Starting a Business

Starting a business is exciting! We are delighted that you've chosen Polk County at the perfect home for your new venture. Our office is here to make the process clear, efficient, and compliant. Use the guide below to understand what’s needed to launch your business successfully.

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START SMART: A STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE TO OPENING A SMALL BUSINESS IN POLK COUNTY

1. SELECT YOUR BUSINESS STRUCTURE
Determine how you're going to operate your business: Corporation, LLC, Sole Proprietor, etc. More info can be found at Georgia.gov!

2. RESERVE YOUR BUSINESS NAME
Business names can be reserved here with the Georgia Secretary of State Office.

3. APPLY FOR YOUR EMPLOYEE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER
For more information, visit the IRS website here. If you're registering as a DBA, Trade Name Registration can be filed at Polk County Superior Court.

THINGS TO CONSIDER

Will you be selling taxable product? If so, you'll need to apply for Georgia Sales and Use Tax. For more information, please visit the Georgia Department of Revenue site.

Will you be selling food? For more information on food service permits and inspections, please contact the Polk County Health Department at 770-749-2270.

Is your zoning non-conforming? If your business is of non-conforming use for County Ordinance, please contact Polk County Planning and Zoning for next steps on zoning changes or special use permit applications. 

Do you own or lease your building? If you do not own the property where you will be conducting business, a notarized Lease Agreement will be required. 

Once you've taken care of all necessary requirements, you can complete your Occupational License Application with Polk County Building Inspection. Applications may be completed in-person at 5 Warehouse Street, Cedartown, Georgia 30125.

For more information, please contact: 770-749-2104
Polk County Building Inspection - Extension 1
Polk County Planning and Zoning - Extension 2