Every state has a nickname and every nickname has a story. As the first state to ratify the constitution following the revolutionary war, Delaware claimed its title as the “first state” in the earliest stages of our nation's history. Since then, Delaware has pioneered a number of other firsts as well. Thanks to a receptive business climate, Delaware is “first” in the minds of businesspeople from Fortune 500 companies to entrepreneurs just starting their business. Delaware's laws create an environment where forming a business entity is fast, convenient and affordable. The state's judicial system is based on centuries-old principles of jurisprudence, allowing legal issues to be settled fairly and predictably. Among the many tax, asset protection, privacy and other benefits of incorporating in Delaware is a provision of Delaware law that says business owners do not have to live or ever set foot in the state in order to form a business. This is a convenient feature in some respects but unfortunate in others because Delaware offers much to see and do.

For a state small in geographical stature, Delaware boasts a surprising level of contrasts and wide-ranging diversity in cultures, scenery, and lifestyles. Wilmington, the state's largest city, is in the far northeast corner of the state where the Delaware Bay becomes the Delaware River, a stone's throw from Philadelphia. Wilmington is a major financial center, headquarters to one of America's most venerable companies, DuPont, and features an important deep water port.

Traveling south or southwest from Wilmington unveils the contrast between the bustle and energy of Wilmington's place along the Washington-New York corridor and the decidedly more relaxed ambiance of downstate Delaware. Southward along the banks of the Delaware Bay are a series a small towns where fishing is the focus of many conversations. Cape Henlopen at the mouth of the Bay marks the beginning of Delaware's 28 miles of Atlantic Coast. Lewes, Rehobeth Beach, Bethany Beach and Fenwick Island are family-oriented beach resorts that draw thousands of visitors from throughout the region.

To the west and further inland, from north to south are the towns of Christiana, site of a well-regarded medical center and teaching hospital; Newark, home to the University of Delaware; Dover, the state capitol; and further south, Milford, Georgetown and Seaford.

Delaware boasts a variety of activities and venues across a wide spectrum of entertainment tastes and preferences. Take your chances with lady luck at the Midway Slots and Simulcast harness racing venue. Dover Downs is the site of a major NASCAR race each season. Cultural and Ethnic celebrations dot the calendar and the state—from a yearly Jazz festival to lively and interesting Puerto Rican, Italian, Polish and Greek festivals. National and State Parks, environmental centers and nature preserves are located throughout Delaware.

So, yes, you can indeed form your business entity in Delaware without ever once visiting. The professionals at Harvard Business Services, Inc. can help you accomplish that by phone or online, and in person as well if you stopped by the office. With so many things to see and do in Delaware, maybe it's worth the trip.