Starting a Business
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Steps for Setting up Shop
When starting a new business, there are important decisions to make. The Start a Business Guide has a checklist and recommendations for getting started.
The following steps will also assist in starting your business:
The
Business Xpress is a cooperative effort of state agencies and your first stop for starting a business in Oregon. The How to Start a Business in Oregon guide provides a checklist to guide you through the process of registering your business.
It helps to begin with a plan. A business plan is a blueprint of every aspect of your business. Sales, marketing, advertising, promotion and location are some aspects of creating a plan. For a tutorial on creating a business plan, visit the
U.S. Small Business Administration.
The Oregon Business Guide lists three categories of business assistance programs:
Oregon's Economic and Community Development Department provides reports and services for and about Oregon businesses.
Choose a business structure. Select a business entity type from the following list for an overview of the principal types of legal business structures in Oregon. A legal representative and accountant should be consulted before determining the type of business entity to form.
Read about choosing a legal structure.
- Sole proprietorship
- General partnership
- Corporation
- Nonprofit
- Limited liability company (LLC)
- Limited partnership (LP)
- Limited liability partnership (LLP)
Choose a business name. Check the
Business Registry Database for name availability.
The Oregon Secretary of State's Corporation Division is the place to register your corporation, nonprofit corporation, assumed business name, limited liability company, limited liability partnership, Oregon trademark or service mark. Go to
Business Registration Forms to file a business online or download forms to print and mail.
Understanding tax obligations is important for any business. The Business Information Center has information about
Oregon and
federal income taxes.
Many occupations and business activities require licenses, permits or certifications from state agencies or boards. Check the
License Directory for licenses, permits and certifications that may apply to you.
Construction and landscape contractors need to register with the
Construction Contractors Board or
Landscape Contractors Board.
Cities and counties may also require businesses to have a license or permit. Check with your city and county government to determine license, permit or zoning requirements.
Keep your reporting and registration obligations current. Businesses registered with the Secretary of State Corporation Division must file annual reports to renew and update name and address information. We send a renewal notice about 45 days before your renewal date, on the anniversary of your registration.
Nonprofit organizations engaging in charitable activities also must file annual reports with the Oregon Department of Justice Charitable Activities Section, and with the Internal Revenue Service. Visit our
Nonprofit website for more information.