Small Business

When you buy a franchise, you are purchasing a business which operates under the name and image of a large company. The concept is that you get the best of both worlds. The freedom of running an independent business and the security of working for a big company. The relative freedom and security will vary depending on the franchise. Generally, you will benefit from regional or national advertising. You get associated goodwill revolving around the larger companies reputation and image. All franchise opportunities should be thoroughly investigated prior to purchasing one. Speak to your local CPA about your franchising opportunity.

File Form SS-4. You can file Form SS-4 online. Go to www.irs.gov/businesses and click on Employer ID number. Your local IRS Service Center can also assist you in getting a Federal EIN. Call IRS at 1 800-829-4933.

DUNS stands for the Data Universal Numbering System. It is a database maintained by Dun and Bradstreet that is used by the Government to identify each contractor and their location(s). This number is required to register with the Central Contractor Register (CCR) that is used by the government's electronic commerce/electronic data interchange (EC/EDI) system called FACNET. You can obtain a DUNS number at no cost by calling Dun and Bradstreet at 800-333-0505.

SIC stands for the Standard Industrial Classification Code. It is a four digit number assigned to identify a business based on the type of business or trade involved. The first two digits correspond to major groups such as construction and manufacturing, while the last two digits correspond to subgroups such as constructing homes versus constructing highways. A company can determine its SIC number by looking it up in a directory published by the Department of Commerce, or by checking in the SIC book in the reference section of a local library. SBA size standards are based on SIC codes.

You can request a report from a search company that will check records in the US Patent and Trademark Office, state registers and various other business sources. There usually is a fee for this service. Some companies are: CSC, The US Corporation Company, 1090 Vermont Ave NW, Washington DC 20005, 800 241-6518. Thomson and Thomson, 500 Victory Road, North Quincy MA 02171-3145, 800-692-8833.

The Dun & Bradstreet Corporation is located at One Diamond Hill Road, Murray Hill NJ 07974, or at www.dnb.com. 800.234.3867 (Monday – Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Local Time)

There is no simple answer or formula for evaluating the price of your business. There are business brokers or appraisers that specializes in valuing a business. Some brokers believe that cash flow is the most important factor to consider. Some brokers use one of three possible calculations to determine cash flow. Earnings plus Interest plus Taxes = cash flow. Earnings plus Interest plus Taxes plus Depreciation plus Amortization = cash flow. Earnings plus Interest plus Taxes plus Depreciation plus Amortization plus Owner's Salary = cash flow. Other important factors to consider include competition, industry trends, balance sheet, income statement, gross margins, type and condition of equipment, customer base, growth opportunities for company, owner's role, financial needs and goals, difficulty of someone else learning the business and how other companies of similar size in the industry perform. Speak to your local CPA or business broker to assist you in selling your business.

You should initially apply online. Go to www.irs.gov/businesses and click on employer ID numbers. Your local IRS service center can also assist you in getting a Federal ein. The phone number is 1-800-829-4933:

Some aspects to consider are licenses required, zoning laws and other regulations that vary from state to state and business to business. Depending on the type of business you are running, you may also need establishment licenses, liquor licenses, delivery and or transport licenses. Your local SBA office or chamber of commerce will provide you with general information. You must decide about your form of organization. You must choose to be a sole proprietorship, corporation, s-corporation or partnership. Speak to your local CPA for advice specific to your business and location.