One thing that can seem intimidating in starting your own business is getting the business license. In fact, it's one excuse that people use to not move forward in their dream, "Oh getting the business license will be so hard."
Getting the business license
I can tell you this, at least in the state of California, that it is far easier and faster to get a business license as a sole proprietor, than it is to get a driver's license. If you can survive the pain in the arse that is the DMV, then getting a business license is like a walk through the mall. In fact, in my city, getting the business license was faster then getting a manicure, standing in line at the post office, or waiting for a pill prescription, and it only cost a % of my projected earning for the first year which in most people's cases qualifies them for the minimum fee which in my city was $25. That's it! it took a handful of minutes and the price of a pair of Levi's jeans to make my business Thriving Media official in my city.
Getting a DBA
Before I got the license, I did have to go through the process of getting the business name "Thriving Media" official by going through a "Doing Business As" process which simply involved filing a petition with the city, paying a $30 fee, and then having the name printed in a local newspaper for 4 weeks which cost like $35. The public notice is to allow anyone to contest the name if they have it. In 99% of the time, your name won't be contested if you did some naming research.
If you want to do an S, C, or LLC corporation, then it will take more time and money, but with a slew of online sources and chamber of commerce services in your local town available, it's easier now than ever to create a corporation. Right off the bat, you can start as a sole proprietor and then switch to a corporation if it will help you ease into getting your business going.
Opening up a business bank account
With the business name official, and getting the business license, you can now open up a business bank account for your new business, and that process too is not only fast, but it is really pampering because banks LOVE business owners as clients. Oh yeah, because businesses bring in far greater lumps of money than individuals, so you will get the royal treatment as a new business owner. Banks like Wells Fargo and Bank of America also have many programs that cater to minority and women owned businesses. Other banks may have equally good programs so check your local branches.
But that's it folks. The actual paperwork to get your business going with the city and banks is extremely simple, easy, and stress free. The only pain is the imagined fear in your head, and really getting a driver's license requires far more work and stress. So, put your Inner Resistance Monster to bay, and start moving in the direction of making your dream of being your own boss a reality.
Yes, there are other things you'll have to set up with your business like getting an accountant, looking at insurance, and legal advice. But, what holds up most people is just getting the business license in the first place. I'm here to tell you that it's really easy. Piece of cake!
