Start Your Business

The Alexandria SBDC provides free and objective guidance to set up your business for success. Our resources include checklists, resources on City and state processes, and our comprehensive planning guide.

Start Your Business

All of the steps and considerations one must undertake when they start a business can seem overwhelming. Make no mistake, the process requires dedication and commitment, and the eventual success of your business concept will depend heavily on the investment of time and thought at the start. Most entrepreneurs underestimate how long it will take, and you should prepare to invest weeks and months rather than days.

While that might sound discouraging, many entrepreneurs before you have done it and so can you! The more understanding and expertise you have in your particular area, or the more time you’re willing to invest in extensive research, or even working for a while for someone else in that area, the better prepared you will be.

Another key element in your potential success will be getting expert and objective feedback along the way. Alexandria SBDC is the premier resource available to entrepreneurs in the City of Alexandria, and SBDC services are available to City businesses without cost. The SBDC is also closely networked with many other government, private sector and academic experts and resources and will link you to them. Alexandria SBDC is focused totally on your best interests, and we look forward to your success! Below, please find a video from the City Manager, Mark Jinks, welcoming you to the City and providing information on how to access different business services.

Startup Checklist

The best place to start is with the Small Business Checklist & Legal Requirements. Read through all of the following steps and note that you may be doing several steps at the same time.  Click on each link below to expand that step for more detailed information

  • Step 1: Determine if You are Ready to Start a Businessclick

    When you hear the phrase “The American Dream”, the first things that usually come to mind are owning a home and owning a small business.  The best preparation for starting a business is several years of business education, followed by several more years of business experience. (Try it out with someone else’s money first).  The following considerations are important in deciding if you are ready to become an entrepreneur:

    1. Evaluate your entrepreneurial and business ability and willingness to assume risk.  Most new ventures fail and you should be willing and able to take that risk both psychologically and financially.  In addition, opening your own business generally means that you will be working harder than you ever did before, particularly in the early years when you will probably be making most of the decisions yourself.

    2. Evaluate your personal creditworthiness.  This will be particularly important if you will be trying to obtain financing for your business. You can obtain a credit report from the local office of the Retail Merchants Association or from one of the national credit bureaus.  Credit Bureau charges range from $10.50 to $15.95, and reports can be ordered online.  You should also know your credit score for which there is a separate charge.

    Annual Credit Report                           (no charge for one report/year)
    Experian (Formerly TRW)                  1-888-397-3742
    Equifax                                                         1-800-685-1111
    TransUnion                                                1-877-322-8228
    Fair Isaac Corp. (FICO)                         1-800-319-4433

    3. Choose the venture based on your interests and skills and, of course, the need for that product or service in your market area.

    4. Gather information for a business plan and loan proposal.  Use the Business Planning Guide Outline as a guide to help you gather the necessary information for start-up, operations, marketing, and so on.  In addition to creating a financing proposal, doing a business plan will help you determine: 1) if your idea is feasible; 2) how much the venture will cost to start; and 3) how much volume you will need to do to stay in business.

  • Step 2: Identify Your Business Locationclick

    Site Considerations

    The choice of location is important to the success of your business and should be determined early in the planning process.  All businesses in Alexandria must obtain zoning approval before conducting business. There is more information about Zoning considerations in the step “Obtain Local Business License”. Site requirements will vary depending on the type of goods or services offered by the business.  You should outline the business’ needs and select a site, which best meets these requirements.  Further, you must consider location in regard to customers, suppliers, employees, and government regulations.

    The Alexandria Economic Development Partnership is a very valuable resource to assist you in your search. You can find a wealth of additional information including location considerations, demographics, and lists of local businesses. If you are interested in finding a co-working or executive office space in the City, please visit AEDP’s listing of local spaces.

