Checklist for Starting a Business in Manatee and Sarasota Counties

1) START YOUR BUSINESS PLAN. This is essential for obtaining any financing and is an excellent resource for creating a checklist and for making sure you have thought through the business idea.  SCORE has a number of resources that can help you create your plan including a workshop held several times a year.

2) OBTAIN AN ACCOUNTANT/BOOKKEEPER, A BUSINESS LAWYER, AND AN INSURANCE AGENT.  If you need a referral on a lawyer, The Florida Bar Lawyer Referral Service (LRS), provides referrals to attorneys who will conduct an initial one-half hour office consultation for $25. Their number is 1-800-342-8011. If possible, utilize an insurance agent that comes recommended from friends, family and colleagues. Your Manasota SCORE chapter can also provide a list of supporting professionals.

3) DETERMINE A BUSINESS ORGANIZATION (E.G. C-CORPORATION, PARTNERSHIP, S-CORPORATION, LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY, SOLE PROPRIETORSHIP). Through an appointment, SCORE can help with that. Alternatively, use a lawyer to help you. You might also review www.irs.gov/businesses/small/article/0,,id=98359,00.html and www.corporate.com/entity-comparison.jsp

4) REGISTER THE COMPANY WITH THE FLORIDA SECRETARY OF STATE. While you are there, check with the Occupational Permit Counter at (850) 487-2252 (www.myflorida.com/dbpr/) to determine any special licenses you need for your profession (e.g. contracting, barbers, etc.). Their web site is: www.dos.state.fl.us

Sample Forms are located at: www.dos.state.fl.us/doc/form_download.html

For example: Sole-proprietors will file a Fictitious Name Registration; Corporations will file Articles of Incorporation.

5) REGISTER FOR A FEDERAL TAX ID NUMBER (EIN). See www.irs.gov/businesses/small/article/0,,id=97860,00.html

6) REGISTER FOR STATE TAX ID NUMBER, UNEMPLOYMENT COMPENSATION ID NUMBER, SALES TAX ID NUMBER (IF REQUIRED), AND ANY OTHER NECESSARY PERMITS REQUIRED FOR YOUR TYPE OF BUSINESS. See:  www.myflorida.com/dor/businesses
This web site also has a NEW BUSINESS GUIDE which can be downloaded (PDF format).

7) IF YOU WILL BE ESTABLISHING YOUR BUSINESS IN THE FOLLOWING LOCATIONS, OBTAIN A BUSINESS TAX RECEIPT (formally called an Occupational License, which is basically a small tax allowing you to conduct business at that location):

Sarasota County  1 (941) 861-8300

http://www.sarasotataxcollector.com/OL_PAGES/OL_GeneralInfo.htm

City of Sarasota 1 (941) 954-4186

http://www.sarasotagov.com/Business/Content/OccupationalLicenses/BuildingOccLic.html

City of Venice 1 (941) 486-2626

http://www.venicegov.com/Municipal_links/Plann_zoning/business_lic.htm

City of North Port 1 (941) 423-3186

City of Longboat Key 1 (941) 316 -1999

http://www.longboatkey.org/Departments/Clerk/occupational_licenses.htm

Manatee County Occupational License

(Manatee County does not issue occupational license(s), Bradenton does.)

http://cityofbradenton.com/index.asp?Type=B_LIST&SEC={32484AD9-94A5-42AD-8F9A-C0AFF82BF355}

City Clerk's Office - located in City Hall
101 Old Main Street
Bradenton, FL 34205
Phone: (941) 708-6200 ext. 258
Fax: (941) 708-6256

8) WHILE DEALING WITH YOUR LOCAL GOVERNMENT BE SURE NO SPECIAL PERMITS OR ZONING REQUIREMENTS ARE REQUIRED.

9) OPEN A BANK ACCOUNT.

10) Manasota SCORE is here to help. As you proceed through these steps, remember that you can always ask for help from SCORE!

Manasota SCORE
2801 Fruitville Rd, Suite 280
Sarasota, FL 34237

Telephone: (941) 955-1029
FAX: (941) 955-5581
Email: scorech116@verizon.net