How to Start a Business In Maine

Below is some helpful information on how to start your business in Maine.
Getting started– A few websites created by the state of Maine on how to start a business can be found here:

• Starting a Business In Maine
• Maine Business Answers

• Register your new business name.

Contact your local government agency about registering your name.

If you need help choosing a business name: 12 Tips to Help Choose a Business Name

• Select your business structure.

Sole-proprietor, LLC, Partnership, Corporation, etc.  Find out more here: https://extension.umaine.edu/publications/3009e/

• Register your new business with the state of Maine.

You can find out more about obtaining a business license here:  http://www.maine.gov/portal/business/licensing.html

• Open a business account at your bank.

You will need to open a separate bank account for your business with your new business name.

• Register your business for tax purposes and hire an accountant.

If you are just starting out with your business, it will not be too difficult to file your own taxes.  As you grow, it will be easier to have an accountant do the work. More info about taxes here: http://www.maine.gov/portal/business/taxes.html  and http://www.irs.gov/Businesses/Small-Businesses-&-Self-Employed/Starting-a-Business

• Consider liability insurance.

You may want to have liability insurance depending on what type of business you will be starting.