Opening a small business in Pike County, or elsewhere, requires planning and paperwork.

Free assistance with building business, marketing, and financial plans is available through the University of Scranton's Small Business Development Center (SBDC), with PIDCO being the Pike County Outreach location.

Fictitious business names (those not using the last names of all the owners) must be registered with the PA Department of State.

Sales tax collection and state income tax collection registration must be done through the PA Department of Revenue.

Those businesses which intend to employ one or more must get a federal employer identification number from the IRS and register for unemployment compensation and workers compensation insurance to cover the employee(s).

Certain types of businesses need special state licenses. As an example, a license is necessary to operate a bakery. Permits are necessary to conduct certain operations, for example to sell cigarettes or liquor. The PA website, the SBDC or the PIDCO office can help you determine whether your operation would need a license or special permit.

Zoning and sign permits are provided by the local municipality governing the business location. Commercial certificates of occupancy for commercial buildings are obtained through the Department of Labor & Industry.

A basic business packet containing information on building a plan and where to call for those registrations can be mailed to you by contacting the PIDCO office and giving some basic information.

Under Links you can find links to the University's SBDC and Pennsylvania's online business registration services.