#1 - I’m told that I need to register my business name with the State of Pennsylvania. Who do I contact to register my business name?

Business names are registered with the Pennsylvania Department State, Corporation Bureau. Whether you are filing a certificate of assumed name, the registration of a corporate name or limited liability partnership or limited liability company name, appropriate forms can be downloaded at Registration Forms. For more information call the Pennsylvania Department of State at 717-787-1057.

#2 - How do I find out if my business will require a business license?

The State of Pennsylvania, Bureau of Professional and Occupational Affairs, has an online directory of Business Licenses listing licenses required. In addition to the licensing requirements imposed by the state, some local governments also require certain kinds of business activity to be licensed on the local level. Contact your city clerk for local license information. For more information call 717-787-8503.

The Pennsylvania Office of Community and Economic Development Offices Center for Entrepreneurial Assistance, publishes “The Entrepreneur’s Guide – Starting and Growing a Business in Pennsylvania” a state publication that is recommended to individuals or groups interested in starting or growing a business in Pennsylvania. To request a printed copy, contact the Center for Entrepreneurial Assistance at 800-280-3801 or e-mail them at ra-dcedcs@state.pa.us.

#3 - Where do I get a tax identification number with the federal and state government?

For a tax identification number with the State of Pennsylvania, contact the Department of Revenue website, or call 717-772-2304.

The Federal Employer Identification Number (EIN) can be obtained at the Internal Revenue Service website or call 800-829-3676.

#4 – Where do I go to get more information about starting a business?

SBA’s most frequently used web-link is our Starting Your Business site. Here you’ll be able to access our national start-up kit, national FAQ’s, on-line training and download software. We explain how to access research through SBA, patents and trademarks and more. Check out our Counseling and Training programs, to learn more about SBA’s local resource partners that work with small businesses.

For a print copy of our Eastern, Central & Northern Pennsylvania Small Business Resource Guide, e-mail us at Phila_do@sba.gov with your complete name and mailing address. Or call SBA at 215-580-2722.

#5 – I’m interested in training opportunities that will teach me how to better manage my business. Is there any place on SBA’s website that talks about what programs are available?

Knowledge is power and one of the most important assets a small business owner needs to compete in our economy today. Pennsylvania SBA’s Calendar of Events lists workshops and seminars offered throughout the State by SBA and our resource partners (SCORE, SBDC, USEAC, Micro lenders and WBCs). Our site also includes workshops and seminars targeted toward small business owners that are offered through Pennsylvania non-profit organizations.

Our Small Business Classroom is an online classroom designed for the busy entrepreneur. At our online classroom site you can read articles, take courses, or begin researching areas of small business development that interest you. Or, through a SCORE Cyber-Chapter, you can access business advice on an issue via E-mail. With SCORE, you can establish a confidential E-mail dialogue with an experienced.

The classroom is designed to educate and provide interactive business guidance on a variety of topics to many types of students. Besides "traditional" small business clients, the on-line classroom will benefit high school and college students, individuals with time and travel limitations, people with disabilities, international business resources and others.

#6 – I need to find out about SBA’s loan program. Do I go directly to SBA?

Not necessarily. SBA provides its loan guaranty to the lending institution. It is recommended that you meet with a potential lender first, and once the lender agrees to become involved, it is the lender that submits a completed loan application to SBA. Keep in mind, that it is the financial institution’s decision to apply for the SBA loan guaranty. If the bank is willing to lend to you without SBA involvement, there is no reason for SBA to become involved. You can review our lending programs here. Lending Programs

Before you approach the bank it is important that you do your homework first. Lending institutions expect a completed business plan when you apply for the loan. The business plan consists of information about the business, its history, a market analysis and strategy, management and financial disclosures. Don’t let this scare you off; there are several programs to help you complete the business plan. See question: Is there anywhere I can go to get help writing a business plan?

#7 – Is there anywhere I can go to get help writing a business plan?

A business plan precisely defines your business, identifies your goals and serves as your firm's resume. Its basic components include a current and pro forma balance sheet, an income statement and a cash flow analysis. It helps you allocate resources properly, handle unforeseen complications, and make the right decisions. Because it provides specific and organized information about your company and how you will repay borrowed money, a good business plan is a crucial part of any loan package. Additionally, it can tell your sales personnel, suppliers and others about your operations and goals.

We have an area devoted to helping you with your business plan.

#8 – I need to talk with someone about getting a loan. Who can help me?

SBA has a number of resource partners that will counsel you on a one-on-one basis. Most are available at no cost to individuals. Read about the different programs and their locations at Counseling and Training. You should find the right resource for you at this location.

A number of Loan Information Seminars are conducted by The SCORE Association throughout the state. All sessions are listed in our Calendar of Events site.

#9 – I’ve heard SBA has a grant program for people that want to start a small business, but I can’t find any information about the grants. Where do I look?

SBA does not offer grants to start or expand small businesses. SBA's grant programs generally support non-profit organizations, intermediary lending institutions, and state and local governments in an effort to expand and enhance small business technical and financial assistance. The Agency's small business financial assistance programs are comprised of a wide range of loan programs, each targeted at different markets. For more information on any non-profit organization grant programs go to Grant Information.

#10 – All the different loan programs available confuse me, and all I want to know is how to find the money I need to start my business. Can you point me in the right direction?

One key to a successful business start­up and expansion is your ability to obtain and secure appropriate financing. Raising capital is the most basic of all business activities. But, as many new entrepreneurs quickly discover, raising capital may not be easy; in fact, it can be a complex and frustrating process. However, if you are informed and have planned effectively, raising money for your business will not be a painful experience. SBA’s online start-up kit will answer many of your questions. Go directly to "finding money" section. This “how to find money” summary focuses on ways a small business can raise money and even explains how to prepare a loan proposal.

#11 We want to sell our products or services to the state or federal government. Who can help me achieve this goal?

In Pennsylvania you can learn how to do business by going here for general procurement information for the state of Pennsylvania • discovering government contracting opportunities;
• interpreting specifications and standards; and,
• counseling on solicitations prior to submission
and post-award compliance issues.

#12 This FAQ page has been very helpful. Are there any other FAQ pages on the Internet you could refer me to?

Absolutely! Here are a couple of FAQ lists for you:

U.S. Business Advisor
Compiled FAQ’s from Several Federal Agencies

National SBA FAQ list
Most Frequently Asked Questions on All Topics!