Heya!
Want to start a business? Didn’t major in business? Have no idea where to start? What to do or what to think? Same.
I am writing this blog piece to help just one poor soul out there in Oregon trying to figure it out. Here it goes…
First, go to sos.oregon.gov/business.
There is a packet that is a super cool guide if you know what it is saying. Give it a once or twice over then default to the check list. The best part for Oregon is that you can do this all online. Check out the “understanding business structures”. Figure out which business structure fits you best– I picked LLC. If you scroll to the bottom of my website, you will see my LLC Name: Nikki Jupe Nutrition LLC. Next up, create a log in on the website, register your business and pay $100. You will receive an email confirming you’re good to go shortly after that, if you want to operate under a “doing business as” name–for example, ROAM Nutrition– then you have to register the name and pay $50. You register both of these under your log in, it’s quite easy and efficient. The guide book clearly has a ton of information and other steps to think about such as a business plan, seeking professional advice, financing, and business assistance programs. You will see “have business plan” in multiple “how to open a business” guides but this is really just for you to have- your ideas on paper- there is no uploading your business plan so don’t over think it. I do advise seeking out professional advice but you don’t have to do this if you know what type of business you are opening. I believe the finance part can be really nerve racking but in reality to “just start” you only need $150. Use your business plan on providing a step by step way to seek financial help.
Note:
Make sure you look over the “tax” options. Each form of business has different tax obligations. I am not the best at that so I referenced a CPA in town, and she is God’s gift to earth. Shout out Jan. The CPA will also explain how to report personal property on your tax report so please touch base with a reliable CPA. I say that to say this, I was a person that was like “I am not paying someone for doing something I can do”, don’t be that fool– business is hard and taxes change like bath water, leave it to these CPA angels to get the job done.
Next, make sure you check for licenses, permits, and registration required. Cue me calling mom to ask her what that means–To break it down, as a Registered Dietitian, I have to be licensed within the state of Oregon, which I already know and have; however, if you have a property you are going to working out of, you will need to ensure you meet the building permits or other registration required by the city you will be working in. This is where mom’s City of Waco expertise came in and explained each “city” requires different codes, permits, and etc. In the end, I found that I was good to go within this section by visiting the website. Don’t over look this. Boom, done. You have now started a business. If you plan on hiring employee’s then you’re on your own. I don’t plan on going down that road anytime soon but if I do, I’ll update this blog.
Note:
Once you have done this, you will need to obtain an “EIN” aka employer identification number from the IRS. Go to irs.gov and apply for EIN– type in your info and you’re done. You get it within 5 mins. SAVE THIS. Important info. The EIN is basically your official tax documentation.
Starting a business is really quite simple, it’s the execution part that takes the most effort. It can sound scary but I have to admit having a guide really helps. Each state is different and how you interpret the guide is up to you.
Last note: this is written because I wish someone could have easily broke it down for me when I was looking everything up. Please use this as info sheet on how to do this. The real guide for Oregon is provided in the link above.
Emily Velasquez
This is so helpful, Nikki!! Thank you!