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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 Columbia 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 OrganizationThere are many forms of legal structure you may choose for your business. The most common structures are Sole Proprietorships, General and Limited Partnerships, C and S Corporations, and Limited Liability Companies. Each legal structure offers organizational options, which are appropriate for different personal situations, and which affect tax and liability issues. We suggest you research each legal structure thoroughly, and consult a tax accountant and/or attorney prior to making your decision.
Columbia 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.
State Registration of a Trademark Trademarks and service marks may be registered in a state for a term of ten years. For more information about Applications for Registration of Trademark or Service Mark in your state, contact your state government.
Starting a business in Columbia
Settled by the English in 1670, South Carolina was based on a plantation culture with an aristocratic, wealthy society that was dependent on black slave labor. One of the original 13 colonies, South Carolina was first formed in 1729 when the Carolina colony was divided in two to form North and South Carolina. The attack on Fort Sumter in the Charleston harbor launched the Civil War. After the war, the structure of the state changed. Today, South Carolina is a growing research center and banking state. It is fitting that the state tree of the "Palmetto State" is the cabbage palmetto, which also appears on the state flag. The flower is the yellow jessamine, and the capital is Columbia.
Incorporation
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