How to Find Who Owns a Business: A Comprehensive Guide

I. Introduction

Have you ever tried to find out who owns a business but couldn’t find anything relevant? In today’s world, where online information is readily available, it can be frustrating to face this common problem. Fortunately, several tools and methods can help solve this problem. In this article, we will explore these tools and methods, including the Secretary of State website, business search tools, LinkedIn, the Better Business Bureau, public records, and local chambers of commerce. By the end of this article, readers will have a comprehensive understanding of how to find business owner information, including its benefits and potential limitations.

II. Search the Secretary of State website

The Secretary of State website holds important information about businesses registered in each state. This website is a good starting point for finding the information you need. Here is how you can use the Secretary of State website to find business owner information:

1. Visit your state’s Secretary of State website.
2. Enter the business name or the name of the owner.
3. Review the search results.
4. If necessary, request additional information (such as filing documents) to understand who the owner is.

While using the Secretary of State website can be useful, it may not always provide the most up-to-date or comprehensive information. Additionally, in some cases, businesses may register under different names or may not register at all.

III. Use a business search tool

Another way to find business owner information is to use online business search tools. These tools are widely available and can help you quickly find the information you need. Here are some popular business search tools:

1. Google: Use Google to search for the business name and the owner’s name. This can lead you to the company’s website or online directories containing information about the business.
2. Dun & Bradstreet: Dun & Bradstreet is a credit bureau that provides information about businesses, including their owners. You can search for businesses on their website or purchase a report for a more in-depth analysis.
3. Hoovers: Hoovers is a business information database that includes company information and owner details. You can search for businesses on their website or purchase a report for a more in-depth analysis.

When using these tools, it’s essential to remember that some may require payment for complete access to their resources.

IV. Check LinkedIn

LinkedIn is a social media platform for working professionals that can be an excellent resource for finding business owner information. By performing a simple search, you can find out what business the owner is involved in, the owner’s name, and even their contact information in some cases. Here’s how to use LinkedIn to find business owner information:

1. Visit LinkedIn’s website and create an account if you don’t already have one.
2. Enter the business name in the search bar.
3. If the company has a LinkedIn page, click on it.
4. Check the employees’ section on the page to find the owner’s name.
5. If the owner has a LinkedIn profile, you may find additional information about them on their profile page.

Keep in mind that LinkedIn is not always reliable when it comes to finding owner information. Some business owners may not have a profile on LinkedIn, or their profiles may not be up to date.

V. Look up the Better Business Bureau

The Better Business Bureau (BBB) is a nonprofit organization focused on promoting ethical business practices. The BBB also maintains a database of businesses in the United States and provides customer reviews. Here’s how you can use the BBB’s website to find business owner information:

1. Visit the BBB’s website and enter the business name in the search bar.
2. If the business is in the BBB’s database, you will see a profile of the business.
3. On the profile page, you can find information about the owner, such as their name and contact information.
4. You can also read customer reviews of the business.

Similar to other methods, the BBB may not always have the most up-to-date or complete information. Additionally, some businesses may not be registered with the BBB.

VI. Visit the business’s website

While it may seem obvious, the business’s own website can be a good source of owner information. Many businesses list their owners on their website, which can provide contact information and a brief bio. Here are some potential areas on a business’s website to find owner information:

1. About Us page: Businesses often have an “About Us” page that provides information about who they are, what they do, and who the owners are.
2. Team page: If the business has a “Team” page, the owner’s information may be listed there.
3. Contact Us page: The contact page on a business’s website may include the owner’s contact information.

However, not all businesses provide owner information on their website, and some may have outdated or incorrect information listed.

VII. Check public records

Public records, such as property records and court documents, can be a useful source of business owner information. Here’s how to search public records for business owner information:

1. Visit your county’s website and search for public records.
2. Enter the business name or owner information in the search bar.
3. Review any records that show up for relevant owner information.

Public records can be a valuable resource, but they may not always be up to date or easily accessible. Additionally, public records may only list owners who have filed taxes or own property, excluding those who don’t fall under those categories.

VIII. Contact the local chamber of commerce

Chambers of commerce are organizations that support local businesses and provide resources for business owners. Many chambers of commerce maintain a directory of local businesses, which can be a good starting point for finding owner information. Here’s how to contact a local chamber of commerce:

1. Visit the chamber of commerce’s website for your city or county.
2. Search for the business name in their directory.
3. If the business is listed, you can find information about the owner and their contact information.
4. If the business is not listed, contact the chamber of commerce and ask for assistance in finding the information you need.

While local chambers of commerce are great resources, not all businesses are members of the chamber or may not be listed in their directory. Additionally, some chambers of commerce may have limited resources or may not be able to provide complete owner information.

IX. Conclusion

In conclusion, there are several methods to find business owner information, with each method having its own benefits and potential limitations. Searching the Secretary of State website, using business search tools, checking LinkedIn profiles, looking up the Better Business Bureau, visiting the business’s website, checking public records, and contacting local chambers of commerce are all effective ways to find business owner information. Remember, while these methods can be useful, they may not always provide the most up-to-date and complete information. By using these methods together, you can have a better chance of finding the owner information you need.