We recommend our new business clients to sign up for assistance through the Minnesota Small Business Development Center which is a grant funded (free!) for all new and anticipated businesses in the state of Minnesota. There are 9 centers throughout the state and they will assign you a consultant who can help you flush out your business ideas, develop a business plan, connect you with a marketing consultant, etc.

Yes, you need to register your business, with your desired legal entity status, with the Secretary of State in Minnesota. Contact us today to help you with this registration process.

You need a Federal EIN number before you can open up a business bank account. You can receive an EIN number through the IRS website and they will assign you one right away. You will also need to get a State EIN number to file taxes. Your attorney or tax specialist can help you get one of these.

Trademarks provide your business with a higher level protection from other businesses who see your success and try to copy you. If competitors come up with a similar name, or a similar "look" that would cause confusion to a consumer as to where the goods come from, the other business may have infringed on your trademark (if you have one). You then can send them a cease and desist letter to stop infringing on your registered trademark. The more stylized your mark, the better chances you have to be successful with stopping other businesses from copying you.

A business attorney is a trusted advisor to have at your side throughout the duration that your business is operating. If you need to serve a lawsuit on someone, or if you get served with a lawsuit, it’s better to have an already established relationship with an attorney who can help you. In the beginning stages of a business, it is important to consult with an attorney as to the licensing requirements for your business, permitting requirements, laws that you need to stay in compliance with and reporting requirements. It is also wise to have an attorney help you draft and review contracts and documents you will need such as leases, service contracts, partnership agreements, vendor contracts and agreements, client agreements, etc.

If you are served with a lawsuit on behalf of your business, you need to contact an experienced business litigation attorney immediately. One of our experienced attorneys can help you.