BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CHECKLIST
1) Develop a written business plan. Guidance on how to
write a business plan can be obtained by contacting any of the following
organizations:
Service Core of Retired Executives (SCORE)
(717) 397-3092
Lancaster Chapter
www.scorelancaster.org
Lancaster Chamber of Commerce & Industry
(717) 397-3531
www.lcci.com
Duke Street Business Center
(717) 239-2131
Lancaster Public Library
Family Business Center
Elizabethtown College
(717) 361-1275
www.etown.edu/FBC
Small Business Development Center (SBDC)
(610) 683-4644
Kutztown University
www.kutztownsbdc.org
Center for Entrepreneurial Assistance
PA Department of Community & Economic Development
(800) 280-3801
US Small Business Administration
Philadelphia District Office
(215) 580-2722
ASSETS Lancaster
Center for Small Business Development
717-393-6089
www.assetslancaster.org
2) Obtain demographic information, commercial real estate availability,
and other informational assistance by contacting:
Research & Information Specialist
Lancaster County Planning Commission
Phone- (717) 299-8333
Fax- (717) 295-3659
www.co.lancaster.pa.us/planning
3) Determine zoning regulations, change of use requirements, accessibility
requirements, building and sign permit requirements, and subdivision and
land development regulations and processes.
Lititz Zoning and Code Enforcement Office (Lititz Borough Office)
Lititz Borough Zoning Officer (initial contact)
Phone- (717) 626-2044
Fax- (717) 626-1329
www.co.lancaster.pa.us/lititz
4) Decide upon your business structure - sole proprietorship, general
partnership, limited partnership, limited liability partnership, limited
liability company, corporation, or PA S corporation. Contact
the Pennsylvania Department of State at (717) 787-1057 for additional information
concerning specific steps to be taken once a business structure has been
selected
5) Determine if you must register your fictitious name with the Pennsylvania
Department of State. A fictitious name is any assumed name,
style, or designation other than the proper name of the person and / or
entity using the name. Contact the Pennsylvania Department of State
at (717) 787-1057 for additional information. Registration of a fictitious
name can be completed on-line at www.paopenforbusiness.state.pa.us.
6) Obtain a federal employer identification number (EIN). Every
employer subject to employment taxes is required to obtain an EIN to identify
his or her business with the Internal Revenue Service and Social Security
Administration. Application for a federal EIN can be filed by telephone,
fax, or mail. The appropriate form can be downloaded from the IRS
website, www.irs.gov,
or obtained by calling the IRS Form Hotline at (800) 829-3676. Telephone
registration can be completed by calling (866) 816-2065.
7) Determine whether you are liable for the state unemployment compensation
tax. If you employ one or more persons, you may be liable for the
state unemployment compensation tax and must register with the Bureau of
Employer Tax Operations by completing a Pennsylvania Enterprise Registration
Form and Instruction (PA-100). This form can be obtained by contacting
the PA Form Ordering Service at (800) 362-2050. General questions
can be directed to Lancaster Bureau of Employer Operations Field Accounting
Service Office at (717) 299-7606.
8) Contact the Lancaster County Tax Collection Bureau at (717) 569-4521
to determine any required registration requirements for local taxes.
9) Determine all applicable state tax liabilities. Various taxes
are imposed upon individuals, employers, businesses, and certain products.
As a result of specific tax liabilities being dependent on the type and
structure of the business, questions should be directed to the Pennsylvania
Department of Revenue at (717) 787-1064.
10) Obtain workers’ compensation insurance coverage for your employees.
In Pennsylvania, workers’ compensation insurance coverage is required if
a person, company, or corporation has any full or part-time employees.
This includes family members, one-person corporations, and corporate officers.
For additional information, contact the Pennsylvania Department of Labor
and Industry at (717) 772-3702 or visit their website at www.dli.state.pa.us.
11) Work hard, prosper, and enjoy all the benefits of doing business
in the Lititz community.
