One of the most challenging things about starting a small business is to think of a unique name. Many states in the United States have laws that prohibit any two businesses to have the same name, including Massachusetts. Doing a quick name search will let you know if there are other businesses in Massachusetts that have the same name as your startup, so make sure you reserve the name you thought of if it is still available.
In this article, we will show you how to search for names in the Massachusetts business database to ensure you choose a unique name before registering. But first, let’s start you off with a couple of interesting facts about Massachusetts small businesses.
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How to check business name availability in Massachusetts
Now that you have come up with the name, you might want to check if it is available simultaneously. Filtering out the available names with what is available or taken might even help you make a decision. Here is how to check the name availability:
1. Go to the Massachusetts Secretary of State website
The Massachusetts Secretary of State website has an easy-to-use name search tool that enables you to check if the business name you thought of is available for you to use.
2. Type the name you want to search
The search tool is primarily made for finding a corporation in Massachusetts. However, because it is the main database for all registered businesses in Massachusetts, you can use it to see if the name you want to give your business is available. Just type in the name and click “search” to take you to the result page.
3. Choose the name based on the results
If the name you are searching for has an exact match, you need to think of another name for your business. Even if the name of the business is in a different industry than your small business, the state of Massachusetts will still not allow two businesses with the same name.
4. Make your decision
Now that you have gone through the name search results, the next step is to decide if you will follow through with the name you have chosen. Take note that you can change your business name, but it is always better to be sure before reserving or registering it to avoid problems in the future.
5. Consider reserving a name
After running a Massachusetts business name search, you have two options: You can reserve a name or you can register the name. You should reserve the name if you aren’t planning to set up the business immediately.
Massachusetts allows business owners to reserve a name for 60 days for $30.
To do so, you’ll fill out a quick form and provide the payment.
Again, you don’t need to reserve a name if you plan to officially set up your business with the state of Massachusetts, but if you’re just doing some homework and plan to set up your business later, reserve the name now so it’s not taken when you’re ready.
6. Check domain name availability
We created a tool that makes it easy.
How to name your Massachusetts business
Now that you know a little more about the business landscape in the state, it’s time to start generating a list of names for your business. To do so, follow these steps:
1. Write down basic details about your business
Start by creating a verbal picture of your business. Think about what your business will offer and who it will serve. Will you sell a specific product or service? Who’s going to buy it? Jot down a few details about your company as a starting point.
Next, start creating a list of adjectives that describe your business. Think in terms of keywords. What keywords would your customer use to find the product or service that you offer? Write them down.
2. Stay away from initials and hard-to-say words
There are plenty of businesses that include initials, like A&J Plumbing, but consider upping your game with something a bit more creative and descriptive.
The same goes for names that are hard to say. If your last name is Stackowaski, for example, it’s not conducive to a business name because it’s too hard to pronounce.
3. Don’t pigeon-hole your business
Be careful not to select a name that limits your company’s potential growth. Think about where your business will be in five, ten, even twenty years, and take that into consideration when creating a name.
A company named Bob’s Bargain Books, for example, is a good name, but what if they plan to sell vintage records and cassettes down the road? The name only refers to books, so when vintage music is added people won’t associate it with the store.
4. Consider using a name generator
At this point, you probably have a list of a few ideas. Rather than brainstorm a bunch of different combinations, why not try a name generator? You simply enter a few of the adjectives that you came up with into the search bar and you’ll get a list of possible names.
Name generators can take some of the hassles out of creating a name. Most name generators will only show you available names too, which is helpful.
Check out some of Namechk’s name generators below:
What kind of business structure is right for your Massachusetts company?
As you research available business names in Massachusetts, you’ll also want to think about what kind of business you want to establish. There are a handful of options to choose from, but some of the most common are Sole proprietorship and LLC.
- A sole proprietorship is ideal for small businesses with no employees that want to test their business out. There’s virtually no paperwork to set up this kind of business, which is a plus. However, a sole proprietorship is not a separate business entity, which means you’re financially and legally responsible for any problems that might arise.
- An LLC, or limited liability company, provides a certain amount of liability protection. Your personal assets and your business are separate with this business structure, which means if the business is sued or goes bankrupt, you will not be forced to use your personal cash reserves to bail the business out.