    Alexandria Economic Development Partnership
    625 N. Washington Street, Suite 400
    Alexandria, VA 22314
    Phone: (703) 739-3820
    www.AlexandriaEcon.org

    Leasing Checklist

    The leasing checklists address the most common issues that you need to consider when you negotiate a real property lease.  Before you sign a lease, be sure that you have Zoning Approval to conduct your business at that location:

  • Step 3: Determine Your Business Structureclick

    To begin any type of new business, you must first decide how you want the business structured.  The decision on how to structure a business varies for each owner.  You can research business structures on the legal website www.nolo.com, but it is highly recommended that you consult an attorney or an accountant to determine the best structure for your business. Also, the “Business One Stop” is an online service provided by the State of Virginia to help accelerate the formation process for new businesses. The most common forms of business entities and their registration requirements are listed below.

    • Sole Proprietorship – A sole proprietorship is an unincorporated business that is owned and operated by one person.  This person receives all the profits and is personally liable for all the losses.
    • General Partnership – A general partnership is a relationship existing between two or more persons who join together to carry on a trade or business.  Each partner contributes money, property, labor and/or skills, and agrees to share in the profits or losses of the business. General Partnerships complete a Statement of Partnership Authority and file it with the State Corporation Commission.  If there is a Statement that has been filed in an office in another state, a duly authenticated copy may be filed with the Commission.  The filing fee is $25.
    • Limited Partnership – Generally, a limited partnership is created to obtain additional funds.  General partners retain control over the management of the partnership and are liable for all debts.  Limited partners invest money or property in the business and are entitled to share in the profits, but are not liable for debts beyond their investment.Limited Partnerships (domestic) must file a Certificate of Limited Partnership with the State Corporation Commission and pay a $100 filing fee.A limited partnership created under the laws of another state or country is called a foreign limited partnership.  It must complete the Application for Registration of Foreign Limited Partnership and register with the State Corporation Commission before it transacts business in Virginia.  The filing fee is $100.
    • Limited Liability Partnership – A limited liability partnership is a special status that can be registered under a general partnership or a limited partnership.  Partners are not individually liable for claims and debts of the partnership as a whole or any other individual partner or employee.  However, a partner is still liable for claims and debts as a result of his/her own actions.  A limited liability partnership must carry a minimum $500,000 in liability insurance. The filing fee is $100 and the annual registration fee is $50.
    • Limited Liability Company – A limited liability company is a business entity that is an unincorporated firm of one or more members who own membership interests on their capital contributions.  This type of business is intended to be taxed as a partnership while limiting the personal liability of its owners.
      The company must file:
      • Articles of Organization (if domestic)
      • Articles of Organization for a Professional Limited Liability (if professional)
      • Application For Registration of a Foreign Limited Liability (if foreign)
      • With the State Corporation Commission and pay a filing fee of $100.  The annual registration fee is $50.
    • Corporation – A corporation is an entity with a legal existence apart from its owners.  Corporations must comply both with federal and state laws where business is conducted.  Corporations are classified as stock or non-stock and domestic or foreign.  Every corporation must first register with the State Corporation Commission before beginning its operations in Virginia.A Subchapter S (or “S”) Corporation is a special form of a regular corporation.  It is incorporated as a regular corporation, but asks for special permission from the Internal Revenue Service to be taxed as a partnership.A new business incorporating in Virginia must file its Articles of Incorporation with the State Corporation Commission and pay a filing fee of $25.  Stock corporations must pay a charter fee based on the number of authorized shares.  The charter fee is $50 for every 25,000 shares or fraction.  For over one million shares, the fee is $2,500. Non-stock corporations (those organized not for profit) pay a charter registration fee of $25.Foreign corporations are corporations doing business in Virginia but incorporated elsewhere.  In order to transact business or conduct affairs in Virginia, a foreign corporation must apply for a “Certificate of Authority to Transact Business in Virginia” from the State Corporation Commission.  The fees are the same as for domestic corporations (above).All corporations doing business in Virginia must register annually with the State Corporation commission and pay a fee.  Stock corporations pay a $50 fee for 5,000 or fewer shares. They must also pay $15 for each additional 5,000 or fewer shares for a maximum fee of $850.  Non-stock corporations pay an annual fee of $25.

