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Commonwealth of Pennsylvania | Josh Shapiro, Governor PA Department of Community & Economic Development | Rick Siger, Acting Secretary | business. pa. gov # STARTING AND GROWING A BUSINESS IN PENNSYLVANIA SEPTEMBER 2019 “The Entrepreneur’s Guide: Starting and Growing a Business in Pennsylvania” was prepared by the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED).
The information contained in this guide is subject to change. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of this information at the time of publication. DCED is not responsible for deletions, omissions or errors.
Comments and inquiries on the subject matter should be addressed to the DCED’s Pennsylvania Business One-Stop Shop at the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development, Commonwealth Keystone Building, 400 North Street, 4th Floor, Harrisburg, PA 17120-0225 or by calling 1. 833. 722.
6778. Table of Contents Introduction . .
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. 1 Chapter I Preparing to Start a Business . .
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3 Four Keystones for Success . . .
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4 Qualified Entrepreneur: How to Assess Yourself . . .
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5 Profitable Idea: How to Assess Your Business Concept . . .
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. . 6 Comprehensive Business Plan .
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. . 7 Business Plan Outline .
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8 Startup Costs Worksheet . . .
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. 12 Operating Costs Worksheet . .
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. . 13 How to Choose a Site for Your Business .
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. . 14 Adequate Finances: Funding Your Business .
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. 16 Chapter II Legally Establishing a Business in Pennsylvania . .
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17 Four Keystones to Legally Establishing a Business in Pennsylvania . . .
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. . 18 Checklist for Legally Establishing a Business in Pennsylvania .
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19 Business Name . . .
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20 Business Structure . . .
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21 Summary Table – Registering Business Structure and Name . . .
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. . 24 Taxes, Employment Obligations, EIN and Bank Account .
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. . 25 Tax Information, Incentives, Legal Considerations and Forms .
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26 Pennsylvania Labor and Employee Laws . . .
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. . 28 Laws, Licenses and Regulations .
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31 Chapter III Managing and Growing a Business . . .
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. . 33 Four Keystones to Growing a Business .
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. . 34 Enterprise Audit Checklist .
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. 35 Growth Strategy . .
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38 Record-keeping . . .
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40 Human Resources . . .
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. 41 Template: Position Description . .
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. . 44 How to Secure Contracts with Government Agencies .
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. . 45 How to Develop International Markets .
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46 Chapter IV Important Small Business Resources . . .
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49 Advocacy . . .
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53 Workforce Development . . .
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. . 53 Federal Resources .
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54 Chapter V Directory of State and Federal Agencies . . .
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55 Important State and Federal Telephone Numbers . . .
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. . 56 Directory of Pennsylvania State Agencies .
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57 How to Use the Guide These symbols are used to denote which sections are more useful for new entrepreneurs and which ones contain information geared toward existing business owners. Sections not designated by either icon contain information that is relevant for both types of entrepreneurs.
## How This Guide is Organized The guide consists of five chapters that address the common questions that first-time entrepreneurs and existing business Chapter I Preparing to Start a Business. This chapter discusses the evaluations, research and steps one should take before deciding to start a business. Chapter II Legally Establishing a Business in Pennsylvania.
This chapter discusses the steps to legally establishing a business in Pennsylvania such as obtaining a Chapter III Managing and Growing a Business. This chapter discusses areas such as human resources, financial management and other issues that determine a well-managed business and help to keep a business growing. Chapter IV Important Small Business Resources.
This chapter has a list of important public and private organizations that can help your business thrive. Chapter V Directory of State and Federal Agencies. This chapter has a list of contact information for important state and federal organizations.
Keep a look out for the tip icons for quick, useful information. ## Starting a business is an exciting adventure on ## which many Pennsylvanians embark every year. Each entrepreneur is unique.
No matter what level of business experience or expertise, the Entrepreneur’s Guide: Starting and Growing a Business in Pennsylvania will provide you with valuable information that will help with business startup and growth. Taking your ideas and ingenuity to create something new is a rewarding and challenging endeavor, as is the undertaking of building a business that can grow and compete locally and globally.
