting a logo more interesting by starting a logo design contest. You can get many inspiring concepts from multiple logo designers. A design contest is an excellent option for exploring many design styles and ideas. The cost to start a logo design contest can range from $300-$1300. Price ranges are based on packages offered by 99designs . Recommended Platform Learn more about a logo design contest, and when you're ready start one with 99designs , which has hosted countless contests with many satisfied business owners. Visit 99designs Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware Florida Georgia Hawaii Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Montana Nebraska Nevada New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico New York North Carolina North Dakota Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Vermont Virginia Washington West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming Give Your Logo the Highest Legal Protection! Register your Logo as a Federal Trademark with Rocket Lawyer .

Steps for Choosing a Business Name Find the Perfect Business Name Don't have a business name yet? Take these steps to get ideas for a business name, check its legal and online availability, and learn how to protect your business name. Step 1: Get Ideas for a Business Name Step 2: Check Business Name Availability Step 3: Check Domain Name Availability Step 4: Protect your Business Name Step 1: Get Ideas for a Business Name If you need help with getting inspiring ideas for a potential business name, consider using one of these online options: Use a Business Name Generator A business name generator is an online tool that can generate many business names based on your type of business or preferred business keywords. You can get one-word or multi-word business names and names that are modern, creative, or straightforward. Get ideas for a business name using Looka's business name generator. Use Looka's Generator Hire an Business Naming Expert If you don't find any business names you like with a business name generator, work with a business naming expert instead. A business naming expert can provide you with many impressive ideas that would best represent your business and brand. Start your search and find a business naming expert on Fiverr. Find an Expert on Fiverr Step 2: Check Business Name Availability Have one or a few proposed business names? Do a quick online search to determine if a business name is legally available for you to use in your state. You should also check with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) for registered business name trademarks. Business Name Check at the State Level Visit your state's website and do a business name search to check if a proposed business name is available in your state. Avoid using a business name that is the same or similar to another registered business name. If you find an available business name, many states will let you reserve that name for a limited time. This a excellent option if you need more time to ​ Find your state and do a quick online business name search: Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware Florida Georgia Hawaii Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Montana Nebraska Nevada New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico New York North Carolina North Dakota Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Vermont Virginia Washington West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming Business Name Check at Federal Level For extra precaution, also visit the United States Patent and Trademark Office's website to check if a proposed business name is not registered as a nationwide trademark by another business in your industry. Search Federal Trademarks Step 3: Check Domain Name Availability Once you have determined that a proposed business name is legally available for you to use, the next step is to find an available domain name for your business website. Your website's name can be the same as your legal business name or a modified version. Use a Domain Name Registrar To search for available domain names, use an accredited domain name registrar, which handles the registration and reservation of domain names. Many website builders and web design services offer this service. Consider one of these platforms where you can claim a domain name and create a business website all in one platform: Squarespace Ionos Zyro Web.com Step 4: Protect your Business Name How can you legally protect your business name from others using it as their own? The best way to protect your business name is to register it as a trademark which gives it the highest form of legal protection. Trademark Registration A trademark is optional but recommended if you want to discourage and prevent others from using your business name without your permission. ​ If you register your business name as a trademark, you can register it as a state or federal trademark. A state trademark only provides legal protection in your state, while a federal trademark provides legal protection nationwide. Filing a federal trademark can be complicated. Consider using a professional online filing service such as LegalZoom or RocketLaywer . State Trademark Learn more about state trademarks by visiting your state's website. Learn about the requirements, filing costs, and ongoing maintenance of a state trademark. Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware Florida Georgia Hawaii Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Montana Nebraska Nevada New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico New York North Carolina North Dakota Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Vermont Virginia Washington West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming Federal Trademark Learn more about a federal trademark by visiting the United States Patent and Trademark Office's (USPTO) website. Learn about the requirements, filing costs, and ongoing maintenance of a federal trademark. Federal Trademark For more detailed information about trademarks, read Nolo's latest edition book/ebook called: Trademark: Legal Care for Your Business & Product Name Do you have a question regarding Trademarks? Get your question answered by a real lawyer with Rocket Lawyer .

State Level Business Steps Requirements for New Businesses Every state has state-level requirements for starting a new business. Check with your state government for registrations and filings that apply to your local business. Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware Florida Georgia Hawaii Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Montana Nebraska Nevada New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico New York North Carolina North Dakota Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Vermont Virginia Washington West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming Starting a Small Business in Alabama Before starting your local business in Alabama, check for state-level business registrations and filings that may apply to your business. Start by visiting the following Alabama state government websites: Business Formation Alabama Secretary of State Start by filing business formation documents for your chosen business structure. Common business structures you can form in Alabama include: ​ ​ Sole Proprietorship General Partnership Limited Partnership Limited Liability Partnership Limited Liability Limited Partnership Limited Liability Company Corporation ​ State registration of a sole proprietorship is not required , and a general partnership may be optional. Learn More Business Licensing and Taxes Alabama Department of Revenue Check if your business is required to register and obtain a license or permit. Learn More Employment Alabama Department of Labor Will your business have one or more employees? If yes, learn about essential registrations, responsibilities, and reporting required for employers in the state of Alabama. ​ Learn about important employment topics such as: ​ ​​ Unemployment Compensation Workers' Compensation New Hire Reporting Workplace Posters Learn More Recommended Online Resources Consider using the following products and services to make it easier to file, manage, and comply with important state requirements for businesses: Business Formation : Form a Limited Liability Company or Corporation in Alabama with the help of ZenBusiness , an online professional filing service. Payroll and Employee Benefits : Manage your payroll and other essential employee benefits with Gusto , a top-rated online software tool for employers. Workers' Compensation Coverage : Get an online quote for workers' compensation insurance with Simply Business . Business Licenses and Permits : Get a detailed report of business licenses and permits your business will need with ZenBusiness . Starting a Small Business in Alaska Before starting your local business in Alaska, check for state-level business registrations and filings that may apply to your business. Start by visiting the following Alaska state government websites: Business Formation and Licensing Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development: Division of Corporations, Business and Professional Licensing Start by filing business formation documents for your chosen business structure. Common business structures you can form in Alaska include: ​ ​ Sole Proprietorship General Partnership Limited Partnership Limited Liability Partnership Limited Liability Company Corporation ​ State registration of a sole proprietorship is not required , and a general partnership may be optional. Learn More Employment Department of Labor and Workforce Development Will your business have one or more employees? If yes, learn about essential registrations, responsibilities, and reporting required for employers in the state of Alaska. ​ Learn about important employment topics such as: Workers' Compensation Employment Security Tax New Hire Reporting State Minimum Wage Workplace Posters Learn More Recommended Online Resources Consider using the following products and services to make it easier to file, manage, and comply with important state requirements for businesses: Business Formation : Form a Limited Liability Company or Corporation in Alaska with the help of ZenBusiness , an online professional filing service. Payroll and Employee Benefits : Manage your payroll and other essential employee benefits with Gusto , a top-rated online software tool for employers. Workers' Compensation Coverage : Get an online quote for workers' compensation insurance with Simply Business . Business Licenses and Permits : Get a detailed report of business licenses and permits your business will need with ZenBusiness . Starting a Small Business in Arizona Before starting your local business in Arizona, check for state-level business registrations and filings that may apply to your business. Start by visiting the following Arizona state government websites: Business Formation Arizona Corporation Commission To form a Limited Liability Company or a Corporation, file business formation documents with the Arizona Corporation Commission. Learn More Business Formation Arizona Secretary of State To form a partnership such as a Limited Partnership, Limited Liability Partnership, or a Limited Liability Limited Partnership, file business formation documents with the Arizona Secretary of