What are the steps required to start a business in Ohio, and what legal documentation is necessary to protect myself and my company?

To start a business in Ohio, you must follow several steps and obtain certain legal documentation to protect yourself and your company. These steps are as follows:

1. Choose a Business Structure: The first step in starting a business is to choose a business structure. You can choose from a sole proprietorship, partnership, LLC, or corporation. Each type of business structure has its own benefits and drawbacks, and you should consult with an attorney or accountant to decide which structure is best for your business.
2. Register Your Business: Once you have chosen a business structure, you will need to register your business with the Ohio Secretary of State's office. You will need to file a certificate of formation and pay a fee. Your business name must also be unique and not already in use in Ohio.
3. Obtain Necessary Permits and Licenses: Depending on your industry and location, you may need to obtain certain permits and licenses to operate your business legally. This may include state and local licenses, zoning permits, and occupational licenses.
4. Obtain an EIN: An Employer Identification Number (EIN) is a unique number issued by the IRS that identifies your business for tax purposes. If you have employees or plan to hire employees, you will need an EIN.
5. Open a Business Bank Account: To keep your personal finances separate from your business finances, you should open a business bank account in the name of your company.

Legal Documentation to Protect Yourself and Your Company:

1. Operating Agreement: If you are starting an LLC, you should have an operating agreement in place. This document outlines how the company will be managed, how profits and losses will be allocated, and how disputes will be resolved.
2. Partnership Agreement: If you are starting a partnership, you should have a partnership agreement in place. This document outlines how the partnership will be managed, how profits and losses will be divided, and how disputes will be resolved.
3. Employment Agreements: If you plan to hire employees, you should have employment agreements in place that outline the terms of employment, such as salary, benefits, and job duties.
4. Non-Disclosure Agreements: If you are sharing confidential information with employees, vendors, or other third parties, you should have non-disclosure agreements in place to protect your trade secrets and confidential information.
5. Intellectual Property Protection: If your business has unique intellectual property, such as a trademark, patent, or copyright, you should take steps to protect it. This may include filing for trademark or patent protection or registering your copyright.

It is important to consult with an attorney to ensure that you have all necessary legal documentation in place to protect yourself and your business. Additionally, there may be other legal requirements specific to your industry or location that you will need to consider.