     

    Trade Name and Partnership

    All businesses in Alexandria that use trade names and all general partnerships must register with the State Corporation Commission (SCC) before they can transact business in Virginia. A trade name (also known as DBA – doing business as – or fictitious name) is the use of any name other than your own for business purposes. The link to the State Corporation Commission website where you apply for the DBA (trade name) is https://scc.virginia.gov/pages/Forms-and-Fees. Scroll down to the bottom of the page where you see Fictitious names. If you will be a Sole proprietor then choose the first form, “Certificate of Assumed or Fictitious Name – Business Conducted by an Individual”. If you choose to be a LLC, or Corporation then it is the second form, “…..Business conducted by an Entity”. The fee for this form is $10.

    Franchise Registration

    Franchises must be registered with the Division of Securities & Retail Franchising of the State Corporation Commission before they may be offered or sold in Virginia. 

    Trademarks

    Trademarks owned or used in Virginia may be registered by filing an application and a filing fee of $30 with the Division of Securities & Retail Franchising of the State Corporation Commission.

    Virginia State Corporation Commission:

    Clerk’s Office
    P.O. Box 1197
    Richmond, VA 23218-1197
    Phone (804) 371-9733
    Fax (804) 371-9918

    Division of Securities & Retail Franchising
    1300 East Main Street
    Richmond, VA 23219
    Phone (804) 371-9051
    Fax (804) 371-9911

  • Step 4: Obtain Employer Identification Number (EIN)click

    An Employer Identification Number (EIN) is also known as a federal tax identification number, and is used to identify a business entity. Generally, all businesses need an EIN. You may apply for an EIN online.   If you apply online, you will receive your EIN immediately.

  • Step 5: Decide How You Will Finance your Businessclick

    Lack of capital and inadequate record-keeping are major causes of business failure. You must know not only how much money you need to start the project but how much working capital will be needed to carry you through the first months of operation.

    Every day, bankers see people who want a business loan for the “opportunity of a life-time” that “just can’t fail.”  These want-to-be entrepreneurs usually attempt to explain their notion orally, and have not done the necessary research to determine the feasibility of the idea.  In order to be taken seriously about your business loan, it is imperative to write a formal business plan.  When a banker analyzes a business loan application he/she looks at the “eight C’s of lending:”

    1. Credit – It must be good, not necessarily perfect
    2. Collateral – Something of value to secure the loan
    3. Cash Flow – Ability of the business to repay the loan from operations
    4. Capacity – Your personal ability to repay
    5. Capital – Your cash investment or down payment
    6. Character – Yours!
    7. Conditions – Anything that can affect your business (industry, economy, etc.)
    8. Commitment – Your will to succeed

    Each one of these items must be addressed in the business plan.  If you walk into the banker’s office with a plan in hand, you have made the first step in separating yourself from the pack.

    Facts About Small Business Loans

    You will need good credit.  If there are any problems on the report that can be remedied before meeting with a banker, do so.  A lender may be able to make exceptions if you can document that a negative report was due to circumstances beyond your control.  Include a detailed written explanation with supporting information in your financing proposal.  However, if the report shows that you are irresponsible and you have not demonstrated a willingness to repay obligations, the lender will be unable to make a loan.

    There is no such thing as 100% financing.  You are going to have to put some money into the business and the more you do, the better chance you will receive loan approval.

    A bank will require you to personally guarantee the loan even if you are incorporated.  There is no way to avoid putting personal collateral at risk.  If necessary this could include your house.

    Some businesses are easier to finance than others.  Since over 60% of all small business start-ups fail within 5 years, lenders know that the odds are against a new business being around long enough to repay a loan.  An existing business is easier to finance if profits are sufficient to repay the loan.  Also, many sellers are willing to hold some of the financing.  Franchises are generally easier to finance than independent start-up businesses.

    The process is not quick.  If you must have the money to open by a certain date, make your loan application as far in advance as possible.

    There is no such thing as a grant.  We have never heard about anyone – anywhere – who got free money from the government to open any type of for-profit business.

    The Small Business Administration does not lend money.  The SBA does have guaranty programs that are designed to provide more security to lenders so that they will have an incentive to lend money to small ventures which would be too risky for a conventional bank loan.  SBA guaranteed loans are made and processed by a bank, with the SBA guaranteeing up to 80 percent of the loan.  Interest rates and repayment terms are negotiated between you and the lending institution.  SBA does limit the interest rate the lender can charge and there is a small guaranty fee.  Ask a business counselor with the Alexandria Small Business Development Center for additional information on SBA programs.

