Ane of the first steps to take when starting a Michigan business concern is to perform a Michigan corporation search.

The Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Diplomacy (LARA)  keeps an organized log of Michigan business organization entities that be or take dissolved through the corporation's sectionalisation

The database is free to use and makes information technology like shooting fish in a barrel to find existing businesses or look to see if a business proper name may be available.

How to search Michigan business organisation names

Searching for Michigan businesses is washed through the Lara Corporations website .

Michigan Corporations and LLCs are searchable by the post-obit criteria:

  • Entity Name
  • Individual Name
  • ID Number
  • Filing Number

Michigan business organisation entity search

The "search by entity proper noun" filter is the virtually normally used when performing a name availability search.

  • For an entity name or individual name y'all can search past "starts with," "verbal match," "keyword" or "soundex."
  • The easiest fashion to search Michigan business names is by using the "Begins With" search choice equally that volition pull the widest diverseness of entity names associated with that detail keyword.

There is no need to enter phrases like "LLC, Corp, or other naming designations as the database will generate results for every blazon of entity.

Individual proper name

The individual proper name filter generates results for people that take filed entities in the state of Michigan.

  • Enter a full or concluding proper name and select "search."  The search results will generate all corporations that are associated with the resident agent entered.

The individual name search filter also aggregates results based on first or last name and so the full proper noun is not required.

ID number

  • Enter the desired ID Number into the "Search by Identification Number."
  • Select "search

Filing number

  • Enter the filing number into the "Search by Filing Number" field
  • Select Search

Michigan name search condition

If a business concern is struggling to think of a good business name, one manner to generate ideas is to look through the search results list to see if any expired names could fit the business.

For example, suppose someone wanted to open up a new Italian eatery. In that case, they could enter "Italian" into the search bar and generate a listing of ideas that are bachelor based on the business condition results:

The search results will generate a list of names with the word "Italian" in them.

For example, one name that could piece of work is "Italian House."

To run across if this proper noun is available, click the business organisation's name and a business detail page will appear. The "Italian House" was dissolved in 2002, which indicates that this business organization is most probable available.

It is recommended to call the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Diplomacy in Lansing to confirm the name yous want to cull is available. They can be reached at 517-241-9223 or emailing [electronic mail protected]

Trademark search

One thing to retrieve is that even though the desired Michigan business proper noun may be available, it could have a registered trademark.

Performing a trademark search through the Trademark Electronic Search System before selecting a business name could prevent headaches in the future.

Next steps

1. Check if the domain name is available

  • Many of the .com domain names with six or fewer letters are already taken, so getting creative may be necessary. Websites like Namechk and Godaddy can aid filter bachelor domain names and suggest alternatives that may exist a proficient fit.
  • While a .com is the most familiar domain extension used, extensions like .co, .internet, and .io are becoming more commonly used as the internet ages and can be a proficient fit once a company proper noun is selected.

2. Check if the social media name is available

In the digital age, it is essential to have a solid social media presence. Customers volition oftentimes check sites similar Yelp and Google Reviews to gauge what others think about a business concern. Some other tips on social media for a Michigan business concern entity:

  • Having a stiff social media presence for small businesses is an first-class way to heave organic presence on the web, impress customers, and build sensation.
  • Unfortunately, like domain names, social media handles are often hoarded. Make sure to check sites like Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and Pinterest to ensure the handle is not being used.
  • If the handle is available, lock the username in place to brand sure information technology is not taken.
  • Software platforms like SocialPilot can help simplify managing various social media platforms.

iii. Register Michigan business entity

Subsequently selecting a business proper name, businesses can register their manufactures of incorporation with the Michigan Corporation Commission.

Another selection is to file with companies like Northwest Registered Agent, Incfile, or ZenBusiness , who can take care of the filings for as petty as $0 plus land filing fees.

For further step-by-stride instructions on how to file your LLC check out this Michigan LLC Guide.

Michigan business entity name reservation

If a business is non prepare to register its entity only has a proper noun picked out, information technology tin submit a reservation asking through the LARA platform . Names tin be reserved for half-dozen months and cost $25 to file a reservation.

iv. Register Revenue enhancement ID/EIN with the IRS

An EIN is a ix-digit number that identifies a concern for tax purposes. Think of information technology as a social security number for businesses. Filing your EIN for a limited liability company (LLC) is straightforward and can exist washed online. Michigan corporations can register for a Tax ID for $79 with Swyftfile .

5. Create a logo

Similar to selecting a adept business name, businesses with a smashing logo print customers, help distinguish themselves from the competition, and create a positive visual memory of your unique business services for customers.

With the emergence of freelance marketplaces, information technology is like shooting fish in a barrel to become a logo done on Fiverr in 24 hours or less.

half-dozen. Write a business programme

Writing a business concern program can assistance organize concern owners' ideas and create a pathway for businesses to follow. Having a professionally written business plan too impresses investors and helps create accountability.

Liveplan.com is a business plan software that can aid make the procedure easy every bit they take over 500 sample plans to choose from.

Businesses that grade partnerships should consider having a professional operating understanding.

7. Open a business depository financial institution business relationship

Having a concern bank account is required for businesses equally it helps continue business and personal finances separate. It also helps build business credibility in the result business loans are needed to grow the business in the futurity.

Businesses must have a business organisation mailing address in social club to open a business bank account and are not allowed to apply a PO box as their principal mailing accost.