State. Learn More Business Licensing and Taxes Arizona Department of Revenue Check if your business is required to obtain a state business license, such as the Transaction Privilege Tax License. Use the Arizona Business One Stop to guide you on important state-level business steps. Learn More Employment Arizona Department of Economic Security Will your business have one or more employees? If yes, l earn about essential registrations, responsibilities, and reporting required for employers in the state of Arizona. ​ Learn about important employment topics such as: ​ ​​ New Hire Reporting Unemployment Insurance Tax Learn More Employment Arizona Industrial Commission of Arizona Learn more about other essential responsibilities required for employers in the state of Arizona. ​ Know about important employment topics such as: ​ ​ Workers' Compensation Minimum Wage Workplace Posters Learn More Recommended Online Resources Consider using the following products and services to make it easier to file, manage, and comply with important state requirements for businesses: Business Formation : Form a Limited Liability Company or Corporation in Arizona with the help of ZenBusiness , an online professional filing service. Payroll and Employee Benefits : Manage your payroll and other essential employee benefits with Gusto , a top-rated online software tool for employers. Workers' Compensation Coverage : Get an online quote for workers' compensation insurance with Simply Business . Business Licenses and Permits : Get a detailed report of business licenses and permits your business will need with ZenBusiness . Starting a Small Business in Arkansas Before starting your local business in Arkansas, check for state-level business registrations and filings that may apply to your business. Start by visiting the following Arkansas state government websites: Business Formation Arkansas Secretary of State Start by filing business formation documents for your chosen business structure. Common business structures you form in Arkansas include: ​ ​ Sole Proprietorship General Partnership Limited Partnership Limited Liability Partnership Limited Liability Limited Partnership Limited Liability Company Corporation ​ State registration of a sole proprietorship is not required , and a general partnership may be optional. Learn More Employment Arkansas Department of Labor and Licensing Will your business have one or more employees? If yes, l earn about essential registrations, responsibilities, and reporting required for employers in the state of Arkansas. ​ Learn about important employment topics such as: ​ ​ Workers' Compensation Minimum Wage Workplace Posters Learn More Employment Arkansas Division of Workforce Services Learn more about other essential responsibilities required for employers in the state of Arkansas. ​ Learn about important employment topics such as: ​ ​​ New Hire Reporting State Unemployment Tax Learn More Recommended Online Resources Consider using the following products and services to make it easier to file, manage, and comply with important state requirements for businesses: Business Formation : Form a Limited Liability Company or Corporation in Arkansas with the help of ZenBusiness , an online professional filing service. Payroll and Employee Benefits : Manage your payroll and other essential employee benefits with Gusto , a top-rated online software tool for employers. Workers' Compensation Coverage : Get an online quote for workers' compensation insurance with Simply Business . Business Licenses and Permits : Get a detailed report of business licenses and permits your business will need with ZenBusiness . Starting a Small Business in California Before starting your local business in California, check for state-level business registrations and filings that may apply to your business. Start by visiting the following California state government websites: Business Formation California Secretary of State Start by filing business formation documents for your chosen business structure. Common business structures you can form in California include: ​ ​ Sole Proprietorship General Partnership Limited Partnership Limited Liability Partnership Limited Liability Company Corporation ​ State registration of a sole proprietorship is not required , and a general partnership may be optional. Learn More Business Licenses and Permits California Department of Tax and Fee Administration (CDTFA) Check if your business is required to obtain a state business license or permit, such as a seller's permit. Learn More Employment Employment Development Department (EDD) Will your business have one or more employees? If yes, l earn about essential registrations, responsibilities, and reporting required for employers in the state of California. ​ Learn about important employment topics such as: ​ State Payroll Taxes New Hire Reporting Learn More Employment State of California Department of Industrial Relations Learn more about other essential responsibilities required for employers in the state of California. ​ Learn about important employment topics such as: ​ ​ Workers' Compensation State Minimum Wage Workplace Posters Learn More Recommended Online Resources Consider using the following products and services to make it easier to file, manage, and comply with important state requirements for businesses: Business Formation : Form a Limited Liability Company or Corporation in California with the help of ZenBusiness , an online professional filing service. Payroll and Employee Benefits : Manage your payroll and other essential employee benefits with Gusto , a top-rated online software tool for employers. Workers' Compensation Coverage : Get an online quote for workers' compensation insurance with Simply Business . Business Licenses and Permits : Get a detailed report of business licenses and permits your business will need with ZenBusiness . Starting a Small Business in Colorado Before starting your local business in Colorado, check for state-level business registrations and filings that may apply to your business. Start by visiting the following Colorado state government websites: Recommended Online Resources Consider using the following products and services to make it easier to file, manage, and comply with important state requirements for businesses: Business Formation : Form a Limited Liability Company or Corporation in Colorado with the help of ZenBusiness , an online professional filing service. Payroll and Employee Benefits : Manage your payroll and other essential employee benefits with Gusto , a top-rated online software tool for employers. Workers' Compensation Coverage : Get an online quote for workers' compensation insurance with Simply Business . Business Licenses and Permits : Get a detailed report of business licenses and permits your business will need with ZenBusiness . Business Formation Colorado Secretary of State Start by filing business formation documents for your chosen business structure. Common business structures you can form in Colorado include: ​ ​ Sole Proprietorship General Partnership Limited Partnership Limited Liability Partnership Limited Liability Limited Partnership Limited Liability Company Corporation ​ State registration of a sole proprietorship is not required , and a general partnership may be optional. Learn More Business Licensing and Taxes Colorado Department of Revenue Check if your business is required to obtain a state business license and pay certain business taxes. Learn More Employment Colorado Department of Labor and Employment Will your business have one or more employees? If yes, l earn about essential registrations, responsibilities, and reporting required for employers in the state of Colorado. ​ Learn about important employment topics such as: ​ ​​ Unemployment Insurance Workers' Compensation New Hire Reporting Minimum Wage Workplace Posters Learn More Starting a Small Business in Connecticut Before starting your local business in Connecticut, check for state-level business registrations and filings that may apply to your business. Start by visiting the following Connecticut state government website: Business Formation and Filings CT Small Business Resource Center Complete all your essential registrations and filings on one platform. The state of Connecticut makes it simple to do everything related to starting a business with one online business account. ​ Will your business have one or more employees? If yes, l earn about essential registrations, responsibilities, and reporting required for employers in the state of Connecticut. Learn More Recommended Online Resources Consider using the following products and services to make it easier to file, manage, and comply with important state requirements for businesses: Business Formation : Form a Limited Liability Company or Corporation in Connecticut with the help of ZenBusiness , an online professional filing service. Payroll and Employee Benefits : Manage your payroll and other essential employee benefits with Gusto , a top-rated online software tool for employers. Workers' Compensation Coverage : Get an online quote for workers' compensation insurance with Simply Business . Business Licenses and Permits : Get a detailed report of business licenses and permits your business will need with ZenBusiness . Starting a Small Business in Delaware Before starting your local business in Delaware, check for state-level business registrations and filings that may apply to your business. Start by visiting the following Delaware state government websites: Business Formation Delaware Division of Corporations Start by filing business formation documents for your chosen business structure. Common business structures you can choose to form in Delaware include: ​ ​ Sole Proprietorship General Partnership Limited Partnership Limited Liability Partnership Limited Liability Limited Partnership Limited Liability Company Corporation ​ State registration of a sole proprietorship is not required , and a general partnership may be optional. Learn More Business Licensing and Taxes Delaware Division of Revenue Check if your business is required to obtain a state business license and pay certain business taxes. Use Delaware One Stop for important registrations and filings. Learn More Employment Delaware Department of Labor Will your business have one or more employees? If yes, l earn about essential registrations, responsibilities, and reporting required for employers in the state of Delaware. ​ Learn about important employment topics such as: ​ ​​ Unemployment Insurance Tax Workers' Compensation New Hire Reporting Minimum Wage Learn More Recommended Online Resources Consider using the following products and services to make it easier to file, manage, and comply with important state requirements for businesses: Business Formation : Form a Limited Liability Company or Corporation in Delaware with the help of ZenBusiness , an online professional filing service. Payroll and Employee Benefits : Manage your payroll and other essential employee benefits with Gusto , a top-rated online software tool for employers. Workers' Compensation Coverage : Get an online quote for workers' compensation insurance with Simply Business . Business Licenses and Permits : Get a detailed report of business licenses and permits your business will need with ZenBusiness . Starting a Small Business in Florida Before starting