Yes, I want to Start a Business! The first step in starting a business is to decide what kind of business entity (business structure) you will establish. Will you be a sole proprietor, a partnership, an LLC, or a Corporation? Here is a
detailed description of your options and what they mean.

Business Registration Guide (PDF)
Covers forming your business entity and the related registrations that follow.

Business Launch Pad
Takes you through every possible step in forming a business in Virginia.

Starting a Business and Keeping Records (PDF)
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) offers a publication that every start-up business should read.

Business Plan
Find out about the importance of a business plan and how to write one.

Starting Your Own Business (PDF)
A Recipe for Obtaining Capital, if your business will need capital (funding).

Financing a Business Start-up
General Financing And Accounting Resources.

Start a Corporation, LLC, or Partnership
From the State Corporation Commission.

Contractor's License
Obtain a Contractor's License from the Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation.

Federal Employer Identification Number (EIN)
Online Form SS-4, Employer Identification Number (EIN).

Taxes
Register for Virginia taxes, including corporate income tax, sales tax, and withholding tax.

Licenses and Permits
Review License and Permit require ments for specific businesses.

Search Business Entity Information
through the State Corporation Commission.

Reseller's License or Resale Certificate (PDF)
Virginia’s “Reseller’s License” or “Resale Certificate,” the ST-10 form.

Please note that to view some of the documents on this page, you will need to use Adobe Acrobat Reader. If you do not have this software, you can download it for free. To do so, please click on the "Get Acrobat Reader" icon.