Steps

• 1). Read the cover letter carefully before filling out the documents within the business packet. The cover letter welcomes new business owners and outlines the contents of the business packet. (Reference 1) A new business owner will know exactly what to expect regarding the remainder of the packet. In addition, on the left-hand margin of the cover letter, the reader will most likely find phone numbers of various city departments that can lend assistance in completing the start-up process.
  
  
• 2). Fill out the proposal for starting a new business. State the location, name and use of the business. (Reference 1) In addition to describing the business, also include the hours of operations, the number of employers, the days open and the number of parking spaces. You must be very accurate when filling out this section of the packet. Incomplete proposals will delay the application process. Usually it will take ten days to receive a response from the zoning agency in your city.
  
  
• 3). Complete the earned-income tax questionnaire. Business owners who are responsible for filling out and submitting tax documents must complete this form. All owners must submit quality, tax return forms; employer W-2 forms; annual reconciliation forms; emergency service tax; and various other forms. In addition to recording the name and address of your business, you must include the month and year the business started, the federal employer identification number and type of entity (association, proprietorship, partnership or limited liability partnership). This particular part of the business start-up packet will usually take the longest to complete.
  
  
• 4). Fill out the Certificate of Use & and Occupancy Application. The information in this document will determine if the occupancy meets the proper code standards. However, it cannot be submitted until you have obtained a permit for your business. Also, you are forbidden to move into the facility before this document is finalized. A fee, which includes one inspection, must be submitted with this application. Finalization depends on the results of the inspections.
  
  
• 5). Analyze the checklist that came with the business packet in order see if you have completed all the necessary requirements. Mark all completed information with a check mark. Double-check the document to ensure you have not overlooked anything. Your goal is to submit the finished documents in order to get a response as soon as possible. Time is wasted if your start-up business is delayed because the city has received misinformation.