How To Start A Business In Nj With No Money

How to Start a New Jersey Business

New Jersey state flag flying from flagpole

New Jersey Business Facts and Environment

New Jersey Business Facts

New Jersey's nickname, The Garden State, is said to have been coined by Abraham Browning of Camden, who first referenced it by that name at the Centennial Exhibition in Philadelphia on New Jersey Day, August 24, 1876.

New Jersey has the most diners of any region in the world and is often referred to as the world's Diner Capital.

With 90% of its residents living in urban centers, New Jersey has the highest urban population in the United States. It is the only state where all of its counties are classified as metropolitan areas.

New Jersey has the densest system of highways and railroads in the US. The Garden state also has the densest concentration of shopping malls in the world, with seven major shopping centers situated in a 25 square mile radius.

Major Companies in New Jersey

Currently, Johnson & Johnson holds the top employer position in the Garden State. Other large corporations are Conduent, Merck & Co., Bed Bath & Beyond, Toys R Us, and Automatic Data Processing.

Startup Environment

Although the tech and startup scene in New Jersey is experiencing a period of growth, many New Jersey startups currently have a difficult time finding investors and acquiring funding. Part of the reason behind this is tied to New Jersey's capital gains tax, which applies to all exchange of property, shares, and stock.

Step 1: Decide on a Business Structure

There are 3 basic options: a DBA, a Corporation, or an LLC. Click here to learn more about business entities.

A DBA or "Doing Business As" (also known as a "Fictitious Business Name" or FBN) is not really a separate structure, but just a different name that an individual or partners use as their business name.
A Corporation is a separate entity (provides liability protection to the owners) that has a structure that includes shareholders, directors and officers. More complex than a DBA but the entity of choice for large companies and startups that intend to raise funding. Some professions are required to choose what is known as a "Professional Corporation" or PC (doctors, lawyers, architects, etc.).
An LLC or "Limited Liability Company" is a newer type of business that is both a separate entity but provides very easy management (doesn't require directors or officers) and taxation. Has largely replaced the DBA and Corporation in popularity recently as it provides liability protection but with much less complexity (and taxation) than a Corporation.

Step 2: Pick a Business Name

Picking a business name is easier said than done – many legal and business problems can arise from picking the wrong name (you can change your name later, but it will save time and money to pick the right business name at first).

Make sure you've covered the basics: unique, easy to understand/pronounce (practice saying it out loud: "Thanks for calling XYZ") and can survive over time ("DVD World" is not timely). Here are some of our tips on business identity including logo and trademarks.
Search the web for your proposed name. Search Google, Bing and DuckDuckGo as a "first sweep" for any potential conflicts, especially in your state or local jurisdiction. NOTE: If you intend to operate nationally or even internationally it will be even more important that your name be unique. This should cover many cases where a company name is being used but not officially trademarked (see next tip).
Do a trademark search with the US Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). This will be a very good indicator if you're name will have any conflicts. There's an art to trademark searches (trademark specialists will charge you handsomely to do a thorough search) but in our experience if you can use google at a fairly advanced level you can reasonably clear a name yourself.
TIP: search misspellings, plurals, variations of spelling, sound-alikes and other versions of your chosen name to be sure it's not already registered.
Make sure your company name choice is available by searching the New Jersey Business Entity Database and doing a name search on the State of New Jersey website. Note: Make sure to search variations of spelling, plurals and misspellings as the state may reject a name that is too similar (then you have to start all over again, wasting valuable time).

Step 3: Register the Business

Each state has its own requirements for registering a business. Now that you've chosen a business structure and picked your business name, here are the requirements to register your business in New Jersey.

How to form an LLC in New Jersey

Complete a Public Records Filing for your business. These forms must be filed with the New Jersey Department of Treasury, Division of Revenue and Enterprise Services.
Hire a professional Registered Agent.
File a Certificate of Formation with the New Jersey Division of Revenue and Enterprise Services.
Optional: Elect S-Corporation status with the IRS by filing IRS Form 2553. Yes, an LLC can choose to be taxed as an S-Corporation (or even a C-Corporation).
TIP: Speak to your tax advisor about this important issue because it adds complexity to your LLC most people would rather avoid.
Hold an Organizational Meeting (yes, even for 1 person LLCs).

How to Incorporate in New Jersey

Complete a Public Records Filing for your business. These forms must be filed with the New Jersey Department of Treasury, Division of Revenue and Enterprise Services.
Hire a professional Registered Agent.
File a Certificate of Formation with the New Jersey Division of Revenue and Enterprise Services
Optional: Corporations can elect S-Corporation status with the IRS by filing IRS Form 2553. Click here to learn more about S-Corporations.
Hold an Organizational Meeting.

Notes about Incorporation and forming an LLC in New Jersey

A Registered Agent is required for every New Jersey Corporations and LLC. The chosen registered agent must have a physical street address in New Jersey. A professional Registered Agent will provide their address and forward any important documents to you. This is convenient if you have to move, since you won't have to file forms or pay fees, (just update your address with your agent).
An "Organizational Meeting" takes contributions from the members, issues Member Certificates, adopts the company Operating Agreement and more. Many people simply do steps 1 and 2 above but this leaves your company unorganized and possibly exposed to legal, tax and compliance issues. Save time and money now by properly organizing the company.

How to File a DBA in New Jersey

Search your desired business name in the New Jersey Business Entity Name Search.
Register your name with the New Jersey Department of Revenue & Enterprise Services.

Ready to register a business in New Jersey?

Our formation package includes everything you need to get started

Preparing and submitting Articles of Organization to the state of New Jersey.
All the necessary post-formation documents completed and personalized to you "ready for signature."
Our exclusive Startup Wizard – which guides you through the complete startup process from formation to bank accounts, logos and more.

