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Starting a business

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Copyrights & Licensing 101: The Basics. For artists, one of the biggest questions in publishing work is wondering how all of our hard work will be protected. Another big question is how we can safely use the many creative resources on the web (from stock photos to fonts and code) to our benefit. Most of these resources come with licenses to ensure fair use, and here we will give a summary of basics on how to make sure your work is safe, based on Smashing Magazine’s article. Some topics to be covered include: copyright and licensing, understanding “fair use”, what “public domain” is, legal terminology, and how to use Creative Commons. Copyright and Licensing We gain exclusive right as the author (aka, copyright owner) whenever we create something, whether it is a photograph or a logo design.

When distributing out your work, add a license that sets the guidelines of use. What is “Fair Use”? “Fair use” is an exception to exclusive rights held by the copyright owner. What is “Public Domain” Useful Terminology Creative Commons. Starting a Business: Advice from the Trenches. If you’re like thousands of other designers, programmers and other creative professionals out there, at one point in time you’ve considered starting your own business. Unlike most, you’ve gone against common sense and decided to open shop for yourself. And not just freelance full-time, mind you, but file for the company name, get some stationery, and wade through the legal mumbo-jumbo. Maybe even get a real office with a water cooler. This article offers real-world advice from the trenches of a small start-up, and is applicable to designers, web developers, copywriters, usability experts and all manner of service providers.

Freelancers take heed: there are several items that are just as pertinent to your profession. Write a Business Plan#section1 The most important thing you can do to prepare for starting and operating your own business. A few years ago, new age business rhetoric said forget the business plan and just run with it. File for a Fictitious Name#section2 Funding#section3 Good: How to Pick a Startup Funding Strategy [Infographic] Business Plan Center with a Library of Real Business Plans. Step By Step Guide on How to Form a General Partnership. Business Entities. News & Notices, Customer Alerts and Processing Times News & Notices: Get the latest information about changes affecting business conducted with the Business Programs Division.

Customer Alerts: Get the latest information about confirmed scams against Californians and businesses in the State of California, and what you can do if you have been a victim of a scam. Get the current processing times for Business Entities and determine which method of submission meets your needs. Online Processing The required Statement of Information for most corporations can be filed online and is processed generally in one business day.

The Business Entities Section of the Secretary of State’s office processes filings, maintains records and provides information to the public relating to business entities (corporations, limited liability companies, limited partnerships, general partnerships, limited liability partnerships and other business filings). Apply for an Employer Identification Number (EIN) Online. Español Hours of operation: Monday through Friday 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Eastern Time Important We cannot process your application online if the responsible party is an entity with an EIN previously obtained through the Internet. Purpose of an Employer Identification Number Employer Identification Numbers are issued for the purpose of tax administration and are not intended for participation in any other activities (e.g., tax lien auction or sales, lotteries, etc.)

Employer Tax Responsibilities Explained (Publications 15, 15-A and 15B) Publication 15 provides information on employer tax responsibilities related to taxable wages, employment tax withholding and which tax returns must be filed. Exempt Organization Information If you believe your organization qualifies for tax exempt status (whether or not you have a requirement to apply for a formal ruling), be sure your organization is formed legally before you apply for an EIN. City of Rancho Cordova : Business Licenses.

The City of Rancho Cordova issues business licenses to regulate businesses operating within the city limits. The license promotes enforcement of city ordinances that protect the public and prevent nuisances and neighborhood disturbances. The license is not a business tax and is not based on business revenue. Only businesses that have a fixed-location in the city limits are required to obtain a business license. Business License information you may need: How to Contact Us City of Rancho Cordova Business Licenses 2729 Prospect Park Drive Rancho Cordova, CA 95670 City Hall: (916) 851-8700Business Licensing: (916) 851-8737Business Licensing fax: (916) 851-8768 Email: businesslicense@cityofranchocordova.org.