By Cap Puckhaber | BlackDiamondMarketingSolutions.com

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Starting a Business in 2025: What to Do, Where to Register, and How to Get Funded

By Cap Puckhaber | BlackDiamondMarketingSolutions.com

If you’ve been telling yourself, “I want to start a business but have no ideas,” you’re not alone. Every year, millions of people Google that exact phrase. The good news? You don’t need to have the next Amazon or Tesla idea to start. What you do need is clarity on what matters: the right foundation, a bit of strategy, and a path to funding that doesn’t require perfect credit or deep pockets.

At Black Diamond Marketing Solutions, I’ve helped new entrepreneurs start small but grow smart. In this blog, I’ll walk you through the essentials—from figuring out your idea to forming your LLC in the best state for your situation, to getting funding (even if your credit score is… let’s call it humble). Let’s dive in.

“I Want to Start a Business But Have No Ideas” — Here’s Where to Begin

Forget the pressure of the “million-dollar idea.” Most great businesses begin with solving a small, real-world problem for a very specific group of people. A client of mine built a six-figure business not by inventing something new, but by organizing digital files for overwhelmed freelancers.

So instead of waiting for a lightning-bolt idea, ask yourself:

What do people constantly ask you for help with?
What frustrates you daily that no one’s fixed yet?
What are small businesses in your town not doing well?

These answers lead to service business ideas—ones you can launch quickly and scale affordably.

Where Should You Register Your Business? Don’t Get Lost in LLC Hype

One of the most popular questions online is: What’s the best state to start an LLC? And it’s a fair question—searches like best state to open an LLC or best state to file LLC are trending for a reason. There’s a lot of content out there pushing Wyoming, Delaware, or Nevada as the top choices.

But here’s the truth: the best state to register your LLC is usually the state you live and operate in.

If you live in California and your customers are in California, forming your LLC in Delaware won’t save you money. You’ll still need to register as a foreign LLC in California and pay the state’s fees. Now you’ve got two states’ red tape to deal with.

That said, if you operate a 100% online business with no physical presence anywhere—Wyoming or Delaware might be smart choices due to their tax structures and business-friendly laws.

For example, creating an LLC in Indiana is easy, inexpensive, and straightforward if that’s your home base. But don’t chase “best state to form an LLC” articles unless you truly need the legal benefits they’re talking about. Most small business owners don’t.

The First Legal Step Most People Miss

Once your LLC is formed, don’t forget your business license. I can’t tell you how many entrepreneurs skip this and then scramble when they get hit with fines or shut down by their city.

In California, the process is straightforward:

Register your LLC with the state.
Apply for your local business license—usually through your city or county.
Register with the CDTFA if you’ll be collecting sales tax.

Pro tip: CalGold is your best friend. Enter your city and business type, and it will tell you exactly what you need to stay legal.

The Best Businesses to Start in 2025 Aren’t “Trendy”—They’re Timeless

I get asked a lot, “What’s the best business to start in 2025?” And honestly, the answer isn’t AI, crypto, or the latest tech trend.

It’s the business that you can consistently deliver, market effectively, and improve over time.

In 2025, some of the most successful new entrepreneurs will focus on helping other people simplify their lives:

Virtual bookkeeping for overwhelmed freelancers.
Local SEO and website optimization for tradespeople.
Online resume coaching and LinkedIn optimization.
Pet care, cleaning, tutoring—anything where trust matters more than tech.

These aren’t sexy businesses. But they make real money, fast.

Business Funding in 2025: Yes, You Can Start Without a Perfect Credit Score

Let’s be real: most new entrepreneurs don’t have a great credit score or stacks of cash. And that’s okay.

Start by building business credit the right way. Here’s what the banks don’t always tell you:

You don’t need to use your Social Security number for everything. Once you get your EIN from the IRS and a business checking account, you can apply for vendor credit under your business name.
Net-30 vendors like Uline, Quill, and Grainger can give you credit and report to business bureaus—helping you build your business profile even if your personal score isn’t perfect.
Business credit cards with no credit check (like Brex or Divvy) are designed for startups and often give you 30-day float with zero interest if you pay off on time.

And for those of you searching “guaranteed business credit card approval,” here’s the deal: those cards do exist, but they often come with high fees or low limits. Don’t rely on them for long-term growth—use them to build your credit and move on.

Getting a Business Loan Without the Banks

Don’t limit yourself to traditional banks. If you’re in California or another high-cost state, small business loans are available through private lenders, peer-to-peer platforms, and even nonprofit organizations.

Look into:

Business lines of credit for startups via Lendio or Fundbox
Private lenders for business loans like Bluevine or OnDeck
Microloans from community lenders—especially if you’re a woman, minority, or veteran-owned business

And if you’re searching for “term business lending,” understand what you’re getting into. Term loans are great for buying equipment or launching inventory-heavy businesses—but not so great if you’re unsure of cash flow.

Final Thoughts From Cap

Starting a business in 2025 doesn’t require you to know everything—it just requires you to start something. You don’t need a revolutionary idea. Try to solve a small problem, legally and profitably. You don’t need a perfect credit score. Try to build credit and access the right funding when you’re ready.

At Black Diamond Marketing Solutions, I believe in practical, honest, and strategic business building. No fluff. No hype. Just actionable advice from someone who’s helped build real brands.

So if you’re wondering how to start, where to form your LLC, or how to finance your dream—you’re already ahead of 90% of people. You’re asking the right questions.

Now it’s time to take the next step.

Need help turning your idea into action?

Reach out at BlackDiamondMarketingSolutions.com and let’s build your business together.

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How to Start a Business in 2025: From Big Ideas to LLCs, Licenses, and Funding