How to Start a Business in Rhode Island

Rhode Island is home to over 108,000 small businesses at the last count. Joining their ranks could be an excellent way to advance your career and gain more control over your work-life balance. However, you’ll need to put in some hard work first.

There are several required steps to start a business in Rhode Island. From honing your idea to choosing Rhode Island business insurance to protect your livelihood, it will take time and effort to bring your dream to life.

To assist, we’ve put together nine steps for Rhode Island business registration and setting yourself up for success.

1. Develop and research your idea

Every small business starts with an idea. However, you might want to refine this idea to help make your business a success. Think about the products or services you plan to offer: What makes them unique? Are you filling a hole in the existing market?

Researching your local market and competitors might be an essential early step. Gather info on the desire for your products or services, as well as what competitors are offering, how much they charge, and how they advertise. You might find areas where you can improve your small business idea and stand out from the competition.

2. Write a business plan

With an idea and research, you can begin to draft a blueprint for your business. A business plan helps guide key business decisions and track your success. It may be necessary to apply for a business loan or attract other funding.

There are many ways to write a business plan, but most include sections covering:

• An overview of your business, also called the executive summary.
• Market research (the information you discovered while refining your idea)
• How your business will be organized, i.e., your business structure and the people who will run it.
• Descriptions of your product(s) or service(s)
• Your strategy for attracting customers, also called a marketing plan.
• Funding and financial forecast, often for the first five years
• Supporting documents to back up other sections or that are requested to obtain funding (i.e., permits, licenses, letters of reference, etc.)

3. Secure funding

You may need extra money to help get your business off the ground. Many small business owners seek loans from a commercial bank or the U.S. Small Business Administration. You may also apply for small business grants or start a crowdfunding campaign.

Finding investors is another option. Angel investors and VCs could help fund and grow a small business in Rhode Island. Investors may negotiate partial ownership or return for their investment before agreeing to fund you. While you might lose some control, you may benefit from their expertise and ongoing financial funding.

4. Choose a business structure

When you start a business in Rhode Island, you will need to choose a business structure. There are several options to pick from, each with its own legal and tax requirements. The most popular options for small businesses are:

• Sole proprietor/partnership – Running a business by yourself or with one or more partners. This is the simplest business structure, with no separate legal entity for your business.
• Limited Liability Company (LLC) – A structure that provides some protection for you and your partner(s) but with simple tax filing.

5. Register your business

Rhode Island business registration steps depend on the type of business structure you choose.

Sole proprietors do not need to register with the state government. However, if you are using a business name other than your legal name (i.e., Ocean State Bookkeeping vs. Jane Smith – Bookkeeping), an assumed name certificate must be filed with your local city or town clerk.

You can check the Secretary of State Business Name Database to check that the name you’ve chosen is available to use in Rhode Island.

To register an LLC in Rhode Island, first, appoint a resident agent (a.k.a. a registered agent) to handle government communications on behalf of your business. An agent must have a physical address in the state to qualify.

After you’ve appointed an agent and found an available business name, you can file Articles of Organization. This can be done online or by mail.

6. Apply for tax IDs

Apply for an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS. This number helps identify your business and may be necessary to open bank accounts, process payroll and file taxes. LLCs must have an EIN, but it is optional for sole proprietors.

You will also need to register with the Rhode Island Department of State. Registration allows you to pay your state business taxes and withhold payroll taxes and sales taxes (if required).

7. Open business bank accounts

If you plan to register an LLC in Rhode Island, you will need to open separate bank accounts for your business. However, many sole proprietors and partnerships also take this step.

Keeping your business and personal finances apart can make it easier to run your business. You’ll have a clearer idea of how much money is coming in and being spent and how well you are sticking to your budget.

8. Apply for licenses and permits

You may need a Rhode Island business license to run your small business. In fact, you may require multiple licenses and permits, depending on the type of business you are running. The Department of Business Regulation (DBR) website can help you understand the state-level licenses that may be necessary for your business.

In addition to statewide licenses, you may also need local licenses or permits to run your business. Check with your local county or city government to understand their laws.

9. Consider insurance options

Many small business owners in The Ocean State consider Rhode Island business insurance to protect themselves and their businesses. You may choose coverage options, such as:

• Errors and Omissions/E&O insurance – For Rhode Island businesses that provide professional services, this may be an important type of policy to have. It may be required to receive your professional license.
• General Liability insurance – This coverage may be required to rent commercial space or work with specific clients.
• Workers’ Compensation insurance – Most Rhode Island businesses must have this coverage if they have one or more employees.
• Business Owner’s Policy – This coverage helps you handle the financial impact of equipment breakdowns, unplanned interruptions, and other risks to your business.

How BizInsure helps Rhode Island businesses

As you grow your small business in Rhode Island, insurance can help protect it. BizInsure helps small business owners in Rhode Island and across the country buy policies without the traditional hassle and drama.

• Compare policies online – We only work with top-rated insurance partners, giving you access to quality protection.
• Competitive pricing – Our online platform gives you greater pricing transparency, allowing you to switch and save on your coverage.
• Instant coverage – It only takes about 10 minutes to quote and buy coverage, with instant protection and Certificates of Insurance sent right to your inbox.

Compare quotes today and get instant coverage for your small business with BizInsure!