your local business in Florida, check for state-level business registrations and filings that may apply to your business. Start by visiting the following Florida state government websites: Recommended Online Resources Consider using the following products and services to make it easier to file, manage, and comply with important state requirements for businesses: Business Formation : Form a Limited Liability Company or Corporation in Florida with the help of ZenBusiness , an online professional filing service. Payroll and Employee Benefits : Manage your payroll and other essential employee benefits with Gusto , a top-rated online software tool for employers. Workers' Compensation Coverage : Get an online quote for workers' compensation insurance with Simply Business . Business Licenses and Permits : Get a detailed report of business licenses and permits your business will need with ZenBusiness . Business Formation Florida Division of Corporations Start by filing business formation documents for your chosen business structure. Common business structures you can choose to form in Florida include: ​ ​ Sole Proprietorship General Partnership Limited Partnership Limited Liability Partnership Limited Liability Limited Partnership Limited Liability Company Corporation Learn More Business Reporting and Taxes Florida Department of Revenue Check if your business is required to obtain a state business license and pay certain business taxes. Learn about important topics such as: ​ ​​ ​ New Hire Reporting Reemployment Tax Learn More Business Insurance Florida Department of Financial Services Learn more about workers' compensation coverage. Determine if your business is required to obtain workers' compensation insurance. Learn More Business Licensing Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation Check if your business is required to obtain a state business license. Learn More Starting a Small Business in Georgia Before starting your local business in Georgia, check for state-level business registrations and filings that may apply to your business. Start by visiting the following Georgia state government websites: Business Formation Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs Start by filing business formation documents for your chosen business structure. Common business structures you can choose to form in Hawaii include: ​ ​ Sole Proprietorship General Partnership Limited Partnership Limited Liability Limited Partnership Limited Liability Company Corporation ​ State registration of a sole proprietorship is not required but may need to file a trade name. Learn More Business Licensing and Taxes Department of Revenue Check if your business is required to obtain a state business license and pay certain business taxes. Learn More Business Insurnace State Board of Workers' Compensation Learn more about workers' compensation coverage, a requirement for most employers in Georgia. Determine if your business is required to obtain workers' compensation insurance. Learn More Employment Georgia Department of Labor Will your business have one or more employees? If yes, l earn about essential registrations, responsibilities, and reporting required for employers in the state of Georgia. ​ Learn about important employment topics such as: ​ ​​ Unemployment Insurance New Hire Reporting ​ Minimum Wage Workplace Posters Learn More Recommended Online Resources Consider using the following products and services to make it easier to file, manage, and comply with important state requirements for businesses: Business Formation : Form a Limited Liability Company or Corporation in Goergia with the help of ZenBusiness , an online professional filing service. Payroll and Employee Benefits : Manage your payroll and other essential employee benefits with Gusto , a top-rated online software tool for employers. Workers' Compensation Coverage : Get an online quote for workers' compensation insurance with Simply Business . Business Licenses and Permits : Get a detailed report of business licenses and permits your business will need with ZenBusiness . Starting a Small Business in Hawaii Starting a Small Business in Idaho Before starting your local business in Hawaii, check for state-level business registrations and filings that may apply to your business. Start by visiting the following Hawaii state government websites: Business Formation Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs Start by filing business formation documents for your chosen business structure. Common business structures you can choose to form in Hawaii include: ​ ​ Sole Proprietorship General Partnership Limited Partnership Limited Liability Partnership Limited Liability Limited Partnership Limited Liability Company Corporation ​ State registration of a sole proprietorship is not required but may need to file a trade name. Learn More Business Licensing and Taxes State of Hawaii Deparment of Taxation Check if your business is required to obtain a state business license and pay certain business taxes. Learn More Employment State of Hawaii Department of Labor and Industrial Relations Will your business have one or more employees? If yes, l earn about essential registrations, responsibilities, and reporting required for employers in the state of Hawaii. ​ Learn about important employment topics such as: ​ ​​ Unemployment Insurance Workers' Compensation New Hire Reporting ​ Minimum Wage Workplace Posters Learn More Recommended Online Resources Consider using the following products and services to make it easier to file, manage, and comply with important state requirements for businesses: Business Formation : Form a Limited Liability Company or Corporation in Hawaii with the help of ZenBusiness , an online professional filing service. Payroll and Employee Benefits : Manage your payroll and other essential employee benefits with Gusto , a top-rated online software tool for employers. Workers' Compensation Coverage : Get an online quote for workers' compensation insurance with Simply Business . Business Licenses and Permits : Get a detailed report of business licenses and permits your business will need with ZenBusiness . Before starting your local business in Idaho, check for state-level business registrations and filings that may apply to your business. Start by visiting the following Idaho state government websites: Business Formation Idaho Secretary of State Start by filing business formation documents for your chosen business structure. Common business structures you can choose to form in Idaho include: ​ ​ Sole Proprietorship General Partnership Limited Partnership Limited Liability Partnership Limited Liability Company Corporation Learn More Business Licensing and Taxes Idaho State Tax Commission Check if your business is required to obtain a state business license and pay certain business taxes. Learn More Employment Idaho Department of Labor Will your business have one or more employees? If yes, l earn about essential registrations, responsibilities, and reporting required for employers in the state of Idaho. ​ Learn about important employment topics such as: ​ ​​ Unemployment Insurance Tax New Hire Reporting Minimum Wage Workplace Posters Learn More Business Insurance Idaho Industrial Commission Learn more about workers' compensation coverage, a requirement for most employers in Idaho Determine if your business is required to obtain workers' compensation insurance. Learn More Recommended Online Resources Consider using the following products and services to make it easier to file, manage, and comply with important state requirements for businesses: Business Formation : Form a Limited Liability Company or Corporation in Idaho with the help of ZenBusiness , an online professional filing service. Payroll and Employee Benefits : Manage your payroll and other essential employee benefits with Gusto , a top-rated online software tool for employers. Workers' Compensation Coverage : Get an online quote for workers' compensation insurance with Simply Business . Business Licenses and Permits : Get a detailed report of business licenses and permits your business will need with ZenBusiness . Starting a Small Business in Illinois Before starting your local business in Illinois, check for state-level business registrations and filings that may apply to your business. Start by visiting the following Illinois state government websites: Business Formation Secretary of State Start by filing business formation documents for your chosen business structure. Common business structures you can choose to form in Illinois include: ​ ​ Sole Proprietorship General Partnership Limited Partnership Limited Liability Partnership Limited Liability Company Corporation ​ State-level registration of a sole proprietorship is not required, and a general partnership may be optional. Learn More Business Licensing and Taxes Illinois Department of Revenue Check if your business is required to register and obtain a license or permit. Learn More Employment Illinois Department of Employment Security Will your business have one or more employees? If yes, l earn about essential registrations, responsibilities, and reporting required for employers in the state of Illinois ​ Learn about important employment topics such as: ​ ​​ Unemployment Insurance Tax New Hire Reporting Learn More Employment Illinois Department of Labor Learn more about other essential responsibilities required for employers in the state of Illinois. ​ Learn about important employment topics such as: ​ ​​ Minimum Wage Workplace Posters Learn More Business Insurnace Illinois Workers' Compensation Commission Learn more about workers' compensation coverage. Determine if your business is required to obtain workers' compensation insurance. Learn More Recommended Online Resources Consider using the following products and services to make it easier to file, manage, and comply with important state requirements for businesses: Business Formation : Form a Limited Liability Company or Corporation in Illinois with the help of ZenBusiness , an online professional filing service. Payroll and Employee Benefits : Manage your payroll and other essential employee benefits with Gusto , a top-rated online software tool for employers. Workers' Compensation Coverage : Get an online quote for workers' compensation insurance with Simply Business . Business Licenses and Permits : Get a detailed report of business licenses and permits your business will need with ZenBusiness . Starting a Small Business in Indiana Before starting your local business in Indiana, check for state-level business registrations and filings that may apply to your business. Start by visiting the following Illinois state government websites: Business Formation Secretary of State Start by filing business formation documents for your chosen business structure. Common business structures you can choose to form in Indiana include: ​ ​ Sole Proprietorship General Partnership Limited Partnership Limited Liability Partnership Limited Liability Company Corporation ​ State-level registration of a sole proprietorship or a general partnership is not required, but you may need to register an Assumed Business Name. Learn More Business Licensing and Taxes Indiana Department of Revenue Check if your business is required to register and obtain a license or permit. Learn More Employment Indiana Department of Labor Will