What to Know Before Registering Your LLC

A strong start can make all the difference for your business, and this workshop gives you the tools, clarity, and confidence you need before you register your LLC. You’ll get simple guidance, practical steps, and helpful insights that make the process easier to navigate and set you up for long-term success.

Topics Covered:

• The pros and cons of an LLC compared to other business structures
• How to choose a business name and check if it’s available
• What a registered agent is and how to select one
• The purpose of an operating agreement and why it matters
• State filing expectations, timelines, and costs
• Common mistakes people make when registering
• What to handle after formation, including your EIN, taxes, licenses, and more

Give your business the strong start it deserves, register now and get the key information you need before registering your business!

About the Speaker

Mary N. Hanna is Senior Counsel at Dibo Law, LLC with legal experience spanning employment law, real estate, business and non-profit law and estate planning, immigration law, landlord-tenant law, real estate, and business law. Mary serves as a Magistrate in Cleveland Heights Municipal Court, the Brecksville Mayors Court and brings this unique perspective to her client matters, improving the advice and strategy she can provide, and values the challenges they are facing.

She earned her J.D. from the University of Akron School of Law and holds a degree from Youngstown State University. A member of the Ohio Bar, Mary is fluent in Arabic and actively involved in the legal and broader community through the Ohio Association of Magistrates, Hope Across Nations, and as a volunteer judge for high school mock trial competitions.

Outside of her legal practice, Mary is a dedicated mother of two boys who enjoys swimming, jogging, and is passionate about traveling.

The Economic & Community Development Institute's Women's Business Centers of Ohio guide individuals at any stage of the business process. Through one-on-one counseling sessions with WBC staff and volunteers, you can get the direction and resources to meet your goals. Business advisers want to help you successfully start a business, or grow and expand your existing business -- increasing revenue and creating jobs for the local economy.

The WBCs present training workshops regularly to provide access to small business knowledge at no charge. They are the only SBA-funded Women's Business Centers in the state.