How to Start a Small Business in Kentucky

To start a business in Kentucky, use the official Kentucky Business One Stop Portal at onestop.ky.gov to choose a business structure (like an LLC), register your business name, and apply for necessary licenses and permits. You’ll also need to obtain a federal Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS and register for sales tax if you sell goods.

1. Plan Your Business 

Choose your business idea:
Evaluate your skills, interests, and market needs to find a viable business idea.
  • Create a business plan:

    This helps you outline startup costs, marketing strategies, and financial projections, which is useful for potential investors and lenders.

2. Register Your Business
  • Choose a business structure:

    Decide if you want to be a sole proprietorship, partnership, LLC, or corporation

    Register your business name:
    Use the Kentucky Secretary of State website to check if your desired name is available and then register it
    File formation documents:

    For an LLC, file Articles of Organization with the Kentucky Secretary of State. For a corporation, file Articles of Incorporation. You can use the Kentucky Business One Stop Portal to do this online

3. Get Federal and State IDs
Get an EIN:
Apply for a federal Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS, which is required for most businesses for tax and banking purposes.
Register for Kentucky taxes:

Register with the Kentucky Department of Revenue and apply for a sales tax account if you will be selling goods or taxable services.

4. Obtain Licenses and Permits
Use the One Stop Portal:
Visit onestop.ky.gov to search for and apply for the specific licenses and permits required for your business type and location
find more info here.
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