New Business Questions

BJbiz

My business idea is to start a home-based, household and small-business inventory service.

How do I check if my business name is available?
Do I need a business license/permit right away?
Help!

theswaynester

Hey BJBiz--One easy way to check on the name is to Google it, or Yahoo it. Search for the name and use a couple different spellings or alternate ways of presenting it (if it has multiple words).You can also check out the US Patent and Trademark office. http://www.uspto.gov</A>You can click on "Trademarks" and that will take you to a section with a "search" link.Not sure about the business license/permit. I`d say it would depend on the nature of your business.
Matt

LogoMotives

You will most likely need to register you business in the state in which you reside.  Usually this is done through a state business or corporate division, or the Secretary of State`s office.  Here in Oregon it can all be done online - and they have a great Starting a Business web site where you can search for business names and much more.  The business license/permit issue also depends on your location.  Here in Portland our business license is actually a tax and if you are claiming business income you are required to have a business license and the amount due is based on your taxable income.The Small Business Administration or a local Small Business Development Center can be very helpful in answering your specific questions about  starting a new business in your area. Best of luck! - J.

davenny

You must register with your local city, state and
federally.  You will probably want to get a separate EIN number for your
new business venture.  An example of where to go to do this is in Washington
state you can do everything online at http://www.secstate.wa.gov/

You can also do a test search to see if you future business name is already
registered.  You can only do a test search, your state will do the final
search when you register.

I would also recommend that you trademark your business name as soon as you
register it.

infinique

You can check your business name easily at USPTO. However, you need to check whether your domain is available at Go Daddy.