How to Start a Business in Minnesota

Starting a business will entail a lot of hard work. You need to be aware that the requirements may vary and will depend on the state where you live or where you plan to conduct the business activities.

If the business is going to be opened in Minnesota, you will have to check with the right agency to find out the legal requirements and paperwork that you must prepare.

You can find lots of info sources online. You can use the info you find to start with the initial planning of the business. Most successful businesses begin by conducting a thorough market study. The data generated from the market study is going to be used to determine if there is a need for the business. Once you’ve covered this aspect, you can now proceed with the business plan. This is the key and your roadmap to future success.

The Legal Structures

Before forming the business entity, you should consult with a lawyer or accountant. The legal structure will usually depend on the preference of the business owner and the partners (if any). Among the options that you can choose from are the following:

  • Sole proprietorships
  • Business corporations
  • Non-profit corporations
  • Foreign corporations
  • LLC or Limited Liability Companies
  • LLP or Limited Liability Partners
  • Limited Partnerships

You will need to file with the right government office. Aside from that, you will also have to secure a tax identification number and a business license.

Here are some resources that you can check out:

http://www.sos.state.mn.us 
http://www.thinkinglike.com/Essays/Starting-A-Business-In-Minnesota.html

It would help you a lot if you have your own handbook or guide to start the Minnesota business. The most common misconception is that most people think that the guides are costly. Well, if you simply do your homework, you can find free resources that will help you in starting a new business in the state.

Licensing and Tax Issues

You should know the rules and regulations of the state when it comes to small or large business start-ups. Licensing is an important factor because if you don’t have a business license, you can’t operate legitimately. If you don’t decide on the business structure, the business will be registered as sole proprietorship or partnership. The latter will usually be automatic especially if there is more than one owner.

In Minnesota, it’s better to form an LLC is you have partners. As mentioned earlier, you can discuss these things with your lawyer. Most businesses hire employees and in this case, you will need to know about taxes. An accountant can help you with this matter. As an employer, you also have tax responsibilities. It is also common for employers to encounter issues on taxes.

If you want, you can check with the Department of Revenue in Minnesota if they are currently offering classes on employment taxes and other relevant issues. Why don’t you consult the experts? If you know of someone that is successfully running a business in Minnesota, you can always ask for tips and pieces of advice. Well, this might work if the business owner doesn’t see you as a potential competitor.

All these things can be addressed if you simply take time in creating a thorough and comprehensive business plan. It is not that hard. By making a formal plan, you will be able to present your business confidently to potential lenders. Oftentimes, starting a business with a storefront or business space can be costly. When you seek funding, there is a need to present a viable plan that you can explain with ease.

Start a new business in Minnesota and be sure to follow these steps. Soon, you will be able to launch the business and start earning profits.

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