Start a Business in Michigan

Entrepreneur’s guide to forming a business in Michigan

If you are a first-time entrepreneur or a small business owner then this guide will help you understand how to start a business in Michigan. From creating a business plan to naming your business, and identifying a structure, this guide should provide you with the tips you need to take the next step. Starting a company is never easy, especially if this is your first time. There are several details to consider when you start a business in Michigan, like the initial cost of forming a business. Some of these costs include a name reservation, registration of the company, and other miscellaneous costs.

Why do companies prefer to incorporate in Michigan?

Michigan is home to over nine hundred thousand small businesses as well as large corporations and multinational brands such as General Motors, Ford Motor, Penske Automotive Group, Whirlpool, and Kellogg’s among others. Incorporating in Michigan means you will also become an integral part of the state’s thriving economy as well as benefit from it once you register your business in Michigan. The state offers several advantages to all forms of businesses such as:

• Pro-Business Climate – One of the primary reasons why entrepreneurs choose to form a business in Michigan is the great business environment. The state has just the right infrastructure to support a variety of industries and companies. Michigan is globally connected and provides access to a strong supply chain system that can help startups to grow and expand. There are 33 active deep-water ports, 18 commercial airports, and 26 freight railroads. Michigan is considered to be a leading destination for foreign direct investment (FDI). The Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) provides the information and support necessary to transform small businesses into profit-making enterprises.
• Strong Workforce – If you start a business in Michigan then one of the primary requirements will be to acquire talent. Industry experts believe that Michigan is home to the workforce of the future. The state has a particularly high concentration of engineers, mostly due to the automotive industry. Some of the top universities in the state include the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor, Michigan State University, Michigan Technological University, Andrews University, and the University of Michigan – Dearborn among others.
• Low Tax Burden – One of the reasons entrepreneurs prefer to incorporate in Michigan is because the state has a low tax burden. It is ranked 12th in the State Business Tax Climate Index by the Tax Foundation, thanks to the state’s good tax system structure. The corporate tax rate in Michigan is 6.0%, which is lower than in several other states like New Hampshire (7.6%), New York (6.5%), Pennsylvania (9.99%), and Washington, D.C. (8.25%). The state doesn’t levy any local sales taxes.

Steps to start a business in Michigan

Michigan is being favored by startups and small business owners due to an environment that is conducive to expanding business operations. There are a variety of industries with strong infrastructure, business incentive programs, innovation, and manufacturing; all of which are considered an integral part of the state’s industrial DNA. If you are wondering how to start a business in Michigan then let’s take a look at some of the fundamental details for establishing your business successfully in this state.

1. Prepare Michigan Business Plan

If you intend to start a business in Michigan then you will need a good business plan. A business plan is a strategic plan that will focus in detail on several of the elements that will have an impact on the short and long-term success and goals of the business. A business plan should be well thought out to prevent mistakes and even help with protecting your investment and that of the shareholders or other investors.

• Executive summary
• Company description
• Market analysis
• Customer demographics and segmentation
• Competitive analysis
• Products and services
• Branding and marketing
• Cash flow projection
• Logistics and operations

2. Attend Entrepreneurial Training or Development Programs in Michigan

Michigan offers several resources that can be useful during the startup phase or before you register your business in Michigan. One such resource is entrepreneurial training or development programs for small businesses. The primary objective of these training or development programs is to enhance your existing skill sets and arm you with the new skills, information, and tools that will assist you with business growth in the long run. These training programs will not only prepare you to successfully form a business in Michigan but also ensure that the overall operations run smoothly. The entrepreneurial training or development programs in Michigan focus on critical details like:

• Technology business accelerators
• Business development mentoring
• Feasibility study
• Business planning
• Market analysis
• Financial Assistance
• Events connecting purchasers & suppliers
• Capital Access programs

3. Choose a Business Structure for your Michigan Business

One of the first steps to take before you register a business in Michigan is to elect the proper business structure. Different states have different laws pertaining to the type of entities you can choose from, although some entity structures are common across states. Determining the structure has many benefits especially when it comes to taxes and limited liability protection. Some structures like LLCs or S Corporations enjoy pass-through taxation. If you are looking for a company where you have the sole power then sole proprietorships are a good option to look into. You can choose to form a domestic or a foreign business in Michigan. The entity structure options available in the state are:

• Corporations
• Limited Liability Companies
• Limited Partnerships
• Limited Liability Partnerships
• Sole Proprietorships

4. Naming Your Michigan Business

It is important to choose the right business name because it will play a major role in how you brand your company. The name of a company is considered to be its identity. You will need to choose a name before you register a business in Michigan. The business name can be based on several elements like an idea or a concept, products, the name of the owners, and services among others. This can be quite a challenging process. Here are some points to consider while naming your company.

