I'm trying to start a web design business that I will be the only employee.
I go to sba.gov, and I just get more confused.
Isn't there somewhere I can go where it's easier to understand the process?
I guess I need someone to hold my hand a little more with this.
I mean, what are all the things that I need to do?
-get a tax ID ?
-search for available names ?
........I'm lost......
2007-01-04 10:04:13 · 4 answers · asked by It's just me..... 1 in Business & Finance ➔ Small Business
A tax ID number you can get from your accountant. You can use any name as long as its not a registered trademark.
2007-01-04 10:12:23 · answer #1 · answered by us citizen 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
The best routes to take are to research the process of starting a business as well as the industry you're interested in.
I recommend checking out the SBA, Entrepreneur, The Start Up Journal & Nolo. All 4 are great informational resources for the new/small business owner. I posted links for you in the source box.
Associations may be a good avenue to explore. These organizations will address many of the thoughts, questions and concerns you'll inevitably have as well as many you haven't anticipated yet. See the source box for some relevant links.
Research, research, research – this cannot be stressed enough. Read as much as you can about the industry. Here are some book titles that are relevant:
* How to Start a Home-Based Web Design Business, 2nd by Jim Smith
* The Real Business of Web Design Paperback by John Waters
* Professional Web Design: Techniques and Templates by Clint Eccher, Eric Hunley, Erik Simmons
There are plenty of free informational resources out there. Check the source box for links to articles.
To protect a business name within your industry, you would apply for a trademark.
Trademarks can be names of products or services, logos, slogans, packaging and even sounds and smells. In essence, a trademark can be almost anything that is used to identify a particular product or service. Registering a trademark grants the owner exclusive rights to the mark within the specified industry.
Of course, it's necessary to research the mark comprehensively prior to filing to ensure that there is no possibility of infringing upon another party.
This entails searching the pending & registered Federal and State trademark files as well as the US National Common-Law files. Then, if clear, you can decide if you would like to file for a Federal or a State trademark.
Hope that helps! I wish you much success & happiness in all your ventures!
2007-01-10 05:17:48 · answer #2 · answered by TM Express™ 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you plan on starting a real business, few things you should do:
1) Get your own website! There's no better way to show off your website design skills than having your own website
2) Get good contact info! http://freedomexpress.com can get you a really low cost 800 number for your business. I had a phone number at only $20/month
3) Register your business at http://leaglzoom.com or http://bizfilings.com. They're easy, cheap, and convenient given that you can do it over the internet.
Website design businesses usually startup low key, so until you get some real clientele and a business going, concentrate on steps 1 and 2 before moving onto 3.
Best of luck!
2007-01-04 11:18:32 · answer #3 · answered by Jessica L 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
In all honesty, and taking advice, even if it's not what you may want to hear, is always a determining factor if you can later on be succcessful or not. Always be open to constructive critism.
If you did not understand the sba.gov website than you more than likely are not ready to open your own business. I have been through the site and it has a pretty good layout and easy to understand terminology.
2007-01-12 03:34:08 · answer #4 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