✦ From TwinklesWebCo — no catch
This page exists because half the people who need a website don't have a business set up yet — and that's okay. Get the business official first, then get the website. I'm here for both steps.
This is the foundation. Most small solo businesses start as a Sole Proprietor or an LLC. Here's what each means.
Sole Proprietor / DBA ("Doing Business As")
If you're a one-person operation and just want to get going under a business name, this is the fastest and cheapest path. In Oregon you register a "Assumed Business Name" (DBA) with the state.
Cost: ~$50 filing fee in Oregon. Renews every 2 years.
Oregon Secretary of State — Register a Business Name →LLC — Limited Liability Company
An LLC separates your personal finances from your business. If something goes wrong, your personal assets are protected. Recommended once you're making real money or working with clients.
Cost: $100 filing fee in Oregon + $100 annual report fee.
Oregon Secretary of State — Form an LLC →Contractor License (Oregon CCB)
If you do any construction, remodeling, handyman work, landscaping, or contracting in Oregon — you are required by law to be licensed through the Oregon Construction Contractors Board.
Cost: Varies by license type. Required before you can legally advertise or bid on jobs.
Oregon CCB — Contractor Licensing →Free, takes 5 minutes online, and you'll need it for a business bank account and for paying taxes properly.
Apply for a Federal EIN — Free from the IRS
An Employer Identification Number (EIN) is your business's tax ID. Even if you have no employees, you'll want one. It keeps your Social Security number off paperwork you send to clients.
Cost: Free. Online. Takes 5 minutes. You get the number immediately.
IRS.gov — Apply for EIN Online →Keep your business money separate from your personal money from day one. This makes taxes dramatically easier and makes you look professional.
Rogue Credit Union
Local, community-based, and friendly to small businesses. Low fees, in-person support, and they understand the Southern Oregon market.
roguecu.org →Relay — Free Business Banking
100% online business bank with no monthly fees, no minimums, and built for small businesses. Easy to set up, integrates with accounting tools, and issues a debit card immediately.
relayfi.com →Self-employed people pay quarterly taxes. Set this up early so you're not surprised at the end of the year.
Wave — Free Accounting Software
Free bookkeeping, invoicing, and receipt tracking built for small businesses. No subscription. Connects to your bank account and tracks income and expenses automatically.
waveapps.com →Oregon Self-Employment Tax Info
As a self-employed person in Oregon, you'll pay federal self-employment tax (15.3%) plus Oregon state income tax. Set aside roughly 25–30% of every payment you receive for taxes. Pay quarterly to avoid penalties.
Oregon DOR — Self-Employment → IRS Self-Employed Tax Center →Depending on what you do and where, you may need a city or county business license.
City of Medford Business License
If you operate within Medford city limits, you may need a city business license. Check the City of Medford's Business Services page for current requirements.
City of Medford — Business License →Jackson County — Business Resources
For businesses operating in unincorporated Jackson County (outside city limits), check county requirements separately.
Jackson County Oregon →Before you launch a website, set up these free tools. They're how people find local businesses.
Google Business Profile
This is how you show up in Google Maps and local search results. It's free and takes about 20 minutes to set up. Every local business should have one — it's the single most impactful free marketing tool available.
business.google.com — Set Up Your Profile →Facebook Business Page
A free business page separate from your personal profile. Even if you don't post often, having a page makes you findable and looks legitimate to potential customers.
Facebook — Create a Business Page →These are real, local organizations that help small business owners for free. Take advantage of them.
SCORE — Free Business Mentoring
Volunteer mentors (retired business professionals) who will sit with you, review your plan, and give real advice — for free. Medford has a local chapter.
score.org — Find a Mentor →Oregon Small Business Development Center
Free and low-cost business advising, training, and workshops throughout Oregon. The Rogue Valley SBDC is based in Medford.
bizcenter.org — Rogue Valley SBDC →Oregon Women's Business Center
Business training and resources specifically for women entrepreneurs in Oregon. Free and low-cost programs, networking, and support.
owbc.net →✦ Ready for the website part?
Once your business is set up, I'll build you a site that makes it all real. Starting at $500 — send me a message or fill out the intake form and let's go.