Cover Your Bases

Just like any new endeavor, starting a business holds many surprises. It’s important to make sure you have identified everything you need to take care of so you’re not caught off guard. There also may be certain incentives you can take advantage of, so do your homework early so you don’t miss out on an opportunity.

Law Enforcement Approval

Certain businesses may be regulated by local law enforcement agencies.

These include businesses such as:
  • Adult Entertainment
  • Alarm and Security Companies
  • Amusement Centers
  • Arcades
  • Bathhouses
  • Bingo Parlors
  • Carnivals
  • Dance Halls
  • Firearm Sales
  • Fireworks Stands
  • Fortune Telling
  • Holistic Health Practitioners
  • Massage and Tattoo Parlors
  • Massage Technicians
  • Pawn Shops
  • Shooting Ranges
  • Smoke Shops
  • Swap Meets
  • Taxicabs
  • Theaters
  • Used Merchandise Shops
  • Vehicle Storage Yards
The Douglas Police Department or Cochise County Sheriff’s Office will clarify specific requirements.

Contact the Douglas Police Department on their non-emergency phone at 520-417-7550.

Trademarks & Service Marks

A trademark is any word, name, symbol, or device used to distinguish goods or services. The Arizona Office of the Secretary of State administers the registration of trademarks and service marks for corporations.

The Office of the Secretary of State is located at:
Office of the Secretary of State
Business Services Division
1700 W Washington Street, Floor 7
Phoenix, AZ 85007-2808
Phone: 602-542-6187
Website

Fictitious Business Name

Business names should be registered to establish exclusive use of the name. Go to the Cochise County Clerk of the Superior Court and complete a Fictitious Business Statement. The county clerk will provide you with a list of adjudicated newspapers for you to take your statement to for it to be published.


Weights & Measures

Any business using devices to weigh or measure products for direct sale, such as scales, meters, price scanners or packing goods, must register with the Arizona Department of Weights and Measures. Businesses are subject to an annual inspection from the county to verify that the devices are properly calibrated and maintained.

The Arizona Department of Weights and Measures is located at:
Arizona Department of Weights and Measures
1688 W Adams Street
Phoenix, AZ 85007
Phone: 602-771-4920
Website

Insurance

Insurance to protect your investment and your growing venture is not only prudent, some is mandated by law. For instance, worker’s compensation insurance is mandatory if you hire employees. You have to look beyond just the customary auto and fire insurance. If you rent or lease, begin by analyzing your lease agreement. Consider how much insurance the landlord carries and what it covers. If you work from home, make sure your homeowner’s insurance cover your business assets in case of damage.

Depending on the nature of your business, you should consider general liability, product liability, robbery, and theft and business interruption. Additionally, if you want to retain capable employees, you may have to offer health, life, and disability insurance.