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If you’re thinking of starting a small business in Kansas, there are a few things you should know. Here’s a quick guide on how to get started.
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Decide on the business structure
The business entity you choose will impact many factors from liability to taxes. Here are the most common business entities in Kansas and a brief summary of their key features:
Sole Proprietorship: A sole proprietorship is easy to set up and usually means that you are the only owner and decision maker. You will be held personally liable for all debts and obligations related to the business.
Partnership: In a partnership, two or more co-owners operate the business together. Each partner is equally responsible for the business’ debts, liabilities, and assets. Partnerships can take different forms, such as limited partnerships or general partnerships.
Limited Liability Company (LLC): An LLC offers its owners limited personal liability protection. LLCs can be composed of a single owner (known as a single-member LLC) or multiple owners (multi-member LLC). Profits and losses can be passed through to the owners, which means that LLCs are not taxed as separate entities.
Corporation: A corporation is a more complex business entity that offers its shareholders limited personal liability protection. A board of directors manages the corporation, and shareholders elect the board. Corporations can be either for-profit or nonprofit. They are taxed as separate entities from their shareholders.
After you have decided on your business structure, you will need to file the appropriate paperwork with the Kansas Secretary of State’s office and pay the required filing fees.
Register the business
The first step in starting a business in Kansas is to register the business with the Kansas Secretary of State’s office. The business must have a unique name and the owners must submit articles of incorporation or organization, as well as a filing fee. Once the business is registered, it will be assigned a Kansas tax ID number.
The next step is to obtain any licenses or permits that may be required by the state of Kansas or the local municipality. Depending on the type of business, these could include a sales tax license, contractors license, health permit, or food permit. Once all licenses and permits are obtained, the business is ready to open its doors!
Get a business license
There are a few things you need to do in order to get your business license in Kansas. You will need to choose a business structure, obtain a federal employer identification number, register your business with the state, and obtain any necessary permits or licenses.
You will need to choose a business structure. A sole proprietorship, for example, is easy to form and gives you full control of your business. You will need to obtain a federal employer identification number. This is used for tax purposes and can be obtained from the Internal Revenue Service.
Next, you will need to register your business with the state of Kansas. This can be done online or through the mail. You will need to provide some basic information about your business, such as the business name, address, and owner information. Once you have registered your business, you will need to obtain any necessary permits or licenses. Depending on the type of business you are starting, you may need to get a sales tax permit or a food handling license.
Once you have taken care of all the paperwork, you will be ready to start doing business in Kansas!
Get a tax identification number
All businesses need a tax identification number (TIN) from the IRS. You can apply for your TIN online, by mail, or by fax.
When you have your TIN, you need to register your business with the Kansas Department of Revenue. You can register online, by mail, or in person.
You will also need to get a business license from the city where your business is located. The cost of a business license varies depending on the type of business and the city, but it is typically around $100.
Open a business bank account
Opening a business bank account is an important step for any new business. This will help you keep your personal and business finances separate, and will make it easier to track your expenses and income. You’ll also need a business bank account if you plan to accept credit cards.
To open a business bank account, you’ll need to have the following documents:
-Your Social Security number or Tax ID number
-A government-issued ID, such as a driver’s license
-Your business registration documents, such as your Articles of Incorporation
-Your EIN (Employer Identification Number)
Once you have all of the required documents, you can visit your local bank or credit union to open an account. Be sure to compare fees and services before you choose a bank. Some banks may offer special services or discounts for small businesses, so it’s worth doing some research to find the best fit for your company.
Create a business plan
Now that you’ve decided to start a business in Kansas, it’s time to start planning. This is an important first step in ensuring your business’s success. A business plan will give you a roadmap to follow, help you track your progress, and make it easier to get funding if you need it.
Creating a business plan can seem daunting, but there are plenty of resources to help you get started. The Small Business Administration has a great guide on how to write a business plan. You can also find templates and tools online.
Once you have your business plan ready, it’s time to start thinking about the legal side of things. You’ll need to choose a business structure, get any licenses or permits you need, and register your business with the state of Kansas. These steps will vary depending on what type of business you’re starting, so be sure to do your research.
After you’ve taken care of the legalities, it’s time to start building your business. This is where the hard work really starts, but it will be worth it in the end. Follow your business plan and don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it. With some dedication and effort, you can turn your small business into a success story.
Find the right location
Before you start your business, you need to find the right location. The Small Business Administration (SBA) has resources to help you with this decision.
The first step is to research the different types of businesses in Kansas. This will help you decide what type of business is right for you.
Once you know what type of business you want to start, you need to find a location that is zoned for that type of business. You can search for zoning information by county on the Kansas Department of Agriculture website.
You also need to consider other factors when choosing a location, such as:
-The size of the property
-The condition of the buildings
-The parking situation
-The traffic patterns in the area
-The demographics of the surrounding community
Hire employees
You will want to carefully consider the type of business you will be opening and the services or products that you will be offering before hiring any employees. You will also need to obtain the necessary licenses and permits for your business. Once you have done this, you can begin the process of hiring employees.
To hire employees, you will first need to create a job posting. This should include a job title, a brief description of the position, your contact information, and instructions on how to apply. You can then post this job posting online or in local newspapers or job boards.
When you have received applications from potential candidates, you will need to conduct interviews in order to choose the best candidate for the position. Once you have made your decision, you can extend a job offer to the successful candidate. Finally, you will need to complete all of the necessary paperwork for your new employee, such as their tax forms and employment contracts.
Get insurance
As a small business owner, you need to make sure your business is properly insured. There are a variety of insurance policies available, and you need to make sure you have the coverage that is best for your business. You should contact an insurance agent or broker to discuss your options.
Some types of insurance you may need include:
-Property insurance: This covers damage to your property, such as your office or store.
-Liability insurance: This covers your legal liability if someone is injured on your property or if you are sued.
-Business interruption insurance: This covers lost income if your business has to close due to damage from a fire or other disaster.
-Product liability insurance: This covers injuries or damage caused by a product you sell.
Advertise your business
There are a number of ways to advertise your small business. You can start with the basics, such as putting up flyers in local businesses and posting on online classifieds websites. You can also get creative and hold special events or sponsor local community events.
The best way to reach potential customers is to let them know you exist and what you have to offer. You can do this through advertising. Advertising is anything that creates awareness of your business, product, or service. It can be paid, such as purchasing ad space in a newspaper or on a website, or it can be earned, such as getting media coverage for your business.
There are many ways to advertise your small business. The most important part is to be creative and think outside the box. Get involved in your community and look for opportunities to get your business name in front of potential customers.