    Types of Capital

    1.  Start-up Capital

    Start-up capital is the money you need to spend before the business opens.  The amount varies widely depending on the type of business.  Some examples include:

    • Seed money – research and planning (usually for high-tech businesses)
    • Security deposits for a lease, utilities, etc.
    • Construction, renovations, signs
    • Equipment, tools, office equipment, etc.
    • Inventory
    • Labor – hiring and training staff before opening
    • Legal and accounting fees

    2.  Working Capital

    Working capital is the money needed for day-to-day business expenses.  You must have enough working capital available to pay all your bills until the business becomes cash flow positive and can support itself.  This can take from several months to several years.  After you complete your pro forma monthly cash flow projections you will have a very good estimate of the amount of working capital you will need.  Allow extra for unexpected things.  If you have just enough money to get started but not enough to properly operate the business, you may be doomed from the start.

    Types of Financing

    1. Debt Financing

    Debt financing does not give the lender ownership control, but the principal must be repaid with interest.  Length of the loan, interest rates, security and other terms depend on the loan’s purpose.

    2. Commercial Bank Loans

    • Short-term:  Loans for short periods (30 – 270 days) usually made to cover temporary or seasonal needs for inventory or personnel.  These are common for established businesses, but may be difficult for a new business to obtain.
    • Medium to long term:  These loans may be repaid over anywhere from 1 to 5 to even 10 years depending upon the collateral and how the proceeds are used.  The source of repayment is the cash flow of the business.  Typical uses are for equipment, fixed assets, etc.  Most loans to start a small business will be of this type.
    • Real estate financing:  Real estate is typically financed over a fairly long term, 10 to 30 years.  Expect a down payment of about 20%.  Equity in your personal residence or rental properties may qualify as collateral for a commercial term loan.
    • Accounts receivable financing:  Money loaned against accounts receivable pledged as collateral.

    3.  Equity Financing

    Equity is money put into a business by the owner, private investors, and/or venture capitalists.  Equity gives an investor ownership and possibly some control of the business.

    • Your own savings and/or investments:  It is nearly impossible to start a business without using some of your personal funds.  It is difficult to convince someone to take a risk in your idea if you do not.  The proceeds of an equity loan (mentioned in 1.C. above) could be used to inject initial funds into the business.
    • Friends, relatives, business associates, etc.:  Most small businesses are started with this kind of help.  They may provide some of the cash or may guarantee a loan from a financial institution.
    • Venture capitalists:  Groups invest in a new firm (usually high tech or innovative concepts) looking for an extremely high return on investment.  Minimum financing rounds are usually $2-5 Million.  Amounts below that range are generally funded by private investor groups also known as “angels.”

     4.  Internal Financing

    • Customers can be a source of temporary financing if they provide the raw materials or if they pay a cash deposit.  This is not feasible in most businesses.
    • Trade Credit:  Once you have established a good reputation with your suppliers you may be able to obtain credit for anywhere from 30 to 90 days.  You may be able to order, receive, and sell the goods before the bill is due.
    • Profit:  Hopefully you will earn enough profit to be able to reinvest in and expand your business.

    5.  Leasing

    Leasing is simply another form of financing.  Leasing reduces the cash needed up front, but like a loan, you are obligated to the payment for a certain period of time.  Some lease contracts give you ownership of the leased equipment at the end of the term for a specified amount.  If your credit is less than perfect, leasing may still be an option.  Leasing companies and manufacturers are sometimes less stringent with their lending practices because they are usually leasing equipment that can be easily repossessed.  This might be a good option for vehicles, heavy equipment, computers, phone systems, etc.

  • Step 6: Write Your Business Planclick

    Even if you don’t need a loan at this time, the Alexandria Small Business Development Center strongly recommends that you have a current business plan.  The business plan will provide a framework for structuring your business.  The process of researching and writing the business plan will give you better knowledge, understanding and a strong commitment to what is required to be successful.

