• Read the Small Business Development Center's guide to starting a business
• Read Maryland's checklist for new businesses

Naming Your Business

• Register your trade name
• Search existing corporate names to determine availability and avoid infringement
• Reserve a name for your corporation, LLC, LP, LLP by sending a letter with the fee. (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
• Learn about the documents creating your business structure
• File the documents creating your business structure

Licenses And Permits

State Licensing

• Read about required licenses and permits
• Determine which environmental permits you may need

Local Licensing

• Baltimore City
• Montgomery County
• Prince George's County
• Baltimore County
• Other areas

• Learn about trademarks
• Search state registered trademarks to determine availability and avoid infringement
• Register your trademark with the state