• Read the State's guide to starting a business

Naming Your Business

• Learn about trade (fictitious) business names
• Register your trade name with the County Register of Deeds
• Contact the Secretary of State's Office to 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 filing fee schedules
• Find the forms and information needed to file the documents creating your business structure

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
• Use South Dakota's Service Direct to find information, download, print or complete forms online that can be submitted electronically

Local Licensing

• Sioux Falls
• Rapid City
• Aberdeen
• Other areas

• Learn about trademarks
• Find forms and learn how to register your trademark with the Secretary of State