Online Business

Online Business

Setting up your business on the Internet can be a lucrative way to attract customers, expand your market and increase sales. For the most part, the steps to starting an online business are the same as starting any business. However, doing business online comes with additional legal and financial considerations, particularly in the areas of privacy, security, copyright, and taxation.

Rules and regulations for conducting e-commerce apply mainly to online retailers and other business that perform consumer transactions by collecting customer data. However, even if you do not sell anything online, laws covering digital rights and online advertising may still apply to you.

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is the primary federal agency regulating e-commerce activities, including use of commercial e-mails, online advertising and consumer privacy. FTC's E-Commerce Guide provides an overview of e-commerce rules and regulations.

The following topics provide further information on how to comply with laws and regulations related to e-commerce.

Online Training
Free Courses from SBA
  • E-Commerce
    Learn how to build a website and manage an online business
Federal Contacts
Got a Question? Talk to a Real Person
  • Federal Trade Commission Consumer Response Center (CRC)
    CRC Office Hours: 9am to 5pm (EST)
    CRC Front Desk: (202) 326-2830
    Toll-free: (877)-FTC-HELP
    TTY/TTD: (866)-653-4261