Starting a Business in Ohio

Starting a business in Ohio is an attractive prospect for many budding entrepreneurs. Known as the Buckeye State, Ohio boasts a strategic location bridging the Midwest and the East Coast, making it a potentially ideal hub for small businesses. Recent data suggests that new business formations in Ohio have surged since 2020, thanks in part to its business-friendly tax structures and abundant resources for startups.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the essential steps to starting a business in Ohio. No matter what business type you want to start or where in Ohio you plan to begin, let us guide you through the process.

Step 1: Create a business plan

Make a solid plan for your business. Before you get into the world of business in the Buckeye State, it’s imperative to lay a solid foundation — and that begins with a comprehensive business plan. Think of it as your business’s roadmap — it not only guides your journey but showcases it to potential investors and partners.

Every business plan will vary somewhat, but there are some common elements everyone should include. Let’s walk through them.

• Executive Summary: This is your elevator pitch, succinctly highlighting your business’s purpose and vision.
• Company Description: Paint a vivid picture of your company, explaining what you do and what sets you apart from competitors.
• Market Analysis: Delve into the industry, researching market trends, your target audience, and potential challenges you might face.
• Organization and Management: Outline your company’s structure. Who’s at the helm? How is your team organized?
• Services and Products Offered: Detail what products and/or services you’re selling. Make it clear why there’s a demand for them.
• Marketing Plan: Define your strategies for attracting and retaining customers. How will you promote your business and brand?
• Funding: If you’re seeking external financing, lay out how much you need, why you need it, and how you plan to use it.
• Financial Projections: Provide a forecast for the next three to five years. This showcases your expectations for profitability and growth.

Remember, crafting a business plan isn’t just a formality. It provides clarity, aligns your goals, and, most importantly, acts as a beacon when the entrepreneurial waters get choppy. Start here, and you’ll be setting yourself up for success in Ohio’s thriving business landscape.

Step 2: Register your business in Ohio

Get registered with the state. Even if you don’t need to register an LLC or corporation, there are some important steps to launching a new business. Embarking on the entrepreneurial journey in Ohio requires adhering to certain legal steps to help ensure your business’s legitimacy. If you’re a state-registered business like an LLC or a corporation, among the most crucial is registering your business. This involves selecting a unique name, determining your business structure, appointing a statutory agent, and filing paperwork with the state.

Name your business

Choosing a business name isn’t just about brand identity — it’s also about adhering to specific state rules. If you’re setting up an LLC or a corporation in Ohio, certain guidelines dictate how you can name your business. Typically, you need to include designators like “LLC” or “Inc.” in the name if you’ll be a state-registered business.

You also need to check that your name is available, meaning it can’t be used by another registered business in Ohio. You’ll also have to do your due diligence to ensure that your name isn’t infringing on any federal or state trademarks.

And, of course, if you plan to establish an online presence — as you should — check if there’s an available domain name to match your business name. That way, you’ll be able to build a user-friendly, attractive website that your customers can find easily.

Getting a DBA

Another avenue is the “doing business as” (DBA) route, commonly referred to as a “trade name” or “fictitious name” in Ohio. DBAs are predominantly favored by sole proprietors and partnerships. Without a DBA, they’re essentially tethered to using personal names for the business — think “Jane Doe” instead of “Doe’s Designer Cakes.” LLCs and corporations are also allowed to use a trade name if they choose. 

Choose a business structure

Your business structure not only dictates how you pay taxes but also the amount of paperwork your business is required to do and the personal liability you face. Let’s quickly walk through the four most common choices.

Sole Proprietorship

This is the simplest business form under which one can operate a business. A sole proprietorship is a one-person business that doesn’t offer protection from personal liabilities and doesn’t require state registration.

Partnership

A partnership is a business structure in which two or more individuals manage and operate the business. Partners share both profits and liabilities. Like sole proprietorships, general partnerships don’t need to be registered with the state.

Limited Liability Company (LLC)

An LLC is a popular choice for many due to its hybrid nature. An LLC combines the simplicity of a sole proprietorship with the liability protection of a corporation. LLCs require state registration because they’re distinct entities from their owners.

Corporation

This is a more complex, formal structure that’s seen as a separate legal entity from its owners. A corporation offers the most protection against personal liability but comes with more stringent regulatory requirements.

If you’re not sure what business entity type you should form, we highly recommend consulting with a business attorney for customized advice.