your business have one or more employees? If yes, l earn about essential registrations, responsibilities, and reporting required for employers in the state of Illinois ​ Learn about important employment topics such as: ​ ​​ Unemployment Insurance Tax New Hire Reporting Learn More Employment Indiana Department of Workforce Development Learn more about other essential responsibilities required for employers in the state of Illinois. ​ Learn about important employment topics such as: ​ ​​ Minimum Wage Workplace Posters Learn More Business Insurnace Illinois Workers' Compensation Commission Learn more about workers' compensation coverage. Determine if your business is required to obtain workers' compensation insurance. Learn More Recommended Online Resources Consider using the following products and services to make it easier to file, manage, and comply with important state requirements for businesses: Business Formation : Form a Limited Liability Company or Corporation in Indiana with the help of ZenBusiness , an online professional filing service. Payroll and Employee Benefits : Manage your payroll and other essential employee benefits with Gusto , a top-rated online software tool for employers. Workers' Compensation Coverage : Get an online quote for workers' compensation insurance with Simply Business . Business Licenses and Permits : Get a detailed report of business licenses and permits your business will need with ZenBusiness . Starting a Small Business in Iowa Before starting your local business in Iowa, check for state-level business registrations and filings that may apply to your business. Start by visiting the following Iowa state government websites: Business Formation Secretary of State Start by filing business formation documents for your chosen business structure. Common business structures you can choose to form in Indiana include: ​ ​ Sole Proprietorship General Partnership Limited Partnership Limited Liability Partnership Limited Liability Company Corporation ​ State-level registration of a sole proprietorship or a general partnership is not required, but you may need to register an Assumed Business Name. Learn More Business Licensing and Taxes Indiana Department of Revenue Check if your business is required to register and obtain a license or permit. Learn More Employment Indiana Department of Labor Will your business have one or more employees? If yes, l earn about essential registrations, responsibilities, and reporting required for employers in the state of Illinois ​ Learn about important employment topics such as: ​ ​​ Unemployment Insurance Tax New Hire Reporting Learn More Employment Indiana Department of Workforce Development Learn more about other essential responsibilities required for employers in the state of Illinois. ​ Learn about important employment topics such as: ​ ​​ Minimum Wage Workplace Posters Learn More Business Insurnace Illinois Workers' Compensation Commission Learn more about workers' compensation coverage. Determine if your business is required to obtain workers' compensation insurance. Learn More Recommended Online Resources Consider using the following products and services to make it easier to file, manage, and comply with important state requirements for businesses: Business Formation : Form a Limited Liability Company or Corporation in Iowa with the help of ZenBusiness , an online professional filing service. Payroll and Employee Benefits : Manage your payroll and other essential employee benefits with Gusto , a top-rated online software tool for employers. Workers' Compensation Coverage : Get an online quote for workers' compensation insurance with Simply Business . Business Licenses and Permits : Get a detailed report of business licenses and permits your business will need with ZenBusiness . Starting a Small Business in Kansas Before starting your local business in Kansas, check for state-level business registrations and filings that may apply to your business. Start by visiting the following Kansas state government websites: Business Formation Secretary of State Start by filing business formation documents for your chosen business structure. Common business structures you can choose to form in Indiana include: ​ ​ Sole Proprietorship General Partnership Limited Partnership Limited Liability Partnership Limited Liability Company Corporation ​ State-level registration of a sole proprietorship or a general partnership is not required, but you may need to register an Assumed Business Name. Learn More Business Licensing and Taxes Indiana Department of Revenue Check if your business is required to register and obtain a license or permit. Learn More Employment Indiana Department of Labor Will your business have one or more employees? If yes, l earn about essential registrations, responsibilities, and reporting required for employers in the state of Illinois ​ Learn about important employment topics such as: ​ ​​ Unemployment Insurance Tax New Hire Reporting Learn More Employment Indiana Department of Workforce Development Learn more about other essential responsibilities required for employers in the state of Illinois. ​ Learn about important employment topics such as: ​ ​​ Minimum Wage Workplace Posters Learn More Business Insurnace Illinois Workers' Compensation Commission Learn more about workers' compensation coverage. Determine if your business is required to obtain workers' compensation insurance. Learn More Recommended Online Resources Consider using the following products and services to make it easier to file, manage, and comply with important state requirements for businesses: Business Formation : Form a Limited Liability Company or Corporation in Iowa with the help of ZenBusiness , an online professional filing service. Payroll and Employee Benefits : Manage your payroll and other essential employee benefits with Gusto , a top-rated online software tool for employers. Workers' Compensation Coverage : Get an online quote for workers' compensation insurance with Simply Business . Business Licenses and Permits : Get a detailed report of business licenses and permits your business will need with ZenBusiness . Starting a Small Business in Kentucky Before starting your local business in Kentucky, check for state-level business registrations and filings that may apply to your business. Start by visiting the following Kentucky state government websites: Business Formation Secretary of State Start by filing business formation documents for your chosen business structure. Common business structures you can choose to form in Indiana include: ​ ​ Sole Proprietorship General Partnership Limited Partnership Limited Liability Partnership Limited Liability Company Corporation ​ State-level registration of a sole proprietorship is not required, but you may need to register an Assumed Business Name. Learn More Business Licensing and Taxes Kentucky Department of Revenue Check if your business is required to register and obtain a license or permit. Learn More Employment Labor Cabinet Will your business have one or more employees? If yes, l earn about essential registrations, responsibilities, and reporting required for employers in the state of Kentucky. ​ ​ Learn about important employment topics such as: ​ ​​ Unemployment Insurance Tax New Hire Reporting Learn More Employment Indiana Department of Workforce Development Learn more about other essential responsibilities required for employers in the state of Illinois. ​ Learn about important employment topics such as: ​ ​​ Minimum Wage Workplace Posters Learn More Business Insurnace Illinois Workers' Compensation Commission Learn more about workers' compensation coverage. Determine if your business is required to obtain workers' compensation insurance. Learn More Recommended Online Resources Consider using the following products and services to make it easier to file, manage, and comply with important state requirements for businesses: Business Formation : Form a Limited Liability Company or Corporation in Kentucky with the help of ZenBusiness , an online professional filing service. Payroll and Employee Benefits : Manage your payroll and other essential employee benefits with Gusto , a top-rated online software tool for employers. Workers' Compensation Coverage : Get an online quote for workers' compensation insurance with Simply Business . Business Licenses and Permits : Get a detailed report of business licenses and permits your business will need with ZenBusiness . Starting a Small Business in Louisiana Before starting your local business in Louisiana, check for state-level business registrations and filings that may apply to your business. Start by visiting the following Louisiana state government websites: Business Formation Secretary of State Start by filing business formation documents for your chosen business structure. Common business structures you can choose to form in Indiana include: ​ ​ Sole Proprietorship General Partnership Limited Partnership Limited Liability Partnership Limited Liability Company Corporation ​ State-level registration of a sole proprietorship is not required, but you may need to register an Assumed Business Name. Learn More Business Licensing and Taxes Kentucky Department of Revenue Check if your business is required to register and obtain a license or permit. Learn More Employment Labor Cabinet Will your business have one or more employees? If yes, l earn about essential registrations, responsibilities, and reporting required for employers in the state of Kentucky. ​ ​ Learn about important employment topics such as: ​ ​​ Unemployment Insurance Tax New Hire Reporting Learn More Employment Indiana Department of Workforce Development Learn more about other essential responsibilities required for employers in the state of Illinois. ​ Learn about important employment topics such as: ​ ​​ Minimum Wage Workplace Posters Learn More Business Insurnace Illinois Workers' Compensation Commission Learn more about workers' compensation coverage. Determine if your business is required to obtain workers' compensation insurance. Learn More Recommended Online Resources Consider using the following products and services to make it easier to file, manage, and comply with important state requirements for businesses: Business Formation : Form a Limited Liability Company or Corporation in Kentucky with the help of ZenBusiness , an online professional filing service. Payroll and Employee Benefits : Manage your payroll and other essential employee benefits with Gusto , a top-rated online software tool for employers. Workers' Compensation Coverage : Get an online quote for workers' compensation insurance with Simply Business . Business Licenses and Permits : Get a detailed report of business licenses and permits your business will need with ZenBusiness . Starting a Small Business in Maine Before starting your local business in Maine, check for state-level business registrations and filings that may apply to your business. Start by visiting the following Maine state government websites: Business Formation Secretary of State Start by filing business formation documents for your chosen business structure. Common business structures you can choose to form in Indiana include: ​ ​ Sole Proprietorship General Partnership Limited Partnership Limited Liability Partnership Limited Liability Company Corporation ​ State-level registration