• Read the State's guide to starting a business

Naming Your Business

• Learn about trade 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
• 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
• Find the forms needed to create your business structure
• Find filing fee information
• Learn where to file the documents creating your business structure

Licenses And Permits

State Licensing

• Read about required licenses and permits
• Learn about occupational licenses, lookup licensees, renew your license online
• Use Montana's One Stop Business Licensing site for information & forms
• Determine which environmental permits you may need

Local Licensing

• Billings, Montana
• Missoula, Montana
• Great Falls, Montana
• Helena, Montana
• Other areas

• Obtain trademark registration forms