Start Your Business

How to Start in Auburn: A step-by-step guide for entrepreneurs

Starting a business is complicated and can be overwhelming! We understand.

Read How to Start in Auburn: A step-by-step guide for entrepreneurs.
We have created a detailed checklist which outlines the many steps necessary to start your business in Auburn. Links and contact information are provided below:

This detailed list outlines the many steps necessary to start your business in Auburn. Visit Atlas Alabama and U.S. Small Business Administration for in-depth explanations and information.

Plan

• Conduct market research. Investigate if there is a market for your product or service, understand customers, monitor competition and mitigate risk in your business decisions.

• Write your business plan. This plan will be a roadmap to run your company in broad operational terms as well as details such as budgeting and market planning. An impressive business plan may also help you get funding or business partners.

• Fund your business. After calculating startup costs, consult with the Auburn location of the Small Business Development Center, sba.gov funding programs, or local banks about how to finance your venture.

Launch

• Find a fitting location. Consider how well the space will work for you, your customers and your employees. Does it meet your technical requirements? Can you afford the terms of the lease? To check the zoning for a desired location, contact the City of Auburn Planning Department at 334-501-3040. If you are a tech startup looking for space, talk to the City of Auburn Economic Development office at 334-501-7272.

• Choose a business structure: LLC, LP, LLP, sole proprietorship, etc. Consult a business counselor, accountant and/or attorney to determine the best option for you.

• Choose and register your business name. Reserve your entity name prior to registering your business to receive your Certificate of Name Reservation: Fee $28. Check your name first before you register for it. Do a business entity search at Alabama Secretary of State.

• Create operating or partnership agreements. Draw up agreements to clarify operations, ownership, partnership or other stakeholder roles now. Consult an attorney. Various agreement templates can be found in a general web search.

• Name a Registered Agent. Many entrepreneurs choose to utilize an outside service for this role. This designated agent will be specified on your filing paperwork.

• Form your entity (LLC, Corporation, etc.) with the state. Utilize Domestic Filing to conveniently complete the formation document. (Certificate of Name Reservation must already be received.) Fee $100.

Keep on Going, You're Doing Great

• Get federal and state tax IDs.
  • Apply for your federal Employer Identification Number (EIN)
  • Apply for your state tax ID: Alabama Sales Tax Number, Alabama Income Tax Withholding Number

• Apply for business license from Lee County Probate Office.
  • Go to Lee County Probate Office (334-737-3670). 215 S 9th St, Opelika, AL 36801
  • Bring with you: business name, phone number, EIN, mailing and physical address.
  • Apply for business license. License fees vary by industry, location, and other factors.

• Apply for City of Auburn business license and any necessary permits or certificates.
  • Complete City of Auburn Business Registration Form. If your business will be located within the city limits, call these departments to arrange completion of form page 3;
    • Call Planning Department (334-501-3040)Call Codes Department (334-501-3170)
  • Call the City of Auburn Revenue Office (334-501-7239) to determine what documentation is required to apply for licenses, permits and certificates. Requirements will vary by industry, state, location, nature of your work and other factors, which are outlined on the City of Auburn Business Licenses page.
  • Apply for business license and any necessary permits or certificates. Submit completed business registration form. Fee $105. After July 1, prorated to $55.

• Open a business bank account. Talk to local banks about business account options. Have this information ready: EIN, formation documents, ownership agreements, business license.

• Get business insurance. Business insurance makes sure that both your personal assets and your business assets are fully protected from unexpected catastrophes.

Celebrate

Congratulations on forming a new business in Auburn! We look forward to helping you succeed.

Check out the Auburn Chamber of Commerce for programming and membership.

Business Resources

These resources will help you navigate the process of starting and managing your business.

• Alabama Small Business Development Center: Free consulting services for business planning, marketing and finding funding. Office located in Auburn. Register first. Free webinars.
• Atlas Alabama: Tools to help you plan, launch, manage and grow your business at any stage
• Auburn Chamber of Commerce: Membership resources and leadership to create a thriving business environment
• Grants: Alabama organizations that offer training and assistance for grant writing and fundraising. Some resources are membership-based, while others offer free assistance.
• Hello Alice: Navigation tool to source funding, new customers, and a community of fellow business owners
• My Own Business Institute (MOBI): Free online business courses are available to any aspiring entrepreneur through Santa Clara University
• SCORE: Free mentorship by a network of local and national business mentors, plus educational webinars and classes
• U.S. Small Business Administration: Designed to help small businesses to start, grow, expand, or recover

Questions?

If you still have questions or would like to be connected to other available resources, contact Andrea Mitchell. Let us help you get your business started in Auburn!