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Programs that register newly formed businesses according to the legal status under which they will operate (e.g., for-profit and nonprofit corporations, limited liability companies, general and limited partnerships, franchises and sole proprietorships) as well as record and reserve their legal name; register business opportunities; and/or issue licenses or permits which provide written authorization for the operation of a business within a specific local jurisdiction.

Programs that make an official record of businesses that will operate as corporations, i.e., legal entities created under the authority of the state which have an existence that is distinct from their individual members and which continue either in perpetuity or for a limited number of years despite changes in their membership. Corporations may be for-profit or nonprofit.

Programs that make an official record of the assumed names of individuals, partnerships or other business associates including groups of people who have pooled their resources to purchase lottery tickets or participate in other games of chance. The programs provide application forms and many allow people to search for DBA names (also called fictitious business names or FBNs), in person, on their website or via written request.

City or county offices that issue licenses, permits or other authorizations which enable businesses to operate legally within the local jurisdiction. Included are general business licenses which are required of all businesses within a particular city or county and licenses which allow specific types of regulated businesses to operate legally.