How To Become Incorporated

If your main business concern is protecting your personal assets, you need to know how to become incorporated. To become incorporated means to alleviate any liability on any properties or capital other than that which is used as an investment in your company.

1. Obtain an application for the incorporated business license. You can obtain this application from your local Secretary of State's office. If your Secretary of State has a website you can obtain the application from the website and simply print it out.
2. Choose a name for your company. To become incorporated you must have a company name for which you will file an application. You may want to check with the Secretary of State's office to ensure the name is available before you make any final decisions. Make sure before filing that you really want this name. Once it is filed it cannot be changed.
3. Prepare a business plan. Within your business plan you must include: company policies, stockholder documentation, and all rules and guidelines for your business. Your financial backer, bank, or investors will want to see this business plan prior to deciding if they want to invest in your company. Make sure it is clear and concise.
4. Secure funding. You can get a business loan from a bank provided that you have great credit and you can show return of investment. The same is true of other possible investors. You may also choose to involve business contacts or friends as investors. State your case and present your plan professionally, and include all of the facts.
5. File your application and documentation. Once you have secured funding, completed your business plan, and have your application completed simply file your application to become incorporated. You will want to send in copies of documentation for all of the above. Meaning they will need a copy of your business plan, your funding documentation, and your completed application. All fees must be paid at time of application submission. These fees vary from state to state.