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1. What do I have to do to start a business in Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania?

The Pennsylvania Business One-Stop Shop is the go-to resource for planning, registering, operating, and growing a business in Pennsylvania.  Use the Business Registration Checklist to ensure you've got all your bases covered for basic registration in Pennsylvania.  

General business start-up activities include but are not limited to: 1. Determine the business you want to start and assess: a) Your qualifications for that business b) The feasibility of making that business profitable 2. Assess your customer base, market base and know your competitors 3. Develop a business plan that outlines the key aspects of your business venture 4. Seek technical assistance to develop the business plan 5. Determine the costs associated with starting your business and project these costs for a period of at least three years 6. Determine the licensing and/or registration requirements at both the local and state level based on the type of business you are considering

2. What type of business structure is best for me?

There are advantages, disadvantages, legal and tax considerations, as well as personal needs to consider when determining the business structure of an enterprise. Gathering information from a variety of sources is a good way to get a well-rounded understanding of what it takes to be a successful entrepreneur. The Pennsylvania Business One-Stop Shop is a valuable resource and contains listings and descriptions for the various business structures. The descriptions on their site are provided for informational purposes only, and are not intended as legal advice. If you are unsure which business structure is correct for you, seek legal advice.

3. Where can I get an application to apply for a Federal Employer Identification Number?

Download the Application for Employer Identification Number (Form SS-4) from the Internal Revenue Services website. The form is also available at most Social Security Administration and Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Offices or you may telephone the IRS at 1-800-tax-form and request that the form be mailed to you.

4. How do I obtain a business license in Westmoreland County?

Westmoreland County does not issue Basic Business Licenses. However, your business may be required to obtain a Basic Business License at the state or local level or comply with other licensing laws, based on your business activity and location. For more information regarding business licenses, contact the Pennsylvania Licensing System and the local municipality in which your business will be located.

5. How do I register a fictitious business name?

Registering a fictitious name is only required if operating under a name that is not the Legal Name of the business or sole proprietor. 

To register a fictitious business name that has been determined to be available, you must file an Application for Registration of Fictitious Name (form DSCB: 54-311) with the Pennsylvania Department of State. 

6. Where can I find the appropriate form(s)?

Most forms necessary for conducting business in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania can be found on the Pennsylvania Business One-Stop Shop website.

7. What is a business plan?

A business plan describes the products and/or services to be sold, the customers to whom they will be sold, the production, management and marketing activities, and the projected profit or loss of the business.

8. Why do I need a business plan?

Although the preparation of a business plan is time consuming, it is important to business success. Completing the plan provides an opportunity to examine management, marketing, personnel and finance issues in an objective and organized way. The business plan becomes a useful tool in securing capital before start-up because it includes projections of the amount of financing needed for start-up and the early stages of a business. Later, the plan becomes your owner's manual guiding your daily operation and activities. Business planning is an ongoing activity.

9. Where can I find help developing my business plan?

In Westmoreland County, service providers such as the Saint Vincent College Small Business Development Center (university-based program) and Westmoreland SCORE Chapter (Service Corps of Retired Executives), specialize in providing no-cost consulting to help develop a business plan. They also sponsor specialized training sessions for small businesses and potential entrepreneurs. Your local Chamber of Commerce can also be a valuable resource as well as the Small Business Administration and Pennsylvania Entrepreneur's Guide. In addition, there are for-profit firms that will help develop a business plan. A listing of business consultants can be found in the yellow pages of your local telephone directory.