How To Start A Business In Tennessee

There are some specific steps to starting a business in Tennessee.
The state of Tennessee has resources that will help you start a business in Tennessee: Tennessee Smart Start and Register a New Business In Tennessee

1. Register your business name.

Find out more about registering a fictitious name here: https://tnbear.tn.gov/ECommerce/NameAvailability.aspx

If you need help choosing a business name: 12 Tips to Help Choose a Business Name

2. Select a business structure.

Sole-proprietor, LLC, Partnership, Corporation, etc.

3. Register your business.

You can register your new business with the state of Tennessee here:https://tnbear.tn.gov/Ecommerce/RegistrationInstr.aspx

4. Open a Business Checking Account.

You will need to open a separate bank account for your business with your new business name.

5. Find out about taxes, hire an accountant.

You may want to file your own taxes if you are a small company. As you grow, it will be easier to have an accountant do the work. More information about taxes here:

6. Get Liability Insurance.

Depending on what type of services you plan to offer, you may want to consider liability insurance.