OPCNESW / Your business compass
Resources for your
one-person business.
Resources for solopreneurs in the U.S.: business formation, taxes, payments, and savings.
Starting in California? Explore the guide →A PRACTICAL PLACE TO START
Clearer next steps for your business.
START YOUR BUSINESS
California business formation
A practical starting point for California solo business owners: formation documents, EIN resources, business addresses, permits, and official filing links.
Explore →KEEP YOUR BUSINESS ORGANIZEDBusiness compliance checklist
Organize company filings, confirmed tax dates, Articles, EIN letters, and receipts with a practical compliance checklist for California small-business owners.
Explore →YOUR BUSINESS COMPASSAbout OPCNESW
OPCNESW is operated by VORTRIX INC. Learn about our resource directory, business-owner guides, membership information, and how to contact us.
Explore →In the U.S., "OPC" is not a formal business entity type. Common options for a one-person business include a single-member LLC or a sole proprietorship; S corporation tax treatment may also be an option. The right choice depends on your circumstances. Consult a certified public accountant (CPA).
AI Tools
ChatGPT
OpenAI's AI assistant for writing, brainstorming, research, and coding.
AI assistantClaude
Anthropic's AI assistant for writing, document analysis, and coding.
Writing & analysisGrok
An AI assistant from xAI for questions, brainstorming, and exploring ideas.
AI assistantGemini
Google's AI assistant for writing, planning, and everyday productivity.
ProductivityDeepSeek
An AI assistant from DeepSeek for questions, reasoning, and coding.
Reasoning & codingKimi
Moonshot AI's assistant for research, document analysis, and knowledge work.
Research & documentsmuse.ai
Video hosting and management with AI-powered video search.
AI video toolsAIBase
Discover AI tools, news, model information, and tool rankings.
AI tools directoryImage Editing Tools
remove.bg
Automatically remove image backgrounds for product photos and other visuals.
Background removalCanva
Create and edit graphics, social media visuals, presentations, and marketing materials.
Design & editingPixPix
AI image generation and editing tools for product visuals and creative content.
AI image editingClipdrop
AI visual tools for background removal, image cleanup, and image generation.
AI visual toolsUizard
AI-assisted interface design and prototyping for websites and apps.
UI design & prototypingCleanup.pictures
Remove unwanted objects, people, text, and imperfections from images.
Object removalLiblib
AI image creation tools and a community for exploring visual inspiration.
AI image creationBusiness Formation
Stripe Atlas
Business incorporation services for founders, commonly used to form Delaware companies.
For international foundersDoola
LLC formation and compliance services for international founders.
For international foundersFirstbase
Business formation, registered agent services, and compliance support for remote founders.
For international foundersNorthwest Registered Agent
Registered agent, LLC formation, and business address services.
Registered agentLegalZoom
Online legal document and business formation services.
Business & legal servicesDelaware Division of Corporations
Official business formation information from the Delaware Division of Corporations.
OfficialLoopNet
Find commercial real estate for lease or sale, including offices, retail spaces, and warehouses.
Commercial real estateTax & Compliance
IRS: Apply for an EIN
Apply for an Employer Identification Number (EIN) through the IRS at no charge.
OfficialIRS: Small Business & Self-Employed
IRS resources on self-employment tax, quarterly estimated payments, and tax forms.
OfficialFinCEN: Beneficial Ownership Information
Beneficial ownership reporting information. Check the official website for current requirements.
OfficialGusto
Payroll and employment compliance tools, including payroll for S corporation owners.
PayrollPayment Service Provider
Stripe
Online payment processing and subscription billing.
PaymentsPayPal
Business payments, online checkout, and invoicing.
Online paymentsAdyen
A global payment platform for online and in-person transactions.
Global paymentsSquare
Payment processing and point-of-sale tools for online and in-person sales.
Payments & POSAirwallex
Global payment acceptance and cross-border financial services for businesses.
Cross-border paymentsAlipay
A digital wallet and payment service for online and in-person transactions.
Digital walletAccounting & Bookkeeping
QuickBooks
Accounting software for U.S. small businesses.
BookkeepingWave
Bookkeeping and invoicing tools for freelancers, including free options.
BookkeepingXero
Cloud accounting software with bank reconciliation and invoicing.
BookkeepingSales & Income
Gumroad
Sell digital products, courses, and memberships.
Digital productsLemon Squeezy
Sell software and digital products with sales tax handling.
Digital productsShopify
Build and manage your own online store.
E-commerceUpwork
A freelance marketplace for finding clients and projects.
FreelancingInsurance & Legal
Next Insurance
Online small business insurance, including liability coverage.
InsuranceHiscox
Professional liability and general liability insurance.
InsuranceClerky
Legal document templates and electronic signing for startups.
Legal