The DBA (doing business as) is the public facing name of a business. For a sole proprietor, a DBA allows them to market a business other than their legal name. For an LLC, a DBA allows the owner to market a business with a name other than the registered name. Several states and counties use…
About the Author
Blake Stockton
Blake Stockton is a staff writer at Fit Small Business focusing on how to start brick-and-mortar and online businesses. He is a frequent guest lecturer at several undergraduate business and MBA classes at University of North Florida. Prior to joining Fit Small Business, Blake consulted with over 700 small biz owners and assisted with starting and growing their businesses.
As an entrepreneur, Blake has owned multiple online businesses. Now, he creates online courses that teach local marketing strategies. As a creator, Blake enjoys creating YouTube videos that teach biz owners the latest local marketing and business strategies.
When Blake isn't writing, he is spending time with family, performing improv and sketch comedy, and doing outdoor activities.
Small Business Lawyer: When to Hire?
A knowledgeable lawyer helps your business solve problems. As a best practice, you should get advice or assistance from a lawyer if you have any hesitation around a legal matter. Being proactive, instead of reactive with legal matters can save a small business thousands of dollars. Expect to pay anywhere from $200 to $300 per…
One-Page Business Plan: The Step-By-Step Guide
Right now you likely have a business idea. Awesome! Now you need to think through that idea by getting your thoughts on paper. The One-Page Business Plan will walk you through each step of planning your business idea. Once you know your financial projections, you can finish the basics of this plan in less than…
What Is a Business Partnership?
A business partnership is an agreement between two or more individuals who go into business together. There are several types of partnerships that business owners can create, such as a general partnership, limited partnership, LLC with multiple members, and limited liability partnership (LLP). Regardless of the partnership you choose, we recommend creating a documented agreement…
25 Best Home Based Franchises
Home based franchises are businesses you can run from your home, or that have a mobile vehicle such as a branded truck. Much of the work conducted by the home franchises listed below can be either full time or part time. Additionally, many of the businesses can start as a home based franchise and grow…
LLC vs S-corp vs C-corp: What is the Best for Small Business?
The limited liability company (LLC), S corporation (S-corp), and C corporation (C-corp) are all business structures that you may be considering. The LLC is a low-maintenance legal entity that’s best for a simple business. An S corporation is a tax status created so that business owners can save money on taxes. A C corporation is…
LegalZoom vs Rocket Lawyer: Which Is Best?
LegalZoom and Rocket Lawyer provide similar online legal services. Where they differ is pricing, ease of use, intellectual property services, and customer service. LegalZoom has more affordable ongoing single services like access to their legal document library. Rocket Lawyer provides comprehensive services in an affordable monthly membership, which includes legal advice and unlimited legal documents….
21 Best Businesses to Start in 2020
The best businesses to start are those that are either low-cost, high-profit, low-competition, or trending. You also may want to look for a business that performs well during or after COVID-19 restrictions. To compile this list, we reviewed market research by companies such as IBIS World, Statista, Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), and Grand View…
The Low-Cost Guide to Starting a Cleaning Business
Cleaning businesses offer a wide range of services, including disinfecting, vacuuming, dusting, tidying up, floor mopping, and waxing. More recently, cleaning businesses are specializing in CDC recommended procedures to kill the COVID-19 virus. In this guide, we talk about low-cost strategies to get your cleaning business up and running on a budget. We cover how…
6 Best Business Plan Software 2020
Business plan software gives you the tools to create financial projection tables, charts, and other documents you need to plan your business. Software is often better than using a free template because it gives you step-by-step directions and educational materials to help you complete a clear business plan. We review the best business plan software…
The Complete Guide to Starting a Business
Whether you’re starting a part-time business or quitting your corporate job to create your dream biz, you’ll find information in this guide to help you succeed. Throughout this article, you’ll learn from experts in finance, legal, marketing, human resources, software, insurance, in addition to myself—a former small business consultant. As a small business consultant, I’ve…
7 Best Online Legal Services 2020
An online legal service assists with legal tasks in both business and personal matters. The services typically cost a fraction of what a local attorney would charge. An online legal service helps with tasks such as business registration, legal documents, attorney advice, and intellectual property. Choose a company to work with based on your specific…