• Read the State's guide to starting a business

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
• 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 fee schedules and the forms needed to create your business entity

Licenses And Permits

State Licensing

• Read about required licenses and permits
• Learn about professional licenses that may be needed
• Determine which environmental permits you may need

Local Licensing

• Charlotte
• Raleigh
• Greensboro
• Winston-Salem
• Asheville

• Learn about trademarks and service marks and how to register them with the state