The City of Miami's Office of Grants Administration - Economic Initiatives is at the forefront of
providing small business owners with information and support to help their small businesses grow. This
new Miami Business Solutions Resource Guide was created as a way to encourage entrepreneurism and
small business development. Starting your business can be difficult at times. This guide seeks to help you
along the way by providing resources and basic information to get you started in the right direction.
Before we get to the process of starting a new small business, here is a description of the services the
Office of Grants Administration - Economic Initiatives offers to new and existing businesses in Miami:
- Access Miami: Standing for Assets, Capital, Community, Education, Savings and Success.
Access Miami unites city resources with similar resources available in the public, private,
and non-profit sectors, to offer tools and education that help City residents improve their
quality of life.
http://www.accessmiamijobs.com/
- Brownfields: Brownfields are abandoned, inactive, or under-used industrial or commercial
properties where actual or perceived environmental issues complicate their sale, expansion,
and/or redevelopment.
- Buy Miami: Buy Miami is a marketing opportunity to enhance local exposure of the City's
small businesses. We found there was a need for businesses to have a voice on the web and
for locals to find great discounts at local businesses. http://www.buymiami.biz
Brief Overview: The first step you will take before opening your business is to determine whether small
business ownership is right for you. To determine if your new business has the potential for success, you
should start off by writing a business plan to act as your road map. Your business plan requires you to
research and understand the many different parts of your new business that you may not have thought
about before. Once you have written your business plan and determined the legal structure your new
business will have, you are ready to begin registering with the federal, state, and local governments.
The first government entity to consult is the federal government. Depending on your business there may
be federal regulations to comply with, and most businesses need to register with the IRS for a Federal
Employment Identification Number or EIN. You will next consult with the state government. In addition
to your EIN, some businesses will also need to register for the Florida States and Use tax. Most
professions need to apply for a license through the State of Florida. After you have received any
necessary licensing, if your business is located within the City of Miami, you will need to apply for a
Certificate of Use and a Business Tax Receipt with the City. Once the City has issued you a City of Miami
Business Tax Receipt and Certificate of Use, you will also need to apply for a Business Tax Receipt with
Miami Dade County. Our goal in this resource guide is to help you open your new business by providing
some basic information to get you started.
Disclaimer: The City does not represent, guarantee, or
affirm that any information included by participating organizations is
true or correct. The City is not responsible for the content of the
resource guide. The Resource Guide does not constitute the giving of
business, tax, legal, regulatory, corporate or other advice by the City
of Miami. This practical resource guide is a tool for your benefit.
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