Pick your business location
Track This Opportunity
Create an account to track opportunities.
About This Opportunity
Pick your business location | U.S. Small Business Administration Skip to main content Official websites use .gov A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock ( Lock Locked padlock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. Pick your business location Your business location determines the taxes, zoning laws, and regulations your business will be subject to. You'll need to make a strategic decision about which state, city, and neighborhood you choose to start your business in. Content Research the best place to locate your business You'll need to register your business , pay taxes , and get licenses and permits in the place you choose to locate your business. Where you locate your business depends in part on the location of your target market, business partners, and your personal preferences. In addition, you should consider the costs, benefits, and restrictions of different government agencies. Region-specific business expenses When you calculate your startup costs , take into account the way different expenses might cost more or less depending on your location. Costs that can vary significantly by location include standard salaries, minimum wage laws , property values, rental rates, business insurance rates, utilities, and government licenses and fees. Local zoning ordinances If you buy, rent, build, or plan to work out of a physical property for your business, make sure it conforms to local zoning requirements. Neighborhoods are generally zoned for either commercial or residential use. Zoning ordinances can restrict or entirely ban specific kinds of businesses from operating in an area. You might have fewer zoning restrictions if you base your business out of your home, but zoning ordinances can still apply even to home-based businesses. Zoning laws are typically controlled at the local level, so check with your department of city planning, or similar office, to find out about the zoning laws in your area. State and local taxes Consider the tax landscape for the state, county, and city. Income tax, sales tax, property tax, and corporate taxes can vary significantly from place to place. In fact, some states are well-known for creating tax environments that are very friendly to certain kinds of companies. That’s part of the reason why tech startups, financial institutions, and manufacturing tend to concentrate in certain areas of the country. Visit state and local government websites to find out what the tax landscape for your area looks like. State and local government incentives Some state and local governments offer special tax credits for small businesses. You might also find state-specific small business loans or other financial incentives. Incentive programs and benefits are often related to job creation, energy efficiency, urban r
Links & Resources
View all opportunities from U.S. Small Business Administration