• The entity name will vary according to the type of structure e.g., the name of a limited liability company should contain words like “Limited Liability Company” or “limited company” or even abbreviations like “L.L.C.”, “LLC”, or “L.C.”.
• The naming guidelines and process is governed by the 2020 Michigan Compiled Laws. To form a business in Michigan, you will need to adhere to these laws.
• Once you have chosen a name, you will need to conduct a name availability search. This search will let you know if your company name is available or currently being used by another entity.

5. Choose the Location for Your Michigan Business

If you are planning to start a business in Michigan then one of the key elements towards defining success is the location. When choosing your location, it is important to consider critical details such as:

• Accessibility – The office or store should be easily accessible for customers or clients.
• City centers – Some of the most common office spaces are located in city centers or commercialized areas, although the office rental prices may be higher.
• Security – It is always recommended to choose a location that is not affected by crime or where the crime rate is very low.
• Competition – The proximity to competing businesses may play a crucial role in determining your success or failure.
• Skill base – If you want to form a startup or incorporate in Michigan then finding a workforce is important. Choose an area that has a good skill base.
• Zoning/Permit – You will need to check the zoning laws in the cities or counties where you want to operate your business from. Some cities have minimal to zero zoning laws, while others have strict laws.

6. Register Your Michigan Business

If you are wondering how to start a business in Michigan then one of the first and most pivotal steps is registration or incorporation. Each state has its processes, forms, fees, and laws governing the new business formation process. If you want to register a business in Michigan then it is important to note that the process, forms, and fee may also vary according to the business structure. Here is an example for better a understanding:

Example: If you were to incorporate in Michigan or form a C Corporation then you will be required to file Articles of Incorporation pursuant to MI Comp L § 450.1202 – 1205 (2020). The Articles should include the name of the corporation as well as the purpose. The filing fee will vary depending on the number of Authorized Shares like the filing fee for 1-60,000 shares is $50 while that of 5,000,001-10,000,000 will be $500. Similarly, if you were to register a business in Michigan as an LLC then you will be required to file Articles of Organization pursuant to MI Comp L § 450.4203 (2020). The filing fee for an LLC is $50. The new business formation or incorporation documents have to be filed with the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, Corporations, Securities & Commercial Licensing Bureau, Corporations Division.

Planning to form a Company in Michigan?

7. Get Your EIN

When you start a business in Michigan, you must file the mandatory business taxes. Each state may have different types of taxes, but every company has to file some form of these taxes. To file the taxes properly, you will need to obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN). This is a unique Tax ID number that is issued by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). An EIN is also known as a Federal Tax Identification Number (FTIN) and is required by those businesses that have employees or operate as a corporation or a partnership.

8. Open a Business Bank Account for Your Michigan Business

Finances will be an integral part of the company’s day-to-day operations once you form a business in Michigan. Maintaining finance like payments sent or received can be exasperating unless you have a separate business banking account for the company. Here are several other benefits of having such an account:

• It makes bookkeeping easier and helps during tax season
• A business account provides legitimacy status to the IRS
• This makes the process easier to apply for business loans
• A checking account makes the company appear professional
• Different banks provide several additional benefits like business credit cards and merchant services

9. Obtain Michigan Business License and Permits

Michigan is incredibly popular amongst entrepreneurs. It offers a business-friendly environment and boasts a low cost of living. If you want to register a business in Michigan and take advantage of this environment, then you will also need to apply for the necessary business licenses and permits. The importance of a Michigan business license lies in the fact that without it, you will not be allowed to operate your business in the state. However, not all businesses require a license.

• Licenses based on Industry – Unlike many other states, Michigan doesn’t have a provision for a general business license but it can vary according to the type of industry or business activity. Hence, a Michigan business license or permit will be issued by different state authorities depending on the industry. Let’s look at an example to understand this better.

  Example: If you register a business in Michigan as an Appraisal Management Company then you will need to apply for a license with the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs. The filing fee will be $2,000 for the same and renewals will be triennial. Similarly, if you register a food establishment like a coffee shop or a sandwich shop then you will need to apply for the Food Service License Application with the Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development. The fee would vary according to the type of establishment.

• City/County Business Licenses – The second type of Michigan business license that you may require will be based on the county or city you are operating from. The type of license, the licensing regulation, the fees, and the renewal will vary depending on the city or the county. The example below can help you understand this better.

