Whether you have a marketable skill or just want to ditch the rat race, going into business for yourself can be a very rewarding experience. However, that doesn't mean it's easy. If you're trying to find out how to start a small business in Ohio, here's what you need to know.
Ohio requires most businesses to be registered, so you'll want to search for your proposed business name in the Ohio Secretary of State's database and make sure it's not already taken. As long as no one has registered it yet, you should be fine to go ahead with that step. You'll also need to file the appropriate paperwork with the IRS and any applicable state agencies.
Depending on the industry, you may also need a vendor's license or some other special certifications that show that you are licensed and legally allowed to be in business. You can find out more about the specific requirements on the Ohio Development Services Agency's website.
While it may take you the longest, deciding on a name is only the first step in starting a small business. Here are two keys areas you'll want to spend some time researching.
If you are granted the loan, remember that you will have to make payments even in the beginning stages when your venture may not be in the black yet. It may be worth it to see if angel investment or grants are possible as well.
No one is born knowing how to run a business, but you can definitely learn. Key classes to look for if you're interested in business management or entrepreneurship are:
As a student of Hocking College's Business Management and Entrepreneurship program, you will get the experience and knowledge you need to successfully start a small business and continue running it once it's off the ground. Here are just a few of the things that set us apart:
For more information on Hocking College's Business Management & Entrepreneurship Program contact Program Manager, LaDora Ousley at ousleyl@hocking.edu or (740) 753-7062.