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Business Registration & Official Resources

Verified official government resources for registering your business. You always apply on the official websites — never through this app, and never by sharing sensitive information here.

Good to know before you apply

  • EIN applications are FREE directly from the IRS. Paid middleman websites charge for something the government provides at no cost — always use IRS.gov.
  • A state name or entity search is not federal trademark clearance — they check different things. And a federal trademark search alone doesn't guarantee a name is available.
  • There is no single universal business license. Licensing depends on your industry and your city, county, and state.
  • Never enter SSNs, EINs, or bank details in this app. You apply only on the official government websites linked below.

Nationwide (United States)

These official federal resources apply no matter which state you live in.

  • SBA — Launch Your Business

    The U.S. Small Business Administration's step-by-step guide to planning, registering, and launching a business.

    When to use it
    Start here for a big-picture overview of the whole startup process, including licensing and permit guidance.
    Cost
    Free to read. Any government filing fees are separate and paid only to official agencies.
    Open SBA Launch Your Business (opens official site in a new tab)

  • IRS — Get an Employer Identification Number (EIN)

    The official IRS page to apply for an EIN, the federal tax ID many businesses need.

    When to use it
    When you need an EIN — for example, to open a business bank account or hire employees.
    Cost
    FREE. Applying directly on IRS.gov costs nothing. Beware of paid look-alike websites that charge for something the IRS gives away free.
    Open the official IRS EIN application (opens official site in a new tab)

  • USPTO — Federal Trademark Search

    The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office's official database of federally registered and pending trademarks.

    When to use it
    Before committing to a business or product name, search here to see whether similar federal trademarks exist.
    Cost
    Free to search. Filing a trademark application has government fees.
    Open USPTO Trademark Search (opens official site in a new tab)

  • SBA — State Registration Lookup

    An SBA tool that points you to your own state's official business registration office.

    When to use it
    When you're ready to register your business entity and need to find your state's official filing page.
    Cost
    Free to use the lookup. State registration fees vary by state and entity type.
    Open the SBA state registration lookup (opens official site in a new tab)

  • SBA — Free Counseling & Mentoring

    Connects you with free or low-cost local business counselors, mentors, and training through SBA partners.

    When to use it
    When you want one-on-one guidance from a real person at any stage of your business.
    Cost
    Free or low cost through SBA partner organizations.
    Find free SBA counseling (opens official site in a new tab)

Ohio-specific

These apply to businesses in Ohio. If you live elsewhere, use the SBA state registration lookup above to find your state's equivalent.

  • Ohio Secretary of State — Business Services

    Ohio's official office for forming businesses, filing paperwork, and searching existing Ohio business names.

    When to use it
    To check whether a name is taken in Ohio and to register an Ohio business entity such as an LLC.
    Cost
    Searching names is free. Filing fees are set by the state and vary by filing type.
    Open Ohio Secretary of State Business Services (opens official site in a new tab)

  • Ohio Business Roadmap — Starting a Business

    Ohio's official step-by-step startup roadmap covering registration, taxes, and requirements in the state.

    When to use it
    When you want an Ohio-specific checklist of what to file and where.
    Cost
    Free to read. Government filing fees are separate.
    Open the Ohio business startup roadmap (opens official site in a new tab)

  • Ohio Vendor's License — Ohio Department of Taxation

    Ohio's official page for vendor's licenses. A vendor's license is a sales-tax registration: it lets an Ohio seller collect sales tax on taxable sales, report those sales, and send the tax to the state. The page explains the license types, who needs one, and how to apply.

    When to use it
    If you sell taxable items or services in Ohio — from a shop, a website, or a market table — check here which registration fits your situation before you start selling.
    Cost
    Free to read the requirements. Any state license fee is shown on the official page and paid only to Ohio.
    Open Ohio vendor's license information (opens official site in a new tab)

A simple order of operations

A helpful sequence for many new businesses — your exact order may vary depending on your situation.

  1. Check your business name (state records, domains, social handles)
  2. Research federal trademarks (USPTO search)
  3. Choose a business structure
  4. Register with your state, if needed
  5. Apply for an EIN if needed — free at IRS.gov
  6. Identify the licenses and permits your industry and city/state require
  7. Save your confirmations on your own device

General education only — not legal or tax advice. Rules and fees change; always confirm details on the official sites linked above or with a qualified professional.