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A SIMPLE STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE

How To Start Your Business Today

ZenBusiness makes business formation fast, easy,
and affordable. We'll guide you through the process
so you can focus on what you love.

Get started in minutes for $0 plus state fees.

Excellent 4.8 out of 5 stars 28,197 reviews Trustpilot logo
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Start strong with an LLC

An LLC, or Limited Liability Company, is a powerful and flexible business structure. It’s the most popular choice for small business owners, entrepreneurs, and side hustlers because it protects your personal assets, provides tax flexibility, and simplifies the formation process.

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Let us handle everything

We’ll secure your ideal name, then handle all the paperwork, filing every document for you. Our support doesn’t stop there; we’ll also help you stay compliant, meet all ongoing local, state and federal requirements and other important filings, so you can focus on what matters most—growing your business.

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Strengthen and grow

Continue to build and grow your business with AI tools and educational resources that help refine your business plans, expand your online presence, automate your finances, and enhance your sales and marketing.

It's Easier With ZenBusiness®

100% accuracy guarantee

60 day money back guarantee

Fast and simple setup

Award Winning Support

Easy to use platform

Complete Business Formation In 3 Simple Steps

Form your LLC to start your business and protect your personal assets.

Select the LLC package that's right for your business needs
Choose additional tools to help you run and grow your business
Share important information that we'll use to file your paperwork

Why Form an LLC

make it official

Shield your personal assets

Form an LLC and keep your home, savings, and retirement safe if your business faces lawsuits or debt.

customers

Simplify your business

By forming an LLC, you create a legal shield that keeps your personal property safe from business debts and lawsuits.

manage finances

Choose your tax structure

LLCs let you select how you’re taxed—as a pass-through entity or corporation—to fit your financial situation.

Don't do it alone.

Our goal is to make business easy. We’ve got
experts available by phone to answer questions,
7 days a week. Let us handle the details so you
can focus on what you do best.

Contact us
Trustpilot logo 4.8 out of 5 stars 4.8 28,197 reviews • Excellent
MA

Maegan

2 reviews US
March 18, 2024

Continually friendly service from ZB

I called their support line and received amazing help from Josh. After a long stressful day, he managed to put a smile on my face and was able to help me resolve my issue.

Date of experience: March 18, 2024
MG

Mary

1 review US
March 18, 2024

Customer service was great.

Thank you Tanisha G, for assisting me in my questions.

Date of experience: March 18, 2024
MC

Mark

1 review US
March 18, 2024

Christian B was patient with me…

during a lengthy phone call- approx 1 hour. He helped me with a pop up I wanted to add to my website. My issue was resolved. He was professional and kind. Thank you for your help!

Date of experience: March 18, 2024
RB

Rick B

1 review US
December 7, 2022

I had no idea what to do to form my LLC…

I had no idea what to do to form my LLC. Zen made it painless and easy with multiple plans to choose from. Everything was A-plus handled and explained

Date of experience: December 07, 2022
TB

Timothy Baxter

1 review US
April 14, 2021

Great package deals with Zen Business

Zen Business gave me easy access to packages that are affordable and very helpful. The website page was easy to use and explained everything perfectly. Great job by Zen Business in creating such a great business format.

Date of experience: April 14, 2021
RW

Rodney Williams

1 review US
October 2, 2024

Tanisha G was outstanding

Tanisha G was superb. Thoughtful, insightful, proactive and most of all patient! I’m an instant and grateful fan

Date of experience: October 02, 2024
Play Video

Say Hello to Velo

Meet Velo, your personalized AI assistant that handles the hardest parts of running a business. It automates filings, tracks deadlines, builds your website, and more.

Velo adapts to your needs to eliminate the guesswork and help you build velocity for your business. It will even connect you with an expert for extra support when you need it.

“You want to get it right.
ZenBusiness can help.”

– Mark Cuban on starting a business*

Watch to hear Mark's 3 steps to
follow when starting a business

Play Video

*Mr. Cuban has a financial interest in ZenBusiness

*Mr. Cuban has a financial interest in ZenBusiness

Entrepreneur and Shark Tank host lays out
3 steps to follow when starting a business

  • Form an LLC to protect your liability
  • Set up your banking and accounting
  • Grow sales by marketing your website

Get Help With Your LLC Every Step Of The Way

The core basics for starting a business are your business name, business structure, business registration certificate and all your other licenses. You must take the proper legal and regulatory steps in each of these four areas before you launch your business. Obtaining external funding and putting together a business plan are also smart moves, but they aren’t legal prerequisites.

10 steps to start your business:

  1. Conduct market research
  2. Write your business plan
  3. Fund your business
  4. Pick your business location
  5. Choose a business structure
  6. Choose your business name
  7. Register your business
  8. Get federal and state tax IDs
  9. Apply for licenses and permits
  10. Open a business bank account

According to the U.S. Small Business Administration, most micro-businesses cost around $3,000 to start, while most home-based franchises cost $2,000 to $5,000. Starting a business may be an exciting process, but it costs money.

When determining business startup costs, it’s important to be realistic. Startup costs will include equipment, incorporation fees, insurance, taxes, and payroll. Although startup costs will vary by your business type and industry — an expense for one company may not apply to another. For example, a brick-and-mortar business will need to pay to rent a separate business location, unlike a home-based online consulting company.

Each person’s ideal timeline for starting a new business will be different. Start a business only when you have enough time to devote your attention to the launch. If you have a seasonal product or service, then you should start your business one quarter before your predicted busy time of the year.

Spring and fall are popular times of year to launch for nonseasonal companies. Winter is the least popular launch season because many new owners prefer to have their LLC or corporation approved for a new fiscal year.

An LLC creates a shield between business liabilities and personal assets. This means, in most cases, a lender can’t force the owner to repay a loan taken out by the business. Nor can someone awarded damages in a lawsuit against the business require the owner to make good on it.

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Starts at $0 plus state fees and only takes 5 to 10 minutes

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