• Read the state's guide to starting a business
• Read the State Bar Association guide to Organizing a Business in the State of Maine

Naming Your Business

• Learn about trade names (fictitious business names)
• Conduct a trade name search to determine availability and avoid infringement
• Register your trade name
• Search existing names of corporations, LLC's, LP's, etc., to determine availability and avoid infringement
• Get the forms to reserve a name for your corporation, LLC, LP, LLP, etc. (Register it when you file the documents creating your business structure.)

Business Structures

• Find answers to questions about legal forms of businesses in your state
• Use SBA's Business Structure Wizard
• Find forms, fee schedules and information about online registration

Licenses And Permits

State Licensing

• Find out which licenses and permits are required for your business
• Determine which environmental permits you may need

Local Licensing

• Portland
• Bangor
• Lewiston
• Augusta
• Other areas

• Learn about trademarks
• Register your trademark with the state