How to Open a Small Business in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn

Sole proprietorships and partnerships are common small business business forms.

While opening a small business in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn doesn't require many formalities. Depending on the structure you choose and the product or service you are selling, you will need to register with county, state and federal authorities. Fortunately, any registration with the government is relatively straight-forward and easily accomplished without the need to consult an attorney.

Instructions

1. Select a business type. Generally, small business' are either sole proprietorships or partnerships. Each has its own benefits. If you would like to retain ultimate control over how you run your business, than a sole proprietorship is most likely the best choice for you. If, on the other hand, control is not your focus and you have no problems interacting with others working towards a common goal then you should consider a general or limited partnership arrangement.

2. Choose a name for your business and check to see is it is available for use. Consult the Secretary of State's business name database for similar or like matches. If you find the same or a similar name, you will have to choose another. Skip this step if you are using your own legal name(s).

3. Register your business name with the clerk of King County. If you use name other than your legal name(s) you will need to register your "trade name" or "doing business as" with a "certificate of assumed name". Moreover, even if you use your own name, it is suggested that you still register your business' name to avoid confusion and/or to prohibit others from using your name for their business.

4. Obtain any applicable business licenses. Depending on your business you may need to secure the proper license in order for your to operate without violating the law. For example, if you will be selling cigarettes you will need a obtain a "cigareet retail dealer license" from the King County Clerk.

5. Comply with any applicable small business regulations. Depending on your individual situation you will need to comply with certain regulatory schemes. For example, if you hire any employees, you will need to apply for an employer identification number from the Internal Revenue Service and notify the New York State Department of Taxation. Similarly, small business operating within New York City with revenue over $75000 must pay an unincorporated business tax.

References

• New York Division of Corporations: Business Name Search
• King County Clerk's Office: Business Registration
• Citizen Media Law Project: NY Sole Proprietorship
• Citizen Media Law Project: NY Partnership