    For those of you already in business, the Business Plan will analyze your current position in regard to marketing, management structure, and financial status (cash flow, profit and loss, etc.), as well as create a strategic plan for the next one to five years.  The business plan is a useful tool for informed decision making for both the start up business and existing concern.  It is a “living document” and changes should be made as circumstances demand, or at least on an annual basis as your business grows.  It gives you “tracks on which to run.” The next steps will outline:

    • Business Plan – General Guidelines
    • Business Plan Writing Tips

    Click here to access a copy of the The Business Plan Outline with Financials.

  • Step 6A: The Business Plan General Guidelinesclick

    Make it brief, to the point and easy to read. The Executive Summary, financial assumptions, and projections are the first parts of the plan your banker or investor will read.  If they make financial sense, then the rest of the plan will have additional value.  Use layman’s terms (or include a glossary) if your industry uses technical terms.  A formal business plan must be written in the third person.

    Unless you are requesting a very large amount of money, 20-30 pages should be sufficient. Voluminous research data, surveys, letters of intent, catalog pages, samples, diagrams, and other information should be included in a separate binder as an appendix.

    Use a Market Driven Approach. Marketing is the engine that drives projected sales revenues.  Demonstrate and substantiate how the customer will benefit and be motivated to purchase.  If you are in the startup phase, do the research and produce the Marketing Section first (also for an existing business planning to take a major growth step or open in another market).  Include a monthly marketing schedule and corresponding costs for the first year.

    Highlight Your Company’s Individuality. Explain what will give your company a competitive edge in the marketplace (patents, trade secrets, copyrights, barriers to entry, etc.).

    Divide out Costs. Think about the costs involved to either start or expand your business.  Break these costs down into categories appropriate to your business.  See pages 26, 27 and 28 for examples.

    Emphasize Management Strength. Convince the reader that you have the skills and expertise needed to actively manage the business.  If you need a key employee (i.e., a chef in a restaurant), indicate the incentives that will retain them.

    Present Realistic Projections. Substantiate by written assumptions.  Be detailed and keep it credible.  The assumptions for each spreadsheet line item for your first 12-month projection is the second section to produce.

    Weave the theme “This is how you get your money back” into the entire plan. Be definite about how investors will get their money back and when.  For lenders, show that their funds are adequately secured and that your annual cash flow more than covers the entire debt service for that period.

    Avoid computer software business plans where you plug in numbers. Individualize your financial projections because no two businesses are alike and a start-up company will not fit the standard industry norms.  Most plans available on the Internet are written for the purpose of investor funding and have built-in tax tables designed for “C” corporations.

    Expect to spend a minimum of several months working on your plan. As you gather information, the plan will need to be continuously revised and edited.  It’s not unusual to spend six months or more developing a detailed plan.

    Do your homework. It is likely that the loan officer will have to present your plan to a loan committee.  If your plan is not complete the loan officer will not have enough information to become your advocate and your chances of approval are slim.

    Learn from your mistakes. If you are rejected by the first bank you contact, find out why and fix the problem.

    Prepare and rehearse your oral pitch. If you can’t describe your idea clearly and simply, you haven’t thought it through enough.

    Proofread the plan. Have someone else read your plan for style, spelling, grammar, accuracy, consistency, and completeness.  If it is an easy plan to read and understand, it will be easier for possible financing sources to say “YES!”

    Make the plan readable.Use a clear type font (such as Times New Roman or Arial) in 12 point size and use page breaks at every major section.  Tabs should be used to separate these sections.

    Bear in mind as you construct each section of the business plan that the listings, charts and line-item categories in the Start-up Costs and Financial Projections are merely examples.  They may need to be modified or changed to match your business model.

