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)

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