State Corporation Commission
To register and organize your business in the Commonwealth of Virginia, visit the Virginia State Corporation Commission
Trade Names or Fictitious Names for your business
Your trade name is what makes your business “uniquely” you. A "Fictitious Trade Name" is required to be filed when a business is operating under a name
that is different from their legal name. To register your tradename or fictitious name of your business visit the
Virginia State Corporation Commission.
Internal Revenue Service
An Employer Identification Number (EIN) is also known as a federal tax identification number, and is used to identify a business entity.
For more information visit the Internal Revenue Service.
Virginia Department of Taxation
If your business will be performing certain activities, such as selling items retail (including food) and/or hiring employees, you need to register with
the Virginia Department of Taxation for a state tax account at Register a Business in Virginia.
If you have difficulty with the Virginia Department of Taxation registration process, please call (804)367-8031.
Virginia Employment Commission
If you plan to hire employees, you will need to register with the Virginia Employment Commission (VEC). VEC is responsible for collecting unemployment tax.
Virginia Worker’s Compensation Commission
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.
VA Dept. of Professional Occupational Regulation
The Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR) regulates more than 30 occupations and professions through 19 boards
composed of practitioners and citizens appointed by the Governor. DPOR issues licenses or certifies over 300,000 individuals and businesses
ranging from architects and contractors to cosmetologists and professional wrestlers. If you believe your industry sector is regulated by the
state, visit DPOR’s website.
Location
Finding the right location using Virginia site location tools. Some of the statutes and regulations enforced by the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL)
require that notices be provided to employees and/or posted in the workplace.
ADA Requirements
As a small business owner, you will need to familiarize yourself with the American with Disabilities Act (ADA). There are certain federal requirements in the build out
and maintenance of both commercial and retail locations. Please review the small business publication on the ADA Web site to ensure that your business complies with ADA requirements.
Industry License and Permits
Many small businesses need a combination of licenses and/or permits from both federal and state agencies. The requirements — and fees —
vary based on your business activities, location, and government rules.
The Export-Import Bank of the United States (Exim Bank) provides financing solutions – including export credit insurance, working capital guarantees, and guarantees of commercial loans to foreign buyers – to empower exporters of U.S. goods and services to start exporting.
Most small businesses need a combination of
licenses and permits
from both federal and state agencies. The requirements — and fees —
vary based on your business activities, location, and government rules
Based on your business industry, profession or occupation, you may be required to have the appropriate licensure from a regulatory agency, authority or board.
For assistance with Business One Stop or inquiries about doing business in Virginia, professional experienced business counselors are available to help you.
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