You’re ready. You have the business idea, the passion, and the drive. The next step is making it official with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC).
But before you log on to the CAC portal, pausing to consider a few key strategic points can save you from costly mistakes and future headaches. Many founders rush this step. They end up with a business structure that limits their growth or a name they can’t build a brand around.
This guide is your final pre-flight checklist. We’ll cover the essential business, brand, and legal considerations you need to have sorted before registering your business with CAC.
What to Do When Registering Your Business with CAC
1. Have You Clarified Your Business Structure?
This is the single most important decision you’ll make at this stage. Is a simple Business Name (registered by a Sole Proprietorship or Partnership) right for you, or do you need the legal protection and scalability of a Limited Liability Company (LTD)?
Getting this wrong can limit your ability to seek investment or expose you to personal liability down the line. If you’re unsure, review our detailed guide on choosing your business structure in Nigeria before you proceed.
2. Do You Have a Clear Nature of Business?
The CAC application will require you to describe the nature of your business. Having a specific, well-defined description is important for both the application’s approval and your future brand positioning.
For example, instead of a vague term like “General Services,” be more specific. “Corporate Event Planning and Management for the Financial Sector” is a much stronger and clearer description.
3. Have You Considered Your Long-Term Vision?
Where do you want your business to be in five years? Will you need to seek investment from venture capitalists? Will you bring on partners or sell shares?
Your long-term vision directly impacts your choice of business structure. It’s much easier to set up the right foundation for growth now than to go through a costly and complex restructuring later.
4. Have you Vetted Your Business Name?
Is your chosen name memorable, unique, and available? A great name is a priceless marketing asset.
Remember to check its availability not just on the CAC portal, but also as a website domain and on all major social media platforms you plan to use. We’ve written a complete guide on how to choose a unique and available business name to help with this.
5. Do You Have All Personal Information Ready?
Before registering your business with CAC, you will need to complete the registration process. The registration process will require scans of your government-issued ID and a passport photo. You’ll also need details like your full name, address, and phone number.
Having all these files and details organized in one place before you start will make the process much smoother. It will also help you avoid the common CAC registration mistakes that cause unnecessary delays.
You Don’t Have to Do It Alone
Going through this checklist might feel like a lot to handle, and that’s okay. The most successful founders know how to delegate foundational tasks so they can focus on their core business.
Instead of spending weeks trying to piece all of this together, you can get it all done correctly, strategically, and quickly with a single partner. As a leading digital agency in Nigeria, our all-in-one business launch packages were designed for you. It’s even more so if you’re busy and planning on registering your business with CAC.
We handle the paperwork and build your digital foundation, so you can launch with absolute confidence.
Find the perfect launch package for your new business here.