Pennsylvania is an excellent place for an entrepreneur to do all of this, and more. ## Making Entrepreneurship Accessible This guide is about more than just providing you with rules, regulations and telephone numbers — it is intended to make the entrepreneurial mechanics as accessible as possible for all Pennsylvanians.
As you read, you will be able to: draft a professional business plan, ensure your business is properly registered and licensed and prepare yourself for the challenges to grow and manage your business. The guide is designed to prepare you to start your business and walk you through the process you will undertake to determine when and how you will grow that business.
You will find contact information for technical and business support organizations throughout the guide that will be able to assist you with a variety of business activities including financing, identifying new markets and developing professional growth strategies. The Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development’s (DCED) Pennsylvania Business One-Stop Shop is here latest DCED announcements, or contact us at 1. 833.
722. 6778, Option O. 23 # Four Keystones to Success # Qualified Entrepreneur Profitable Business Idea Adequate Finances Thorough Business Plan eBu Successful Business Startup 5 > CHAPTER I | PREPARING TO START A BUSINESS # Qualified Entrepreneur: How to Assess Yourself ## An important step in your entrepreneurial journey will be to evaluate who you are, ## what you want to be and how to bring the best of yourself into your new venture.
## As an entrepreneur, you are the face, the brain and the brawn behind your ## business. You and your ideas will drive the initial stages of the project. ## What are my entrepreneurial skills?
The sum of your life experience has given you many qualities and skills that will be an asset to your new enterprise. It is important to evaluate the skills you have as you begin to develop your business concept in order to maximize your preparedness and effectiveness.
While many studies and countless books have been written on what “the right stuff” is for entrepreneurship, the list below contains the most common characteristics and traits that are part of a successful entrepreneur’s background.
Entrepreneurial Skills Assessment Take some time and honestly evaluate yourself by placing a check next to the traits you are confident you possess: c Problem-solving: explores innovative ways to respond to opportunities c Goal-oriented: envisions a desired outcome, as well as plans and implements the activities required to achieve it c Self-confidence: believes in own ideas and abilities and conveys that belief to others c Risk-taking: abandons status quo, explores options and pursues opportunities c Decision-making: makes prudent choices even in a stressful environment c Organization: keeps track of deadlines, critical paperwork, correspondence and tasks to be completed, as well as those c Persistence: tenaciously pursues goals regardless of the energy and commitment required c Communication: speaks, listens and writes effectively c Interpersonal skills: inspires, motivates and understands the wants and needs of others c Leadership: directs others effectively and empowers their performance Continual Self-Improvement is Key Chances are you left one or a few of the above traits unchecked.
Even if you feel you adequately exhibit all of the traits above, it is important to remember that continual self-improvement is critical to your growth as a business owner and a hallmark of Finding ways to improve is a good test of your abilities, whether by seeking out useful books and articles or enrolling in business education courses. Consider seeking advice from a mentor or other successful entrepreneurs in your community.
The persistence and creativity you exhibit in improving your abilities will make you a better business owner and bring you closer to your goal. Responsibilities of Entrepreneurship As an entrepreneur, your skills and abilities will be tested as you take on managerial responsibilities.
Although you can hire skilled employees, engage qualified consultants and develop a corporate advisory board, the ultimate responsibility for decision-making and determining the strengths and weaknesses of your business rests with you. The managerial responsibilities of entrepreneurship include financial planning, personnel, marketing and production — skills you will continue to refine alongside your personal abilities.
When you find yourself confident in both your personal and managerial skills, you will have a solid foundation on which to begin building your business. 6 # Profitable Idea: How to Assess Your Business Concept ## As you continue to develop confidence in your personal and managerial skills, ## you also need to assess your business concept.
Begin analyzing your concept by ## taking a moment and putting yourself in the shoes of a potential customer. Once you have identified what your potential customers will be looking for, you can begin to plot a path to reach that goal. Early-stage businesses see failure rates exceeding 50 percent because too often an individual will spend vast amounts of money and time on a concept they did not fully evaluate.
