Assuming your Business Plan is in order and you are ready to get started, here are a few steps to help you get your new business off the ground. Certain businesses require special certifications and permits that are not covered here. If you suspect your business is in this category, consult with the Chamber of Commerce.

Naming your business

If you ever plan to take your company public it's an excellent precaution to trademark your business name early. You can do this yourself at the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (CLICK HERE). Note the "Trademark" link along the left side of the page.

Before you file for a trademark, or even before you decide on a name, you should search to make sure the name you have in mind isn't already taken. Trademark searches can also be done for free at the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office at the link above.

Even if you don't plan for your business to have a website, it's also a good idea to reserve a name (called a URL) that you can use later. The website address doesn't need to be the same as your trademarked name, but it will be easier to remember (and market) if it's at least similar to your business name. There are many places where you can reserve a URL for your business. Reserving a URL can cost from $10 to $40 per year based on where the name is reserved and what other features you take advantage of (email addresses, hosting, ..etc). If you are very new to internet technology, you might want to consult with a professional to determine which features you should consider for your business.

Here are a few of the larger companies that provide URL name reservation and hosting. They can be used a starting point, but do your own searching to determine the best hosting site based on your business needs.

register.com
networksolutions.com
godaddy.com
1and1.com

Setup a Corporation, Partnership, or LLC

Determining which legal entity you should use for your business is an important step. If you aren't sure which entity is best for your business, consult with with an attorney. There are also many resources available online to help you understand the trade-offs between the various corporate structures.

http://sos.georgia.gov/corporations/legal_entity.htm

Once you determine which entity type you need, it may be possible to register directly through the Georgia Secretary of State website located here.

Open a Separate Bank Account for your Business

It's important to open a separate checking account and use a separate credit card for your business to keep your personal and business accounting separate. There are many great local banking resources available in Coweta. Refer to the Coweta Chamber of Commerce for more information.

Select and accounting system and software

Your business will run much more smoothly if your get your accounting system together before, or soon after, you start up. Consult with your CPA for more information.

Obtain your Employer Identification Number EIN

The EIN is the number that identifies your business with the IRS. You can register for this number yourself here.

Identify federal, state, and local licensing requirements specific to your business

There may be specific permitting and licensing requirements for your business. Consult the other links on this site and the Coweta Chamber of Commerce for more information.