I. Introduction
Do you need to know who owns a business but don’t know where to start? Whether you’re a prospective investor, vendor, or simply curious about a company, finding out who’s behind a business is an essential first step. Fortunately, there are plenty of resources available to help you dig up this information. In this guide, we’ll explore several methods for finding out who owns a business.
II. Online Business Directory
One of the easiest ways to locate ownership information is by using an online business directory. These directories allow you to search for a specific business by name or browse by category, location, and other criteria. Most directories also provide basic contact information, such as the business’s address and phone number.
Some popular online directories to try include:
- Yellow Pages
- Yelp
- Angie’s List
- Google My Business
- Manta
To find the business owner’s information, simply click on the business’s listing and look for the “About Us” or “Contact” page. Many businesses will provide the name and contact information of the owner or CEO on this page.
III. Business Registration Records
Another method for finding out who owns a business is by accessing public business registration records. In most states, businesses are required to register with the Secretary of State’s office or another state agency. These registration records are typically available to the public and can be searched online or in person.
To access these records, start by searching for the Secretary of State’s website for the state where the business is located. Look for a “Business Search” or “Corporate Search” feature on the website and enter the name of the business. From there, you should be able to view the business’s registration information, which may include the name and contact information of the owner or registered agent.
IV. Secretary of State Database
The Secretary of State’s office also maintains a database of registered businesses that can be searched online. This database often provides more detailed information than the public registration records. For example, you may be able to view the business’s annual reports, articles of incorporation, and other important documents.
To access the Secretary of State’s database, visit the website for the state where the business is located. Look for a “Business Entity Search” or similar feature on the website and enter the name of the business. From there, you should be able to view a wealth of information about the business, including the name and contact information of the owner or registered agent.
V. Social Media Search
Social media can also be a helpful tool for finding out who owns a business. Many business owners have public profiles on platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter. By conducting a search for the business on these platforms, you may be able to locate the owner’s profile and contact information.
When conducting a social media search, be sure to search for the business’s name, as well as any relevant keywords or hashtags. Look for profiles that belong to the business owner or CEO, rather than fan pages or general business profiles. Once you’ve located the owner’s profile, you can send a message or make contact directly.
VI. Business License Records
Yet another resource for finding out who owns a business is by accessing business license records. These records are typically maintained by the city or county where the business is located. They can be useful for finding out basic ownership information, as well as the type of business and any required licenses or permits.
To find these records, start by searching the city or county website where the business is located for a “Business License Search” or similar feature. You may be required to enter the name of the business or the owner’s name to access the license information.
VII. Website Contact Information
If all else fails, you may be able to locate the owner’s contact information on the business’s website. Most businesses will have a “Contact Us” or “About Us” page that provides email addresses and phone numbers for the company’s leadership team. You can also try looking for a separate “Team” or “Management” page that provides bios and contact information for each member.
Keep in mind that not all businesses will provide this information publicly. If you’re unable to locate the owner’s contact information through any of these methods, you may need to employ more advanced tactics, such as using a private investigator or searching court records.
VIII. Professional Networks
Another resource for finding business ownership information is by using professional networks. These networks are designed to help professionals connect with one another and may provide access to owner and executive profiles and contact information.
Some popular professional networks to try include:
- Crunchbase
- AngelList
- ZoomInfo
To use these networks, start by searching for the business or the owner’s name. You may be able to view the owner’s profile, including their work history, education, and contact information. LinkedIn, in particular, is a powerful resource for finding business ownership information, as many professionals have public profiles on the platform.
IX. Conclusion
As you can see, there are many methods for finding out who owns a business. Whether you’re using online directories, public records, social media, or other resources, it’s important to stay persistent and thorough in your search. With the right tools and tactics, you can uncover valuable ownership information that can inform your business decisions or satisfy your curiosity.
Remember to always use these resources ethically and legally, and respect the privacy of business owners and executives. With these tips and tools, you’ll be well on your way to discovering who owns your target business.
