How to Start a Business in Clackamas County

Business woman

Written by Tea Godfrey on March 17, 2026

A simple, grounded guide for turning your idea into something real

Starting a business can feel like a mix of excitement and overwhelm. You’ve got the idea—but then come the questions:

Where do I register?
Do I need a license?
What address do I use?
Am I missing something important?

If you’re starting a business in Clackamas County, this guide will walk you through the essentials—step by step—so you can move forward with clarity and confidence.

Step 1: Get Clear on Your Business Idea

What problem am I solving?
Who do I want to serve?
How will I make money?

Step 2: Choose Your Business Structure

  • Sole Proprietorship – In this instance, you can choose just to register an ABN (Assumed Business Name) with the Secretary of State
  • LLC (Limited Liability Company) – Good for both single and multiple member/owners
  • Corporation – The C Corporation is something usually chosen at a later date, after the business has proven itself

Step 3: Register Your Business with the State of Oregon
You’ll need:

More Info:

Secretary of the State Corporations Division
Public Services Building
255 Capitol Street NE, Suite 151
Salem, OR 97301
Phone: 503-986-2200

Step 4: Get an EIN (Employer Identification Number)

Needed for banking, hiring, and taxes. Get more information about requesting your EIN (for free).

Step 5: Set Up Your Business Address + Mail

Consider a commercial address (like BIZ CUBE) for privacy and professionalism. Remember that the Secretary of State does not allow PO Boxes or other commercial mail receiving locations as your principal place of business.

Step 6: Apply for Local Licenses (If Needed)

If you live in an unincorporated area of Clackamas County, you will not need a city business license. Here’s a list of the cities in Clackamas County that DO require a city business license.

Step 7: Open a Business Bank Account

You will need to bring with you a copy of the registration with the Secretary of State as well as your EIN letter from the IRS. You may also be required to share your personal home address.

Step 8: Create a Simple Operating System

Even though it’s just you doing the work, document your processes and procedures as you go so that you can refine how you work and make it easy when the time comes to hire and train someone to help you.

Step 9: Build Your Presence

Your business needs visibility — in both the online and offline worlds. But don’t dump huge amounts of money into branding and marketing until you’ve proven your concept and can see an upward path to success. Start small by…

  • Registering a domain name for your business
  • Claiming your Google Business Profile
  • Setting up Pages on the social media platforms where you believe your ideal customers are already hanging out
  • Getting a basic website set up (even just one page is helpful) and tying your email address to that domain
  • Networking in your community with other business owners/folks. There are several Chambers of Commerce you can investigate, smaller networking groups like Flourish, and possibly a regional or state professional association that might be useful.

Step 10: Give Yourself Space to Focus

You’ll likely be working from a home office at least initially. This is great, but there will likely be times when you need to get away from the distractions of laundry, dirty dishes, and well-meaning family members who can’t stop themselves from interrupting your work flow.

We invite you to try out BIZ CUBE’s hot desk option and/or our private conference room (great place to meet clients!). Our members swear they get loads more work done here than they do at home.

Final Thoughts:

Start simple. Stay consistent. Take the next step.

Need Help Getting Set Up?
BIZ CUBE offers business address services, registered agent services, and focused workspace. AND we can advise you on many of the items we’ve outlined above. Don’t go it alone. We’re here to help at every step along the way.

Tea Godfrey