Once your business is planned and funded — and you’ve found a site in the Town of Vienna — you’re ready to take those last crucial steps to open your business here.
At every step, the Town of Vienna’s Economic Development Division is available to assist you.
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Get your application from the Town of Vienna’s business license office by calling 703-255-6321, visiting Town Hall, or going online. As this Starting a Business guide explains, obtaining your Town of Vienna business license is a multistep process.
You must:
You'll need to complete these steps in the listed order because the later steps depend on completion of the earlier ones. For example, you will need to apply and pay for the business license before you apply for your occupancy permit.
After you obtain the occupancy permit, the Town can finish approving your business license.
Plans for all exterior modifications, including new permanent signs, must be approved by the Town’s Board of Architectural Review. For questions about the regulations for temporary signs, such as “Grand Opening” or “Now Open,” contact the Department of Planning and Zoning.
You’ll need a building permit if your business requires any of the following:
To obtain a commercial building permit for your business, follow these steps.
If your business is based in your home, you must complete a home occupation certificate (in addition to getting your business license) to certify compliance with applicable codes.
Massage establishments must apply for a business license and certificate of occupancy. Each employee performing massage therapy must apply for a background check through the Town of Vienna, and provide proof of a Commonwealth of Virginia license to perform massage therapy.
If your business serves food or offers temporary lodging, you must register with the Town of Vienna for the meals and transient lodging tax. Payments are due on the 20th of each month.
Here are some important tax-related requirements to keep in mind after you open:
Do you have an idea for a business? Are you in the business-development stage and wondering what to do next?
Do you need guidance or help getting unstuck? At every step, the Town of Vienna’s Economic Development Division is here to assist you.
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Not sure how to start or need help with early planning? We’ve identified partners who can advise you.
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The Town of Vienna Economic Development Division can help you connect to potential sources of government support, like the Small Business Association (SBA), the Virginia Small Business Financing Authority, the Virginia Economic Development Partnership, the Fairfax County Economic Development Authority, and more.
As the SBA explains, a business’ structure affects its tax levels, ability to raise money, and paperwork requirements, as well as the business owner’s personal liability. Business structure options are described in more detail by the SBA and the Virginia State Corporation Commission (SCC).
You’ll need a name that’s distinct from other businesses’ names. Virginia’s State Corporation Commission can help you determine whether your preferred name is available. The Virginia SCC is also where you’ll reserve the name of your business entity.
Our Economic Development Division staff can run space availability reports to help you find sites in the Town of Vienna that suit your needs. We can also connect you with brokers and property managers and accompany you on property tours.
Processes for opening a business can vary depending on the zoning district and business type. Don’t forget to contact the Town’s Planning and Zoning Department to make sure you’re looking to locate in areas that are zoned for your type of business. Our staff can serve as a liaison for you with department staff, but you can also contact the Planning and Zoning Department directly.
You must get an EIN from the federal government for tax purposes. The first step in the process is to identify your business structure, so you’ll need to decide on that structure before you apply. The IRS explains the EIN process and lets you apply for an EIN online.
You must register your business with the Commonwealth of Virginia. The Virginia Department of Taxation lists the requirements, which include getting your EIN. The Department of Taxation also offers online registration, which includes simultaneous registration with the Virginia Employment Commission.
Physicians, dentists, physical therapists, massage therapists, and a range of other health professionals need to obtain a license to practice in Virginia. The Virginia Department of Health Professions provides guidance.
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If you're interested in opening a business in Vienna, contact the Economic Development Division. We're here to help.
