Hi my name is Kaycee and I am opening a Spa/Salon in WV. I was wondering what are the steps that I need to do first ? Do I register my business name first and If so how do I do that, and how do I check to make sure that my business name isn't taken already ? Also how do I file for a business license ? Then after all of this is done, what's next ?

Thanks, Kaycee

You can get free business consulting through SCORE (http://www.score.org); there are WV offices in Charleston, Huntington, Lewisburg, and Buckhannon (and in neighboring states as well). They also have online help and resources available.

One of the first things I'd put together is a business plan. You can incorporate your business for a reasonable price through LegalZoom (http://www.legalzoom.com/). The StartupNation (http://www.startupnation.com/) website is a great resource for those starting. You'll also want to avail yourself of the great resources at the SBA (http://www.sba.gov/smallbusinessplanner/index.html) site.