It takes a lot of planning, research, and hard work to get your start-up, well, started up. Let’s get you on the right track.
Step 1: Register Business Name
Nebraska Secretary of State (402-471-4079)
The Secretary of State is responsible for registering trade names and business names. It is important to register with the Secretary of State if doing business as anything other than yourself.
Step 2: Get Tax Identification Number
Internal Revenue Service (1-800-829-4933)
The IRS issues Employer Identification Numbers, the unique number that identifies your business. Check with the IRS to see if you need an EIN or contact the IRS with questions.
Step 3: Register Business
Nebraska Department of Revenue (1-800-742-7474)
It is necessary to register with the Department of Revenue if you will have employees, engage in retail sales, rent or lease property, or provide any taxable services. In order to register, fill out the Form 20 on the Department of Revenue’s website and submit it according to the form instructions. If you have any questions, review the Frequently Asked Questions section on NDOR’s website or contact them.
Step 4: Determine Needed Insurance
Nebraska Department of Labor (402-471-9898)
The Department of Labor handles Unemployment Insurance, New Hire reporting, contractor registration, and other labor-related programs. If you are planning on hiring employees, please contact the Department of Labor to ensure you are properly covered.
Here are some organizations to help you get started.
In order to serve new businesses, the Nebraska Department of Economic Development partners with organizations that specialize in either providing technical assistance, small business lending, or both. Consider reaching out to these organizations for guidance and financing options.
- Catholic Charities — provides technical assistance, business training, and financing through micro lending.
- Community Development Resources (CDR) — provides capital, technical assistance, and training opportunities for small business in the State of Nebraska.
- Grow Nebraska – provides business training, technical assistance, promotion, and marketing opportunities.
- Invest Nebraska – provides technical assistance, micro loans, and early stage investment (angel and venture capital).
- Midlands Latino Community Development Corporation – provides micro loans, micro business assistance, and childcare development training with culturally relevant services
- Nebraska Business Development Center (NBDC) – provides assistance with business planning, market analysis, and loan guarantees through the federal Small Business Administration.
- Nebraska Enterprise Fund – provides training and mentoring, direct micro lending, and loan guarantees.
- Northeast Nebraska Economic Development District—provides business loans.
- Rural Enterprise Assistance Project (REAP) – provides technical assistance, business training, and financing through micro lending.