Starting a business in Pennsylvania: how to proceed ?

Starting a business in Pennsylvania requires to make a few steps. Start-up activities, registration and procedures specifically linked to the business are to be taken into account.

Start-up activities

As everyone knows, shale in Pennsylvania or,has brought an important change in this state economically speaking. For hundreds of people Pennsylvania has become the new Eldorado.  Many of them see in solar energy pennsylvania a lifetime opportunity. However, before they they set up their practice, they should develop a business plan that includes different strategies for marketing, management, production and financial contingencies, and establish a list of all potential monthly expenses, and another list of all equipment and purchases required to start the business. If needed, it would be better to investigate credit terms and search for potential suppliers.

The registration process

Before starting a business in PA – Pennsylvania, it is important to proceed to the registration of the activity. For residents, this would be a simplified procedure, but for a non-U.S. citizen, it could be amore complicated. The type of his Visa defines if he is legally allowed to start a business, and/or obtain financing. The registration with State Agencies is a prior step. Indeed, some business types require registration with the state government of Pennsylvania, especially if the business consists on a corporation, a non-profit organization, a limited-liability or a partnership company. However, a sole proprietorship business won’t have to be registered at the state level.

Essential preparation

After registration, it is important to apply for a federal Employer Identification Number, and search for secure financing, if needed. A bank account should be opened to manage the financial side of the business. It is also important to establish record-keeping procedures for financial management, marketing, personnel, and maintenance. Then, a business should be secured with a specific insurance. As a reminder, the initial choice of a business type is not permanent. It is perfectly possible to start out the business as a sole proprietorship, and convert it into LLC, if it grows and if the risk of personal liability increases. In that case, filing new documents with the state government and new business licenses will be required.