A Guide To Starting Your Business In Harrisonburg
With a strong entrepreneurial spirit, a supportive business ecosystem, and a pipeline of talented, energetic college graduates, Harrisonburg is the ideal place to start your business. From first idea to open doors, the city offers the resources to help your business start, grow, and thrive.
Five Steps To Launch
Choose a step to explore its checklists, templates, and local resources.
Getting Started
Have an idea for a business and need to know what to do next? Join our LAUNCH HARRISONBURG program.
The Shenandoah Valley SBDC offers a free Start Smart Workshop covering registrations, regulations, and sound business planning and financial projections.
Use the Idea Analysis Checklist to gauge feasibility, then the Planning Your Start-Up Checklist to get organized, and the business plan outline to draft your strategy.
Financial Document Templates (click to download)
Small Business Counseling
Tap into the free business consulting resources available in Harrisonburg.
- Shenandoah Valley Small Business Development Center (SBDC)The mission of the SBDC is to advise, train, and inform small businesses to help them achieve success. The SBDC can help you start, manage, and grow your business.
Choose A Structure
A business is a legal entity that can own property, hold bank accounts, and pay taxes almost as if it were a citizen of the Commonwealth. Each type has different tax, ownership, and liability implications, so it is best to choose correctly before going further (it can be changed later).
Business Structures
- Sole Proprietorships Owned by one person or a couple; you are personally liable for all debts, and profit or loss is reported as personal income.
- Limited Liability Companies (LLCs) Very popular. Limited liability like a corporation, taxed more like a sole proprietorship or partnership.
- General Partnerships Partners share profit, loss, and duties, and each is personally liable for all debt; income or loss is filed personally.
- C-Corporations Separate taxable entities that shield personal liability, with fewer tax advantages than an LLC; lower rates may apply below $75,000 net income.
- S-Corporations Not taxed as a separate entity and shield owners, with limits on the number and type of stockholders.
- Benefit Corporations A stock corporation that incorporates aspects of nonprofit organizations.
Register Your Business and Its Name
Most users can register online. Complex structures or non-profits file manually with the State Corporation Commission, and a lawyer can help. Virginia's Business Information Hotline: 866-248-8814.
- Check whether your name is taken
- Register trademarks (federal)
- State Corporation Commission
- Online registration tool
- Consult a lawyer
- SWaM certification
Get Your Tax Numbers
Just as a person has a Social Security Number, a business has federal and state tax numbers.
Compiled from Virginia's Business One Stop.
Business Location
Harrisonburg Economic Development can help you find the right space for your business, big or small, whether retail, office, or industrial.
Permits
Determine which permits you need to operate. These may include building, sign, health, and fire permits and inspections. Economic Development can assist you in working with other city agencies.
Business License
All business and professional operations must purchase a business license before commencing operation in the City of Harrisonburg, including home-based businesses. For information and the application, visit the city's Business License page.
Trade Name
Register your business trade name with the Rockingham County Circuit Court.
Networking Opportunities
Get out and meet people. No matter the type or size of your business, Harrisonburg offers great opportunities for networking and growing your business connections.
- Harrisonburg-Rockingham Chamber of CommerceConnects area businesses into a powerful network through leadership and advocacy, with programs designed to meet the ever-changing needs of member businesses.
- Shenandoah Valley Technology CouncilBrings together creators and users of technology for education, networking, and business development.
- Shenandoah Valley PartnershipBrings together business, government, and education leaders to attract new business, help existing businesses expand, and guide regional workforce development.
Entrepreneurial Ecosystem
The entrepreneurial spirit of Harrisonburg is evident in its home-grown businesses and supportive partners. Entrepreneurs can tap into expertise and assistance from a variety of groups.