Take time to test your concept and research similar businesses. Rely on your drive and ambition to work through discouraging moments. Review the list below and give yourself a check next to each statement as you identify how your business will address each topic.
## Business Concept Assessment c The product or service satisfies the needs of the prospective customer, not simply the desire of the business owner. c The product or service has an identifiable advantage over competitive sources. The advantage is of significant relevance c The quality of the product can be maintained to a level that encourages customers to make repeat purchases.
c The necessary materials for initial setup, long-term production and delivery of the product or service are all c The number of customers in the market is sufficient for your business and competitors. c The product or service is compatible with existing beliefs, attitudes and buying habits of prospective customers. c The benefits of the product or service are easily communicated to the target customers.
c The price of the product or service is within an affordable range for the intended customers. c The most cost-efficient methods of targeted communication between the merchant and potential customers c The projected sales potential, based on the number of customers and their average expenditure for the product, is sufficient to generate a profit after all expenses are paid.
c The sales generated will be sufficient during peak periods to support the business expenses for the entire year. 7 > CHAPTER I | PREPARING TO START A BUSINESS # Comprehensive Business Plan ## Like all entrepreneurs, you will need to do a great deal of research and planning ## before opening your business. A business plan is a document that clearly describes ## your vision, including all the details of your business operation.
A well-written business plan not only puts your business on a solid foundation, but is critical in your quest for funding. This will become your owner’s manual guiding your daily operations and activities. Even if you decide not to write out a business plan, it will still help you to at least research and think through all the areas that are discussed in a plan (see "Business Plan Outline."
) Although a business plan is time-consuming, it is important to business success. Completing one allows you to apply your research to your decision-making and forces you to examine all decisions of management, marketing, personnel and finance in an objective and Another important benefit of the planning process is that it will require you to project the amount of financing needed for the startup and the early-stages of your business.
A complete outline of the content of the plan is discussed in the next section: "Business Plan Outline." When you adequately cover all the outline elements, your business plan will answer these questions: c Who are you? A personal resume outlining the education and experience that will allow you to start and manage your c What are you going to do?
A description of your business concept, the products and services you will be providing, the market which you will serve, where you will be located, how much money you will invest and how much additional money c Where are you going? The short- and long-term goals you have set for your business. c How are you going to get there?
The strategies that will allow you to meet your financial responsibilities, compete with others in the
According to the current listing, eligibility includes: See the Pennsylvania grants portal for complete eligibility requirements. Confirm the full requirements in the official notice before applying.
Entrepreneur's Guide is funded by Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Verify program details on the funder's official page before applying.
This opportunity targets applicants in Pennsylvania. If your organization operates elsewhere, check the official notice for location requirements.
Start from the official opportunity page linked in this listing — it carries the sponsor's submission instructions.
The Commonwealth Financing Authority's statewide Local Share Account program accepts applications September 1 through November 30, 2026, funding public-interest projects from $25,000 in eligible costs up to $1,000,000 per grant request out of Pennsylvania gaming revenue. Nonprofits are not eligible applicants and must be sponsored by a county, municipality, authority, or development agency. Here is how the sponsorship structure actually works, what the three-month window is really for, and why the ownership-and-maintenance clause decides more applications than the project narrative.
Read articlePMHCA (HRSA-26-058) makes $9.79 million available for up to 22 awards of up to $445,000 to build tele-consultation networks that help pediatric primary care providers manage children's behavioral health. The catch buried in the eligibility section: applicants must NOT already hold a PMHCA award — which effectively reserves the new-state lane for the eight unfunded states and territories, plus tribes everywhere. Here's how to read it and what wins.
Read articleThe William Penn Foundation's May 2026 docket distributed $57.2M across 128 grants, with 41 percent flowing to Children and Families. The breakdown reveals which Philadelphia nonprofit categories are gaining institutional traction and which are being asked to make harder cases.
Read article