12/13/2020
SETTING YOUR BUSINESS UP FOR FUNDABILITY
Setting the stage!
1. Business Name: pick a simple yet unique name. Search your Secretary of State to see if the name is being used. Do a domain search to see if it's available and if it is, purchase the domain and a email address also. Your email address should be info@ or contact@ your business name .com. Do not use yahoo or gmail addresses. Once you have this you can move forward.
2. Business Address & Phone number: Your business address should be a brick-and-mortar address preferably in a commercial area. You can use a virtual address or a Co-op work space. You can also use your home address but let that be a last resort. Do not use a P.O. box or Ups box. Your phone number should be a 1-800 phone number, also get a local number and a fax number. When you complete this you can move on to the next step.
3. Get your EIN # from the IRS. This is free at IRS.gov.
4. Register your business with the Secretary of State. It must be a LLC, S corp , C corp , or nonprofit. During this process you also have to provide a Registered Agent.
5. Open business bank account.
6. Create your website. There's many website Builders you could choose from depending on your needs.
7. Get your d&b number. It's free at dnb.com.
8. Get any necessary licenses if needed. You can do this by checking with the City and County you are doing business in.
9. Make sure your phone numbers are listed with 411.
10. Get signed up what the business credit reporting agencies. You have to monitor your business for accuracy of your information and
your business credit.
When you complete these steps you're well on your way to fundability! If have any questions please contact Common Unity Business Consultants LLC.
