A long time friend, I'll call her Jane, recently phoned to tell me about the adventure she had in getting her business licenses, permits, and registrations. Oh, let me back up...she's buying an existing business and first thought she would just take it over. She called the WA State Department of Revenue and Department of Licensing to see how to get the business in her name.
Whoa....the business which had been operating for over 5 years was never properly set up and the State of WA didn't have records of any business being conducted. Smartly, Jane, applied for new licenses and permits along with forming an S. Corp with the Secretary of State.
It really surprised when Jane mentioned the previous owner had used a very well known online business website to initially setup the business and had paid quite a bit of money. Hmmm, this really got me thinking...how many other businesses think they're legit but aren't.
To navigate the State, County, and City laws you have to really be on your toes...in fact, Jane was given incorrect info from the State Help line. And it's not the State's fault if you use the bad info and you're not in compliance with their regulations. What's a small business owner to do...how are we to keep it all straight while you're missing sales, setting up websites, negotiating a lease, etc etc.
Flaunt! is now offering Business Packages to entrepreneurs who need to work in their business and let an expert do the paperwork.
