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Checklist for Before You Start a Business

Have you been thinking about starting a business? Starting a business requires planning, making important financial decisions, and completing certain legal and/or regulatory requirements. The Montgomery County Business Center is here to guide you.

On this page you will find 8 items our team recommends you go through before starting a business. Each item includes links to information you will need as a future business owner, before launching your new business.

After you review these steps, please reach out to our Business Center if you have questions or need help. Our Small Business Navigator and Business Liaisons are happy to meet with you, explore options, connect you with resource partners who provide no-cost business consulting services, refer you to other resources, and be available to assist you during your journey of starting and growing your business.

• Think about your business idea and do market research to see if it is a true opportunity.

  • Maryland Business Express – Choose a Business Structure
  • SBA Market Research and Competitive Analysis

• Choose a business structure.

  • SCORE: Examining the Path to Entrepreneurship
  • SBA – Choose a Business Structure

• Find out if you need a business license or permit.

  • Montgomery County: Business Center - Licenses, Permits, and Registrations
  • Maryland: Maryland OneStop Portal

• Review laws and regulations that are relevant to the business you want to start.

  • Montgomery County: Business Center - Laws & Regulations
  • SBA – Federal and State Tax Requirements

• Create a business plan.

  • Maryland Business Express – Create a Business Plan
  • SBA – Write a Business Plan

• Calculate your startup costs.

  • SBA – Calculate Your Start Up Costs

• Research financial resources that might be available to support your business.

  • Montgomery County: Business Center - Business Funding & Incentives
  • Maryland: Maryland Business Express – Find Business Funding

• Identify possible locations for you to operate your business in Montgomery County.

  • Site selection: The Montgomery County Economic Development Corporation (MCEDC) has a selection site with commercial properties available for rent or purchase. Their team also can speak with you regarding these sites or incubator/coworking facilities in the County (see below).
  • Incubator space: The County operates 3 incubators, supports others (e.g. Bethesda Green), and promotes private sector wet lab and office co-working and innovation space (e.g. Launch Workspaces and Greencourt)
  • Home-based businesses: If you are a homeowner and operate a business from your home, check if you need a home occupation registration.

• Best Practice: Participate in our resource partners’ training events.

  • Business Center - Support Organizations

Congratulations! Now that you have made it through this checklist, you are ready to start your business! Go to our “ Guide for Starting a Business” to be guided through the process!