Small Business Toolbox

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Researching and Starting your Business in Montgomery County

Get advice from the Small Business Development Center
- Offers counseling, training, and assistance with financing, and certification
- Serves Montgomery County and Prince George's County
Starting and running a business from the Rockville Library
Company and industry research from the Rockville Library
Consult the Maryland Checklist for New Businesses from the Maryland State Department of Assessments & Taxation
Download Business Entity Forms from the Maryland State Department of Assessments & Taxation
Learn about 10 Steps to Starting a Business from Business.gov

Need help with your business plan?

In addition to the resources above:

Sample Business Plans from morebusiness.com
Dingman Center for Entrepreneurship
Find and contact the trade association for your industry
Play detective! Sometimes the only way to collect information on your competition is to become their customer!

What should I know about federal taxes?

About Employer ID Numbers (EINs) from the Internal Revenue Service
Small Business/Sefl-Employed Virtual Small Business Tax Workshop (IRS Web site)
Industries/Professions Tax Center (IRS Web site)
Apply for an Employer ID Number online

State of Maryland Taxes

Pay Maryland Business Taxes online

Montgomery County Taxes

What Permits and Licenses does my business need?

Search for federal, state and local permits, licenses, and registrations on Business.gov
Search for Maryland-specific and Montgomery County-specific licenses and permits on Maryland's Business License Information System
- This system doesn't tell you that no license is required. If you can't find a license that pertains to your particular business, then your business most likely does not require a State license.

Permits and Licenses issued by Montgomery County

Business Licence Information and Application - Montgomery County Circuit Court, Clerk's Office
Department of Health and Human Services Licensure and Regulatory Services
Department of Liquor Control Licensure, Regulation & Education
Department of Permitting
Home-based businesses

Other local Permits and Licenses

If your business is located in an incorporated city or town, please check with your local municipality to see what permits and licences it may require.

Permit and Licensing Tips

Neither the State of Maryland nor Montgomery County issue a general business license. Business licenses are required for specific business activities; not just for operating a business.
Most small businesses do not need a federal license.
The State of Maryland mandates the majority of licenses; many are issued through the Clerks of the Circuit Court.
Consultants do not need a license.

How can I find a small-business friendly lawyer or accountant?

To find a small-business friendly lawyer or accountant, check with your local Chamber of Commerce. Also, ask other business owners for referrals!

What is Procurement?

"Procurement" is a method of generating business revenues by entering into contracts (for goods or services) with a government agency or large organization.

A business involved in procurement can either

contract directly with a government agency (called a prime contractor), or
contract with a large organization, acting as a prime contractor, on a sub-contractor basis.

Learn more about procurement with Montgomery County, the Federal government, and the private sector