Is it really happening? You are taking the next step and making your dream of running your own business come true. But before you sell the first product or consult with your first client, you need to register as a business with the State of Texas. The long list of plans, paperwork, and permits can be intimidating, but in manageable when you break it down into segments.

Before You Begin: Crafting Your Business Plan
Even before you start looking for a location or building a plan to attract investors, you need a complete business plan. This paperwork shows banks, insurance companies, and state and federal institutions that you have a real plan for opening your own business. You will need to have projections for the first five years of growth, goals, patents, production quotas, and a structure for your business all set out on a road map. Your business attorney can help make sure that you tick all the right boxes for your Business Plan.

Matching Your Storefront and Zoning Laws
Are you planning on building a factory or simply opening an office in the basement of your suburban home? You will need to check with the local Zoning Board to determine if your neighborhood will support a new commercial or industrial location. You may want to file for a variance in order to make your dreams come true.

Incorporating Your Brand with the Secretary of State Office
Will you be incorporating in the State of Texas? You will need to get the application from the Secretary of State. If you are opening your business as a sole proprietorship or simple partnership, contact your local County Clerk for a registration form. Your attorney can advise you on what type of structure is best for your immediate and future plans.

Applying for Funding
Of course, you will need a business loan to kick off your endeavor. Your loan officer will want to see your business plan, your incorporation documents, and the usual credit information that will include some of your personal information. Your business plan must include projected salaries, sales, plans for expansion, and other operational costs. If you have some investors, that will need to be documented, too.

Creating Your Tax ID with the IRS and Comptroller of Public Accounts
Whether you will be a supplier or hiring just a few office assistants, you will need your employer identification or taxpayer identification number. The number must be filed with both the Internal Revenue Service and the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts. If you are buying into a franchise, you will owe taxes on your purchase. Any company that you supply goods or services to will need your tax number for their files.

Sourcing Licenses and Permits at the State Permit Office
Every type of business comes with its own set of licenses and permits required to operate. Some technicians like drivers or heavy-equipment operators may need their own licenses in order to satisfy your insurance company. Other permits can include construction, renovation, occupancy, sales tax, liquor, or live animal sales. You will want to work with the Governor's Business Permit Office and your local municipal authority to ensure you file for all appropriate paperwork. When you work with a business lawyer like Attorney Andrew Weisblatt, you have an extra set of experienced eyes at your disposal. He can help you triple-check your files before you put the open sign in the window.

Selecting the Proper Insurance
Some local municipalities may demand that you carry business insurance before opening. The state demands that you provide proof of Worker's Compensation insurance. Your bank will want their own mortgage protections in place if you purchase the property. Before you sit down with a commercial insurance sales representative, take some time to review the potential risks associated with your line of business with your attorney. You can avoid paying too much for products that you don't need and purchase the proper liability policies to protect your family.

Caring for Your People and Your Company with an Effective Policy
Whether you will be hiring just one or several hundred staff for your enterprise, you will need to review all the responsibilities required by Texas as an employer. You will need to create a written Policy and Procedure that can help you protect the business while providing an avenue for enforcement of key rules and regulations. This should be considered just as important as your permits and licenses. Have your attorney review the completed policy before issuing it to your employees.

Even if you think you have all the paperwork required lined up, submitted, and checked off it is always wise to consult with an experienced local business lawyer such as Attorney Andrew Weisblatt to verify that you did it right. The cost of consultation is well worth protecting your time, money, and future success of your company.