I'm looking to register a new business in Virginia. Please guide me through the initial steps for registering a business name and obtaining necessary licenses, specifically differentiating between sole proprietorships and other entity types. What is the very first action a user should take on this website to begin the registration process?
Navigate to the homepage of bos.sbsd.virginia.gov. Click on the 'Let's Get Started' button (ID 37) to see where it leads. Alternatively, if the 'Let's Get Started' button leads to registration, explore the 'FAQS' page to find the section on 'How do I register my business name?' and 'How do I get a business license?'. Extract the specific instructions for sole proprietorships regarding business name registration. Extract the specific instructions for LLCs, partnerships, or corporations regarding business name registration. Identify the agency responsible for issuing business licenses and the recommended contact method for local requirements. Synthesize the initial action a user should take on the website to begin the registration process and the subsequent steps for business name and license acquisition.
The agent attempts to click the 'Let's Get Started' button to initiate the registration process. The agent confirms that sole proprietorships register their business name via a fictitious name or 'Doing Business As' (dba) filing with the State Corporation Commission. The agent confirms that LLCs, partnerships, or corporations can create their entity with the State Corporation Commission to use their business name. The agent states that business licenses are issued by the city or county where the business is based. The agent advises contacting the Commissioner of Revenue, Business License and Permits, or the Department of Finance or the Zoning Office for local licensing requirements. The agent identifies the 'Let's Get Started' button as the primary initial action for a user to begin the registration process on the website.