NJSBDC Frequently Asked Questions page
Q. I heard the government is giving away grants to help me start my business. Can you help me find information about grants?
A. While it is true that the government occasionally sets up grant programs for small businesses, such programs are scarce indeed. Science and high-technology companies fare a better chance in general, but even these programs are highly competitive. Here are a few sources to find information about grants:
Federal grant resources: http://www.sba.gov/expanding/grants.html
New Jersey grants: http://www.nj.gov/grants.html
More often, NJSBDC consultants work with clients to evaluate their resources and identify bootstrapping techniques to work with their existing capital. NJSBDC consultants work with clients to access capital and are knowledgeable about lending programs and their requirements.
Q. How do I register as sole proprietorship or general partnership?
A. If the business name is your name, registration is advisable but not required. If the business name is not your name, registration is required.
To register a sole proprietorship or general partnership under a trade name or a name including "and Company" or "& Co.", contact the County Clerk in the county or counties where business will be conducted:
NJ County Clerks: http://www.state.nj.us/lps/elections/clerks.html
Q. How do I register my corporation and check to see the availability of a name?
A. For corporations, limited liability companies, limited partnerships or limited liability partnerships, a Certificate of Incorporation or Business Certificate must be filed with the State of New Jersey. You can file online or download the New Jersey Complete Registration Package from the New Jersey website at www.state.nj.us/njbgs. Or, contact:
NJ Division of Revenue
PO Box 308
Trenton, NJ 08625-0308
(609) 292-9292
Q. Who do I contact to register a business with the State of New Jersey for tax and employer purposes?
A. All business must register with the New Jersey Division of Revenue 15 days prior to the day business opens. Sole proprietorships and general partnerships with no employees file business taxes under their social security number. All businesses with employees must file business taxes under a federal tax identification number.
To register with the NJ Division of Revenue, contact:
Client Registration Bureau
NJ Division of Revenue
PO Box 252, Trenton, NJ 08625-0252
(609) 292-1730
Go to www.state.nj.us/njbgs to register online or to download the New Jersey Complete Registration Package.
Q. How do you reserve a business name?
A. You can check availability and reserve a business name online from www.state.nj.us/treasury/revenue/busname.htm and clicking Online Services or by contacting:
Division of Revenue Business Services
NJ Department of the Treasury
PO Box 308
225 West State Street
Trenton, NJ 08625-0308
(609) 292-9292
Names for in-state or domestic companies can be reserved for 120 days; out-of-state or foreign companies for one year.
Q. How do I find out whether I need a license or permit?
A. Occupations and business activities may require some form of registration, license or certification by the State of New Jersey. The New Jersey License and Certification Guide can be downloaded from the NJ website at https://www6.state.nj.us/commerce/CEG_LCI/html/licguid.html. You can also call the NJ Commerce and Economic Growth Commission, Licenses and Certification Hotline at (609) 777-2642 or (800) 533-0186.
Municipal and County regulations may also apply, making it prudent to contact your local authorities on regulations and permits applicable to your business.
Q. Does the SBA offer grants to small businesses?
A. The SBA does not grant funds for starting or expanding a business, but it does offer a variety of loan programs via intermediaries and participating lenders. Generally, the SBA's grant programs fund non-profits such as educational or intermediary lending organizations to provide technical or financial assistance to small businesses. You can find some information on sources of grants from non-SBA sources on the SBA website at www.sba.gov.
Q. Can you explain the SBA Loan Guaranty Program?
A. The US SBA's Loan Guaranty Program gives small businesses access to financing by guaranteeing loans by private and non-profit lenders. The SBA is not a direct lender. Three parties are involved in SBA loans: the borrower, the lender and the SBA. The lender determines if the borrower's loan application is acceptable. If it doesn't meet the lender's criteria, the application and credit analysis may be forwarded to the SBA. Once approved by the SBA, the lender approves and closes the loan. The borrower makes loan payments to the lender, not the SBA. Not all banks or non-bank lenders are SBA lenders. The New Jersey District Office of the SBA has a list of preferred lenders at the bottom of the page describing their loan programs at http://www.sba.gov/nj/financing.html .
Q. How can I get a patent or trademark to protect my business idea?
A. You might want to ask whether you will need a patent or trademark first. Beware of firms that advertise about commercializing your invention. Instead review online literature from reputable sources like www.nolo.com and see their patent and trademark sections. Call the US Department of Commerce-Patents & Trademark Office at 800-786-9199 or visit their web site at www.uspto.gov where you can search existing trademarks and patents to start the process.
Q. Do I need a copyright for my written material or web site?
A. The reasons for copyrighting material are discussed in depth at the Library of Congress’ Copyright web site at http://www.copyright.gov.
Q. How do I check my credit report?
A. New Jersey residents can order a free copy of their credit report every year by calling one of the following credit reporting agencies:
Experian Business Information Services (formerly TRW) 1-888-397-3742 or go to: www.Experian.com/freestate/
Equifax Information Services Center , LLC
1-800-685-1111
TransUnion Credit Services
1-800-888-4213
Q. How do I get a Federal Employer Identification Number (EIN)?
A. Taxpayers can obtain an EIN immediately by calling the Business & Specialty Tax Line (800-829-4933). The hours of operation are 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. EST, Monday through Friday. To apply online visit http://www.irs.gov/businesses/small/article/0,,id=97860,00.html.
Q. What services are available to help me manage my small businesses’ employees?
A. The State of NJ Department of Labor and Workforce Development provides assistance to employees. See information about their services at http://www.state.nj.us/labor/mainpages/employer.html.
Q. How do I register as a Small Business Enterprise, Women’s Business Enterprise or Minority Business Enterprise?
A. Please see our NJSBDC Procurement Program at www.njsbdc.com/procurement for information about these registrations and certifications and how to find assistance.
Q. How do I get help doing business with the NJ School Construction Corporation program?
A. Please see our NJSBDC Emerging Markets/School Construction program at www.njsbdc.com/schoolconstruction.
Q. How do I get help determining how to build and market my businesses web site?
A. Please see the NJSBDC E-Business Services program at www.njsbdc.com/ebusiness for information about training and consulting for small businesses to utilize information technology like the web for marketing your business.
Q. How can I export/import a product to/from another country?
A. The NJSBDC International Trade program provides direct consulting and training on international trade issues. See the web site at www.njsbdc.com/international.
Q. Can I open a business if I am here on a work Visa? How about hiring international workers?
A. US Citizenship and Immigration Services (formerly INS) has an Office of Business Liaison to educate the United States public on immigration-related employment, investment, and school issues. The OBL provides information on the employment eligibility verification process, as well as the opportunities available to employers to hire and/or "sponsor" foreign workers in accordance with U.S. Government regulations administered by a variety of federal agencies. Visit their web site at http://uscis.gov/graphics/services/employerinfo/oblhome.htm.
