State and local governments require many businesses to have permits or licenses to operate. A business license is required for most businesses, including retailers and wholesalers. A trader's license is required for buying and re-selling goods. And you, or the professionals you hire, may need individual occupational and professional licenses.

 

Mwende Consulting checks at the state and local level to determine what licenses and permits you may need to operate your business.
 

Want to be a Limited liability company (LLC)?  This  business structure in the U.S. protects its owners from personal responsibility for its debts or liabilities.
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How about a non-profit corporation? Nonprofit means the entity, usually a corporation, which is organized for a nonprofit purpose, and should be registered as such.
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All businesses need an employer identification number (EIN), which is a nine-digit number assigned by the IRS. It's used to identify the tax accounts of employers and certain others who have no employees. The IRS uses the number to identify taxpayers who are required to file various business tax returns.
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An International Organization for Standardization (ISO) certification is a stamp of approval from the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) confirming that a company's internal systems and processes meet internationally recognized standards for quality, safety, or sustainability. It demonstrates a commitment to consistent quality, efficiency, and best practices in a specific area, such as quality management, environmental sustainability, or cybersecurity. 
 

Are you a government contractor? Are you applying for loans and/or grants? Then a Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number is needed. A D&B DUNS number is a nine-digit number that is recognized as the universal standard to track businesses worldwide. It is designed to enhance the credibility of your business and enable potential customers, lenders and suppliers to learn about your company.
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The System for Award Management (SAM) is a government-wide registry for vendors doing business with the Federal government, and SAM registration requires annual renewal. SAM centralizes information about grant recipients and also provides a central location for grant recipients to change organizational information.
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The Commercial and Government Entity Code, or CAGE  Code is mandatory in order to do business with the federal government or receive federal grant funding. The CAGE Code is a five-character ID number used by the Federal Government to identify vendors.

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