Starting+a+Florida+Business

=**Create a Florida Business Organization**=

Resources and links
Search Available Business Names at the National Level with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office at www.uspto.gov Also search available business names at the State (Florida) level with Florida’s Department of State at www.sunbiz.org Find and complete the Florida business registration forms to create and file your business with the State: http://www.sunbiz.org/downloads.html Find and complete the U.S. Trademark forms to register your business name and recognizable marks with the federal U.S. government: http://www.uspto.gov/trademarks-getting-started/trademark-process#step3 Learn about other small businesses at Florida Trend Magazine at www.floridatrend.com

Strengths:

 * Free downloadable business organization documents that are able to be populated by author; and only fee if submitted to the State for registration.
 * Anyone can create a business organization very easily.
 * This classroom learning scenario is as real-life as it gets.

Weaknesses:

 * Age is not restricted
 * Expensive to actually register and get forms/documents online
 * Failed businesses (and corresponding filings) may not reflect well on individuals creating same

Opportunities:

 * Teachers and students could use this platform to create new business ventures
 * Students can better learn entrepreneurial skills at an early age

Threats:

 * Potential fees, fines, and costs associated with creating and maintaining a business
 * Business records filed with the government are subject to public record access and requests

Ideas for the Classroom:

 * Teachers and students print and practice using these business filing forms
 * Teachers and students may elect to create a business organization
 * Students may practice researching existing business names at the National and State level
 * Students may work in groups and teams to conceive a business organization