of a sole proprietorship is not required, but you may need to register an Assumed Business Name. Learn More Business Licensing and Taxes Kentucky Department of Revenue Check if your business is required to register and obtain a license or permit. Learn More Employment Labor Cabinet Will your business have one or more employees? If yes, l earn about essential registrations, responsibilities, and reporting required for employers in the state of Kentucky. ​ ​ Learn about important employment topics such as: ​ ​​ Unemployment Insurance Tax New Hire Reporting Learn More Employment Indiana Department of Workforce Development Learn more about other essential responsibilities required for employers in the state of Illinois. ​ Learn about important employment topics such as: ​ ​​ Minimum Wage Workplace Posters Learn More Business Insurnace Illinois Workers' Compensation Commission Learn more about workers' compensation coverage. Determine if your business is required to obtain workers' compensation insurance. Learn More Recommended Online Resources Consider using the following products and services to make it easier to file, manage, and comply with important state requirements for businesses: Business Formation : Form a Limited Liability Company or Corporation in Kentucky with the help of ZenBusiness , an online professional filing service. Payroll and Employee Benefits : Manage your payroll and other essential employee benefits with Gusto , a top-rated online software tool for employers. Workers' Compensation Coverage : Get an online quote for workers' compensation insurance with Simply Business . Business Licenses and Permits : Get a detailed report of business licenses and permits your business will need with ZenBusiness . Starting a Small Business in Maryland Before starting your local business in Maryland, check for state-level business registrations and filings that may apply to your business. Start by visiting the following Maryland state government websites: Business Formation Secretary of State Start by filing business formation documents for your chosen business structure. Common business structures you can choose to form in Indiana include: ​ ​ Sole Proprietorship General Partnership Limited Partnership Limited Liability Partnership Limited Liability Company Corporation ​ State-level registration of a sole proprietorship is not required, but you may need to register an Assumed Business Name. Learn More Business Licensing and Taxes Kentucky Department of Revenue Check if your business is required to register and obtain a license or permit. Learn More Employment Labor Cabinet Will your business have one or more employees? If yes, l earn about essential registrations, responsibilities, and reporting required for employers in the state of Kentucky. ​ ​ Learn about important employment topics such as: ​ ​​ Unemployment Insurance Tax New Hire Reporting Learn More Employment Indiana Department of Workforce Development Learn more about other essential responsibilities required for employers in the state of Illinois. ​ Learn about important employment topics such as: ​ ​​ Minimum Wage Workplace Posters Learn More Business Insurnace Illinois Workers' Compensation Commission Learn more about workers' compensation coverage. Determine if your business is required to obtain workers' compensation insurance. Learn More Recommended Online Resources Consider using the following products and services to make it easier to file, manage, and comply with important state requirements for businesses: Business Formation : Form a Limited Liability Company or Corporation in Maryland with the help of ZenBusiness , an online professional filing service. Payroll and Employee Benefits : Manage your payroll and other essential employee benefits with Gusto , a top-rated online software tool for employers. Workers' Compensation Coverage : Get an online quote for workers' compensation insurance with Simply Business . Business Licenses and Permits : Get a detailed report of business licenses and permits your business will need with ZenBusiness . Starting a Small Business in Massachusetts Before starting your local business in Massachusetts, check for state-level business registrations and filings that may apply to your business. Start by visiting the following Massachusetts state government websites: Business Formation Secretary of State Start by filing business formation documents for your chosen business structure. Common business structures you can choose to form in Indiana include: ​ ​ Sole Proprietorship General Partnership Limited Partnership Limited Liability Partnership Limited Liability Company Corporation ​ State-level registration of a sole proprietorship is not required, but you may need to register an Assumed Business Name. Learn More Business Licensing and Taxes Kentucky Department of Revenue Check if your business is required to register and obtain a license or permit. Learn More Employment Labor Cabinet Will your business have one or more employees? If yes, l earn about essential registrations, responsibilities, and reporting required for employers in the state of Kentucky. ​ ​ Learn about important employment topics such as: ​ ​​ Unemployment Insurance Tax New Hire Reporting Learn More Employment Indiana Department of Workforce Development Learn more about other essential responsibilities required for employers in the state of Illinois. ​ Learn about important employment topics such as: ​ ​​ Minimum Wage Workplace Posters Learn More Business Insurnace Illinois Workers' Compensation Commission Learn more about workers' compensation coverage. Determine if your business is required to obtain workers' compensation insurance. Learn More Recommended Online Resources Consider using the following products and services to make it easier to file, manage, and comply with important state requirements for businesses: Business Formation : Form a Limited Liability Company or Corporation in Massachusetts with the help of ZenBusiness , an online professional filing service. Payroll and Employee Benefits : Manage your payroll and other essential employee benefits with Gusto , a top-rated online software tool for employers. Workers' Compensation Coverage : Get an online quote for workers' compensation insurance with Simply Business . Business Licenses and Permits : Get a detailed report of business licenses and permits your business will need with ZenBusiness . Starting a Small Business in Michigan Before starting your local business in Michigan, check for state-level business registrations and filings that may apply to your business. Start by visiting the following Michigan state government websites: Business Formation Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs Start by filing business formation documents for your chosen business structure. Common business structures you can form in Michigan include: ​ ​ Sole Proprietorship General Partnership Limited Partnership Limited Liability Partnership Limited Liability Company Corporation ​ State-level registration of a sole proprietorship is not required, but you may need to register an Assumed Business Name. Learn More Business Licensing and Taxes Michigan Department of Treasury Check if your business is required to register and obtain a license or permit. Learn More Employment Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity Will your business have one or more employees? If yes, l earn about essential registrations, responsibilities, and reporting required for employers in the state of Michigan. ​ ​ Learn about important employment topics such as: ​ ​​ Unemployment Insurance Tax Workers' Compensation New Hire Reporting Minimum Wage Workplace Posters Learn More Recommended Online Resources Consider using the following products and services to make it easier to file, manage, and comply with important state requirements for businesses: Business Formation : Form a Limited Liability Company or Corporation in Michigan with the help of ZenBusiness , an online professional filing service. Payroll and Employee Benefits : Manage your payroll and other essential employee benefits with Gusto , a top-rated online software tool for employers. Workers' Compensation Coverage : Get an online quote for workers' compensation insurance with Simply Business . Business Licenses and Permits : Get a detailed report of business licenses and permits your business will need with ZenBusiness . Starting a Small Business in Minnesota Before starting your local business in Minnesota, check for state-level business registrations and filings that may apply to your business. Start by visiting the following Minnesota state government websites: Business Formation Secretary of State Start by filing business formation documents for your chosen business structure. Common business structures you can form in Minnesota include: ​ ​ Sole Proprietorship General Partnership Limited Partnership Limited Liability Partnership Limited Liability Company Corporation ​ State-level registration of a sole proprietorship is not required, but you may need to register an Assumed Name. Learn More Business Licensing and Taxes Minnesota Department of Revenue Check if your business is required to register and obtain a license or permit. Learn More Employment Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry Will your business have one or more employees? If yes, l earn about essential registrations, responsibilities, and reporting required for employers in the state of Minnesota. ​ ​ Learn about important employment topics such as: ​ ​​ Workers' Compensation Minimum Wage Workplace Posters Learn More Employment Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development Learn more about other essential responsibilities required for employers in the state of Minnesota. ​ Learn about important employment topics such as: ​ ​​ Unemployment Insurance Tax New Hire Reporting Learn More Recommended Online Resources Consider using the following products and services to make it easier to file, manage, and comply with important state requirements for businesses: Business Formation : Form a Limited Liability Company or Corporation in Minnesota with the help of ZenBusiness , an online professional filing service. Payroll and Employee Benefits : Manage your payroll and other essential employee benefits with Gusto , a top-rated online software tool for employers. Workers' Compensation Coverage : Get an online quote for workers' compensation insurance with Simply Business . Business Licenses and Permits : Get a detailed report of business licenses and permits your business will need with ZenBusiness . Starting a Small Business in Mississippi Before starting your local business in Mississippi, check for state-level business registrations and filings that may apply to your business. Start by visiting the following Mississippi state government websites: Business Formation Mississippi Secretary of State Start by filing business formation documents for your chosen business structure. Common business structures you can choose to form in Indiana include: ​ ​ Sole Proprietorship General Partnership Limited Partnership Limited Liability Partnership Limited Liability Company Corporation ​ State-level registration of a sole proprietorship is not required, but you may need to file a Fictitious Business Name. Registration of a general partnership is optional, and you may need to