Starting a Business
The Harford County Office of Economic Development provides information and support to entrepreneurs and small business owners of new, existing and start-up companies. The following guidelines provide a starting point to familiarize you with the basic requirements and considerations for starting a business in Harford County, Maryland. These guidelines give direction, but are not intended to replace specific legal information from certified professionals.
State-provided information
The state provides detailed information regarding business requirements on their website to Learn more about what federal, state, or county legislative district I am in and the name of my legislators to open the Tourism Award Process Powerpoint to Learn more about what federal, state, or county legislative district I am in and the name of my legislators to open the Tourism Award Process Powerpoint to Learn more about what federal, state, or county legislative district I am in and the name of my legislators to open the Tourism Award Process Powerpoint:
- Check county and city zoning requirements
- Create and register your business
- Obtain and complete Application for Business License
- Obtain federal, state, county and local tax information
- Obtain personal property tax information
- Register a trade name
- Select your business structure
The U.S. Small Business Administration also provides a 10-step guide to Learn more about what federal, state, or county legislative district I am in and the name of my legislators to open the Tourism Award Process Powerpoint to Learn more about what federal, state, or county legislative district I am in and the name of my legislators to open the Tourism Award Process Powerpoint to Learn more about what federal, state, or county legislative district I am in and the name of my legislators to open the Tourism Award Process Powerpoint to Learn more about what federal, state, or county legislative district I am in and the name of my legislators to open the Tourism Award Process Powerpoint to Learn more about what federal, state, or county legislative district I am in and the name of my legislators to open the Tourism Award Process Powerpoint to starting a business that details the planning stage, important financial considerations, and the legal activities required. You may also follow these steps:
- Register your business and establish the legal entity with the Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation
- Obtain a Federal Employer Identification Number from the Internal Revenue Service
- Establish your tax accounts with the Maryland Comptroller of the Treasury
- Learn about state licenses through the Business License Information System
- Contact the Harford County Clerk of the Circuit Court regarding business licenses
Further assistance
For help preparing a business plan and guidance through the above processes, contact Ryan del Gallo at the Small Business Development Center at 443-373-3377. For assistance with site selection information, tax incentives, financial assistance and other business support services in Harford County, contact the Harford County Office of Economic Development at 410-638-3059. For assistance with zoning in Harford County, contact the Harford County Office of Planning and Zoning at 410-638-3103.
Other resources
The following websites are excellent resources for researching and defining your business strategies, skills and risk-tolerance, along with your industry, market and product. These websites also offer links to additional information and support for your efforts:
- The Harford County Public Library Small Business Center to Learn more about what federal, state, or county legislative district I am in and the name of my legislators to open the Tourism Award Process Powerpoint: Resources to start, run and grow a small business.
- Small Business Development Center: to Learn more about what federal, state, or county legislative district I am in and the name of my legislators to open the Tourism Award Process Powerpoint Located at Harford Community College, this center will help establish and expand business by providing a variety of management and technical assistance programs and tools.
- The U.S. Small Business Administration to Learn more about what federal, state, or county legislative district I am in and the name of my legislators to open the Tourism Award Process Powerpoint to Learn more about what federal, state, or county legislative district I am in and the name of my legislators to open the Tourism Award Process Powerpoint: Page leads to a wealth of programs and services to start, grow and succeed in business.
- Maryland Small Business Resource Guide to Learn more about what federal, state, or county legislative district I am in and the name of my legislators to open the Tourism Award Process Powerpoint(PDF): The 16-page Maryland Small Business Resource Guide is on the Maryland Department of Commerce webpage.
- State of Maryland Small Business Funding Assistance to Learn more about what federal, state, or county legislative district I am in and the name of my legislators to open the Tourism Award Process Powerpoint to Learn more about what federal, state, or county legislative district I am in and the name of my legislators to open the Tourism Award Process Powerpoint: Resources and funding options for Maryland businesses.
- The Governor's Office of Small, Minority & Women Business Affairs: Acts as a small and minority-owned business liaison in cooperation with the State of Maryland’s various departments.