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Sure, you could do all the steps above or you could spend 5-10 minutes on our order form and let us take care of it while you work on more important things.

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Contact our friendly support team if you have any questions

Step 4: Obtain Your Federal Employer Identification Number

Your EIN is like your Social Security Number for your company. It's required for Corporations and LLCs and optional for DBA's (if you don't have any employees, then it's required). However, if you are a DBA and don't obtain an EIN you will be forced to use your Social Security Number on many documents so it's typically recommended you obtain the EIN to prevent identity theft.

To obtain an EIN you can apply online with the IRS or via IRS Form SS-4.

TIP: We will obtain your EIN for you if we form your company.

Step 5: Open Company Bank and Credit Accounts

To keep business and personal expenses separate, you should open a separate account for your business. In addition, getting business credit cards is how you begin to build a company credit profile (corporation or LLC required) and can later qualify for larger loans and lines of credit. To open the account simply call your chosen bank and inquire on the steps to open a business bank account. Typically you'll need a) your filed paperwork b) your EIN c) a company resolution authorizing your company to open the account (signed by the owners, members, officers or directors, etc.).

Click here to view a list of our recommended banks in our Vendor Network.

TIP: Our business formation service includes a free banking resolution for your use.

Step 6: Set-up An Accounting System

Setup your Accounting and Record-keeping system and learn about the taxes your new company is responsible for paying.

Company documents generally are required to be kept for 3 years, including a list of all owners and addresses, copies of all formation documents, financial statements, annual reports, amendments, or changes to the company. All Tax and Corporate Filings should be kept for at least 3 years. View our "Accounting & Financial Management" section for help with setting up an accounting system and purchasing accounting software.

Review our list of Accountants, Accounting Software, and Bookkeepers in our Vendor Network.

Step 7: Obtain Licenses and Permits

Now that you've registered your business name you need to obtain a business license for your company – this authorizes your company to do business in your city or county. Typically this also involves registering for state taxes and permits (the city may require them as part of the business licensing process).

The State of New Jersey Business Portal has information regarding business licensing in New Jersey.

TIP: We work with a company that can obtain and prepare business licenses and permits for you. Click here to learn more.

Step 8: Hire Employees (if applicable)

If you intend to hire yourself or others as a full or part-time employee of your company, then you may have to register with the appropriate State Agencies or obtain Workers Compensation Insurance or Unemployment Insurance (or both). View our "Employees & Payroll" section for help with hiring employees and processing payroll.

Review our list of Accountants, Accounting Software, and Bookkeepers in our Vendor Network.

Step 9: Obtain Business Insurance

There are many types of insurance for businesses but they are usually packaged as "General Business Insurance" or a "Business Owner's Policy". This can cover everything from product liability to company vehicles. A decent policy can run as little as $300/year and offers a great extra level of protection.

Click here to view our list of insurance providers in our Vendor Network.

Step 10: Systemize and Organize

Prepare the business as if someone needed to take it over and run it for you. Figure out a process to manage orders, pay bills, employees, taxes, maintain your permits, etc. Basically, try to make the operational aspect of the business as automated and efficient as possible so you can concentrate on growing your business. View our "Manage Your Company" section for help with systemizing and automating your business.

Step 11: Branding and Marketing

Now that you've set up the company for success, you need to get the word out. Create a marketing plan for your products and services that targets your ideal customer. View our "Marketing & Sales" section for help for more information.

Step 12: Annual and Ongoing Requirements

DBA:Your Fictitious Business Name should be valid for 5 years (unless you change the company name or other information listed on the FBN) at which point you'll need to renew it with the county.

LLC:New Jersey LLCs are required to file an annual report on or before the last day of their anniversary month. The filing fee is $78, and the report must be filed online.

Corporation:Your business must keep corporate records at its principal place of business. Every year, an officer of your corporation must file an annual report on or before the last day of the anniversary month of incorporation. The fee is $78 ($33 for non-profits). The annual report filing may be used to change the business's registered agent or registered office. This report must be filed online.

Franchise Taxes:New Jersey businesses must file an annual franchise tax, submitted quarterly, based on a percentage of total revenue. Interestingly, LLCs do not pay income taxes – only their members do.

Click here to view our MyCompanyWorks Premium™ service which can automate most of your ongoing compliance tasks.

Ready to start a business in New Jersey?

Our New Jersey filing services will help you get started as quickly as possible.

New Jersey Department of State

NJ Department of State
PO Box 300
Trenton, NJ 08625

New Jersey State Taxation Departments

New Jersey State Treasury

New Jersey Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs

New Jersey State Labor and Employment Departments

New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development

New Jersey Startup Resources

1. New Jersey Small Business Administration

Small Business Administration (SBA) New Jersey State District Office

US Small Business Administration

2. SCORE Mentors

SCORE New Jersey

SCORE is a resource to connect with active and retired business people who volunteer time to support startup businesses. Connecting with a local SCORE mentor can help you avoid costly startup mistakes.

New Jersey Business Portal
New Jersey Small Business Development Center
New Jersey Career Connections
Tax Information For New Jersey Businesses

3. New Jersey State Legal Statutes:

New Jersey Business Corporation Act
New Jersey State Limited Liability Companies – the specific act that applies to New Jersey State LLCs.
New Jersey State Businesses and Professions – includes regulations on topics such as business and professions codes.

4. New Jersey State Chambers of Commerce

5. New Jersey Angel Investors

List of Angel Investors in New Jersey

6. New Jersey Business News

NJBiz
New Jersey Business
New Jersey Small Business News

7. New Jersey State Small Business Development Center

New Jersey Small Business Development Center

8. Possible Planet – New Jersey Green Economy Initiative