  • Step 6B: Business Plan Writing Tipsclick

    • Consider your audience: Banker, Investor and (always) Self
    • Outline, Outline, Outline
    • Always write in the third person
    • Focus on positive themes, discriminators and benefits to your customers/clients
    • Don’t repeat statement content or duplicate sentences
    • Avoid unsupportable claims – use numbers and source claims
    • Write to reduce risks – do not use words such as “all,” “every,” “most,” “guarantee”
    • Use graphics and charts or tables that provide a visually clear message
    • Write to inform and explain, not to impress
    • Avoid technical jargon as most reviewers will not be technical professionals
    • Write most of the narrative in an active voice without using adjectives and adverbs
    • Do not use redundant words (e.g., a qualified expert, absolutely essential)
    • Unless you have a patented invention, your business is not “unique.” There are always other businesses doing or producing what you do – show how your business sets itself apart from its core competition
    • Don’t be pompous, e.g., “call,” “write,” “meet” instead of “interface”
    • Review and edit each draft several times before it is read by an evaluator to eliminate errors in grammar and spelling
    • General Rules to Improve Evaluator Readability:
      • Use less than 20 words per sentence; three lines maximum
      • Limit paragraphs to four or five sentences
      • Avoid passive voice – makes your plan more readable and saves words
      • Avoid four or five syllable words

  • Step 7: Check to See if Your Business Type Requires Special State Licensingclick

    The State of Virginia regulates certain businesses, occupations, and professions by requiring that they be licensed before beginning operations in the state.  Entry into each profession is regulated by respective Virginia regulatory bodies, which establish minimum standards for education and training and may require an oral or written examination.  The various departments, boards, councils and commissions that you may need to contact for licenses or permits are listed in the COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA BUSINESS REGISTRATION GUIDE.

    The Business Registration Guide can be found on the State of Virginia website.

    Contractor Registration

    Contractors must register their business both with the state and with the city government.  To solicit, bid on, or undertake a job, contractors must possess a contractor’s license (Class A, B or C) issued by the State Board for Contractors.  In addition, unlicensed contractors and contractors that possess a Class B or C license must also obtain a City of Alexandria Home Improvement Contractor’s License before soliciting or performing work on any residential property.  All contractors are required to obtain a business license before doing business in Alexandria. Any contractor having a home office in Virginia and doing less than $25,000 of work annually in Alexandria may use a valid business license from another jurisdiction upon approval from the Business Tax Office at the following address:

    Business Tax Office
    301 King Street, City Hall, Room 1700
    Alexandria, VA 22314
    Phone (703) 746-3903
    Fax (703) 706-3996

    For state registration information, contact:

    State Board for Contractors
    9960 Mayland Drive, Suite 400
    Richmond, VA 23233-1463
    Phone (804) 367-8500

    Office of Code Administration
    301 King Street, Suite 4200
    Alexandria, VA 22314
    Phone (703) 746-4200

    Many Other Occupations that require state licensing and the responsible Virginia agency are listed below.  Various Trade Certifications may also be offered by each of the agencies.

    Alcohol Beverage Control Board

    The Alcohol Beverage Control Board licenses businesses involved in the production, distribution, storage, transportation and/or sale of alcoholic beverages.

    Alcohol Beverage Control Board
    2901 Hermitage Road
    P.O. Box 27491
    Richmond, VA 23261-7491
    Phone (804) 367-0605
    Fax (804)367-0622

    Department of Education

    For licenses involving the following professions:

    • Guidance Counselor
    • Public School Administrator
    • Teacher

    Contact:

    Office for Teacher Licensure
    P.O. Box 2120
    Richmond, VA 23218-2120
    Phone (804) 225-2020
    Fax (804) 225-2831
    E-mail (pitts@pen.k12.va.us) 

    Department of Health Professions

    For licenses involving the following professions:

    • Audiology
    • Dentistry
    • Funeral Directors/Embalmers
    • Nursing
    • Nursing Home Administrators
    • Optometry
    • Pharmacy
    • Professional Counselors
    • Psychology
    • Social Work
    • Speech Pathology
    • Veterinary Medicine

    Contact:

    Department of Health Professions
    6606 W. Broad Street, 4th Floor
    Richmond, VA 23230-1717
    Phone (804) 662-9900
    Fax (804) 662-9943
    http://www.dhp.virginia.gov/

    Department of Professional & Occupational Regulation

    For licenses involving the following professions:

