Starting A Business
Thank you for your interest in starting a business in Stafford County, Virginia! We have streamlined the process and made the steps to opening a business in Stafford simple and easy to navigate. You can download a New Business Guide below or by clicking here.
All departments are located at the George L. Gordon Stafford County Government Center at 1300 Courthouse Road, Stafford, VA 22554.
DOWNLOAD BUSINESS GUIDE
Step 1: Provide Business Information to the Department of Economic Development
What you need to do: Provide your business contact information to the department of Economic Development.
How do you provide your business contact information?: This can be done through this online form. CLICK HERE
What to do next?: Move to step 2 with the Permit Clerk at the Community Development Service Center
The Department of Economic Development is here to support you and your business through startup and expansion. The department can help with finding a location for your business and point you to other business resources. The department can also provide you with a marketing primer full of ideas on how to promote your business.
Please Note: In order to receive promotional assistance from Economic Development business owners must have completed each of the previous steps and hold a Business Registration Certificate obtained from the Commissioner of Revenue.
Questions? Contact the Economic Development Team
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 540-658-8681
Office Hours: Monday – Friday 8:00am to 4:30pm
All departments are located at the George L. Gordon Stafford County Government Center at 1300 Courthouse Road, Stafford, VA 22554.
Step 2: Speak with a Permit Clerk at the Community Development Service Center
What you need to do: Speak with a Permit Clerk and find out what requirements are needed to open your specific type of business. All businesses, including home-based businesses, must speak with a permit clerk.
Can this be done over the phone or electronically? Applications can be made in person at the Community Development Service Center or online.
Permit Application PortalThe Community Development Service Center (CDSC) handles all planning, zoning, permits, and public works matters. This streamlines the processes that businesses need for buildings and development projects; and makes the permit application process easier.
Questions? Contact: Sarah Hart, CDSC Manager
Office Fax: 540-658-6824
Office Phone: 540-658-8650
Office Email: [email protected]
Office Hours: Monday – Friday 8:00am to 4:30pm, Thursday 9:00 am to 4:30 pm
Step 3: Register your business with the Commissioner of Revenue
What you need to do: Register your business with the office of the Commissioner of Revenue.
Registration can be completed online through the Commissioner of Revenue’s e-filing system.
Register BusinessIn order to complete the registration process, business owners will need to have already completed the following:
- Chosen a business structure (example sole proprietor, LLC, etc.)
- Chosen a business name
If you are selling prepared food, you will also need to file for meals tax with this office.
Questions? Contact: Mary Coble, PP Specialist II
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 540-658-4132 ext. 1132
Office Fax: 540-658-4120
Office Phone: 540-658-4132
Office Email: [email protected]
Office Hours: Monday – Friday 8:00am to 4:30pm
Local Resources for First Time Business Owners
The Department of Economic Development highly recommends entrepreneurs and first time business owners contact the local Small Business Development Center.