I am totally new and need info please!?

I am wanting to get a face painting business going but I am not sure what I need to do to get started. Do I need insurance? Do I need a small business license? Do I just pick what ever name I want for the business? How do I advertise? Do I need to do taxes on this? Any advise would be great! I am really wanting to do this I just have no clue how to get started. Thanks!

Welcome to the forum! You've come to the right place to get going
I would suggest making your way through several of the topics in the Business: Getting Started section of the forum http://www.facepaintforum.com/f6-getting-started

many of your questions have been discussed in there and some answers are not completely cut and dried, so take your time and do a couple of searches if you need more specifics. We are here to help!

Welcome Nightsage! You'll find the answers to all of your questions right here on the forum. Just take a stroll through the previous threads and you'll be in business in no time!

As for the name, choose whatever name you like and call your chamber of commerce to make sure there isn't already a business in your town by that name. Definitely best to choose something unique to you that describes what your business is about. Make sure that the website domain for your name is available as well. You can also ask them if a business license is needed. I doubt you'll need one at this point.

You don't need insurance right away. Wait until you have some steady jobs coming in before worrying about that. You can report your income on your annual taxes, but don't need to file business taxes unless you make over a certain amount, which will probably be a long ways away for you so no worries.

Thanks guys! I will check it out.

Nightsage, welcome to the forum!
What they said... Take notes or have a way to save the info you find as you search the old topics. Once you find a topic you like it gets lost in the shuffle & can be hard to find.
Have fun searching, this really is a wealth of info!

Thanks Psalmbook! This place has helped me alot already and I love looking at all the stuff you guys do!

Hi, I'm new to and also starting a fp business. Just wanted to say hello and welcome!

I have a business name but am focusing on building up my kit, skills, and word of mouth right now. Vistaprint usually has good deals on free business cards w/minimal shipping, so you can get some cards to hand out wherever you are painting.

Thanks Sparkly! I really like this site! there is so much info here!

You do need a business license in most any USA town, city or municipality - if you are a business - in this case selling your services. You need a license. Start with your own town. Call your town or city clerk.

As you grow check with other towns you do business in to see if they requie you have one to work there. Laws are changing here as towns need money.