• Read the State's guide to starting a business
• Use the Department of Economic Development's Guide to Starting a Business in Louisiana

Naming Your Business

• Learn about business names
• Register your trade name with the parish clerk of the court recording department
• Search existing names of corporations, LLC's, LP's, etc., to determine availability and avoid infringement
• Reserve a name for your corporation, LLC, LP, LLP, etc. (Register it when you file the documents creating your business structure.)

Business Structures

• Learn about business structures choices in your state
• Use SBA's Business Structure Wizard
• Learn about fee schedules and online registration
• Access corporate and uniform commercial code information online
• Obtain the documents needed to create your business structure
• Learn how to file the documents needed to create your business structure

Licenses And Permits

State Licensing

• Read about required licenses and permits
• Obtain a customized business license checklist
• Learn about professional licenses that may be needed
• Learn about healthcare industry licenses
• Learn about real estate licenses
• Determine which environmental permits you may need

Local Licensing

• New Orleans
• Baton Rouge
• Shreveport
• Other areas

• Reserve your trademark