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Before you open your business, determine which of the numerous local, state and federal regulations apply to you. Avoid the temptation to ignore regulatory details. Doing so may save time in the short term, but could become an obstacle as your business grows.
Starting your new Birmingham business
Below is a list of the most common requirements that affect small / new businesses. The list is by no means exhaustive, as regulations vary by industry. Consult the list below for a solid start to meeting your regulatory requirements, and then carefully investigate the additional regulations that affect your industry.
Business Licenses There are many types of licenses, and you will need one to operate legally. If your business is located within the city limits, you must obtain a license from the city. If you are outside the city limits, you must obtain a license from the county. Investigate whether you need a business license through your state government web site.
Birmingham Business Name Businesses that use a name other than the owner's must register the fictitious name with the county as required by the Trade Name Registration Act. Check for the appropriate name of the Trade Name Registration Act in your area. This does not apply to corporations doing business under their corporate name or to those practicing any profession under a partnership name.
Trademarks Trademarks are names or symbols used in any commerce that is subject to regulation by state government or the U.S. Congress.
Starting a business in Birmingham
Known as the Heart of Dixie, Alabama became the 22nd state in 1819. The name Alabama is derived from an Indian word meaning "thicket clearers." Alabama has been at the center of many American battles--between white settlers and Native Americans, and between the North and South in the Civil War. The state has also witnessed many confrontations during the struggle for civil rights after World War II. Alabama's capital, Montgomery, was also the first capital of the Confederacy. The state flower is the camellia.
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