Step-By-Step Guide to Starting a Business

Step One: Research General Information

  • OregonStartups.com provides resources to help high-tech startups get launched, funded, and grow into successful companies.
  • The Oregon Economic and Community Development Department’s (OECDD) website has a lot of useful information. OECDD is part of our state government. This website has information on how to start a small business.
  • The Oregon Small Business Development Center has many tips on starting a small business. It is part of the US Small Business Administration.
  • Business.USA.Gov is a newly launched federal government web site that provides business owners with a one-stop resource that searches the federal government agencies that regulate or serve businesses for compliance information or resources.
  • Clackamas County Assessment & Taxation provide answers to many of the frequently asked questions about Business Personal Property Tax.
  • The Oregon Association of Minority Entrepreneurs is an association that is a partnership between ethnic minorities, entrepreneurs, education, government and established corporate businesses to promote and develop entrepreneurship and economic development for ethnic minorities in the State of Oregon.
  • Digital.com Small Business Entrepreneurship Outreach Program is helping veterans turn their business aspirations into successful endeavors by making sure they are aware of the unique competitive advantages available to them such as exclusive grants, training resources, and mentoring.  

Step Two: Business Licenses and Permits

CITY

Attain Business License
Contact Planning Department to Ensure Proper Zoning
  • If you have found a location, we strongly recommend that you contact the City before you sign a lease or purchase property to ensure that your business abides by zoning and use requirements. Contacting the City will also identify any additional costs and permits that might be required.
  • The first step is to contact the Planning Department at (503) 925-2308. The Planning Department will check the zoning and also help you to determine whether you need to modify or request a Site Plan review.
Contact Building Department for Building Permits
  • Your next step is to check with the Building Department to determine if building permits are required to improve the space and to file for a Change of Use. A Change of Use form should be submitted to the Building Department regardless of proposed changes.
  • Building Permits for a Tenant Improvement can be submitted weekdays from 8-5 PM except from 12:00 to 1:00 PM.Contact the Building Department at (503) 625-4226.
Contact the Engineering Department for SDC Estimate
  • The Engineering Department may send System Development Charges to you in order to support the newly installed tenant improvements. System Development Charges (SDC) are one-time fees charged to new development to help pay a portion of the water, sewer, storm, parks, and street costs associated with building infrastructure. Changing the type of business inside a tenant space or adding plumbing fixtures may increase SDC fees.
  • If you would like to request an estimate for SDC costs before you sign a lease, fill out the SDC Estimate Form and email it to Sherwood's engineering department. Processing time can take 10 or more business days. The Engineering Department can be reached at (503) 925-2309.
Contact Building Department for Sign Permits
  • Finally, if your business will have a new sign, please contact the Building Department for size, location, and permitting requirements

COUNTY

STATE

  • Register your business with the State of Oregon.
  • To find out if there are licenses required by the state of Oregon, go to Oregon Business Licenses and follow the easy instructions to find out which additional permits you might need.
  • In addition, the Business Referral Wizard will help you determine which licenses and permits might apply to you.

Step Three: IRS

Step Four: Networking

One of the ways to contribute to the economic health of our community is to participate in activities that are tied to creating a healthy economy. The following are some organizations in which you can participate.

Other Steps

TAXES
  • Washington County property payments must be POSTMARKED on or before November 17, 2014. Call 503-846-8741 for more information. File with Washington County Assessment & Taxation 155 N. First Avenue, Suite 130 Hillsboro, OR 97124
  • Plan for the Tri-Met Self Employment Tax: (503) 378-4988. Submit forms with Federal/State Income tax returns. Mail to Oregon Department of Revenue, P.O. Box 14780-0, Salem, Oregon. Not applicable in unincorporated areas outside the Tri-Met Service District boundary.
  • A future business owner recommended this article for tax-related questions about starting a business: Turbo Tax Article
REGULATIONS
  • Comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA): Call Northwest Disability & Business Technical Assistance Center 1-800-949-4232 or Office of ADA, Civil Rights Division 1-800-514-0301 for information on whether your business needs to make special accommodations to the public or your employees.
  • Secure Workers Compensation Insurance: Contact the Department of Consumer & Business Services, Workers Compensation Division at (503) 945-7888, 21 Labor and Industries Building, 350 Winter Street NE, Salem, Oregon 97310.
  • Check with the Oregon Occupational Safety and Health Division (OSHA) (503) 378-5910 at their Portland (Field Office to find out which regulations affect your type of business.
  • Contact the Bureau of Labor and Industries at (503) 731-4073 for information on wage and hour laws, parental leave, civil rights laws and apprenticeship programs. They can be found at 800 NE Oregon Room 32, Portland, Oregon 97232.

 

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