Steps to register your Massachusetts business
Ready to set up your business in MA? Here’s what you do:
1. File your Articles of Organization
Visit the Massachusetts Secretary of State website and fill out the Articles of Organization. To fill this out, you’ll need to have an available business name, address, and contact information.
2. Name a registered agent
You’ll also need to name a registered agent. A registered agent is the point-person for your company who will receive important documents like tax notices or legal documents.
A registered agent must be trustworthy and be available during regular business hours when documents are delivered. The business owner can serve as the registered agent in Massachusetts, or another person or company can be named.
You might decide to name your accountant or co-founder, for example. You can also hire a registered agent service to serve in this role. Northwest Registered Agent, ZenBusiness, and Bizee are a few examples. These companies will receive documents on your behalf and notify you of their arrival.
3. Pay the filing fee
Every state charges a filing fee to file LLC formation documents with the government. In Massachusetts, the cost is $100.
4. Wait for approval
Massachusetts will review your application and typically provides approvals within five business days. Once approved, your business is officially set up.
Our picks of the best registered agent services
Massachusetts small business facts
Before we go ahead and teach you how to search, reserve, and register the name for your small business in Massachusetts, here are a couple of small business facts from the U.S. Business Administration:
- 99.5% of all businesses in Massachusetts are small businesses.
- There are 669,224 small businesses in the state of Massachusetts.
- Out of 1.5 million small businesses in Massachusetts, 125,988 of them are employed at minority-owned businesses.
- Out of all the employees who work in Massachusetts, 45.8% are employed at small businesses.
- The employment rate of small businesses increased by 2.8% from February 2018 to February 2019.
- In 2016 alone, small businesses generated over 50,000 jobs.
- Firms with fewer than 20 employees experienced the largest gains, adding 31,327 more jobs for Massachusetts residents.
- In 2017, 6,423 new establishments opened, generating 18,032 new jobs in the state. However, in the same period, 5,685 small businesses closed down causing the loss of 15, 658 jobs.
- The industry with the most number of employees in Massachusetts is the Health Care and Social Assistance industry with 227,593 employees, followed by the accommodation and food service industry with 200,572.
FAQs
To further help entrepreneurs, check out these frequently asked questions about starting a business in Massachusetts:
Why is it so important to check on business name availability?
Massachusetts will not allow two businesses in the state to have the same name. There are many reasons for this, but at its core, it’s to avoid any confusion. For example, if someone plans to sue Bob’s Fruit Stand and there are two of these companies in the state, things can get complicated quickly.
All businesses must have a unique name. And, you can’t just add a hyphen to a name to make it different. Each name must be “distinguishingly different.”
What is considered a small business in Massachusetts?
In Massachusetts, firms that have less than 500 employees are considered small businesses. If your business is incorporated, it might technically be a small business, but the state and the people of Massachusetts will still consider your firm a small business. You will still be paying the annual fee for a corporation in MA, even if you have fewer employees if your business is incorporated.
Do I need to register a small business in Massachusetts?
Any business of any size needs to be registered with at least one or more government agencies. Sole proprietorships only need a business license in Massachusetts, which you can get at the city or town hall in the area where your business is located. However, LLCs and corporations need to register their business with the Secretary of State department and pay the annual fees and do annual updates.
How long does it take to register a business in Massachusetts?
It usually takes around 5 to 7 business days to get a business incorporated in MA. It could be faster if you register your business online or register through third-party companies. However, it will cost a little bit more than filing and gathering the necessary documents yourself.
How much does it cost to register a business in Massachusetts?
The cost of registering a business in MA is typically around $150 to $500, including the filing fees and taxes. The usual requirements for opening a business are a general business license or permit, zoning permit, sales tax permit, health permits, federal and state tax identification number, and a home occupation permit if you are conducting your business in your home.
Can I use a business name without registering it?
Every business name should be registered in most states, including Massachusetts. When you register your business for one state, including MA, your business will be registered nationally. Almost any business will need one or multiple business licenses to operate legally.
How much does it cost to open a small business in Massachusetts?
The expenses to start an LLC in Massachusetts are higher than in most states. The formation fee will cost $500 and you will need to do an annual report with a $500 fee.
Corporations are much cheaper in Massachusetts. You only need to pay $275 to get started and pay $125 annually. However, the filing fee for incorporations will cost $100 more for every 100,000 authorized shares above the 275,000 limit. But there is no need to worry about these costs because they do not apply to most startups.
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