Starting a Business

Business Planning Assistance

Funding

Funding, Funding, Funding

When starting a business there are basically three ways that it can be funded: from your own money, venture capital, and/or from loans. To obtain funding you must be able to show how money is made and spent. Understandably, it can be difficult to pinpoint cash flow details with accuracy when writing a business plan for a new business. Calculate to the best of your ability. Your business plan serves several purposes, not the least of which is to show lenders how they will be paid back if they grant your business a loan. Investors, who take on greater risk with start-up ventures, are looking for higher returns than they can get by investing in a more established company.

It is easier to obtain funding when you have assets to use as collateral for the loan. Many companies grow on revenues generated from its business. Only after being in business for many years can you solicit loans to finance a diversification effort and equipment purchase for expansion. A track record of business profitability, the company's cash flow and personal assets used as collateral will be factors that lead to successful funding.

Financing

http://www.sba.gov/financing/ 

Love What You Do

Business is not only about money; it is also about your passion. Starting a business takes a great deal of energy. You will find that the stress of a new business will make you crazy unless you love what you are doing. Obviously, every situation is different, and there is a lot of information to be gathered and work that must be done when starting a business. The following steps are basic, but they are fundamental to getting a company up and running successfully. 

Industry Information/Statistical info

http://www.rh.edu/library/industry/industry.htm
http://www.valuationresources.com/IndustryReport.htm
http://bizstats.com/index.asp

Marketing info

The Most Important Articles Ever Published by the AMA’s MarketingPower.com

 8 ways to help you promote your business

Demographic info

http://www.census.gov/
http://www.easidemographics.com/
http://www.newstrategist.com/

Google Analytics

 

 

All around “good” sites

http://www.inc.com/home/
http://www.entreworld.org/
http://www.allbusiness.com/
http://www.entrepreneur.com/
http://www.morebusiness.com/
http://www.sba.gov/
http://www.scoreknox.org/
http://www.tsbdc.org/

Ask for help

The TN Small Business Development Center is a nonprofit organization that helps new entrepreneurs with advice regarding starting a business, business planning and modeling to funding. This is a free service for as long as you stay in business. They teach classes on startup, business planning, IRS taxation, and one-on-one counseling sessions by appointment. Take full advantage of the services offered by this organization contact Kasey Ferguson at 865-983-2241. 

 

Business Start-up Requirements and Contacts

The following requirements are necessary for operation of most businesses. Certain types of business may be required to meet additional requirements. 

Business License (TN Business Tax)

All businesses must register with their County Court Clerk within 20 days after beginning business, and pay the filing or business license fee. The filing fee is paid to the county clerk and/or city clerk. At this time, the clerk will assign the business a classification and gross receipts tax rate. Thereafter, the business pays the annual filing fee with the annual payment of the gross receipts tax.

Blount County Clerk
345 Court Street
Maryville, TN 37804
865-273-5800
www.blounttn.org/clerk.asp

City of Alcoa
223 Associates Boulevard 
Alcoa, TN 37701
865-380-4700
http://www.cityofalcoa-tn.gov/

City of Maryville 
404 W. Broadway 
Maryville, TN 37801
865-273-3900
http://www.ci.maryville.tn.us/

IRS Identification Number

All businesses need an IRS identification number. Obtain a Form SS-4 (application for Employer Identification Number) from: http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/fss4.pdf?portlet=3

Internal Revenue Service
801 Broadway
Nashville, TN 37203
615-250-5670
http://www.irs.ustreas.gov/ 

Tennessee Employer Identification Number

You must obtain a TN Employer Identification Number if (1) you are liable under the Federal Unemployment Tax Act; (2) the business has a total payroll of $1,500 or more in any quarter of the tax year; or (3) the business has at least one employee, full- or part-time, on any day during 20 different weeks of the tax year. Obtain your number from: http://tennessee.gov/labor-wfd/Employers/forms/LB-0441.pdf

Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development
Employer Services
500 James Robertson Parkway
Davy Crockett Tower, Eighth Floor
Nashville, TN 37245-3555
615-741-2486
http://www.state.tn.us/labor-wfd/esdiv.html

Sales Tax Number

Any business liable for collection and payment of the sales and use tax is required to register with the Department of Revenue. Obtain a Sales and Use Tax Certificate of Registration from this department. 
http://www.tennessee.gov/revenue/forms/general/f13005_1.pdf

Tennessee Department of Revenue
500 Deaderick Street
Andrew Jackson State Office Building, Room 1200
Nashville, TN 37242-1099
615-253-0600 or 800-342-1003 (in state)
www.tennessee.gov/revenue
revenue@state.tn.us

 

Worker’s Compensation

If you have five or more full- or part-time employees and are not exempt from the provisions of the Worker's Compensation Act, you must obtain Worker's Compensation coverage for all eligible employees immediately. You can obtain this insurance from your local business insurance agent. For more information, contact:

Department of Labor and Workforce Development
Division of Worker's Compensation
610 James Robertson Parkway
Andrew Johnson Building, Eighth Floor
Nashville, TN 37243-0655
615-741-2395
http://www.tn.gov/labor-wfd/wcomp.html

Unemployment Insurance 
Every Tennessee employer is required to pay unemployment insurance. Contact: http://www.state.tn.us/labor-wfd/Claimants/appintro.html

Department of Labor and Workforce Development
Division of Employment Security
500 James Robertson Parkway
Davy Crockett Tower, Eighth Floor
Nashville, TN 37245-3555
615-741-2386

Social Security (FICA)

If you have one or more employees, you must deduct the employees' part of Social Security taxes (FICA) from their wages and report these deductions, along with payment of your part of these taxes and all deductions of income taxes made from employees' wages on Form 941. Each employee must fill out a form W-4. Obtain these forms from the IRS.

