• 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
• Learn about fee schedules and online registration
• File the documents creating your business structure

Licenses & Permits

State licensing

• Read about required licenses and permits
• Use the State Business Referral Center's "Business Wizard" to help determine the licenses, permits & certifications you need
• Determine which environmental permits you may need

Local licensing

• Portland
• Salem
• Eugene
• Medford
• Other areas

• Learn about trademarks
• Get state trademark and service mark registration forms
• Register your trademark with the state