Doing business in the Cleveland District

SBA’s Business Guide lists the requirements needed to start, grow, and expand your business. Since laws and taxes vary by state, here’s what you need to do before starting your business in our area.

Business name and registration

Register your business name with the county clerk where your business is located. If you are a corporation, you will also need to register with the Secretary of State.

Business licensing and zoning

Licenses are typically administered by a variety of state and local departments. It is important to consider zoning regulations when choosing a site for your business. Contact the local business license office where you plan to locate your business. You may not be permitted to conduct business out of your home or engage in industrial activity in a retail district.

Taxes

IRS Ohio Taxpayer Assistance Centers
1240 E. Ninth St.
Cleveland, OH 44199
Phone: 216-415-3442

Ohio Department of Taxation
4485 Northland Ridge Blvd.
Columbus, Oh 43229
Phone: 614-466-2166

Health and safety

Ohio Department of Commerce, Bureau of Wage and Hour Administration
77 S. High St., 23rd Floor
Columbus, OH 43215
Phone: 614-644-2239

Ohio Environmental Protection Agency
50 W. Town Street, Suite 700
Columbus, Ohio 43215
Phone: 614-644-3020

OSHA Offices in Ohio 
6393 Oak Tree Blvd., Suite 203
Independence, OH 44131
Phone: 216-447-4194

Need information on the local business landscape? SBA's Office of Advocacy has the latest demographic and statistics on local small business economic activity.