Appoint a statutory agent in Ohio

In Ohio, businesses are required to appoint a statutory agent, known in most states as a registered agent. This agent is a designated individual or business entity responsible for receiving service of process and important legal documents on behalf of the business. While statutory agents are a necessity for state-registered entities like LLCs and corporations, they’re optional for sole proprietorships and general partnerships.

Technically, you can serve as your own agent, but we don’t typically recommend it. Instead, using a professional statutory agent service, like ours, can help ensure timely document handling and peace of mind. It also helps prevent the embarrassment of being served with a lawsuit in front of clients.

File Ohio Articles of Organization

The Articles of Organization or Articles of Incorporation — for LLCs or corporations, respectively — are the foundational documents you’ll need to file if you’re setting up one of these entity types in Ohio. These documents provide the state with essential details about your business, such as its name, purpose, and management structure. 

If you’re operating as a sole proprietorship or general partnership, the good news is you aren’t required to register with the state. However, you won’t receive the personal asset protection LLCs and corporations typically provide.

Step 3: Pick a location for your business in Ohio

Determine the best physical location for your new Ohio company. Selecting the right location for your business in Ohio is about more than just finding a space that appeals to your aesthetic — it’s a decision that can influence your operational efficiency, accessibility to customers, and even your profit margins. Consider factors such as proximity to suppliers, ease of access for customers, potential for growth, and the demographics of the area. Is the business location conducive to your target market? Are there complementary businesses nearby that could drive traffic your way?

Furthermore, don’t neglect zoning laws. Every city in Ohio will have designated zones for commercial, residential, industrial, and mixed-use purposes. Before committing to a location, ensure that the local zoning ordinances permit your type of business in that specific area. Some zones might restrict certain types of businesses or impose specific requirements, so it’s crucial to do your due diligence and verify with local authorities to avoid complications down the line.

Step 4: Get tax ID numbers

Acquire the appropriate tax identifiers. An important element of your business’s official documentation is the employer identification number (EIN), sometimes referred to as a federal tax identification number. This unique number acts as a Social Security number for your business. It’s imperative if you plan to hire employees, and it also aids in tasks such as opening bank accounts and filing federal taxes.

Many businesses — including multi-member LLCs, corporations, partnerships, some single-member LLCs, and sole proprietorships with employees — need an EIN. The process to secure one involves paperwork with the IRS, but the good news is you don’t have to go it alone. Our EIN service can handle the intricacies for you, helping ensure your number is procured smoothly.

Beyond the federal EIN, Ohio has its own state tax ID requirements. Depending on your business type and the services or products you offer, you may need to register with the Ohio Department of Taxation.

For instance, businesses selling tangible personal property or taxable services in Ohio generally need a vendor’s license and will have to collect sales tax. If you have employees, you’ll likely need a withholding account number from the Department of Taxation and an employer account number from the Department of Job and Family Services.

Always check with state regulations to help ensure you’re properly registered and in full compliance with Ohio’s tax laws.

Step 5: Obtain Ohio licenses and permits

Make sure you meet all licensing requirements to operate in compliance with the law. Stepping into Ohio’s business scene means acquainting yourself with its licensing and permitting framework. While the state of Ohio itself doesn’t mandate a general business license, some of its counties or cities may require one.

Licenses and permits aren’t one-size-fits-all — they vary dramatically based on your business’s industry, services, products, and location. Some businesses might need federal permits, while others might be subject to state or local regulations.

Navigating this maze can feel overwhelming, but remember, there’s help available. Our business license report service is designed to streamline this process for you. We’ll identify the specific licenses and permits your Ohio business needs, helping ensure you’re always in compliance and operating with confidence.

Step 6: Open a business bank account

Get a business bank account. A business bank account helps you maintain separation between your business and personal assets. Establishing a separate bank account for your business isn’t just a recommendation — it’s a vital practice for maintaining organized finances and helping ensure your company’s legitimacy. Having a dedicated business bank account helps streamline transactions, simplify tax filing, and present a professional image to both suppliers and customers.

But the benefits aren’t just cosmetic or logistical for small business owners. Especially for LLCs and corporations, intermingling personal and business funds can jeopardize the liability protection these structures offer. By blurring the lines between personal and business assets, you risk “piercing the corporate veil,” a scenario where courts no longer recognize the business as a separate legal entity. This can expose personal assets to business debts or legal claims.

