Steps to Starting a Small Business in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania offers grants to small-business owners in certain areas of trade.

The state of Pennsylvania is one of the oldest, most diverse hubs for doing business in the United States. Since the colonial era, Pennsylvania has been a source for innovation and creativity in business, and the state works diligently to ensure that small-business entrepreneurs have all the resources and help they need to foster ideas into real entities. Whether you are an Amish furniture maker or a computer builder, Pennsylvania makes the business application process accessible.

Instructions

1. Plan and research the type of business you want to operate. Pennsylvania offers a variety of resources for creating business plans, applying for business grants and researching areas of opportunity. You can contact the Pennsylvania Business Portal for more information.

2. Find a location for your business that will provide ample room for future growth and success. Pennsylvania provides a free service through the governor's office that tells you the zoning restrictions of any area you have in mind for your business.

3. Choose a business name for your small business. Using a name other than your own for business dealings is called a DBA, or "Doing Business As" name. You must register your DBA name with the state of Pennsylvania so it can ensure the name is not already in use, and that the name is only associated with your business. Fill out an application at the Pennsylvania Corporate Bureau to secure your DBA.

4. Apply for an Employer Identification Number, or EIN, for your business so you may pay business taxes, issue checks and register with the Internal Revenue Service. The IRS provides a short online application form to apply for your EIN.

5. Register to pay state taxes in Pennsylvania by providing your business name, EIN and personal information. State taxes must be filed every quarter of the year, whether or not you have earned revenue. The state tax registration form is available from Pennsylvania online.

6. Apply for a business license in Pennsylvania. The business license you must obtain depends on the business you intend to run. The Pennsylvania Bureau of Professional and Occupational Affairs will guide you through the application process and tell you what license you need. When you apply for the business license, you must decide if your small business will be a sole proprietorship, partnership or limited liability corporation.

   Bureau of Professional and Occupational Affairs

   P.O. Box 2649

   Harrisburg, PA 17105

   717-787-8503

   dos.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/bureau_of_professional___occupational_affairs/12483

References

• Pennsylvania: Business Assistance
• Pennsylvania: Locating Your Business
• Pennsylvania Department of State: Doing Business As Registration
• IRS: Employee Indentification Number Registration
• Pennsylvania Department of Revenue: Business Tax Registration
• Pennsylvania Department of State: Business License Requirements