  Example: If you are planning to start a business in Michigan as a Health Club in Lansing, MI then you will need to file the Health Club License Application pursuant to the City Codified Ordinances – Chapter 822.01 – 822.99. The license fee is $350 and must be submitted to the Lansing City Clerk’s Office.

10. Register for Taxes

Once you start a business in Michigan, there are certain state requirements that your business or the owner has to be compliant with. Filing your annual business taxes is one of the most important state requirements. The type of tax to be filed by your company is dependent upon the entity structure. The taxes filed by a Michigan LLC might be different from that of a C Corporation.

11. Annual and Ongoing Requirements

According to the Michigan Compiled Laws, if you start a business in Michigan then you will need to fulfill certain annual requirements. One of Michigan’s biggest requirements is to file your annual report. Most entity structures are obligated to meet this requirement. This report is known as the Annual Statement in Michigan. Filing this statement will guarantee that your business enjoys an active status and remains in good standing with the state. The information required for the annual statement, the filing date, and the fee will vary from one state to another.

Some Important Quick Resources for Michigan Business

If you want to register a business in Michigan then there are several points to consider including the formation and operations. You will need information on how to start a business in Michigan, on various annual compliances, state ordinances and business laws, and business licensing among others. Hence, we have compiled a list of agencies where you will be able to find the information needed.

Michigan Secretary of State

One of the most pivotal repositories of business information is the office of the Michigan Department of State. Whether you want to incorporate in Michigan or form an LLC, you can find relevant information on starting a new business in the state. The office of the Michigan SOS provides a wide variety of resources and tools for small businesses including conducting a business name search and license or permit searches. They also provide extensive information on business taxes in Michigan as well as tax incentives programs.

• Michigan Secretary of State
  430 W. Allegan St.
  Richard H. Austin Building – 4th Floor
  Lansing, MI 48918
  Phone: 888-767-6424
  Website – https://www.michigan.gov/som

Michigan State Treasury

The Michigan State Treasury handles all tax related submissions or filings. They are responsible for income taxes, property taxes, and employer withholdings among others. If you are planning to register a business in Michigan then you can find information involving business taxes, forms and instructions, and even new business registration.

• Michigan State Treasury
  124 W Michigan Avenue
  Lansing, MI 48933
  Phone: 517-636-6925
  Website – https://www.michigan.gov/treasury

Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs

The Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) was previously known as the Department of Commerce. They oversee professional licensing, employment, commerce, and construction. Some of the services and resources offered by LARA include the application and renewal of Michigan business licenses, occupational and commercial licenses, and general information on LLCs and corporations.

• Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs
  2407 N Grand River Ave,
  Lansing, MI 48906
  Phone: 517-241-6470
  Email: BPLHelp@Michigan.gov
  Website – https://www.michigan.gov/lara

Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity

The Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) is a state department that focuses on labor and economic opportunity. If you are planning to register a business in Michigan then you can find a wide variety of resources for small businesses including long-term workforce solutions, labor market information, financial incentives, start-up support, and virtual job fairs among others.

• Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity
  105 W. Allegan Street
  Lansing, MI 48933
  Phone: 517-335-5858
  Email: durkeea4@michigan.gov
  Website – https://www.michigan.gov/leo

Small Business Administration (SBA) Michigan State District Office

The SBA Michigan district office provides a wide variety of business-related services like funding programs, federal contracting certifications, counseling, and disaster recovery. They have offices in Detroit and Grand Rapids. They also provide information on how to start a business in Michigan as well as loan and grant programs.

• SBA Michigan District Office
  477 Michigan Ave., Suite 1819
  Detroit, MI 48226
  Phone: 313-226-6075
  Website – https://www.sba.gov/district/michigan

Michigan SBDC

The Michigan Small Business Development Center (SBDC) provides a variety of services to small businesses like business education, consulting, entrepreneurial training, and market research among others. Their objective is to help small businesses to achieve growth and expansion through innovation. They also provide actionable tools as well as opportunities, to help you to start your business in Michigan with ease

• Michigan SBDC
  Seidman College of Business at Grand Valley State University
  50 Front Ave. SW
  Grand Rapids, MI 49504
  Phone: 833-522-0025
  Website – https://michigansbdc.org/

Ready to start a business in Michigan?

Michigan has one of the most favorable business environments for supporting startups as well as medium and large enterprises. You can start a business in Michigan and achieve success and expansion although the new company registration process as well as maintaining compliance with state requirements can be a cumbersome affair. This is where a reputed Michigan registered agent like IncParadise can provide valuable assistance. We have a deep knowledge of state laws, business processes, and possess the experience as well as expertise regarding new business formation.