How to Register a Business

What’s in a Business Name?

What will you name your business? There are some schools of thought out there that say your business name should not be identified with you personally. For instance, I could have named my business “Bonner Bookkeeping” – some would scoff at this approach. Personally, I feel that if that is what speaks to you as a business owner, go for it. Some say you might have trouble selling that business, but honestly, the big deal is client retention, how strong your business model is, and how profitable you are in that business. 

Personally, my business name came to me in a guided meditation. Now, some would argue that my business name, “Coeurbridge LLC,” does not indicate anything about bookkeeping. But Robert Half is an accounting staffing agency that has come to mean something over the years. It has become a big staffing agency, especially in bookkeeping and accounting. Plus, my website can include bookkeeping and accounting throughout our website. Thus, as I grow, more people will know the business and what I do. 

For me, “Coeur” is the French word for “heart”, the root of courage. And “bridge” is a connection structure. I care about my clients, so I do bookkeeping with heart, and the bridge is the work I do for them. Therefore, for me, it makes sense.

You should go with your gut feeling about your business name. Frankly, it is a personal decision, and tune out the doubters.

How to Register the Business Name

As you begin your journey into starting a business, you will want to register your business name with the state. Many people create a company in their own state, but some start a business in other states. For example, some people register their business name in Wyoming or Nevada. In fact, part of your homework would be to Google or use tools like ChatGPT to analyze different states and the pros and cons of registering your business in each.

The number one reason you register with the state is to RESERVE YOUR business name. Once it is reserved, no one else can have the same business name. 

Either way, once you have decided on the state, you will then register with that state. You have two options here: 1) work with an intermediary company to set it up for you, or 2) do the registration yourself. An intermediary company might be one like LegalZoom, and others like it. However, you absolutely can take care of this yourself.

For example, in most states, there is a Secretary of State website. This is typically where you will register your business name. For example, here is the Washington State Secretary of State site. This link takes you directly to the page where you can verify that your business name is unique and then register the business.

Take Action

• • What is your business name?
  • Check out your state’s Secretary of State website. Google if they have online business registration services.
  • Google for your state for businesses that can do business registrations if you do not want to do it yourself.

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