Legal Structure and Business Registration

✔ Choosing the right legal structure is essential because is effects the way you do business and when and how to file your taxes: https://www.sba.gov/business-guide/launch-your-business/choose-business-structure

✔ Choose a name that reflects what you offer but also feel free to be creative and unique: https://www.sba.gov/business-guide/launch-your-business/choose-your-business-name

✔ Once you have decided on a business name you also want to check if the domain URL is available and social media names so that your customers can easily find you: Website Domain Names, Online Stores & Hosting – Domain.com & namecheckr | Social and Domain Name Availability Search For Brand Professionals

✔ Officially register your business to be in compliance with state and federal laws: https://www.sba.gov/business-guide/launch-your-business/register-your-business

• Washington DC: The DC Business Toolkit provides citywide resources and guidance to start your business in Washington DC: https://www.dcbusinesstoolkit.com/
• DC small business resources: https://dc.gov/page/counseling-training-and-mentoring.
• Maryland: The MD Business Express provides a 7-Step guide on how to officially register your business in Maryland: https://businessexpress.maryland.gov/
• Maryland Business Resources: Business Resources | Maryland is Open for Business
• Virginia: The Business One Stop guide provides all the information about registering your business in VA, paying your business taxes, hiring employees. Home | Virginia Business One Stop