Use this free state-level information to get started or continue on your entrepreneurial journey. 

Startup Guides

Starting Your Business in Ohio

Ohio's Small Business Development Centers help you start planning, building, and growing your business.

Topics include:

• Business planning
• Registering your business
• Legal structures
• Workers' compensation, insurance, and tax requirements
• Vendor's licenses
• Consumer laws
• Patents and copyrights
• Licenses and permits

Starting Your Business in Ohio (PDF)

How to Start a Business in Ohio: A Step-by-Step Guide

The Ohio Secretary of State's Office walks you through the steps to start your ohio business with links to important websites, forms, and resources.

Topics include: 

• Registering your business
• Federal Employer Identification Numbers (EINs)
• Banking
• Registering with and reporting to the state
• Licenses and permits
• Growing your business
• Special considerations for nonprofits

How to Start a Business in Ohio: A Step-by-Step Guide

Startup Checklists by Business Type

What licenses, permits, etc. do you need for a cleaning business, food truck, personal trainer, B2B or other type of business? Ohio's Small Business Development Centers offer checklists that outline the startup steps and state rules for 200 business types!

Find and download business startup checklists.

Hiring Guide

Getting ready to hire? Ohio's Small Business Development Centers guide you through the steps to build and protect your workforce.

Topics include:

• Getting an employer identification number (EIN)
• Federal, state and local taxes
• Employee eligibility
• New hire reporting
• Workplace requirements
• Unemployment and Workers' Compensation
• Safety requirements
• Civil rights
• Personnel files

Hiring Your First or Next Employee (PDF) 

More Help

Small Business Development Centers

Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs) offer free, one-on-one help from trained business advisers. They can guide you through planning, funding, marketing, and more.

Find your local Small Business Development Center

Ohio Department of Taxation Small Business Resource Hub

The Ohio Department of Taxation explains your tax responsibilities. Learn how to get an EIN, handle payroll taxes, understand sales and use tax, and more.

Visit the Small Business Resource Hub 

Ohio Business Road Map

The Secretary of State’s office has information for every stage of your business journey, from getting started, to growing your business, and more. 

View the Ohio Business Road Map

Notable sections:

• Glossary of Business Terms
• Guide to Business Name Availability
• Business Publications (information on business entity types: corporation, LLC, partnership, sole proprietorship, nonprofit, trademark/service mark)

Program Partners

Ohio Business Gateway, Common Sense Initiative, Ohio Department of Development, Ohio Secretary of State, Ohio Attorney General, and Ohio Treasurer.

Disclaimer

The Ohio Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Program is funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration. The SBDC Program is also funded in part by the Ohio Department of Development. All services are extended to the public on a non-discriminatory basis. Language assistance services are available for limited English proficient individuals. Reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities will be made if requested at least two weeks in advance. Contact the SBDC at sbdcreports@development.ohio.gov.