Step 1: Getting Started
- Register for and attend a business startup workshop at the City of St. Petersburg Business Assistance Center (BAC).
- Visit our website at www.stpete.org/bac for class dates, or call 727-893-7146
- Prepare a Pre-Business Plan Summary
- General overview of business idea
- Include business location, number of employees and target market.
- Summarize idea in 50 words or less; include startup costs, monthly expenses and cash flow.
- Begin preparing yourself.
- Complete a BAC Self Assessment Tool to de termine your readiness for business start-up. (Available on-line and at the BAC.)
- Discuss Pre-Business Plan with a Business Counselor
- The Business Assistance Center collaborates with SCORE, USFBDC, GulfCoast Business Finance, Inc., Tampa Bay Black Business Investment Corp. and SBA to provide business counseling. Call 727- 893-7146 to schedule an appointment.
- Maintain contact with a counselor throughout the startup process.
Step 2: Determine Business Organization (Legal Structure)
- Sole Proprietor
- Partnership*
- Corporation*
- *If your business will be a Partnership, Corporation, Limited Partnership or a Limited Liability Company, you must register under the Florida Businesses Corporation Act. Contact the Florida Division of Corporations, Bureau of Corporate Records, Ph. 850-488-9000. Web. www.sunbiz.org
- Franchise information - www.sba.gov
Step 3: Register Your Business Name (Fictitious Name Registration)
- If your business name does not contain your first and last name, you must register the name with the State of Florida, Division of Corporations. This does not apply to corporations or to those certified with Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DB&PR). Ph. 850-488-9000. Web - www.sunbiz.org
Step 4: Zoning and Permitting
- Both home-based and store-front businesses should research the necessary zoning and permitting laws. Contact the City's Zoning Dept. Ph. 727-893-7471 Web - www.stpete.org
Step 5: Obtain Licenses
- The following are licenses that may be required for your business. Review the list and contact the offices or websites for additional information.
- Business Tax Certificate
- The City of St. Petersburg requires all businesses, professionals, independent contractors and individuals who accept compensation for goods or services obtain a St. Petersburg business tax certificate. 727-893-7241 www.stpete.org/billing/business_tax_division
- Contractors
- If you are a contractor and wish to pull permits in St. Petersburg, you will need to register your business with the City's Construction Services & Permitting Dept. You may register via fax or internet. You may also visit the office located at One Fourth Street North, St. Petersburg , FL 33701
City of St. Petersburg Construction Services - Ph. 727-893-7231; Fax 892-5447
Web - www.stpete.org/development/construction_services - Contractors certified with the State of Florida must register with the Pinellas County Construction Licensing Board (PCCLB) and the City of St. Petersburg.
- Contractors certified with the PCCLB must register with the City of St. Petersburg.
Pinellas County Construction Licensing Board - Ph. 727-582-3100 Web – www.co.pinellas.fl.us/pcclb
State of Florida - Ph. 866-693-6778. Web - www.myflorida.com - Certificate of Occupancy
- For commercial locations, a certificate of occupancy from the City's Construction and Permitting Dept. may be required. 727-893-7231.
- Professional Licenses
- Some businesses must be registered with the state. Examples of professional licenses are hair/nail salons, accountants, construction, etc. Contact the Department of Business and Professional Regulations. Ph. 850-487-1395. Web - www.myflorida.com
- Food/Lodging Services (Hotel /Restaurant)
- Your business may require a license or permit from the State. Ph. 850-487-1395 Web - www.myfloridalicense.com
- Dept. of Agriculture & Consumer Svcs.
- The State of Florida requires various businesses to register with this department. Ph. 800-435-7352 Web - www.800helpfla.com.
- Contact City of St. Petersburg Construction Services and Permitting for fire and building requirements.
- Contact Water Resources/Grease Management for a grease management application. Ph. 892-5622 Web - www.stpete.org/water/grease_management.asp.
Step 6: Taxes
- The amount and type of taxes you will pay depends on the nature of your business, its legal organization and number of employees.
- Federal Taxes - Internal Revenue Services, Ph. 800-829-1040 Web - www.irs.gov
- FEIN - Federal Employer ID Number. To determine if your business will need an FEIN or to apply, call 800-829-4933. Web - www.irs.gov.
- State Taxes - For information about sales tax, contact the Department of Revenue at 800-352-3671. Web - www.myflorida.com.
- County Taxes - For information about county taxes, including real estate taxes, call 727-464-7777. Web - www.taxcollect.com.
Step 7: Insurance and Bonding
- Consider the following to obtain the best insurance options:
- Check with your homeowner's or automobile insurance company for rates or ask them for a recommendation.
- Florida Dept. of Financial Services - Ph. 800-342-2762, Web - www.fldfs.com
Liability, Property, Automobile, Business Interruption, Home Office, Employee Insurance, Workers' Compensation and Professional Liability Insurance. - Surety Bonds - www.sba.gov. or local agencies
Step 8: Develop and Protect Your Idea
- Test your idea with potential customers and others who will offer constructive criticism. Adjust plan, as needed, based on feedback.
- Meet with a business counselor to determine if you idea needs the protection of a patent, copyright or trademark.
Patents – www.uspto.gov
Copyright – www.copyright.gov
Trademark (Federal) – www.uspto.gov
Trademark (State) – www.dos.state.fl.us
Step 9: Attend "How to Write a Business Plan"
- Every business needs a business plan. Your plan will be your roadmap to a successful business.
- Contact the Business Assistance Center (BAC) at 727-893-7146 to register for "How to Write a Business Plan" and to make an appointment to meet with a counselor to review your plan.
- A business plan is needed to obtain a loan or grant.
- Visit the BAC's Business Resource Center to write or reposition your business plan on software such as Business Plan Pro, a step-by-step guide offering 500 sample business plans
Step 10: Funding Sources
- Personal savings, 2nd mortgage on home, and credit cards
- Borrowing from friends and family
- Partners' contribution (Partnerships)
- Check with your bank for an SBA loan, visit www.sba.gov.
- Grant research for non-profits
- Contact the Business Assistance Center to enquire about meeting with a financial counselor and to learn more about financing options. 727-893-7146
Maintain or establish contact with the BAC
- Meet with business counselors to enhance your skills, reposition your business and access ongoing mentoring services.
- Attend business workshops to learn more about marketing, accounting, business use of computers and growing your business.
- Enquire about grand opening/anniversary services for your business, offered through the Midtown/Childs Park Business Corridor Case Management Pilot Program. Citywide services are also available.