Matlock

Businesses often change their business structure after they start. Most small businesses in the US start as Sole Proprietors then as they develop/grown change as needs for legal protection, taxes, ownership, etc change. You may find it advantageous to form multiple business under one global name/ownership but may also find that there advantages to form unique ones as well. If one is very profitable & one not, you may wish to fund the second with the profits or the 1st OR their may be tax reasons to keep them as separate businesses.

Consider keeping it simple to start. There is so much to consider just to get one business successfully started, put concerns of a second business on the back burner. Plus consider consulting with a business attorney who can help you form that first businesses and consult on any longer term 2nd business you hope to start.

Also consider using SCORE free business counseling services. While SCORE does not offer legal advice the local counselors can help you with your business planning. Find the local office at www.score.org and use the Find Experts option.

Alice, SCORE Pittsburgh edit