MichiganAdvantage.org

Start a Business

Structure / Registration

Choosing the best legal business structure for your company can be complicated. Each option has its strong points and picking the right business structure requires careful consideration of the pros and cons. Choices include:

  • Sole Proprietorship
  • General Partnership
  • Limited Partnership
  • "C" Corporation
  • Subchapter "S" Corporation
  • Professional Service Corporation (PC)
  • Limited Liability Company (LLC)
  • Non-Profit Corporation (NPC)

It is best to pick a business structure that matches your company's needs right now and into the immediate future. You can always choose another structure as your business expands or changes.

Get Help Deciding

For a thorough review of your business structure options, please refer to the Guide to Starting a Small Business. You'll find explanations of how these business structures differ, along with the advantages and disadvantages of each option.

Resources

Additional information about business registration and structure in Michigan can be found on the following Web sites:

If you still have questions about business registration or busines structure after reviewing the guide and visiting the above Web sites, consult with the Small Business Technology Development Center (sbTdc) nearest you.