In essence, by maintaining distinct business and personal bank accounts, you not only help ensure smoother financial operations but also safeguard the very protections your business structure provides.

Step 7: Fund your business

Seek funding for your enterprise. Without sufficient funding, your business success could be limited before you even open your doors. Launching a business in Ohio requires capital, and thankfully, there are various avenues to secure funding.

One of the traditional routes is through bank loans or credit unions. These institutions typically offer tailored business loans, although securing them might require a solid business plan, credit history, and collateral. Alternatively, Small Business Administration (SBA) loans can offer favorable terms for budding entrepreneurs, with the government partially guaranteeing the loan, reducing risk for lenders.

For those seeking non-traditional routes, crowdfunding platforms like Kickstarter or Indiegogo allow businesses to raise small amounts from a large number of people, often in exchange for early access to products or other incentives. Venture capital and angel investors are another option, especially for startups with high growth potential. These investors offer funds in exchange for equity or a stake in the company. Remember, each funding option comes with its own set of expectations and terms, so it’s essential to choose the one that aligns best with your business goals and vision.

Step 8: Insure your business in Ohio

Get insurance coverage for your company. Business insurance can be the difference between a minor annoyance and a catastrophe. No matter the size or industry of your company, insuring your business isn’t a step to be overlooked. Business insurance acts as a safety net, protecting you from unforeseen events that could otherwise have detrimental financial consequences. A single lawsuit or unexpected disaster could be financially devastating for an uninsured business, making insurance a necessary tool to safeguard your venture’s longevity and stability.

Among the myriad of business insurance types, general liability insurance stands out as fundamental for many businesses. It covers legal expenses and potential damages if your business is sued due to injury, property damage, or reputational harm. Beyond that, consider property insurance if you own physical assets — it protects against damages to equipment, furniture, and even the building. For those with employees, workers’ compensation insurance covers medical costs and lost wages for work-related injuries and illnesses.

Depending on the nature of your business, you might also explore professional liability insurance, product liability insurance, or commercial auto insurance. Take the time to assess the unique risks associated with your business to ensure you’re adequately covered in the Buckeye State.

Step 9: Market your business

Promote your company. Marketing can be a key component of your company’s success. To thrive in Ohio’s competitive landscape, a robust marketing strategy is indispensable. Start with a well-defined marketing plan that outlines your target audience, value proposition, and promotional tactics. In today’s digital age, a compelling online presence is a must, beginning with a user-friendly website. Our website builder can help you craft a site that resonates with your audience with minimal hassle (no coding experience necessary). 

Complement those efforts with a memorable logo and consistent branding to build trust and recognition and turn your company into a successful business. Harness the power of social media, email campaigns, and local advertising to connect with potential customers and make your business’s value proposition known. Remember, even the best product or service can fall flat without effective marketing backing it up.

Top Ohio Cities to Form Businesses

Columbus: State capital and largest city, with a diversified economy. Strong sectors include retail, technology, finance, and healthcare. Home to major corporations and a vibrant startup scene supported by Ohio State University.

Cincinnati: Significant corporate presence with companies like Procter & Gamble and Kroger. Strengths in consumer goods, finance, and healthcare. Known for a vibrant arts scene and historic architecture.

Cleveland: Diversified economy transitioning from manufacturing to include healthcare and technology. Home to the globally recognized Cleveland Clinic. Investing in revitalization of downtown and waterfront areas.

Dayton: Historical contributions to aviation and manufacturing, with a continued focus on aerospace and defense. Growing technology and healthcare sectors. Supported by Wright-Patterson Air Force Base and extensive R&D facilities.

Toledo: Traditional strength in manufacturing, especially automotive and glass industries. Diversifying into renewable energy and logistics. Benefits from strategic location on Lake Erie for distribution and trade.

These cities offer a blend of industrial strengths, strategic geographic locations, and supportive environments, making them suitable for various types of business ventures in Ohio.

We can help!

Embarking on the entrepreneurial journey in Ohio? Let us shoulder some of the weight. Our LLC formation and corporation formation services can help kickstart your business for $0 (plus state fees). With rigorous support at every step, we simplify the intricate aspects of starting up so you can channel your energy toward what matters most — running your business. Whether you’re launching a boutique in Cincinnati or a tech startup in Columbus, we’re here to transform your business dreams into reality. Trust us to streamline the process, making your Ohio business journey smooth and stress-free.