Last updated on September 5th, 2024 at 09:49 am

Have you ever wondered how to find the owner of a business? There are many reasons to search for the name of a business owner or the chief decision-maker. In the world of business, knowing who owns a company or business is a crucial step toward building connections, fostering collaborations, and conducting thorough research.

Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur, a potential partner, or simply curious about the faces behind successful ventures, finding the owner of a business can unlock a world of opportunities. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore multiple effective strategies to help you uncover the names of business owners and key decision-makers. So let’s dive in and find out how to find the owner of a business for free (mostly).

How To Find The Owner Of A Business

Before diving into the methods of how to find the owner of a business, let’s first understand why it’s important to know who owns a business. Here are some common reasons:

Regulatory Compliance

Complying with anti-money laundering regulations, such as “Know Your Business” (KYB) and “Know Your Customer” (KYC) rules, requires businesses to verify the identities of their business partners and customers. By knowing the owner of a business, you can ensure transparency and mitigate the risks associated with financial crimes.

Due Diligence

Before entering into any business relationship, it is essential to conduct due diligence. Knowing the owner of a business helps you assess their reputation, track record, and credibility. This information can guide your decision-making process and protect you from potential risks.

Collaboration and Partnerships

If you are considering collaborating or forming a partnership with a business, knowing the owner can provide valuable insights into their vision, values, and goals. This knowledge can help you determine whether your objectives align and whether the partnership has the potential for mutual success.

Research Strategies to Find Business Owners

There are several resources and methods you can use when figuring out how to find the owner of a business. Some of these approaches are reasonably easy, while some take a lot of time and patience. Now let’s explore various methods you can use to find the owner of a business. Keep in mind that the availability and effectiveness of these methods may vary depending on your location and the type of business you are researching.

Make a Call.

Sometimes, the simplest solution lies in making a phone call. By looking up the business name and contact number in a local phone directory or online, you can directly reach out to the company. Though it may be a cold call, the gatekeeper is likely to be there to assist you. Be prepared and articulate in your conversation to gather the information you need.

Check the Company Website.

In today’s digital age, most businesses have an online presence through their websites, blogs, and social media accounts. Before making any direct contact, perform a search engine query to determine if the business has a website. Explore the “About Us” and “Contact” pages of the website for valuable insights about the business owner.

Use Private Search (Not Free)

Using private search companies like PublicRecord.com, ZoomInfo.com, Apollo.io, or RocketReach to search for a business owner’s email or phone number can be a valuable tool in B2B prospecting and outreach. These platforms aggregate and curate vast amounts of data from various sources, providing access to contact information that may not be readily available through traditional means. With advanced search filters and algorithms, these platforms enable users to refine their searches based on specific criteria such as industry, company size, and job title, making it easier to identify the right decision-makers within target organizations.

However, it is essential to use these platforms responsibly and ethically, ensuring compliance with relevant data privacy regulations and respecting individuals’ preferences regarding their contact information. Building meaningful and mutually beneficial relationships with business owners requires personalized and thoughtful communication that goes beyond just obtaining contact details.

If a business has a social media account, chances are the company uses it to interact with followers and clients. You can leverage the power of social media and search Facebook, LinkedIn, and other sites. Search engines such as Google can show you listings complete with contact information, email, and even a map to the company.

On Facebook, look for reviews that mention the owner by name or if he or she responded to any comment. You can also use the Timeline and Graph Search options if a standard search gets you nowhere. LinkedIn provides company name search options in their advanced search option.

Conduct a WHOIS Domain Lookup.

If there’s little to no information on the company’s website, you can always dig a little deeper and conduct a domain lookup. It is standard practice that all domains should have a registered owner. Business owners need to provide their contact details to the domain registrar. It’s easy to do a “who is” search. Just type “whois” in any search engine and choose one of the many services that pop up.

Enter the domain name of the business you want to check to see if there’s any registration information. Note that some domain owners choose to remain private and pay a third party to mask their information. For instance, if you see that the domain owner is “Domains by Proxy,” then the owner paid extra for the service to stay hidden.

Read the Better Business Bureau (BBB) Reports.

Organizations that want recognition as serious industry players register with the BBB. The Better Business Bureau might even have information on non-member companies. Please note that the primary contact may not be the owner and that some of the data may be old. Always check and verify the date of the reports.

Search State Databases of Registered Businesses.

All states require businesses to register so they can operate.

One of the most reliable ways to find the owner of a business is through a business entity search. Many countries have government registries that provide information on registered businesses. These registries often include details about the business owner, such as their name, address, and contact information. To conduct a business entity search, follow these steps:

Visit the official government website or the designated registry for business entities in your country.
Use the search function or database provided by the website to search for the specific business you are interested in.
Enter the business name or registration number to retrieve relevant information, including the owner’s details.

All regions may provide some information on any registered entity as long as you’re in the correct database. Note that not all states will include the name of the business owner. You can go to https://www.secstates.com/ and try it yourself.