file a Fictitious Business Name. Learn More Business Licensing and Taxes Mississippi Department of Revenue Check if your business is required to register and obtain a license or permit. Learn More Employment Mississippi Department of Employment Security Will your business have one or more employees? If yes, l earn about essential registrations, responsibilities, and reporting required for employers in the state of Mississippi. ​ ​ Learn about important employment topics such as: ​ ​​ Unemployment Insurance Tax New Hire Reporting Workplace Posters Learn More Business Insurnace Workers' Compensation Commission Learn more about workers' compensation coverage. Determine if your business is required to obtain workers' compensation insurance. Find and download the Mississippi Workers' Compensation Facts. Learn More Recommended Online Resources Consider using the following products and services to make it easier to file, manage, and comply with important state requirements for businesses: Business Formation : Form a Limited Liability Company or Corporation in Mississippi with the help of ZenBusiness , an online professional filing service. Payroll and Employee Benefits : Manage your payroll and other essential employee benefits with Gusto , a top-rated online software tool for employers. Workers' Compensation Coverage : Get an online quote for workers' compensation insurance with Simply Business . Business Licenses and Permits : Get a detailed report of business licenses and permits your business will need with ZenBusiness . Starting a Small Business in Missouri Before starting your local business in Missouri, check for state-level business registrations and filings that may apply to your business. Start by visiting the following Missouri state government websites: Business Formation Missouri Secretary of State Start by filing business formation documents for your chosen business structure. Common business structures you to form in Missouri include: ​ ​ Sole Proprietorship General Partnership Limited Partnership Limited Liability Partnership Limited Liability Company Corporation ​ State-level registration of a sole proprietorship or a general partnership is not required, but you may need to register a Fictitious Name. Learn More Business Licensing and Taxes Missouri Department of Revenue Check if your business is required to register and obtain a license or permit. Learn More Employment Department of Labor and Industrial Relations Will your business have one or more employees? If yes, l earn about essential registrations, responsibilities, and reporting required for employers in the state of Missouri ​ ​ Learn about important employment topics such as: ​ ​​ Unemployment Insurance Tax Workers' Compensation New Hire Reporting Minimum Wage Workplace Posters Learn More Recommended Online Resources Consider using the following products and services to make it easier to file, manage, and comply with important state requirements for businesses: Business Formation : Form a Limited Liability Company or Corporation in Missouri with the help of ZenBusiness , an online professional filing service. Payroll and Employee Benefits : Manage your payroll and other essential employee benefits with Gusto , a top-rated online software tool for employers. Workers' Compensation Coverage : Get an online quote for workers' compensation insurance with Simply Business . Business Licenses and Permits : Get a detailed report of business licenses and permits your business will need with ZenBusiness . Step 4: Protect your Business Name How can you legally protect your business name from others using it as their own? The best way to protect your business name is to register it as a trademark which gives it the highest form of legal protection. Trademark Registration A trademark is optional but recommended if you want to discourage and prevent others from using your business name without your permission. ​ If you register your business name as a trademark, you can register it as a state or federal trademark. A state trademark only provides legal protection in your state, while a federal trademark provides legal protection nationwide. Filing a federal trademark can be complicated. Consider using a professional online filing service such as LegalZoom or RocketLaywer . State Trademark Learn more about state trademarks by visiting your state's website. Learn about the requirements, filing costs, and ongoing maintenance of a state trademark. Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware Florida Georgia Hawaii Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Montana Nebraska Nevada New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico New York North Carolina North Dakota Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Vermont Virginia Washington West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming Federal Trademark Learn more about a federal trademark by visiting the United States Patent and Trademark Office's (USPTO) website. Learn about the requirements, filing costs, and ongoing maintenance of a federal trademark. Federal Trademark For more detailed information about trademarks, read Nolo's latest edition book/ebook called: Trademark: Legal Care for Your Business & Product Name Do you have a question regarding Trademarks? Get your question answered by a real lawyer with Rocket Lawyer .

How to Get a Professional Logo Online Logo Design Options One of the best ways to get a professional logo for your business is to get one online. There are three popular online options for getting a logo design. Discover which one is the best and within your budget. Logo Maker Logo Designer Logo Design Constest Logo Maker A Do-It-Yourself Option Are you interested in designing a logo yourself? Consider using a logo maker, also known as a logo generator. You can quickly generate a logo with a logo maker based on your design preferences and easily customize it if needed. Expect to pay between $50-$100 to create a logo with a logo maker. The price range is based on DesignEvo and Looka's pricing. Recommended Logo Makers Consider using one of these popular online logo makers. Explore each logo maker and see which one has better logo designs for your type of business or industry. Most importantly, you can try out DesignEvo and Looka's logo maker for free. Create a Logo View Pricing Create a Logo View Pricing Logo Designer Hire a Professional Want a unique and original logo design? Hire a logo designer! With a logo designer, you can get a fully custom logo. Your logo can be designed using your ideas, or you can rely on the designer's creativity. A logo designer can cost from $50 to $500 and, in some cases, even above $1000. Prices ranges are based on prices found on Fiverr . Recommended Platform Find the right logo designer online by searching on Fiverr, a popular site many small business owners use to get a professional logo. On Fiverr, you can find designers who design logos in a specific style or for a particular industry. ​ On Fiverr, you can find logo designers that offer affordable and premium design services. Find a Designer on Fiverr Logo Design Contest Explore Different Concepts Make getting a logo more interesting by starting a logo design contest. You can get many inspiring concepts from multiple logo designers. A design contest is an excellent option for exploring many design styles and ideas. The cost to start a logo design contest can range from $300-$1300. Price ranges are based on packages offered by 99designs . Recommended Platform Learn more about a logo design contest, and when you're ready start one with 99designs , which has hosted countless contests with many satisfied business owners. Visit 99designs Give Your Logo the Highest Legal Protection! Register your Logo as a Federal Trademark with Rocket Lawyer .

Apply for Business Licenses and Permits Get Legal Permission to do Business Eager to start your local business? Before you do, you will most likely need to obtain one or several business licenses and permits from different levels of government, including state, county, and city. Having the proper licenses and permits will ensure your business is legally compliant with local and state laws. Start your online research! State County City This guide does not cover professional licenses that require education, training, or examination. It also does not cover federal licenses and permits since these apply to a few federally regulated industries. For more information about federal licenses and permits, visit U.S. Small Business Administration's website . Types of Licenses and Permits Know about the different business licenses and permits your business may need. As you research your state, county, and city for business licenses and permits, you will find different types of licenses and permits, such as: a general business license (applies to any business) a special business license (for specific businesses) a permit to collect sales tax (also known as a seller's permit) safety, health, and environmental permits (for specific business activities) a permit to sell/store/transport/use certain regulated products/items a permit to provide a regulated service building, zoning, and planning permits home occupation permit (for home-based businesses) ​ Depending on your business industry and business activities, your business may need just one or several of these types of licenses and permits. Cost of Licenses and Permits Calculate the costs for all applicable business licenses and permits. The cost to obtain a business license or permit varies by state, county, and city. However, there are two costs to consider, the cost to get a new license or permit and the cost to renew it. Initial Cost ​ Most state and local governments will price their business license and permits as a general flat fee or a custom fee based on one or more of these common business factors: the number of employees expected business revenue/income business industry the number of business locations the number of company vehicles the time of year you applied Renewal Cost ​ Most business licenses and permits will require renewal, usually yearly or longer. The cost to renew a license or permit can be more, less, or the same as the initial cost. It's essential to keep track of renewal dates, especially if you have multiple licenses and permits across different levels of government, to avoid paying late pentiles for not renewing your license or permit on time. Licenses and Permits Research Search for business licenses and permits at each level of government. Not sure where to start your online research? Start with your state government since m any cities and counties require you to obtain all necessary state business licenses and permits before applying for a local license or permit. Afterward, visit your county's website and, lastly, your city's website. Finding a License and Permit The ease of finding a license or permit by state, county, and city will vary. Some government websites make it simple to find all licenses and permits in one place. In contrast, others require you to visit separate government websites to find a license or permit, which will require more careful and extensive research. Doing Business in an Unincorporated Area When doing your local online research, you may not find an official local government website for an area where your business will be located or where you will do business. An area that doesn't have an official local government is classified as unincorporated--this is most common in small towns and rural areas. If you find yourself in this situation, visit the county's website for more information regarding licenses and permits in unincorporated areas. Doing Business in Multiple Areas If you will be doing business in more than one city, town, or county, it's vital that you check for required licenses and permits for each city, town, and county. Want an easier way to find the licenses and permits your business needs? Use a professional online service that can do the research for you and provide you with a detailed report of the licenses and permits your business will need. Consider the following top-rated companies and compare prices and features: CorpNet ZenBusiness Swyft Filings

