I have a few questions but we'll start simple. I am trying to turn a hobby of mine into an online store. I'm not too terribly interested in getting it off the ground right away as I do have a great full time job that I'm not ready to leave just yet. I'm just looking for somewhere to display my latest creations as basically a word-of-mouth, local, online store for friends & family who like my designs and want to purchase my latest creations. I'm planning on starting small with no business loans as this, again, is just a hobby. I am just afraid that if I register a domain name and such without registering a company name with the gov, that I might be penalized. I am willing to register as an LLC and I understand taxes and such being that I have a few accountants in my immediate family. I just feel very overwhelmed for what I inititally wanted to start as no big thing. I tried to follow the simple steps to starting a small business but it seems like they are assuming everyone is going to take their business to the next level and get loans and really, I'm not interested in that just yet. I'd really like to start small but I also want to ensure that my business name and domain are not only protected from other prospective small business starters but also compliant to the laws as well. I tried to search for trademarks matching the name I'd like and I was so overwhelmed, I'd almost rather quit because I am not too terribly serious at this time. Problem is, its taken me months and months to come up with just a name and I'd hate to lose a great idea because I didn't take the initiative and the few extra steps to guarantee it with the government. Is there an easier way other than doing the research myself to find all I need to be compliant with the government regulations and licensing? I do have a little bit of money to put into it but the research is just confusing and a bit overwhelming for someone who just wants to take her hobby one step further.
