You are here: Ask Jim -October 2011

October 2011

Dear Jim, I came up with a name for my business. I registered it online and got a domain for it; however, there are companies out there with "similar" names (not exactly the same). I don't want to get in trouble so what do you recommend?

  Basically, you cannot register a trade name that is the same or similar to one that already exists in the same or similar industry. So, for example, you could register McDonalds Auto Body Shop, but you could not register another McDonalds Restaurant.

   A search of the United States Patent and Trademark Office (www.uspto.gov) shows how many businesses contain the some variation of the words in your business name. Whether or not you would be allowed to register your name is an open question that can only be answered by the USPTO and you would have to formally apply for this registration in order to get your answer.

   Ultimately, it’s up to you as to whether or not you want to spend the money to see what they decide. There are no guarantees.

Dear Jim, I am just starting a company. What entities certify businesses as "women-owned"? Can you refer me to the best resources in Denver for that? Is this only helpful for government contracts / projects? I know corporations give special consideration to women-owned companies sometimes. What is the best affiliation / certification for corporations

  There are certain benefits to be gained from certifying as a woman-owned business. Primarily these benefits are in the area of government contracts and projects. Certifications can be achieved at several levels of government. The Denver Metro Small Business Development Center has consultants who are experts in this field and who I strongly suggest you contact as the answers to some of your questions here would be too long for this page. You can register for our free, confidential consulting through this web page www.denversbdc.org.

Dear Jim, Does a barber shop/hair salon need a "business-professional license?" I have seen them in automotive shops and food based businesses. Is this because they aren't already licensed as a professional?

  There are many kinds of licenses that might be required to operate a business in Colorado. For example, depending upon where your business is located, you may need a local business license. In addition to this, there are numerous professions and business types which require additional special licensing. And, yes, that includes barbers.

  To get the detailed information about the barber’s license you should go to the web site for the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies, www.dora.state.co.us. Click on the menu item “Occupational/Professional Licensing” and this will take you to the page where you will find barbers on the list of professions that require a license. Click on “Barbers” and you will find everything you need.

Dear Jim, How do I start up a security business in Denver, Co? What do I need to have?

 This sounds like a simple question. But the answer is not so simple and is much too long and detailed to attempt here. I strongly suggest you sign up for the Startup Basics class at the Denver Metro Small Business Development Center. The class is three hours long and is taught every two weeks at rotating locations around the City.  You will learn the various procedures and requirements for starting a business including permitting, registrations, licenses, banking, insurance, taxes and accounting. It will be well worth your time. Just go to the class registration page on this website, www.denversbdc.org.