Choose a Legal Business Structure Common Business Structures How will you legally register your business? In the United States, you can choose from four main business structures. Each business structure is formed and managed differently, with important legal and tax distinctions. Sole Proprietorship Limited Liability Company General Partnership Corporation This guide does not cover non-profits and other business structures specific to certain professions. For more information about these business structures, visit your state's website . Sole Proprietorship A sole proprietorship is the simplest and easiest business structure to form and manage. This business structure is for businesses that have one owner. Reasons for Forming a Sole Proprietorship The following are common reasons why small business owners form a sole proprietorship: test a business idea before forming a more formal business structure such as an LLC or corporation less expensive to create and maintain than an LLC or corporation doesn't have as many regulations and paperwork as an LLC or corporation business taxes are simpler to plan and prepare How to From and Register a Sole Proprietorship Most states don't require a sole proprietorship to file paperwork to form this business structure at the state level. However, some states require sole proprietors to obtain a state business license. Check your state's government website for more details. Other Requirements for Starting a Sole Proprietorship The following are other common requirements for a sole proprietorship: ​ a registered DBA (if needed) federal employer identification number from the IRS (if required) state employer identification number or state tax number (if required by your state) business licenses and permits If you need professional help filing a DBA or obtaining a federal employer identification number, use an online filing service such as Swyft Filings . For more detailed information about sole proprietorships, read Nolo's latest edition book/ebook called: Working for Yourself: Law & Taxes for Independent Contractors, Freelancers, & Gig Workers of All Types General Partnership A general partnership is a business structure for businesses with multiple owners who want a simple way to form and manage their business. Reasons for Forming a General Partnership The following are common reasons why small business owners form a general partnership: test a business idea before forming a more formal business structure such as an LLC or corporation less expensive to create and maintain than an LLC or corporation doesn't have as many regulations and paperwork as an LLC or corporation business taxes are simpler to plan and prepare How to Form and Register a General Partnership Most states don't require general partnerships to file paperwork to form this business structure. However, some states make it optional for a general partnership to register. ​ Some states require a general partnership to obtain a state business license. Check your state's government website for more details. Other Requirements for Starting a General Partnership The following are other common requirements that a general partnership will need: a registered DBA (if needed) federal employer identification number from the IRS state employer identification number or state tax number (if required by your state) business licenses and permits If you need professional help filing a DBA or obtaining a federal employer identification number, use an online filing service such as Swyft Filings . If you need help forming a Limited Liability Partnership, use CorpNet . For more detailed information about general partnerships, read Nolo's latest edition book/ebook called: Form a Partnership: The Legal Guide for Business Owners Limited Liability Company A Limited Liability Company is a business structure that is a separate legal entity. It can have one or multiple business owners. Reasons for Forming a Limited Liability Company: The following are common reasons why small business owners form an LLC: protection of personal assets from business lawsuits more options for business tax savings easier to form and manage than a corporation a more formal business structure than a sole proprietorship and partnership How to Form and Register a Limited Liability Company: To form a limited liability company, you must file articles of organization* with your state government and pay a state filing fee. In addition, y ou will also need to file an IRS form to elect a tax classification for your LLC if you don't want the IRS to choose one for you. ​ Many states will require certain licensed professionals to form a professional limited liability company instead of a general limited liability company. ​ Check your state's website to learn more about LLC filing requirements, costs, and ongoing maintenance. ​ *Articles of Organization are also called in some states a certificate of organization or certificate of formation. Other Requirements for Starting a Limited Liability Company The following are other common requirements that a limited liability company will need: ​registered agent registered DBA (if needed) federal employer identification number from the IRS (if required) state employer identification number or a state tax number (if required by your state) business licenses and permits Forming an LLC yourself can get complicated; that's why many business owners use a professional online filing service such as Zenbusiness . If you need help forming a Professional Limited Liability Company, use MyCorporation . For more detailed information about limited liability companies, read Nolo's latest edition book/ebook called: Form Your Own Limited Liability Company: Create an LLC in Any State Corporation A corporation is a business structure that is a separate legal entity and is the most complex to form and manage. It can have one or multiple business owners. Reasons for Forming a Corporation: The following are common reasons why small business owners form a corporation: protection of personal assets from business lawsuits offers more options for tax savings a more formal business structure than a sole proprietorship and partnership stocks/shares can be issued easier to raise funds from investors How to Form and Register a Corporation: To form a corporation, you must file Articles of Incorporation with your state government and pay a state filing fee. In addition, you will also need to choose what type of corporation you will be forming, such as: C-Corp S-Corp (a separate IRS form must be filed) Professional Corporation (for certain licensed professionals and varies by state ) ​ Check your state's website to learn more about corporation filing requirements, costs, and ongoing maintenance. Other Requirements for Starting a Corporation The following are other common requirements that a corporation will need: corporate bylaws corporate meeting minutes ​registered agent registered DBA (if needed) federal employer identification number from the IRS state employer identification number or a state tax number (if required by your state) business licenses and permits Forming a corporation yourself can get complicated; that's why many business owners use a professional online filing service such as Zenbusiness . If you need help forming a Professional Corporation, use CorpNet . For more detailed information about corporations, read Nolo's latest edition book/ebook called: Incorporate Your Business: A Step-By-Step Guide to Forming a Corporation in Any State State Government Websites Visit your state's website to learn more about business structures. Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware Florida Georgia Hawaii Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Montana Nebraska Nevada New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico New York North Carolina North Dakota Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Vermont Virginia Washington West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming Not Sure Which Business Structure to Choose? Get legal advice from a real lawyer with Rocket Lawyer .

Apply for a Trademark Give your Business Legal Protection One of the best ways to get a professional logo for your business is to get one online. There are three popular online options for getting a logo design. Discover which one is the best and within your budget. Logo Maker Logo Designer Logo Design Constest Logo Maker A Do-It-Yourself Option Are you interested in designing a logo yourself? Consider using a logo maker, also known as a logo generator. You can quickly generate a logo with a logo maker based on your design preferences and easily customize it if needed. Expect to pay between $50-$100 to create a logo with a logo maker. The price range is based on DesignEvo and Looka's pricing. Recommended Logo Makers Consider using one of these popular online logo makers. Explore each logo maker and see which one has better logo designs for your type of business or industry. Most importantly, you can try out DesignEvo and Looka's logo maker for free. Create a Logo View Pricing Create a Logo View Pricing Logo Designer Hire a Professional Want a unique and original logo design? Hire a logo designer! With a logo designer, you can get a fully custom logo. Your logo can be designed using your ideas, or you can rely on the designer's creativity. A logo designer can cost from $50 to $500 and, in some cases, even above $1000. Prices ranges are based on prices found on Fiverr . Recommended Platform Find the right logo designer online by searching on Fiverr, a popular site many small business owners use to get a professional logo. On Fiverr, you can find designers who design logos in a specific style or for a particular industry. ​ On Fiverr, you can find logo designers that offer affordable and premium design services. Find a Designer on Fiverr Logo Design Contest Explore Different Concepts Make getting a logo more interesting by starting a logo design contest. You can get many inspiring concepts from multiple logo designers. A design contest is an excellent option for exploring many design styles and ideas. The cost to start a logo design contest can range from $300-$1300. Price ranges are based on packages offered by 99designs . Recommended Platform Learn more about a logo design contest, and when you're ready start one with 99designs , which has hosted countless contests with many satisfied business owners. Visit 99designs Give Your Logo the Highest Legal Protection! Register your Logo as a Federal Trademark with Rocket Lawyer .

