To some extent, it depends on what your plans for your businesses are. Operating as one single business entity will probably be more cost effective, which may be a real concern with small businesses. If, however, you have plans to eventually sell your business, have shareholders, or any other situation that requires some seperation of businesses, it may be good to run them under different names and as seperate entities.

Best Regards,

Thomas.

> I'm new here and really enjoying all the
> great posts. I'm venturing into some
> business ideas (part time for now...in the
> hopes of retiring from my day job one day
> soon) and I recently got a business license
> and dba for my craft type business to sell
> at a summer outdoor market each Saturday.
> I'm also starting a personalized candy
> wrapper business which has already generated
> lots of interest in just two days. Do I need
> a separate license and/or business name for
> it? It is good to place all business
> endeavors under one umbrella (if they're
> similar in nature) or keep things separate?
> I'm new at this and need a little advice
> from those here who run more than one
> business at a time.
> Thanks! Joan