Pre Start-up/Assessing Your Business Idea

Government Regulations and Your Business

The following is a checklist of the most common requirements that affect small businesses, but it is by no means exhaustive. Bear in mind that regulations vary by industry. If you're in the food service business, for example, you will have to deal with the health department. If you use chemical solvents, you will have environmental compliance to meet. Carefully investigate the regulations that affect your industry. Being out of compliance could leave you unprotected legally, lead to expensive penalties, and jeopardize your business.

Americans with Disabilities Act
Employment Discrimination
Business Licenses
Occupational Licenses
Certificate of Occupancy
Business Organization
Fictitious Business Name
Protecting Your Idea
Trademarks
State Registration of a Trademark
Federal Registration of Trademark and Patent
Patents
Copyrights
Business Insurance
Sales Tax Number
State Regulations and Other Considerations
Unemployment Insurance Tax
Immigration Act
Health and Safety
Workers Compensation
Minimum Wage
Bar Coding
Electronic Commerce
Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act

Web Link:

http://www.sba.gov/starting/indexstartup.html