>Experts,
>
>This question maybe in the realm of best practices in regards to developing software / applications for small business owners. I have a client who has multiple small businesses and requested an application that would be able to handle multiple businesses and the customers and products associated with them.
>
>What is everyone's opinon on being faced with this sort of request? My initial thoughts are to allow the user to register (for the first time upon installing), and then figuring out a way to force the user to create xx number of business profiles. Is this good practice? Any recommendations on doing this or NOT doing this?

Every accounting package allows for multiple "Companies."

"Companies" have customers, employees, vendors, inventory items, etc.

Typically there is one database with global tables and one table holding specific information about each "company"

Each "company" has a database holding tables for its customers, vendors, balances, etc.

No need to pre-determine the number of companies. Your client should be able to add and delete as needed.