How To Start A Woodworking Business In Arizona

How to Start a Woodworking Business In Arizona

Here is a list of some items you may need to address when trying to start your own woodworking business in the state of Arizona.  You must do your own thorough research, as laws change regularly.  This information will help with legally starting any type of woodworking business (woodturning, woodcarving, furniture, crafts, chainsaw art, wood pallets, etc.)  If you plan to have employees, you will need further planning in order to meet government employment regulations.

Getting started– The official website about how to start a business in Arizona is found here: Arizona Business Startup Checklist

One of the first things you will need to do is register your business name.

Find out more about registering a fictitious name or DBA (“Doing Business As”) here: Arizona Trade Names and Trademarks

Before registering your business, you will need to select your business structure.

Determine what business structure you wish to have. A small business is usually a sole-proprietorship or LLC. Find out more here: Arizona Business Structure

You will need to register your business with the state of Arizona.

Find out more about business registration in the state of Arizona here: Arizona Business License

You will need to open a business account at your bank.

You will need to open a separate bank account for your woodworking business with your new business name.

You will need to register your business for tax purposes and may want to hire an accountant.

If you are a small company, it is not too difficult to file your own taxes.  As you grow, it will be easier to have an accountant do the work. More info about taxes here:

You will need to get some form of liability insurance.

Depending on what type of work you will be doing, and where your shop will be located, you may want to consider liability insurance.

You may need workers compensation

You will need workers compensation if you have any employees.

You may need your own health insurance.

If you will be self-employed, you will need your own health insurance.  If you have employees, you will need a plan that will include their health needs also.

You may need a license.

You may be required to obtain a license to operate a woodworking business in your area.

You will need to market your business.

Depending on what type of woodworking you will be doing, you will want to explore marketing options such as a website, social media, business cards, etc.