Lili and Novo are online banks that specialize in working with freelancers and entrepreneurs.

We recommend Novo Bank

Congenital for modest business owners, entrepreneurs, and freelancers.

eight. Setup an e-mail account

Google Workspace can help set upwardly an @yourcompany e-mail address for as little every bit $vi per month.

Plan on running your concern well

Google Workspace helps with email addresses, team collaboration, productivity, and more.

9. Annals a trademark

Ane of the easiest means to file a trademark is through Legalzoom . They accept options to file by themselves or pay an boosted fee to have an attorney take care of the filings.

Michigan business organization construction naming considerations

When selecting a Michigan business organization name, it is important to understand the different naming requirements for each of the dissimilar entity types.

Sole proprietorships and partnerships

In Michigan, sole proprietorships do not take to file with the corporation sectionalization to brainstorm business operations. Sole Proprietorships typically operate under a person'due south name, so there is no need to perform a business name search in near situations.

Like Sole Proprietorships, Partnerships are relatively easy to file and generally include all partners' last names (ex: Smith, Jones, and Lasalle).

LLCs

LLCs are split up legal entities that separate owners' business interests, debts, and liabilities from personal responsibilities. Names for LLCs are required to be filed with the Alabama Secretary of State and must exist unique.

A few reminders when naming LLCs:

  • Michigan business organisation names must include the words "LLC, Fifty.L.C., or the phrase express liability visitor. "LLC" is most commonly used afterward a business name, so we recommend using that abbreviation when filing Michigan articles of system.
  •  An LLC name should not include the terms Inc., Corporation, Corp, or Incorporated in the LLC proper name.
  • The land may not approve a Michigan business name if it is non conspicuously distinguishable from the other business.

Corporations

Corporations, like LLCs, are separate legal entities that require filing with the corporation commission.  Corporations are fairly circuitous and typically used by large companies looking to issue stock and attract investors.

Corporation naming considerations:

  • Corporations must include "corp", "corporation", "Inc", "limited", or "company" in the business name to indicate that it is a corporation.
  • S Corporations are subject field to the aforementioned naming requirements equally traditional corporations.
  • Professional Corporations must indicate that they are ane past using "professional corporation" past using the messages "PC" instead of typical corporate designation.

FAQs

Is a registered agent required to file an LLC in the state of Michigan?

A registered agent is someone that is designated to receive official papers for your LLC, LLP, or corporation. individuals are able to human action as their ain registered agent as long as a physical accost (p.o. box is not allowed) is used in the state where your business entity is formed.

One of the main benefits of using a third-party registered agent company is that it adds a layer of privacy between the business and the general population. The registered agent company receives all documents on a concern'southward behalf and tin mail service them to you privately.

Northwest Registered Amanuensis offers free post forwarding and has a swell reputation in the manufacture.

If I aggrandize my business out of Michigan do I need to annals a new LLC in each land?

LLC owners in the country of Michigan do not need to file a new LLC in a different land if they expand exterior of the state of Michigan. Yet, it may make sense to file a DBA in separate states if yous want to create a unique make for dissimilar locations.

For case, if you started a dry out-cleaning business in Detroit MI called "Detroit Clean2Go," information technology wouldn't make much sense if you ended up expanding to Columbus, OH, and continue to utilize that name. Companies tin can file a separate DBA name in the country of Ohio and call the business organisation something like "CbusClean2Go," while operating under the LLC filed in Michigan.

Some niche businesses prefer this model considering they desire to target geographies and feel like it connects all-time with consumers to accept a specific geographical focus in their causeless name.

Where tin I find data on Michigan business concern licenses?

Business license information tin can be institute on the world wide web.Michigan.gov license site.

Why should I file a trademark? How do I file?

A trademark gives entrepreneurs legal protections over their brand. As your Michigan business grows, competitors tend to pop up to endeavour and compete against you lot in the marketplace.

A trademark sends a bulletin to competitors that may be looking into your niche that you mean business.

Trademarks can likewise appreciate over time as your business grows and increases make recognition. If y'all are always hoping to sell your business downwardly the line, having a solid trademark can add to your valuation.

If your business has a physical product that you are looking to sell on sites like Amazon, there are special features businesses can access with a registered trademark, which helps prevent infringement on your products.

  • Because the database is very complex to navigate, some people prefer to pay companies like Legalzoom to exercise the work for them.
  • Check out the Legalzoom Trademark options to see if it makes sense for your limited liability company once you have zeroed in on an entity name.

Should I file a DBA?

A DBA (doing business as), or trade proper name, is a fictitious business organization name that companies operate under for business outside of the formal LLC proper noun. DBA names are filed with the Lara site or tin be filed with companies similar Incfile.com .

Here are a couple of benefits of DBAs:

  1. Expansion possibilities : having a DBA enables businesses to expand past their original business and without starting a new business organization entity. Simply creating a new DBA and operating under the existing LLC is all that would be needed.
  2. Privacy : One of the best benefits of having a DBA is that it gives businesses the ability to operate nether a fictitious business name and not have owners' personal names revealed publically.

How do I dissolve a Michigan LLC?

Information technology is recommended to file a dissolution of a Michigan business entity if it is no longer active to avoid the accumulation of almanac fees. Dissolution of a business tin can be done through the Michigan.gov site.

Is an Almanac Report required in Michigan?

Michigan businesses and nonprofits are required to file annual reports to stay in skilful standing with the secretarial assistant of state corporation.