BUSINESS AND NONPROFIT SETUP
Our entity selection services begin with a detailed consultation to help you decide which entity is right for your business or organization, and the most common entity types are listed below. Once you’ve reached a decision, we will help you form the organization and complete the documentation you need to get started. On top of that, when you engage us to form a new entity, we add three months of the Zen Legal Subscription at no additional fee.
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Limited Liability Companies and Low-Profit Limited Liability Companies
We can assist you in forming your limited liability company (LLC) or low-profit limited liability company (L3C) with the state of Michigan by filing Articles of Organization on your behalf. We also work with you to draft your operating agreement and prepare other documentation necessary to get started with your new company.
Corporations
If a corporation is the right choice for you, we can help you file Articles of Incorporation, draft bylaws and shareholder agreements, and complete other paperwork necessary to get started with your company.
Nonprofits and Charities
If you have an idea that you think might work as a charity, we can help you decide whether 501(c)(3) status might be a good fit. If it is, we can help you set up a Michigan nonprofit corporation, apply for 501(c)(3) status, and register to collect donations in Michigan.
Professional Limited Liability Companies and Professional Corporations
We can assist professionals in setting up the professional entities that Michigan law requires for certain professions such as doctors and lawyers.
Partnerships
If you determine that a partnership is the right choice for you rather than a limited liability company or a corporation, we can assist you in drafting the partnership agreement that will govern your relationship and prepare other necessary documentation of the business relationship.
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FAQ
How long does it take to form a company?
Once you provide all the information necessary to complete the company’s initial filing, typical turnaround time is 2-4 business days. It can take longer, though, depending on how busy the state filing department is. If you’re in a rush, expedited processing is available for an additional fee.
How much does it cost?
The cost of setting up an entity will vary heavily based on the your particular needs. Typically, the more members you have and the more complexity involved in the business’ governing documents such as its operating agreement, the more the setup will cost.
What about benefit corporations?
Unfortunately, Michigan doesn’t have benefit corporations. We may be able to help you set them up in a different state, but as its pretty unusual to set up an out of state benefit corporation for a Michigan based business, we don’t list them.
You might have heard of B Corps, which Michigan does have. However, B Corps is a certification process. It is NOT a type of entity – an LLC, corporation, or partnership can all be a B Corp.
Do you offer a flat fee?
Almost always! Usually the only time we can’t set up your company on a flat fee is if it will involve substantial negotiations with other parties, like investors. In that case, the service is usually performed partially or wholly on an hourly basis.
Can you help me set up a company in [state].
Maybe! It depends on the state. But as part of the process, we should discuss whether it makes sense to set up a company in another state. Delaware is popular, but like most other choices in business, the popular solution isn’t always the right one.
What information will I need?
The particular information you need will vary slightly from entity type to entity type, but generally will include:
- A company name and some alternatives in case you can’t use your preferred name
- The names and contact information of everyone who will own an interest in the company
- The names and contact information of everyone who will be an officer in the company (such as a manager, CEO, etc.)
- The names and contact information of everyone who will be a director, if the company will be a corporation
- What, if anything, each owner will contribute to the company – cash, property, labor, etc.
- A brief explanation of what the company will do as a business plan
- If there will be more than one owner, you should begin to think about how you would like to share respsonsibilities and rights
- The total number of employees you plan to hire in the first few months of the company’s existence (this might be zero)
Recent Business Entity Blog Posts
What You Need to Know About L3Cs
You may have heard of an L3C, which sounds a lot like an LLC, but with a number. What is this mysterious, numbered entity type? Click here to learn more about the social enterprise vehicle that never really got off the ground.
What’s a Social Enterprise?
Social enterprises are becoming increasingly popular as younger generations and other more socially conscious consumers look to brands that reflect their personal values. If you’ve heard of social enterprises and are curious about what they are, read more.
S Corps for LLCs
S Corps, despite the name, aren’t really a type of corporation. Indeed, LLCs can be S Corps too, and making the switch might help you save on your taxes. Click through to find out more.