Choose Your Business Name
Choosing your business name is more than a formality—it’s the foundation of your brand’s identity and the first impression you make on customers. Getting it right from the start can give you a powerful advantage as you grow.
When choosing a business name, aim for something strong and memorable while remaining easy to say, spell, and recall. The best names strike a balance between being unique and professional, helping you stand out from competitors while still fitting your industry. Avoid being overly specific, since a name that’s too narrow can limit your ability to expand or adapt as your business grows.
Remember, it should be unique and aligned with your business vision.
Once you’ve chosen your business name, it is time to check for name availability.
Check Name Availability and Uniqueness
Once you have chosen your business name, checking name availability ensures your business identity is unique, legally protected, and free from costly trademark conflicts.
Check name availability and search your business name for both exact and similar names by using The Virginia State Corporation Commission (SCC) Clerk’s Information System.
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Helpful Hint: Additionally, you will want to search online using your exact business name in quotes, such as "Your Business Name". Look through the first few pages of results to see if any existing businesses, websites, or social media profiles are using the same or very similar names as this could create confusion and trademark issues. |
Registration of your business name is filed with the Virginia State Corporation Commission (SCC).
When registering a business name, here are some other things to consider:
- Trademarks: Although not required, registering a trademark can give your business name, products, and services protection. Additionally, it can help ensure that competitors in the same or related industries cannot legally use your trademarked names, which can help safeguard your brand identity in the marketplace.
- Register Trademark: To register your trademark, file online with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
- Select a Domain Name: If you plan to have an online presence, secure a domain name. A domain name is your unique easy to remember address to access your website. Once registered, no one else can use it as long as you maintain ownership. Registration of your domain name is through a registrar service.
Access a list of accredited registrars to register your domain name.
Fictitious Names
Sometimes a business owner may register a fictitious name. A name that refers to a person or business who uses an alternate name instead of their legal name. Fictitious names may also be referred to as assumed names, “t/a” (trading as), “DBA” (doing business as) or “aka” (also known as”).
For example, your business may be registered as “Smith Consulting LLC” but may also operate as “Smith Strategies”.
Why register for a fictitious name?
If you plan to use a fictitious name or DBA, register the fictitious name with the Virginia State Corporation Commission (SCC).
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