Step 1: Meet Your Business Team
Kick things off by teaming up with the Prince William County Department of Economic Development — think of them as your entrepreneurial co-pilots. They’ll help you connect with the right resources, whether it’s guidance, contacts, or answers when you hit a question mark.
Step 2: Find Your Perfect Home Base
Before purchasing or signing a lease, determine the existing conditions of your selected property and how they may impact your type of business. Contact Prince William County’s Department of Development Services at DDS@pwcgov.org to determine how it may impact your business opening.
Step 3: Plan Smart, Launch Strong
Our team of experienced Mason SBDC counselors is here to help you plan, start, manage, and grow your business—with cost-free expert guidance on business strategy, financing, government contracting, marketing, and preparing for sale.
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Step 4: Seal the Deal (With the State)
Get official by filing your business entity with the state — think LLC, corporation, or partnership (lawyer or tax pro optional but helpful). Make sure you also know if your industry has specific licensing rules and what taxes you’ll need to handle. This isn’t glamorous, but it makes everything legit and keeps trouble away
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Step 5: Make It IRS Official
Snag a federal Employer Identification Number (EIN) — it’s like your business’s social security number and opens doors to banking, hiring, loans, and more. Even sole proprietors benefit from separating personal and business tax identities.
Step 6: Secure Your County Approvals
Prince William County wants your business to be safe and neighborhood-friendly, which means permits are part of the game. Whether you’re home-based, running a food truck, or setting up retail space, there’s a permit with your name on it, and teams to help you through the process.
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Step 7: Make It County Official
Before you open your doors, make sure you’re properly registered with the County and understand your local tax responsibilities. This step keeps your business in good standing and sets you up for smooth growth. A little clarity now saves you big headaches later.
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Step 8: Level Up Your Workforce
Whether you’re posting jobs, searching for qualified candidates, or looking for labor market data and specialized employment programs, we have resources to connect you to the right workforce resources every step of the way.
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Michele Weatherly
Workforce Development Manager
Step 9: Time to Celebrate!
You’ve done the work, now let’s celebrate it! We’ll help you host a ribbon cutting that brings together local leaders, partners, and the community to welcome your business in style. It’s a moment to mark the milestone and build visibility from day one. Simply check-in with us to let us know about your upcoming business opening or expansion project.
Step 10: Get Connected
Dive into local networking opportunities, government contracting portals, tourism partnerships, and Chamber events to build your audience and customer base.
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