How to Find Out Who Owns a Business

Did you ever wonder how to find out who owns a business? There are many reasons to search for the name of the business owner or the key decision-maker, whether you’re exploring potential collaborations or partnerships, or researching your own business plan.

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A business owner may be interested in your managed print services, which have been shown to improve productivity. Others may need it for more urgent matters, such as litigation.

If you are persistent, getting the name behind your business can open up many opportunities for you. This article will show you how to get in touch with the owner or decision-maker of another company.

How to Find Out Who Owns a Business: 10 Strategies

You can find the name of a business owner through a variety of resources and methods. While some of these approaches are relatively easy, others require a lot of time and patience. The best part is that they are all free.

By using these strategies to find out who owns a business, you can gather vital information to incorporate into your business plan.

1. Business Entity Search

You can search for the owner of a business by using the name of the business and the entity number. An entity number is an identification number assigned by the Secretary of State to businesses. An entity number for a corporation may be formatted differently than for a limited liability company or a limited partnership. Knowing the address of the business may also be useful.

The entity number of a business differs from its Employer Identification Number. A federal EIN is used to identify a business for tax purposes. You can also check out our guide on how to find a business tax id number

2. Call the Contact Number

There are times when the obvious solution can be found with a simple phone call. You can look up the business name and phone number in a local phone directory or online. This is a cold call, and the gatekeeper is likely to be there. Do your best to get the information you need.

3. Check the Company Website

Use a search engine to find out if the business has an online presence before making a cold call. Nowadays, most companies have websites, blogs, and social media accounts. Check out the “About Us” and “Contact” pages for information on the business owner.

4. Check Social Media

Businesses that have social media accounts interact with followers and clients through them. You can use social media to search Facebook, Linked In, and other sites. A search engine like Google can show you listings complete with contact information, email, and even a map to the company.

If the owner responds to any comments on Facebook, look for reviews in which he or she is named. For those who are not satisfied with a standard search, you can use the Timeline and Graph Search options. LinkedIn also offers a company-name search option in its advanced search.

5. Conduct a WHOIS Domain Lookup.

If the company’s website doesn’t provide much information, you can always do a domain search. Domain registrars need to know the business owners’ contact information. It is easy to perform a “who is” search.

Just enter the domain name of the business you want to check for registration information. Some domain owners choose to remain anonymous by paying a third party to mask their information. If you notice that the domain owner is “Domains by Proxy,” this means that the owner paid for the service to remain hidden.

 Recommended: Check Our guide on Choosing a Business Name can help you make the choices the right business name.

6. Read the Better Business Bureau (BBB) Reports

Those organizations that want to be recognized as serious players in the market register with BBB. The Better Business Bureau might even have information about companies that aren’t members.

BBB’s search tool is especially useful for finding the owners of large businesses. You can also call or email the business to find out who owns it. A company’s legal, sales, marketing, or administrative office may be of assistance.

The registered agent for service of process on a business may not provide the name of the business’s owner. You should avoid relying on a commercial print or online business database as these may be outdated and costly to use.

7. Search Registered Business Databases

All states require businesses to register in order to operate. The state maintains a database of registered businesses. There is information in all regions as long as you’re in the correct database.

An individual can find out who owns a business by searching the online database of businesses on the website of the secretary of state or the department of revenue in the state where the business is located. In addition, he may be able to do an online business license search on the website of the city or county in which the business is located. These agencies can also be contacted by phone or email.

8. Business License Records

All states keep records of business licenses, although the responsible office and type of records differ. Records may include corporate filings, new business filings, trademark issuances, and business license renewals. While some states keep these records at the state level, others do so at the county and/or city level.

The Secretary of State’s office typically maintains business records, although it may also be known as the Department of Commerce or Department of Corporations in some states. Businesses also file their agent information with these agencies, as registered agents are responsible for accepting service of process.

You may be able to determine if a business is licensed and, sometimes, if it has been charged with any violations or complaints by conducting an online search of its business licenses. You can search by business name, address, or owner name. In most cases, obtaining copies of business records requires a written request or an in-person visit.

9. Check with the Chamber of Commerce

You can find a directory of member businesses on the Chamber of Commerce’s website. You can usually find this information on their public website. Members of the Chamber are listed in the business profile; for small businesses, this is usually the owner.

10. Use Private Search

If all other methods of finding the business owner have failed, you might have to turn to a private search company. However, their services may not be free. When using this option, make sure to read the privacy and legal information on the site you visit. Only use these sites as intended.

Certain Businesses Are Hard to Find

Certain types of businesses may not be able to be located via an online search. Depending on the law of the state where the business is located, the name of the owner may or may not be publicly available. In California, general partnerships and certain other entity types, including limited liability partnerships like law firms, architecture firms, public accounting firms, and land survey firms, are generally not accessible. To request copies of filings for these entities, use a business entities records order form.

When Ownership Is Complicated

Living trusts can own part of a business. A shell corporation, a business entity without active operations, can also own a business. An owner can use a shell corporation to hide her identity. Holding companies, also known as umbrella companies or parent companies, can own substantial amounts of stock in smaller companies. This allows the holding company to control the subsidiary.

When a Business Is Not Registered

Some business owners do not register their businesses, which is illegal. It is difficult for cities, counties, and state agencies to enforce regulations surrounding business registration. An unlicensed business can be reported to the city, county, and secretary of state where the business is located.

Check public records or bankruptcy records for any information you can add to your file. Choosing to partner with someone facing litigation or on the verge of bankruptcy wouldn’t be the best move. It is our hope that this article sheds some light on how you can find business owners or decision-makers.