Contact Local Business Licensing or Regulatory Agencies.

When strategizing on how to find the owner of a business, it makes sense to get in touch with the local city government office responsible for business licenses. Your search will vary depending on the location of the company you’re trying to find and what industry the business belongs to. Start by using a search engine to know who the proper authorizing body is, per locale. You can use a combination of queries that have the following words:

Business permits city, state/prov
Certificate occupancy city, state/prov
Licenses inspections city, state/prov
Business licenses city, state/prov

Note that for these queries to work, you need the exact city and state of the company. Some industries, such as restaurants, require owners to get a license. You can call the regulating body and formally request for the owner name. You can also search the agency’s website for an online tool or database of permits, inspections, and licenses. Please be aware that the regulator may or may not divulge the name of the owner.

Check with the Chamber of Commerce.

The Chamber of Commerce has a directory of member businesses you can find on their website. Usually, you can find this information in the public part of their website. The business profile includes the name of Chamber members and for small businesses, the member is usually the business owner.

Business Networking Events and Associations

Attending business networking events or joining industry-specific associations can provide opportunities to meet business owners and establish connections. By actively participating in these events, you can build relationships and gain insights into the ownership structure of various businesses.

Industry Publications and News

Industry publications and news sources often feature articles or interviews with business owners. Keep an eye on these sources to stay updated about the latest developments and get insights into the ownership of different businesses.

Online Reviews and Testimonials

Online reviews and testimonials can sometimes provide clues about the ownership of a business. Customers or clients may mention the owner’s name or provide insights into their interactions with the business owner.

How to Find the Owner of a Business by Region

The process of finding the owner of a business may vary depending on your location. Here are some region-specific methods to consider:

United States

Secretary of State Search: As previously discussed, most states in the U.S. maintain online databases, often through the Secretary of State’s office, where you can search for registered business entities and find information about their owners.
Public Information Requests: If the owner’s information is not publicly available, you can submit a public information request to the relevant government agency or department. This may involve filling out a form or sending a written request, which can take time to process.

United Kingdom

Companies House: The Companies House website provides access to the official register of companies in the UK. You can search for a specific business and find details about its owners and directors.

Canada

Canadian Business Registries: Each Canadian province and territory has its own business registry. You can search these registries online or contact the respective government agency to find information about business ownership.

Australia

Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC): ASIC maintains a publicly accessible database where you can search for information about registered companies in Australia. This includes details about company directors and shareholders.

Other Countries

For countries not mentioned above, consult the respective government websites or business registries specific to your region. These resources can provide information on how to find the owner of a business in your country.

It Pays to Double-Check

When you have the exact name of the business owner you want to reach, it pays to have more information. This tactic rings true if you plan on going into a business partnership. Scour public records or bankruptcy records for any information you can add to your file.

It wouldn’t be the smartest move to partner with someone who’s facing litigation or is on the verge of bankruptcy. We hope this article was able to shed some light on how you can find business owners or decision-makers.

What about AI?

Advances in Artificial Intelligence (AI) could significantly streamline the process of finding the owner of a business. AI can now utilize Natural Language Processing (NLP) to understand and process large volumes of data from various sources, such as business directories, corporate websites, and social media platforms. This information can be analyzed and cross-referenced to identify relevant data points, such as the names of business owners, their roles, and their contact information.

Moreover, AI can use Machine Learning (ML) algorithms to predict patterns and relationships in data, potentially identifying business owners even in cases where the information isn’t explicitly stated. These advancements in AI technology can therefore enable more efficient and accurate search processes, helping users to quickly find the information they need.

FAQs

Q: Are there any limitations to finding the owner of a business? A: Yes, there are certain limitations to finding the owner of a business. Some businesses may not be required to register or disclose ownership information, making it more challenging to uncover this information. Additionally, certain types of entities, such as general partnerships, may have restrictions on public access to ownership details.

Q: How can I find the owner of a small business? A: The strategies outlined in this guide can be applied to small businesses as well. Conducting a business entity search, checking social media platforms, exploring the company’s website, and consulting local business directories are effective methods for finding the owner of a small business.

Q: Can I find out who owns a business by its tax ID number? A: The tax ID number, also known as an Employer Identification Number (EIN), is used for tax purposes and is not typically publicly available information. While the EIN can help identify a business to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), it does not provide information about the business owner. Instead, the strategies mentioned earlier in this guide are more suitable for finding the owner’s name.

Q: Are there any paid services that can help me find the owner of a business? A: Yes, there are private search services that specialize in gathering comprehensive information about businesses and their owners. These services typically come with a fee, but they can provide detailed reports and save you time and effort in your search.

Q: What if I can’t find the owner of a business using these methods? A: If your initial search efforts prove unsuccessful, consider reaching out to professional investigators or legal services that specialize in uncovering business ownership information. These experts can employ advanced techniques and resources to assist you in finding the owner of a business.

Good luck with your search!

How to Find Any Business Owner’s Name

Table of Contents