Atlanta, GA Home ATL311 Go GOVERNMENT RESIDENTS VISITORS BUSINESS I WANT TO... Licenses & Permits Suppliers Grants, Loans & Incentives Buildings & Zoning Bids Get Online Permits How to Start Your Own Business Parking Lot Signage Business How to Start Your Own Business Print Feedback Share & Bookmark Press Enter to show all options, press Tab go to next option Font Size: + - Start Your Business in 10 Steps! Step 1: Write a Business Plan Use these tools and resources to create a business plan. This written guide will help you map out how you will start and run your business successfully. Small Business Administration (SBA): "Create Your Business Plan" Step 2: Get Business Assistance and Training Take advantage of free training and counseling services, from preparing a business plan and securing financing, to expanding or relocating a business. Invest Atlanta Small Business Development Center - Atlanta Step 3: Choose a Business Location Get advice on how to select a customer-friendly location and comply with zoning laws. City of Atlanta Zoning Enforcement Division Obtain a Zoning Verification Letter Step 4: Finance Your Business Find government backed loans, venture capital and research grants to help you get started. SBA's Loans & Grants Search Tool Phoenix Fund Business Improvement Loan Fund (BILF) Program Step 5: Determine the Legal Structure of Your Business Decide which form of ownership is best for you: sole proprietorship, partnership, Limited Liability Company (LLC), corporation, S corporation, nonprofit or cooperative. SBA's: "Choose Your Business Structure" Entrepreneur Magazine: "Choose Your Business Structure" Step 6: Register a Business Name ("Doing Business As") Register your business name with your state government. Georgia Office of the Secretary of State Georgia Office of the Secretary of State, Name Reservation Online Portal Step 7: Get a Tax Identification Number Learn which tax identification number you'll need to obtain from the IRS and your state revenue agency. Internal Revenue Service - Apply for an Employer Identification Number (EIN) Online Step 8: Register for State and Local Taxes Register with your state to obtain a tax identification number, workers' compensation, unemployment and disability insurance. Obtain your Georgia State Tax ID number from the Georgia Tax Center Report wage and tax information to the Georgia Department of Labor and pay any unemployment insurance taxes due on those wages Georgia State Board of Worker's Compensation Step 9: Obtain Business Licenses and Permits Get a list of federal, state and local licenses and permits required for your business. City of Atlanta Business License City of Atlanta Regulatory Permit Directory City of Atlanta Building Permits and Inspections City of Atlanta Sign Permit Step 10: Understand Employer Responsibilities SBA: "10 Steps to Hiring your First Employee" Go the extra mile: Stay Green! Get a bike rack for your business Get recycling set up for your business Encourage your employees to explore alternative transportation options with Clean Air Campaign Sources: Small Business Administration, City of Atlanta, State of Georgia Printable guides Open a restaurant Special events permit Resources City Invest Atlanta Startup Atlanta Office of Buildings Office of Revenue Atlanta Police Department Department of Public Works Department of Watershed Management County Fulton County Health Department Dekalb County Health Department State What Georgia employers need to know Small Business Incentives from the Georgia Department of Economic Development Georgia Business Guide Community Development & Finance Division of the Georgia Department of Community Affairs Georgia Chamber of Commerce Federal Small Business Administration Small Business & Self-Employed Tax Center IRS Small Business Tax Kit (free PDF download) Free viewers are required for some of the attached documents. They can be downloaded by clicking on the icons below. Atlanta City Hall Annex Atlanta City Hall Tower Mon-Fri - 8:15 am to 5:00 pm City Directory Government Residents Visitors Business I Want To... Contact Us Site Map Created by GRANICUS - Connecting People and Government Translate