How to Establish a Company in the USA

Create a name for your company.

There were over 29.6 million American businesses in year 2008, according to Small Business Administration's Office of Advocacy. Many people find themselves considering entrepreneurship after losing their jobs with scarce available opportunities open for them. Starting your own company allows you to work at your own pace and be your own boss. No one controls your paycheck. The amount of money you make depends on how much effort and work you are willing to put into your company.

Things You'll Need

• Computer
• Funding

Instructions

1. Choose whether you want to create an American company that is a nonprofit, a corporation or a Limited Liability Corporation (LLC). Determine your company's vulnerabilities, the control you have over your company and the funding you have to create a business when making your decision, according to Business.gov. Complete the registration forms specific to your state on Business.gov.

2. Register a legal name for your company in the state in which it is created by going to the Business Name Registration page of Business.gov. Legal names are needed when you submit government forms about your company. The legal name will vary depending on the business owner(s) and what type of company you have. Companies with one business owner will usually take on the business owner's full name as the legal name, according to FindLaw.com. Partnership companies usually register using the last names of each partner. LLC and corporations usually obtain the name already registered with the government.

3. Plan out your company's goals and how you will achieve these goals in a business plan. A business plan will help you keep track of your company's progress and get funding. Begin the plan with a cover page, and follow the cover with your table of contents. Describe your business, the company's financial goals, who works for the company, the other companies you compete against and accomplishments you already achieved, according to Busplan.cc.

4. Legalize your American company. Get a license in your company's industry from the licensing department in your state, an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from IRS.gov and the required permits for your company from the revenue agency in your state. Licenses are needed to run your company legally. EINs and sales permits are needed to pay taxes and your employees.

5. Find funding from a bank or investor. Show them your business plan and apply for loans or grants related to your company industry. Apply for a government loan if you need a large portion of money, or a micro loan if you can fund your business without exceeding $35,000, according to BusinessFinance.com. Find loans you qualify for by using the loan search tool on Business.gov. Ask people you know for funding help as well. Many people are generous and will be willing to aid the start-up of your company.

6. Promote your company with online and newspaper advertisements, brochures and business cards. Make sure each promotional tool you use has your company name, a description of your services, your customer benefits and contact information. Tell people you know about your company and promote on Facebook and Twitter. Post advertisements on Craigslist and create a website to promote your services.

References

• SBA Office of Advocacy: Frequently Asked Questions
• FindLaw: Registering the Name of Your Business
• Business.gov: Steps to Registering a Business
• Busplan.cc: Writing a Business Plan
• Business Finance: Micro Loans

Resources

• Business.gov: Business Incorporation
• Business.gov: Business Name Registration
• IRS: Apply for an Employer Identification Number (EIN) Online
• Business.gov: Search for Business Loans, Grants and Financing