Business Research Top 10 Business Topics Before you start your business, research these important business topics which apply to most local businesses. Overview Naming your business Before choosing your official business name, you should confirm that a proposed business name is available for usage; this ensures you avoid using a business name already used by another similar business and, most importantly, avoid getting into legal disputes over ownership rights of a business name. ​ After you have chosen an official business name, consider protecting it by registering it as a trademark. Topic #1 Business Name Finding the Perfect Business Name Where to Start your Research ​ Business Name Ideas Get ideas for an amazing business name from a business name generator or a business naming expert. ​ Looka Business Name Generator ​ Business Name Availability To determine the availability of a business name, you will need to check with government entities, including federal, state, and local. ​ Federal Government Federal trademarks are handled by the United States Patent and Trademark Office . Use its trademark search tool to determine if your proposed business name is registered as a trademark by another similar business. ​ State Government Next ​ Local Government Lastly, ​ State and Federal Trademarks To Learn How Topic #2 Business Location The Best Place to do Business Overview Will your business need a commercial location, or will it be home-based? Depending on your business, your only option will be a commercial location, or you may also have the option to operate from home. ​ ​ Where to Start your Research To determine the availability of a business name, you will need to check with government entities, including federal, state, and local. ​ Commercial Real Estate Use the following websites to find commercial properties such as offices, restaurants, retail, and other commercial space in your area. These sites include commercial properties that are for lease or sale. ​ Loopnet OfficeSpace ​ Home-Based Business Visit your city's or county's website and check for any requirements and restrictions for home-based businesses. Some cities and counties may prohibit or limit certain businesses from operating from home. ​ In addition, if you need a secondary location to have business meetings, interviews, special events, or presentations, consider renting a professional business space. Research the following popular sites: Davinci ​ ​ ​​ Find Commerical Properties Topic #3 Business Structures The Best Place to do Business Overview Will your business need a commercial location, or will it be home-based? Depending on your business, your only option may be to operate from a commercial location, or you may also have the choice to operate your business from home. Where to Start your Research To determine the availability of a business name, you will need to check with government entities, including federal, state, and local. ​ Commerical Real Estate Whether your business requires a commercial location or you comparing ​ Home-Based Business ​ Find Commerical Properties Topic #4 Business Licenses and Permits Get Legal Permission to do Business Overview To do business, you'll need a business license or permit. Where to Start your Research To determine the availability of a business name, you will need to check with government entities, including federal, state, and local. ​ Commercial Real Estate Whether your business requires a commercial location or you comparing ​ Home-Based Business ​ Find Commerical Properties Topic #5 Employer Requirements Hiring and Managing Employees the Legal Way Overview Will your business have one or more employees? If yes, you'll need to learn about important employer requirements, responsibilities, and reporting mandated by government entities. ​ Important employment topics you'll need to learn and research include: ​ Federal Employer Identification Number State and Fedearl Payroll Taxes Workers' Compensation Workplace Posters New Hiring Reporting Minimum Wage Where to Start your Research To determine the availability of a business name, you will need to check with government entities, including federal, state, and local. ​ Book/eBook Get yourself an easy-to-understand book you can ​ Home-Based Business ​ Find Commerical Properties Topic #6 Business Insurance Overview Every business will have some risk that can result in costly lawsuits, repairs, or compensations. Without business insurance, your business will have to pay out-of-pocket for liability claims against your business. ​ Protect your business from financial losses by researching the business coverage your business will need. Common business insurance policies include: ​ General Liability Insurance Workers' Compensation Insurance Professional Liability Insurance Errors and Omissions Insurance Commercial Auto Insurance Business Owner"s Insurance Where to Start your Research To determine the availability of a business name, you will need to check with government entities, including federal, state, and local. ​ Commerical Real Estate Whether your business requires a commercial location or you comparing ​ Home-Based Business ​ Find Commerical Properties Topic #7 Accounting and Payroll Software Overview You can't start your business without first obtaining a business license or permit. Where to Start your Research To determine the availability of a business name, you will need to check with government entities, including federal, state, and local. ​ Commerical Real Estate Whether your business requires a commercial location or you comparing ​ Home-Based Business ​ Find Commerical Properties Topic #8 Business Banking Overview You can't start your business without first obtaining a business license or permit. Where to Start your Research To determine the availability of a business name, you will need to check with government entities, including federal, state, and local. ​ Commerical Real Estate Whether your business requires a commercial location or you comparing ​ Home-Based Business ​ Find Commerical Properties Topic #9 Point of Sale System Overview What forms of payments will you take? Where to Start your Research Depending on your business consider these point of sale systems that are customs to certain types of businesses: ​ ​ Retail Shopify POS ​ Restaurants TouchBistro ​ Services Square ​ Find Commerical Properties Topic #10 Business Funding Overview Do you have enough personal savings to fund and start your local business, or will you need a business loan or credit card? If you need external business funding, compare your options and, most importantly, find the best rate and payment terms. ​ If you need a large amount, compare loans from banks, government, and private lenders. For smaller amounts, consider a business credit card that offers a limited time zero or a very low-interest rate for new customers. Where to Start your Research Start your research with the bank you will use to open your business bank account. Also, try online comparison websites that will provide you with business loans and credit card options from more providers. ​ Banks Chase Bank Bank of America Wells Fargo Citi ​ Lending Comparison Sites LendingTree Lendio Small Business Administration

Get Your Local Business Discovered Online Step-by-Step Guide A Beginner's Guide to Online Marketing for Local Businesses Steps To Promote Your Local Business Attract more customers to your local business by promoting it online. Learn how to do it yourself by following these three steps: STEP 1 Create a Website STEP 2 List Your Business STEP 3 Setup Online Ads Learn How Common Online Marketing Questions How can I get a website for my business? Get Answer How much does it cost to have a website? Get Answer How can customers find my business online? Get Answer What do I need to register my business online? Get Answer Do I need to use online ads to promote my business? Get Answer How much does online advertising cost? Get Answer Need a Professional Logo? Learn Where To Get One More Important Business Topics There's a lot more to learn when starting a new local business. In addition to online marketing, consider these other essential business topics: Aún no hay ninguna entrada publicada en este idioma Sigue en contacto... More Guides and Tips Business Steps at State Level Check for important state-level business registrations and filings that may apply to your local business. Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware Florida Georgia Hawaii Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Montana Nebraska Nevada New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico New York North Carolina North Dakota Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Vermont Virginia Washington West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming Get Notified when New Guides and Tips are Released! Name Email Join Our Mailing List Thanks for subscribing!

STEP 1 Create a Website Showcase your local business with an amazing website. Quick Overview You can create a website yourself using a website builder or hire an expert. Website builders make it easy to create a simple website for beginners. Hire an expert if you want a custom website or need more complex features. Your website will need a domain name and a web hosting plan. Before creating your business website, you should have a logo . Do-It-Yourself You can easily create a simple and professional website with a website builder. Recommend Website Builder Squarespace See more options Hire an Expert With an expert, you can get a custom website design that looks unique and optimized for the web. Recommend Web Design Service Ionos See more options Aún no hay ninguna entrada publicada en este idioma Sigue en contacto... RECOMMENDED Get a Professional Business Email Doing business will require substantial communication by email. Look professional by using a professional business email rather than a personal email. Get a business email with Google Workspace , a leading business email provider. ​ Your business email can look like this: yourname@yourcompany.com contact@yourcompany.com If you have a team, you can get a business email for each person or department, such as: employeename@yourcompany.com sales@yourcompany.com Get a 10% off the first year. For the Business Starter Plan , use code: C7RVRWDD4P6KQWQ For the Business Standard Plan , use code: E6N6PVA9RT7UALF View Plans and Pricing STEP 2

STEP 3 Setup Online Ads Get faster results and reach more customers with online ads. Quick Overview Local customers will discover your business more quickly with online ads. Online ads are not free, but you can set a spending limit. Google, Yelp, and Microsoft offer customer support for the initial setup Online ads can help your business get more calls, sales, or visits. Before you set up your online ads, you should have a business website. Google Ads Setup Google Ads Microsoft Ads Setup Microsoft Ads Yelp Ads Setup Yelp Ads Facebook Ads Setup Facebook Ads Aún no hay ninguna entrada publicada en este idioma Sigue en contacto... More Tips and Guides

STEP 2 List Your Business Let customers find your local business on the most popular online platforms. Quick Overview Registering your business with Google, Yelp, Bing, and Facebook is free. Customers can find your business on search engines, local directories, online maps, and social media. Customers can leave reviews on Google, Yelp, and Facebook. Each platform has other ways to promote your business. ​ Before registering your business, you should have a link to your website, a business email address, a logo, and business-related photos. Google Register Your Business Learn more Bing Register Your Business Learn more Yelp Register Your Business Learn more Facebook Register Your Business Learn more Aún no hay ninguna entrada publicada en este idioma Sigue en contacto... STEP 3