SIX STEPS TO STARTING A BUSINESS

The City of Winter Garden is a great place to start a new business venture and we are dedicated to assisting the small businesses in the community. We provide a wide range of services and resources to our existing businesses as well as new business opportunities.

Small businesses are the backbone of a thriving economy. The Small Business Administration reports that small businesses (fewer than 500 employees) employ 54 percent of the private workforce and are responsible for 50% of private production.

Step 1 - Preparing a Business Plan

The business plan will be your road map to a successful small business. A business plan is used by your internal management team, potential lenders and investors and your potential partners, advisors and employees and can be an operating guide as well as a financial prospectus.

The major components of a Business Plan are the:

Step 2 – Finding the best location for your business

By completing your business plan, you should have a better of understanding of the general area where you want to locate your business. Once you know the general location, please visit the City of Winter Garden Planning Department at 270 W. Plant Street to verify if each site you are considering meets local zoning ordinances, regulations, parking requirements and other land use restrictions. The Planning Department can be reached at (407) 656 – 4111, extension 2507.

The Economic Development Department also has a listing of available property within the City limits. (407) 656-4111, extension 2308.

Step 3 - Determining property value

Determining value can be accomplished in a number of ways. If you are purchasing property, a lending institution will require that an appraisal be done to identify the fair market value of the property. Another way of determining value, although not as exact, is the Orange County Appraisers Office value assessment on each piece of property within its boundaries for tax purposes.

The Economic Development Department can also provide guidance as to market rents for different product types. (407) 656-4111, extension 2308.

Step 4 – New construction, remodeling or tenant build-out

Winter Garden’s Building Department can issue the permits needed to build a new structure, or to retrofit or update an existing structure. Be prepared to submit a legal description and survey of the property showing what you would like to build, along with multiple sets of construction documents. You will also need to obtain a Certificate of Occupancy before locating your business in the new structure. Winter Garden’s Building Department can be reached at (407) 656-0839.

Step 5 – Obtaining Licenses

City License: An Occupational License is required in Winter Garden. Application forms for both commercial and home businesses can be found at http://wintergarden-fl.gov/pages/online_serv/forms.php. The Occupational License Clerk can be reached at 407-656-4111, extension 2291.

County License: Orange County may also require an Occupational License. To obtain an Orange County Occupational License, contact: (407)-836-5650 201 South Rosalind Avenue, Orlando, Florida, 32801; www.octaxcol.com/Occupationallic.htm

State License: Many professions require professional licensing through the State of Florida. The Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulations (DBPR) issue licenses for a wide range of professions. For listings of professions and businesses regulated by DBPP, log on to www.state.fl.us/dbpr or contact the Office of Consumer Services, 1940 North Monroe Street, Tallahassee, Florida 32399; (850) 487-2252.

Step 6 – Obtaining Federal and State Forms:

Contact the IRS at (800) 829-4933 to apply for a Federal ID# (Form SS-4) and request a “Tax Kit”.

Contact the Florida Department of Revenue at 800-352-3671 for a “Sales and Use Tax Guide”.

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ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

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