There are critical steps a person must take when they seek to start a business. These steps are simple, but necessary. In our first training series, we will present some of the steps one must take to start a business the right way and answer some critical start-up questions. One of the first common questions asked by entrepreneurs is, “What is a D.B.A.?” Here is an answer from an excerpt of the book “Open the Box” by M.L. Hodges…..

“The first way to identify your business correctly is by filing a D.B.A. Basically a D.B.A., also known as “Doing Business As” is paper work that is filed with your local county court that gives you exclusive access to that name for a period of ten years. This may vary based on the state you are in. (the majority of the information in this book is based on Texas State laws and procedures, but the general information is universal and applicable in all states) This is the first legal means of identifying your business. You can file as a sole proprietorship (one individual owner), a general partnership (two or more owners), or typically a joint venture (several individuals working together). Before you can file the name, you must perform a county name search. Your preferred name may not be available–this is why it is important to have back up name choices. In addition, there may be additional steps to secure your business, which we will discuss later. In most states, you can download the D.B.A. form from your local county’s web site. In the State of Texas, the cost for filing the paperwork ranges from $10.00 to $20.00 depending on the county. A D.B.A. only secures your name in the county where it was filed. This is important because to protect your business name in every county in your state you must file with your local Secretary of State’s Office. To protect your name nationally, you must file federal paperwork. Someone in another county may already be operating under the same business name if you do not file with the state offices. “

The tips contained in the training series are designed to help aspiring entrepreneurs to get started and veteran entrepreneurs to keep going. Please continue to read this section for more free training from some of the nation’s best entrepreneurs and small business owners.

This entry was posted on Monday, August 31st, 2009 at 10:15 pm and is filed under Events/Info, Tips & Resources.