Business Research
Top 10 Business Topics
Before you start your business, research these important business topics which apply to most local businesses.
Overview
Naming your business
Before choosing your official business name, you should confirm that a proposed business name is available for usage; this ensures you avoid using a business name already used by another similar business and, most importantly, avoid getting into legal disputes over ownership rights of a business name.
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After you have chosen an official business name, consider protecting it by registering it as a trademark.
Topic #1
Business Name
Finding the Perfect Business Name
Where to Start your Research
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Business Name Ideas
Get ideas for an amazing business name from a business name generator or a business naming expert.
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Looka Business Name Generator
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Business Name Availability
To determine the availability of a business name, you will need to check with government entities, including federal, state, and local.
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Federal Government
Federal trademarks are handled by the United States Patent and Trademark Office. Use its trademark search tool to determine if your proposed business name is registered as a trademark by another similar business.
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State Government
Next
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Local Government
Lastly,
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State and Federal Trademarks
To
Topic #2
Business Location
The Best Place to do Business
Overview
Will your business need a commercial location, or will it be home-based? Depending on your business, your only option will be a commercial location, or you may also have the option to operate from home.
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Where to Start your Research
To determine the availability of a business name, you will need to check with government entities, including federal, state, and local.
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Commercial Real Estate
Use the following websites to find commercial properties such as offices, restaurants, retail, and other commercial space in your area. These sites include commercial properties that are for lease or sale.
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Home-Based Business
Visit your city's or county's website and check for any requirements and restrictions for home-based businesses. Some cities and counties may prohibit or limit certain businesses from operating from home.
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In addition, if you need a secondary location to have business meetings, interviews, special events, or presentations, consider renting a professional business space. Research the following popular sites:
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Topic #3
Business Structures
The Best Place to do Business
Overview
Will your business need a commercial location, or will it be home-based? Depending on your business, your only option may be to operate from a commercial location, or you may also have the choice to operate your business from home.
Where to Start your Research
To determine the availability of a business name, you will need to check with government entities, including federal, state, and local.
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Commerical Real Estate
Whether your business requires a commercial location or you comparing
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Home-Based Business
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Topic #4
Business Licenses and Permits
Get Legal Permission to do Business
Overview
To do business, you'll need a business license or permit.
Where to Start your Research
To determine the availability of a business name, you will need to check with government entities, including federal, state, and local.
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Commercial Real Estate
Whether your business requires a commercial location or you comparing
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Home-Based Business
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Topic #5
Employer Requirements
Hiring and Managing Employees the Legal Way
Overview
Will your business have one or more employees? If yes, you'll need to learn about important employer requirements, responsibilities, and reporting mandated by government entities.
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Important employment topics you'll need to learn and research include:​
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Federal Employer Identification Number
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State and Fedearl Payroll Taxes
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Workers' Compensation
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Workplace Posters
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New Hiring Reporting
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Minimum Wage
Where to Start your Research
To determine the availability of a business name, you will need to check with government entities, including federal, state, and local.
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Book/eBook
Get yourself an easy-to-understand book you can
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Home-Based Business
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Topic #6
Business Insurance
Overview
Every business will have some risk that can result in costly lawsuits, repairs, or compensations. Without business insurance, your business will have to pay out-of-pocket for liability claims against your business.
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Protect your business from financial losses by researching the business coverage your business will need. Common business insurance policies include:
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General Liability Insurance
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Workers' Compensation Insurance
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Professional Liability Insurance
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Errors and Omissions Insurance
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Commercial Auto Insurance
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Business Owner"s Insurance
Where to Start your Research
To determine the availability of a business name, you will need to check with government entities, including federal, state, and local.
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Commerical Real Estate
Whether your business requires a commercial location or you comparing
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Home-Based Business
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Topic #7
Accounting and Payroll Software
Overview
You can't start your business without first obtaining a business license or permit.
Where to Start your Research
To determine the availability of a business name, you will need to check with government entities, including federal, state, and local.
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Commerical Real Estate
Whether your business requires a commercial location or you comparing
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Home-Based Business
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Topic #8
Business Banking
Overview
You can't start your business without first obtaining a business license or permit.
Where to Start your Research
To determine the availability of a business name, you will need to check with government entities, including federal, state, and local.
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Commerical Real Estate
Whether your business requires a commercial location or you comparing
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Home-Based Business
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Topic #10
Business Funding
Overview
Do you have enough personal savings to fund and start your local business, or will you need a business loan or credit card? If you need external business funding, compare your options and, most importantly, find the best rate and payment terms.
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If you need a large amount, compare loans from banks, government, and private lenders. For smaller amounts, consider a business credit card that offers a limited time zero or a very low-interest rate for new customers.
Where to Start your Research
Start your research with the bank you will use to open your business bank account. Also, try online comparison websites that will provide you with business loans and credit card options from more providers.
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Banks
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Lending Comparison Sites
Lendio