Pre Start-up/Assessing
Your Business Idea
Government Regulations and Your Business
It may be inconceivable to you that your home-based consulting
service or hand knit sweater business would have to comply with
any of the numerous local, state and federal regulations, but
in all likelihood it will. Avoid the temptation to ignore regulatory
details. Doing so may avert some red tape in the short term,
but could be an obstacle as your business grows. Taking the time
to research the applicable regulations is as important as knowing
your market.
Below is a checklist of the most common requirements
that affect small businesses, but it is by no means exhaustive.
Bear in mind
that regulations vary by industry. If you're in the food service
business, for example, you will have to deal with the health
department. If you use chemical solvents, you will have environmental
compliance to meet. Carefully investigate the regulations that
affect your industry. Being out of compliance could leave you
unprotected legally, lead to expensive penalties, and jeopardize
your business.
Americans
with Disabilities Act
Employment
Discrimination
Business
Licenses
Occupational
Licenses
Certificate
of Occupancy
Business
Organization
Fictitious
Business Name
Protecting
Your Idea
Trademarks
State
Registration of a Trademark
Federal
Registration of Trademark and Patent
Patents
Copyrights
Business
Insurance
Sales Tax
Number
State
Labor Requirements
Unemployment
Insurance Tax
Immigration
Act
Health and
Safety
Workers
Compensation
Employment Standards (Minimum Wage, Overtime, Youth Employment)
Bar Coding
Electronic
Commerce
Small Business Regulatory
Enforcement Fairness Act
Environmental Requirements
Web Links:
SBA Small Business StartUp Guide
FirstStep Employment Law Advisor
Employment Law Guide
DOL Compliance Assistance Portal