Prepare Your Trade Name
We encourage you to review the trade name basics below before using the Business Assistant or registering your trade name .
You should know your industry, your target market, and your business goals.
You can use the SBA Business Plan Guide and SCORE Business Plan Template for guidance.
Before you commit to a location for your business, know what you’re getting into.
Each city or town has rules defining where and what type of business you can legally operate. Your trade name will allow you to conduct business in a single RI municipality.
Your trade name will be limited by the active trade names already in use in the city or town in which you choose to register.
Check to see if your trade name is available in one of RI’s 39 cities/towns.
As an unincorporated business name, trade names do not offer their owners limited personal liability protection for debts incurred by or legal claims lodged against the business. Purchasing liability insurance may be an option worth considering once you understand your personal risk as a business owner.
You should have a clear understanding of the basic fees associated with starting your business.
Did you know that if you sell any product or taxable service in the State of Rhode Island, you are required to obtain a retail sales permit and file monthly retail sales tax returns?
Depending on the services you plan to offer, you might be required to obtain professional licensing from one of Rhode Island’s state agencies.
You can use the RI Business Assistant to create a custom list of licenses, regulations, and applications required to get started.
Ready to get started?
DISCLAIMER
The content on this website is offered as a public service and should not be used as a substitute for legal, financial or tax advice from an attorney or a certified public accountant.