When you’re starting your own business, setting it up and ensuring your business is legitimate can be pretty overwhelming. It can be helpful to break up the process into sizable chunks and take it one step at a time.
The first thing you need to do is ensure your business name is available using a Michigan business name search. To do this, you will need some business name ideas, and you will also need to know how to perform a Michigan business name search. To learn how to do this, keep reading. This guide has all the information you need to establish your business in Michigan.
Generate Business Name Ideas
How To Prepare Before Your Michigan Business Name Search
Before you perform your Michigan business name search, you need a few strong business name ideas. You can use the business name generator to help you with business names. When using the business name generator, there are some principles and tips you can follow to ensure your business name is catchy and snappy:
- Keep your business name short – limiting your business name to two words or less means your business name will be snappier, easier to remember, and will be more engaging for potential clients and customers.
- Use rhyming words – rhyming words are a great way to ensure your business name rolls off the tongue and sounds pleasant. You can use the rhyming function on the business name generator to help with this.
- Create your word – you can use the business name generator to create unique words for your business name that will be unique, distinct, and memorable.
It’s best to generate a shortlist of business name ideas instead of just one. This is because the business name may already be in use in Michigan. Once you have your shortlist ready, it’s time to perform a Michigan business name search so you can register the name.
How To Search For An Available Michigan Business Name
You can use the internet to search and determine whether the business name you’re considering is available in Michigan. To search for an available Michigan business name, you can take the following steps:
- Step 1: Visit the Michigan Department of Licencing and Regulatory Affairs website.
- Step 2: Find the State Business Name Database page.
- Step 3: Use the ‘search by entity name’ field to enter your business name idea and perform a search.
- Step 4: View the results to determine whether the business name is in use or not.
If you have a list of business name ideas ready, you can simply try each one so that you’re more likely to find an available business name without going back to the drawing board.
How To Register A Michigan Business Name
To register your business name in Michigan, you must first visit the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs location on the Michigan government website.
Before you register your business as an LLP, you must first obtain either a Certificate of Co-Partnership or Certificate of Persons Conducting Business Under An Assumed Name.
Once you have obtained the certificate for your Michigan business name, you can begin filing with the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs.
Policies And Procedure For Registering A Michigan Business Name
Before you start the registration process for your Michigan business name, you must have some information prepared. If you do not prepare this information beforehand, it can drag the process on and it may take longer. So, before you register your Michigan business name, prepare the following information:
- An available business name that contains the words Limited Liability Partnership or LLP as the last letters of the name.
- The address of your partnership’s principal office.
- The general nature of the partnership’s business.
- If the partnership is a foreign LLP, you will need a registered agent with a registered address with whom you can serve any legal process.
You should enter this information into an LLP application form, which you can find in the LLP section on the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs website.
Michigan Business Registration Office
Here is some helpful contact information for the Michigan business registration office:
Website | https://www.michigan.gov/lara/bureau-list/cscl/corps/limited-liab-part |
[email protected] | |
Phone | 517-241-9223 |
Opening Hours | Monday – Friday, 8:00 am – 5:00 pm |
How Do You Register A Michigan Business Name Using The Online Portal
When you register a business with the Michigan bureau, you need to print out an online form that is provided on the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs Website. You can then fill in this form and submit it via mail or in person, along with a check.
There is no way to register your Michigan business name using an online portal, and the form must be printed and filled in. The registration fee is $100 and can be paid using a check, money order, Visa, MasterCard, American Express, or Discover when the form is filed in person. You may only use a money order or check if you’re filing by mail.
Why Should You Register A Business Name In Michigan?
If you don’t register your business name in Michigan, you could be held personally liable for any legal claims filed against your business. By registering as a Limited Liability Partnership, business owners can mitigate their liability for the business.
When you register a business name in Michigan, you can also ensure that your business name cannot be used by another business. If you don’t register, then another business may register the name, which will make it difficult for you to use the name unless you wish to participate in a complex legal battle, which you may not win.
So, registering your business name in Michigan is advisable to ensure your business is legitimate and ensure you won’t encounter any legal issues or issues regarding your name.
What Support Is There When You Register A Business Name In Michigan?
When you register a business name in Michigan, you need to know what support is available to get answers to any queries that may come up during the registration process.
Suppose you have any questions during the registration process. In that case, you can use the contact details for the corporations, securities, and commercial licensing departments on the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs website.
You can call the number 517-241-9223 between 8 am and 5 pm on working days Monday to Friday to get support and answers for any queries you may have.
Michigan Business Name Search Final Summary
Registering your business in Michigan is essential to legitimize your business and allows you to open business banking accounts. When your business name is registered in Michigan, you will be more appealing to investors.
Creating a strong business name and ensuring no other business is using the name can help to establish your brand in Michigan. Once your name is registered, it’s yours, and no other business can adopt the name.