Legal aspects of running your own small business

The SBA FAQ has the following information on the legal aspects that someone needs to consider when they are looking into a small business:

" Licenses required, zoning laws and other regulations vary from business to business and from state to state. Your local Small Business Administration (SBA) office and/or chamber of commerce will provide you with general information, but you will need to consult your attorney for advice specific to your enterprise and area. You also must decide about your form of organization (corporation, partnership or sole proprietorship) or tax status (e.g., should you opt for a Subchapter S status?)."

Some issues that I have encountered in the various small businesses that I have seen others work at include:

• Business license, both state and city
• Health inspection and permits for businesses dealing with food
• Insurance

Do some looking into things based on the kind of business you are planning to be running, talk to a professional at your local SBA office, and maybe an attorney that can help you sort through the legal aspects of your planned business.