"How do I get started?"

In order to start a business in Georgia, you must have a business license. Business licenses are obtained through the city or county in which you plan to conduct business.

To find out who regulates business licenses in your county, contact your local chamber of commerce office.

Some businesses are required to obtain a license from state offices before opening. The Secretary of State's Office advises as to which state licenses you might need.

"Where do I go to register a sole proprietorship?"

Sole proprietorships are not state-regulated, so there is no requirement to do business as a sole proprietor other than obtaining a business license from the county/city in which the business is being conducted. Sole proprietors are required to register with the state only if they choose to incorporate their business or establish a limited liability company or a limited partnership.

"What about taxes?"

If you plan to sell anything as a part of your new business, you will have to charge sales tax.

The state tax rate is a set rate for the whole state regardless of where you are located. Local governments also add to the sales tax. You will need to contact your local government's tax commissioner's office to acquire the rate of sales tax for your area.

You will also need to obtain a Federal Tax ID number from the Internal Revenue Service. In fact, this is one of the first things you will need to do when you are setting up your new business, as most of the paperwork you fill out will ask for this number.

You might also need to check with the Georgia Department of Revenue in regards to taxes. Some products in Georgia have an additional tax added to them and you should be certain you are abiding by the laws in connection with these products.

"Should I incorporate my business?"

This is a question only you can answer. You might want to consult an attorney or certified public accountant to advise you. Either of these professionals should be able to acquaint you with the advantages and disadvantages. When you have made your decision, you can visit the Secretary of State's Corporations Division online and download all the paperwork you will need for the incorporation process. Information regarding trademarks is also available at this link.

"Where can I find information on government loans and grants for small businesses?"

The U.S. Small Business Administration is a good source of information concerning qualification for loans and grants. The Administration can be contacted by calling (800) 8-ASK-SBA. The SBA can provide you with information concerning financial assistance, business counseling, training, minority enterprise development and government contracting.

The Georgia Department of Community Affairs Office of Business and Economic Affairs is another source of information. You can contact the department at (404) 679-1593. Ask for a copy of the Economic Development Finance Packet.

"Who can answer questions about labor laws in Georgia?"

Contact the Georgia Department of Labor for information.

Georgia defers to the federal government for the circulation and enforcement of occupational safety and health regulations. The agency that administers this act is the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. Contact it at (404) 562-2300.

"Who can answer insurance questions?"

Call the Georgia Department of Insurance at (800) 656-2298. Consumer specialists are available Monday-Friday until 7 p.m.

"How do I become a nonprofit organization?"

Nonprofit organizations have many legal and tax concerns. You might need to contact an attorney or certified public accountant to discuss the advantages and disadvantages. If you do take the nonprofit route, contact the Secretary of State's Corporations Division.

If you plan to solicit funds as a nonprofit, contact the Secretary of State's Securities Division. You will need to file papers with both divisions in order to be registered with the state.

"Do I have to report who works for my business?"

Employers or labor organizations doing business in Georgia must report the hiring of any person who resides or works in Georgia whom the employer plans to pay.

Employers must also report rehires or the return to work of an employee who has been laid off, furloughed, separated, granted a leave without pay or terminated from employment. Learn more at www.ga-newhire.com.

Source: University of Georgia Small Business Development Center