How do I Open a Business in Upstate New York?

Starting a business in upstate New York requires specific licensing.

Starting a business in Upstate New York becomes decidedly easier when you familiarize yourself with state-wide requirements for legal business operation. Researching different business structures as well as seeking assistance and training can help by educating you on everything from state laws to writing a solid business plan. All legal enterprises in upstate New York must follow state regulations. New York has general regulations all businesses must comply with as well as industry-specific regulations.

Instructions

1. Decide what type of organization you want to create. Requirements as well as licensing fees for running a business in upstate New York differ depending on whether you plan to run a sole proprietorship. In this structure, you maintain absolute authority over all decisions regarding the business. It's also the cheapest way to start a new venture. A partnership can be classified as limited or general and means two or more parties make the business decisions. A corporation is a public company and business decisions are made by shareholders and a board of directors. Legal forms you'll need to complete to start your enterprise differ depending on the type of upstate New York business you create.

2. Obtain the DBA (Doing Business As) Business Certificate. Follow the instructions that recommend you do an Internet search to assure the name is available for you to use before filling the form out and having it rejected at the county clerk's office. Fill out the Certificate of Conducting Business as a Sole Proprietorship or Partnership form or corporate forms depending on the enterprise you start from either the Govenor's Office of Regulatory Reform, a legal stationery store in New York, from Blumberg by calling 800-529-2978 or online at blumberg.com.

3. Complete and pay for the appropriate forms, and have your certificates notarized. A licensed and registered notary in your local county in Upstate New York can notarize your forms. Make two copies of each certificate after having it notarized. The original is turned into the Governor's Office of Regulatory Reform and one other copy remains on the property where the business is located.

4. Open a business account with a bank. The second copy of the business certificates remain with the bank the business has an account with.

5. Apply for your Certificate of Authority to Collect Sales Taxes through the Governor's Office of Regulatory Reform Business Permit Assistance Unit. The mailing address as of 2010 is P.O. Box 2107, Albany, New York, 12220-0107. You can also reach them by phone [phone] or 518-474-8275 or visit www.nys-opal.com.

6. Contact the American Planning Association chapter for Upstate New York or visit their website--nyupstateplanning.org and inquire about zoning laws that may effect the type of enterprise you plan to open. After determining the zoning laws in your jurisdiction, you'll be ready to find a business location. The local zoning department will check to ensure the location chosen is zoned for the purpose of the business.

References

• Online Permit Assistance and Licensing: Starting a Business Brochure
• Blumberg Legal Forms; Blumberg's Law Products; 2010
• American Planning Association Upstate Chapter; Making Great Communities Happen: 2010