Steps to Starting Your Business

  1. Register your Business Name - Also known as an assumed name, contact the County Clerk at the Northeast Sub-Courthouse at 817-581-3604.
  2. Corporate Certificate - To incorporate your business, contact the Secretary of State at 512-475-2755.
  3. Copyright - Contact the United States Copyright Office at 202-707-3000.
    1. What Is Copyright?
    2. Electronic Copyright Office
  4. Certificate of Occupancy (PDF) - Needed in order to open your business in the City, contact the City of North Richland Hills Planning and Development Department at 817-427-6330.
  5. Tax Responsibility - Determine the potential tax responsibilities of the new business on the federal, state, and local level.
    1. Tax Identification Number
    2. State Taxes
    3. Employment Taxes
  6. Sales and Use Tax - State Sales and Use Tax is imposed on all retail sales, leases and rentals of most goods, as well as taxable services, contact the Comptroller of Public Accounts at 817-847-6201.
  7. Health Permit - Pertaining to the handling, processing, packaging, and warehousing of food products, contact the City of North Richland Hills Neighborhood Services Department at 817-427-6650.
  8. Liquor License - Pertaining to the sale, transportation, or storage of alcoholic beverages, contact the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission at 817-451-9466 or the City Secretary's Office at 817-427-6050.
  9. Additional Frequently Requested Applications & Forms
  10. Federal Business Requirements
    1. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Requirements
    2. Equal Employment Opportunity
    3. Safety Requirements
    4. Wage and Labor Requirements
  11. State Requirements
    1. Safety Requirements
    2. Wage and Labor Requirements
    3. Workers’ Compensation Insurance
    4. Labor Poster Requirements

Resources for Securing Capital

Obtaining capital is one of the top challenges for small businesses. When it comes to small business loans, business owners have a range of options available to them. The Small Business Administration (SBA) is one of the most comprehensive resources for small business financing. You can also contact the Economic Development Department for help determining your specific capital needs.

Local, State & Federal Business Resources

SCORE - Counselors to America's Small Businesses

SCORE provides free and confidential one-on-one business consulting for interested individuals. They have volunteer counselors with experience and expertise that can help you grow your current business or pursue your dreams of business ownership. They offer face-to-face counseling, telephone counseling, and internet counseling. "Helping small businesses start, established businesses grow, and entrepreneurs succeed."