How to Start a Small Business in Williamsport, Pennsylvania

If you plan on starting a new business in the northern part of central Pennsylvania, then you should consider starting it in Williamsport. Williamsport is best known for being the home to the Little League World Series, and as such, it draws people from across the U.S. and the world, and this tourism can lead to greater exposure of your business to potential clients. Williamsport is also located near Lycoming College and the Pennsylvania College of Technology, which also provides access to potential clients.

Instructions

1. Register your business with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Determine a legal structure for your business, such as a corporation, sole proprietorship, general partnership, limited partnership, limited liability partnership or limited liability company, and file the required documents to register your business with the Pennsylvania Department of State.

2. Register your business's "fictitious" name (or trade name), if necessary. In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, if you plan on using a business name that is not the legal name of the business, then it is considered a "fictitious name," which is the same as a DBA or "doing business as" name. The legal name of a sole proprietor or partnership is the name of the owner or owners. The legal name of a corporation or limited liability company is the name that you register with the Department of State on the Articles of Incorporation or Certificate of Organization. Obtain and complete a "Registration of Fictitious Name" form and submit it with the filing fee to the Pennsylvania Department of State. The form can be obtained by calling the Pennsylvania Department of State or by visiting its website. (A link to the "Registration of Fictitious Name" form is provided in the Resources section of this article.)

3. Register the business with the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue. Register your business for the sales and use tax, withholding taxes and any necessary licenses or certificates that your business may require by completing the Pennsylvania Business Tax (PA-100) form. You can complete the form over the Internet at the "Online PA-100" website, or by obtaining a copy of the form from the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue. (A link to the PA-100 form is provided in the Resources section of this article.)

4. Find a location in Williamsport for your business. You can rent office space or purchase a building for your business. Consider locations that will best serve your business purpose. For instance, if you plan on opening a coffee shop then consider finding space near Lycoming College or near a hotel.

5. Contact the Williamsport Community Development Office. The Community Development Office can provide you with information concerning small business loans such as Williamsport's "Local Economic Revitalization Tax Assistance (LERTA)" program or its "SHOPSTEADING" program. You can reach the Community Development Office at 570-327-7511.

6. Contact the Bureau of Codes. Depending on the type of business that you intend to start, you may need to obtain a permit. The Bureau of Codes can be reached at 570-327-7517.

Tips & Warnings

• You may wish to contact an attorney and an accountant to help you file the necessary paperwork with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

References

• City of Williamsport: Economic Development: Loans
• Pennsylvania Department of State: Corporations: Forms
• Pennsylvania Department of Revenue: Revenue e-Services Center--Online PA100

Resources

• City of Williamsport Bureau of Codes: Fee Schedule
• Pennsylvania State Site: PA-100 Form: PA Enterprise Registration Form and Instructions
• Registration of Fictitious Name
• Little League Online
• Lycoming College