BUSINESS CHECKLIST:
STARTING, EXPANDING OR RELOCATING A BUSINESS IN THE CITY OF RICHMOND
View Printable Checklist(PDF)
If you are interested in starting a business in the City of Richmond, the following steps should be taken to simplify the process:
Develop and Maintain a Solid Business Plan.
DED provides a suggested template for a standard business plan. For added assistance, you may want to hire a personal independent consultant experienced in creating business plans. DED also has a CD-ROM that assists with creating a business plan: An Interactive Guide to Starting a Business in the City of Richmond.
To request a CD-ROM, call 804.646.5633 or email econdev@richmondgov.com.
Secure Necessary Financing.
Based on your business plan, find the financing you will need to run your business. DED can offer guidance when you are seeking financing and incentives.
Find a Business Location.
If you do not have one already, contact the Department of Economic Development to find available for-sale and/or for-lease properties in the City of Richmond.
Check your Zoning Designation.
Make sure your type of business is allowed by law at your business location. If your use is allowed at the site, then ask to receive a Certificate of Zoning Compliance. If your type of use is not allowed, you can search for another location, apply for a Special Use Permit, or apply to change the Zoning Designation. Fees apply, call for more information.
Call or Visit:
The Bureau of Permits and Inspections
900 East Broad Street, Room 110
Richmond, Virginia 23219
(p)804.646.6340
Website:
http://www.richmondgov.com/departments/communityDev/pes2.aspx
Obtain a Certificate of Occupancy.
Depending on the type of improvements needed at your potential business location, you will need to apply for a Building Permit. Separate permits may be required for each major trade doing work on your property (Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing, Elevator and Demolition). The city will send inspectors to your site to confirm that all work is in compliance with applicable local, state and federal laws. Fees apply, call for more information.
Apply at City Hall:
The Bureau of Permits and Inspections
900 East Broad Street, Room 110
Richmond, Virginia 23219
(p) 804.646.6340
Website: http://www.richmondgov.com/departments/communityDev/pes2.aspx
Get a Business License.
Take your Certificate of Occupancy to the Department of Finance and fill out a Business License Application Form. Fees apply, call for more information.
Apply for your Business License at City Hall:
Department of Finance
900 East Broad Street, Room 103
Richmond, Virginia 23219
p)804.646.5690
Website:
http://www.richmondgov.com/departments/finance/
Get Other Necessary Licenses and Permits.
Depending on your type of business, you may be required to obtain special licenses and permits.
Other Possible Licenses and Permits:
Register the Name of Your Business.
Within 30 days of receiving your business license, you must file a Certificate of Assumed Name and Partnerships at the John Marshall Courts Building (Clerk of the Circuit Court). Fees apply, call or visit for more information:
John Marshall Courts Building
Clerk of the Circuit Court
400 North 9th Street, Room 4
(p) 804.646.6530
Website:
http://www.courts.state.va.us/courts/circuit/Richmond/home.html
Corporations & Certificate of Registration
To register your corporation, partnership, limited liability company and/or business trust doing business in Virginia, contact the State Corporation Commission, which offers a state-wide Business Registration Guide. Fees apply, call for more information.
State Corporation Commission
1300 East Main Street
P.O. Box 1197
Richmond, Virginia 23218
(p) 804.371.9733
Website: http://www.scc.virginia.gov/division/clk/fee_bus.htm
Get a Federal Tax Identification Number.
Contact the Internal Revenue Service to apply for a Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN). Fees apply, call or visit for more information.
Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
400 North 8th Street
Richmond, Virginia 23219
(p) 804.829.1040
Website:
http://www.irs.gov/businesses/small/article/0,,id=98350,00.html
Get a State Tax Identification Number.
Contact the Virginia Department of Taxation. Fees apply, call for more information.
Call or Visit:
Virginia Department of Taxation
3610 West Broad Street
Richmond, Virginia 23230
(p) 804.367.8037
Website:
http://www.tax.virginia.gov/site.cfm?alias=busforms&selOtherForm=Registration
Open for Business! Network, Network, Network!
Enjoy the wonderful business community in the city of Richmond by joining forces with DED’s Partners to network and spread the word about your business. Connect to local Merchants’ Associations and business events going on in your area that could impact your business.
For more information, check out our list of partners on the web:
http://www.richmondgov.com/departments/econdev/partners.aspx
Continue to Learn and Grow.
To become a savvy business owner, knowledge of current business technologies and trends is crucial. DED’s partners provide excellent resources to help businesses grow and adapt to changing conditions.
For more information, check out our list of Business Education affiliates on the web:
http://www.richmondgov.com/departments/econdev/education.aspx
Contact the Department of Economic Development to share your success story or to find additional business assistance. We are here to help you become a successful business in our City of the Future.
City of Richmond
Department of Economic Development
501 East Franklin Street, 8th Floor
Richmond, Virginia 23219
(p)804.646.5633
(f)804.646.6793
(email)econdev@richmondgov.com
(website)
http://www.RichmondGov.com/departments/econdev/