Starting a business?

what do you need to start a small business at home. Do I have to get my name copyrighted stuff like that i want to sell some of my cakes online but don't know how to go about doing it the legal way. any website or advice would be great thanks.

Starting a business?
When I started my first business I talked to an accountant and she helped me threw the process. She told me everything I needed to do and well to tell you the truth I just paid her to do it. Talking to accountants are free get as much information out of them as possible. Really all you need is a business ID number and A tax ID number, depending on what state you live in.
Reply:Go to http://www.score.org/ and in the upper left hand corner, enter your zip code. On the next screen, you will get information on the nearest SCORE chapter. Call them and arrange for a free meeting with a SCORE counselor.





SCORE is a nonprofit association dedicated to entrepreneur education and the formation, growth and success of small business nationwide. SCORE is a resource partner with the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA).





SCORE has 389 chapters in locations throughout the United States and its territories, with 10,500 volunteers nationwide. Both working and retired executives and business owners donate time and expertise as business counselors.
Reply:Most businesses start out small. As a new business owner you need to know your federal tax responsibilities. This page provides links to basic federal tax information for people who are starting a business. It also provides information to assist in making basic business decisions. The list should not be construed as all-inclusive. Other steps may be appropriate for your specific type of business.





What New Business Owners Need to Know About Federal Taxes?





Is it a Business or a Hobby?


Selecting a Business Structure


Employer Identification Number (EIN)


Business Taxes


Recordkeeping


When Do I Start My Tax Year?


Selecting an Accounting Method


Checklist for Starting a Business


Establishing a Retirement Plan


Small Business Publications
Reply:I have a copyrighted product. Copyrights are given to intellectual property, like books, music, not cakes. You'd have to submit a sample of your product, and I don't think a cake would handle well in a file. The copyright was easily done by registering it with the Library of Congress. However, you must be precise in what you are submitting. I consulted a patent layer who was gracious enough to tell me I did everything correctly on my own. It isn't that hard.





If your goal is to bake cakes to sell over the internet, you might have to check out laws with your public health dept. You would probably need to do your baking in a certified kitchen. If you can't have your kitchen certified, you could rent time in a senior center, church, or restaurant that has a certified kitchen. If we could bake cookies from our houses and sell directly to the public, there would probably be a lot of homemakers doing it. It can get kind of tricky when you sell your baked goods commercially to the public.





There are liability issues that might come up; an LLC might be an entity you might want to consider instead of just going at this as a sole proprietor. To become an LLC is also possible for you to handle, contact your state government. It involves filling out the proper documents.





The Small Business Administration in your area is invaluable. They can answer many of the questions your are posing,and possibly help you with your entity paper. Make an appointment, its a good starting point.





Good Luck!