    • Architects
    • Asbestos Occupations
    • Auctioneer
    • Barber
    • Branch Pilot
    • Certified Interior Designer
    • Certified Public Accountant
    • Contractor
    • Cosmetologist
    • Employment Agency
    • Engineer, Professional
    • Geologist
    • Hearing Aid Specialist
    • Landfill Operator
    • Land Surveyor
    • Optician
    • Polygraph Examiner
    • Real Estate Agent
    • Real Estate Appraiser
    • Soil Scientist
    • Water/Wastewater
    • Works Operator

    Contact:

    Department of Professional & Occupational Regulation
    3600 W. Broad St., 5th Floor
    Richmond, VA 23230-4917
    Phone (804) 367-8500
    Fax (804) 367-2475
    http://www.dpor.virginia.gov/

  • Step 8: Obtain Alexandria Business Licenseclick

    Every business and non-profit entity conducting business in the City of Alexandria must register for and obtain a City of Alexandria Business License before they begin to transact business. This includes home-based and online businesses based in the City of Alexandria.  After determining your business structure and registering your business with the State of Virginia  (See Steps 3 and 7), follow these steps to obtain your local business license, obtain Zoning approval, and register to pay taxes:

  • Step 9: Identify Your Tax Liabilityclick

    Please visit our Taxes page for more information.

  • Step 10: Do You Need a Special use Permit for Your Type of Business?click

    The Office of Planning & Zoning in the City of Alexandria can assist you in determining if your business will require a Special Use Permit.  Businesses which may require Special use permits include restaurants, child care centers, convenience stores, dry cleaners, fitness centers, some automotive uses, etc. The Office of Planning & Zoning should be consulted before a new business owner signs a lease.

    If you are a restaurant, please reference the Restaurant Checklist.

  • Step 11: Obtain Sign Permitsclick

    Sign Permits are required for all businesses in the City of Alexandria, and the signage requirements vary by area of the City.

    Signage Video – Coming Soon!

    It is highly recommended that you familiarize yourself with the signage laws before you purchase any signage to be sure that it complies with the laws in your area.  The Department of Planning and Zoning is in charge of the permitting process and now accepts applications online via the APEX permitting system.

    The City of Alexandria is also in charge of the Retail Wayfinding Sign for King Street Corners.

    Review resources on the SBDC’s Retail & Restaurant Page for more information about how to improve your business’s signage and additional display strategies.

    The following resources from our Interactive Resource Library provide further information on signage:

  • Step 12: Obtain Business Insuranceclick

    Besides your attorney and accountant, another professional you will need to bring into the start-up process will be your insurance agent. It may be helpful to have one agent who can handle all of your insurance needs. There are policies available that are specifically designed to cover small businesses that, in one package, will cover most of your insurance needs. Insurance is not only going to be important to you but it will be important to your other business relationships. For example, if you choose to lease office space, the landlord will typically require that you furnish a certificate of insurance or be listed as an additional insured on your policy as assurance that your business will not disappear overnight in the event a loss occurs.

    Types of Business Insurance:

    • Business property insurance (buildings, loss of income, earthquake and flood)
    • Liability insurance (personal and advertising injury, fire legal liability, products and completed operations, medical expense or medical payments, and general liability for your premises)
    • Worker’s compensation insurance (See information below)
    • Other insurance coverage (auto coverage for company vehicles and health insurance)
    • Excess liability coverage
    • Employment practices liability coverage
    • Life insurance
    • Workers’ Compensation

    Any employer who has three or more regular employees is required to furnish workers’ compensation insurance coverage at no cost to the employees. The employer may either purchase the insurance through a private insurance company or apply to the Workers’ Compensation Commission to be a self-insurer.

    For additional information contact:
    Virginia Workers’ Compensation Commission
    520 King Street, Suite 203
    Alexandria, Virginia 22314
    703-518-8055

Additional Information for Startups:

There is a great deal of information on other parts of this website to assist you with your business once you have done the basic steps to get started. See:

Business Planning Guide

Workshops & Events

Marketing & Social Media

HR & Employer Issues

Interactive Resource Library – Documents on Starting Your Business

 


  • 601 Prince Street
    Alexandria, Virginia 22314
  • (703) 778-1292
  • (703) 778-1293

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Funded in part through a Cooperative Agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration.

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