To incorporate a business in Arkansas, which entity must receive the Articles of Incorporation?

In Arkansas, the Articles of Incorporation must be submitted to the Secretary of State, Business and Commercial Services Division. This office is responsible for overseeing the formation and registration of corporations within the state. By filing the Articles of Incorporation with the Secretary of State, a business becomes legally recognized as a corporation, which is essential for it to operate under the laws of Arkansas.

Filing with the Secretary of State's office ensures that the necessary documentation is properly maintained and accessible for public filing, allowing potential stakeholders to verify the corporation's existence and legal standing. This is a critical step in starting a business, as it establishes the company's legal identity and allows it to enjoy the benefits that come with corporate status, such as limited liability protection for its owners.

Other entities like the Governor's Office, the Arkansas Economic Development Commission, and the Department of Finance and Administration play significant roles in the state's economic landscape, but they are not the appropriate recipients of the Articles of Incorporation for a new business entity in Arkansas.