Is it better to change name and type of business or just start a new business?

Question Details: I filed a DBA for a windshield repair business but never had a client. I started to do beauty services and would like to register a business. Should I change the name of the business I have already or just start a new business?

Asked on 7/13/2019 under: Business Maryland

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SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney Answered 3 months ago | Contributor

Legally, there is no real difference: a business can engage in any type of business it wants, so a windshield repair business could legally run a beauty business, or vice versa. So you could change the existing name or start a new one and either is valid.
However, if you did not have an LLC, you should set up an LLC for your business--this would argue in favor of creating a new business structure. An LLC will protect you and your personal assets (e.g. house, car, money in a personal bank account, etc.) from most business-related liability: i.e. if someone can sue your LLC, that in most cases will not mean that they can also sue you personally. It is much safer to run a business through an LLC than just as a sole proprietorship.

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