Do I need a business license if I want to open a small business in Roswell, GA?
Absolutely! Anyone who wants to open a run a small business in Roswell must first obtain a business license.
Is there anything that I should do before applying for a business license in Roswell, GA?
The City of Roswell recommends that you contact the Georgia Secretary of State Office at (404) 656-2881 to discuss matters such as incorporating your business and registering your business name. If you choose to register you business with the State of Georgia (the City of Roswell recommends but does not require that you do this), you must include a copy of your license with your business license application. For more information on this process, you can contact the Board of Professional Licensing at (678) 207-1300.
How do I apply for a business license in Roswell, GA?
First, you must be sure that all inspections are complete and that you have been issued a Certificate of Occupancy. You must also register with Roswell’s Financial Services Department. Contact the Community Development Department to obtain the necessary forms. If you have questions about this, contact the Community Development Department at (770) 641-3780. The City of Roswell also recommends that you obtain a Georgia State Identification Number. For more information on this process, you can call the Georgia Department of Revenue Office at (404) 417-4490 or go to www.georgia.gov.
Next, you must complete the Commercial Business Application. To do this, you must provide information about your business such as its NAICS code, name, address, nature, and type of ownership. You must also provide the name, address, phone number, driver’s license information, Social Security number or FEIN and date of birth of the owner(s). Be sure to sign and date this application at the bottom of the form.
The next section of the application is the Commercial Business Questionnaire. This questionnaire asks for more details about the owners of the business and the nature of the business. You will sign and date the bottom of the questionnaire.
You must also complete the Business Occupancy Fire Inspection Form by filling in your emergency contact information and then scheduling a fire inspection with the Fire Marshall. To schedule this inspection contact the Fire Marshall at (770) 641-3730.
Next you will use the form provided in the Commercial Business Application to determine the cost of your small business license.
The last form in the Application packet is the Affidavit Verifying Status for City of Roswell Public Benefit Application. This affidavit is a document verifying your legal ability to own and operate a business in the United States and must be signed in the presence of a notary public. If you are not a United States Citizen, you will most likely need additional documentation. Please see the affidavit for more information.
If you are an incorporated business, you must include proof of this in your application packet. If you are a professional (someone who needs an additional license to practice in the State of Georgia), you must include a copy of your professional state license in your application packet. For more information about professional licenses, contact the Georgia Secretary of State at (478) 207-1300.
How do I apply for a home occupancy business license in Roswell, GA?
First you must obtain and complete the Home Business Application. In this application, you will find an application section that asks for information about your business such as its location, name, nature, and type of ownership. It also asks for the name, address, phone number, driver’s license information, Social Security number or FEIN and date of birth of the owner(s). The next section is a questionnaire that asks for more specific information about the scope of your business, such as the number of people you will employ and the amount of direct contact you will have with your clients. You must sign and date this questionnaire. Next you will find a list of city ordinances that govern home occupancy businesses. You must read this form and sign and date it. Last, you will find the Affidavit Verifying Status for City of Roswell Public Benefit Application. This affidavit is a document verifying your legal ability to own and operate a business in the United States and must be signed in the presence of a notary public. If you are not a United States Citizen, you will most likely need additional documentation. Please see the affidavit for more information. After you have completed this application, you must make a copy of your driver’s license and include that in your application packet.
If you plan to run an In-Home Daycare, you must complete a Commercial Business Application and present your Bright from the Start certification. If you have questions about this part of your application, you can call the Child Care Licensing Division at (404) 656-5957.
This permit will cost $100. If you apply for a business license after July, the business permit will be prorated to $50.
Are there any additional permits or licenses that my small business may need?
There are many businesses that require additional permits or licenses. Some common examples include:
- Restaurants
- Bakeries
- Cafes
- Businesses that serve alcohol
- Businesses that involve vehicles
- Businesses that involve precious metals or gems
More information on these businesses can be found here and in the Commercial Business Application. For more information about additional permits, contact the Small Business Administration at (404) 529-9865 or the Small Business Development Center at (404) 651-3550.
Where should I submit my completed application?
You should take your completed application and your application fee to The Community Development Department, located at 38 Hill Street, Suite G-30, Roswell, GA 30075.
What should I do if I have more questions?
Most of the information you need to apply for a business license in Roswell, GA can be found on their website. If you still have questions, you can contact the Small Business Administration at (404) 529-9865 or the Small Business Development Center at (404) 651-3550.
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