[connect714]

I am going to form an LLC:

Can I use a broad / vague name like "Anaheim Investment Group?"

I want to set up my LLC as a parent company where there will be multiple business activities that may or may NOT included investing.

Would this be ok?

[jonathanfigaro]

what is your business about? what are you representing?

[connect714]

Well that's the thing is I like to keep my options open:

I am only buying and selling things on ebay right now.

Next year I might open a store or possibly purchase a store instead. Or I might start investing in a project completely different.

So I don't want my business name to limit the type of activities my businesses will carry out.

So would that name work for something like this?

[BALLERMODE]

It's kind of misleading. If I'm looking for a firm to transfer my 401K to, I use keywords like "investment" and expect to get companies that deal with that subject- not ebay sales. Just because you, the owner, are investing money in something- doesn't mean the COMPANY is working with investments.

I'd probably try to think of something else.

[connect714]

Well that's a good point but maybe I miscommunicated my intentions:

My ebay name would not be "anaheim investment group".

I would of course create different names for the different activities, for ex: "Consumer Electronics On Sale" for my Ebay Name.


My LLC Company "anaheim investment group", would be used only as the Parent Company that would shield my other companies/business activities from Lawsuits etc (The concept of Limited Liability // "Corporate Veil")




But first is this even possible?

1. Create a parent LLC Company
2. Create multiple DBA's for different businesses//business activities of the company
3. And have all my DBA's / Businesses protected from lawsuits etc. by my LLC Parent Company

[connect714]

K I found the answer: but won't let me send links

entrepreneurs.about
/od/businessstructure/a/doingbusinessas.htm

It allows a single legal entity (corporation, LLC, etc.) to operate multiple businesses without creating a new legal entity for each business. For example, if you are planning to operate a series of web sites, or a chain of bars, you might set up a corporation with a generic name, such as LVH Web Enterprises, Inc., or Neighborhood Bars, LLC, and then file an assumed name for each website or bar. Since there is significant expense in filing and maintaining a corporation, this helps control costs while still allowing you to expand your business.



Looks like I am going to cross out "Investment" as a name.

And it looks like "Enterprises" is a good generic name:

What about "Anaheim Group"? or something with the word "Group?"
Is that generic enough?

[BALLERMODE]

Yes, I understand your intention. I'm trying to tell you INVESTMENT is suitable for a company that does INVESTMENTS.

Anaheim Group is better, but looks to be taken already The Anaheim Group / DENTALFAX

[connect714]

Yes we are now on the same page.


I just liked the name with "Investment" in it. Has a nice ring to it but too bad it doesn't work.

[pboychuk]

I dont see what the issue is, apply for the name, if its not already used than you get it and go on with your merry life..
Maybe its a little weird to use group, if you are not actually a group.. but I think investment is fine if you are handling your multiple businesses via the parent company.

Its generic enough.

Maybe consider using holdings in the name...

[lilg1989@gmail.com]

I think group or whatever can be used as the name so it could maybe be something like xxxxxxx group llc. Check your state rules on that

[CloverMarketing]

I know how you feel. I started on eBay too. You're forward thinking is a good thing, but it's also harder to brand with. I would actually use the name of whatever business you are pushing for at the moment. If you decide to do something else, create another name for that. This may be a corp or llc for each one.

Do this for your customers:
-When you get a merchant account, it will need to be set up with your legal name. This will show on your customer's bank statements.
-When you get a phone line, it will initially be set up in your legal business name. This is important when you want yellow page listing which convert to search engine placement.
-When your customer write checks, there's no question who she should write the check out to.
-There are many other reasons of course, but these are some pretty important ones from a marketing prospective.

[connect714]

Clover,


So you are recommending I pick an LLC name that is brandable for marketing purposes?

But couldn't I choose a generic name and *choose an attractive marketable name creating a DBA under my LLC.



For example:

1. Connect4 Enterprises LLC (Official LLC)

2. DBA #1: Consumer Electronics for Less (Under LLC)


*Write the checks to "Consumer Electronics for Less"



Would this work?

[Renata]

You can, but you may want to check with your cpa... you might need to report those separately that will cost you more $$