Internal Revenue Service
710 Locust Street
Knoxville, TN  37902
865-565-4794

Free Federal Tax Assistance: 800-829-1040
Free Federal Tax Forms or Publications: 800-829-3676
http://www.irs.ustreas.gov/ 

Corporate Charter Application

To apply for incorporation of your business, contact: 

Tennessee Secretary of State
312 Eighth Ave. North
William Snodgrass Building, Sixth Floor
Nashville, TN 37243-3795
615-741-2286

Zoning and Land Use Regulations

Your initial contact is usually with the Planning Department where the overall concept of your development is explained to staff. The Planning Department administers the Land Development Regulations and can provide information on zoning restrictions and requirements for a specific parcel of land. Any changes or variances requested to accommodate the development may require action by the Maryville City Council, City Council of Alcoa, Blount County Planning Department, Maryville Regional Planning Commission and/or Board of Zoning Appeals.  

John Lamb, Director
Blount County Planning Department
Blount County Courthouse
327 Court Street
Maryville, TN 37804-5906
Phone (865) 273-5750
Fax (865) 273-5759
E-Mail: planning@blounttn.org

Gary Ferguson, Director Commissioner
County Department of Environmental Health
1006 E. Lamar Alexander Parkway
Maryville, TN 37804
Phone (865) 681-9301
Fax (865) 681-9502

Roger Fields, Building Commissioner
Blount County Building Commissioner for Zoning Matters
1006 E. Lamar Alexander Parkway                          
Maryville, TN 37804
Phone (865) 681-9301
Fax (865) 681-9502

Matthew Widner, Codes Official
Blount County Department of Building Safety 
1006 E. Lamar Alexander Parkway
Maryville, TN 37804-5906     
Phone: (865) 681-9301 / Fax: (865) 681-9502 

Permits

Occupancy Permit

If you are opening a business or are changing the type of business that previously occupied the property you are considering, you will need a Use and Occupancy Permit prior to opening the business. Home-based businesses and childcare centers are required to have Use and Occupancy Permits.

Building Permit

Any business that plans to build or make renovations is required to have a Building Permit prior to construction and occupancy. If expansion plans are more than 5,000 square feet, a licensed architect must prepare your plan.

Sign Permit

Any new signs or alterations to existing signs displayed on the exterior of the building or on site, whether permanent or temporary, require a sign permit. For information and needed permits, contact:

City of Maryville
Bobby Parks, Planning & Codes
rjparks@ci.maryville.tn.us

Inspections, Planning & Codes Departments
City of Alcoa 
Planning & Codes Department
Chris Hamby, Director
223 Associate Blvd.
Alcoa, TN  37701
865-380-4730
Fax: 865-380-4744
chamby@cityofalcoa-tn.gov

Assistant City Planner
Jeremy Pearson
jpearson@cityofalcoa-tn.gov

Codes Enforcement Officer
Gary Holloway
gholloway@cityofalcoa-tn.gov

Richard "Chipper" Wyatt
rwyatt@cityofalcoa-tn.gov

Electrical Code and Inspections
Larry Stargel, Chief Engineer
lstargel@cityofalcoa-tn.gov

Mike Lindsey, Engineer Assistant
mlindsey@cityofalcoa-tn.gov

Public Works & Engineering Department
Kenny Wiggins, Director
1050 Springbrook Road
Alcoa, TN  37701
865-380-4800
Fax: 865-380-4803

Streets, Storm Sewer & Erosion & Sediment Control:
Andrew Sonner, P.E., Assistnat Director/Chief Engineer
asonner@cityofalcoa-tn.gov

Sanitary Sewer & Water
Simon DeVente, P.E. Assistant Director/Chief Engineer
sdevente@cityofalcoa-tn.gov

Public Works Inspections
Kenny Hendrix, Inspector
khendrix@cityofalcoa-tn.gov

Larry Harper, Inspector
lharper@cityofalcoa-tn.gov

Blount County
Planning Department
John Lamb, Director
327 Court Street
Maryville, TN  37804-5906
865-273-5750
Fax: 865-273-5759

Department of Building Safety
Matthew Widner, Codes Official
1006 E. Lamar Alexander Parkway
Maryville, TN  37804
865-681-9301
Fax: 865-681-9502

Zoning Matters
Roger Fields, Building Commissioner
865-681-9301

Environmental Health
Gary Ferguson, Director
865-681-9301

City of Maryville
Economic Development Planning & Codes
Maryville Municipal Center
416 West Broadway
Maryville, TN  37801
865-273-3500
Fax: 865-273-3525

Business Hours: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (closed 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m for lunch)
Inspector Hours: 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Christine L. Venice, Director
clvenice@ci.maryville.tn.us

Scott Poland, City Planner
skpoland@ci.maryville.tn.us 

Tom Weitnauer, Community Planner
tweitnau@ci.maryville.tn.us

Bobby Parks, Building Official
rjparks@ci.maryville.tn.us

 

Department and Agency Contacts

Specific types of businesses may be subject to unique regulations. Small and entrepreneurial businesses should be aware of these regulations and the agencies that oversee them.

License, Permits & Registrations

Blount County:
Liquor - http://www.state.tn.us/abc/obtain.html
Local Knoxville ABC Office at (865) 594-6342. The Knoxville Alcoholic Beverage Commission is at 322 Nancy Lynn Lane, Suite 14

Beer Board & Liquor Permit - http://www.state.tn.us/abc/obtain.html 
City of Alcoa 
223 Associates Boulevard 
Alcoa, TN 37701
865-380-4700
http://www.cityofalcoa-tn.gov/city_departments/finance_department/beer_liquor_permits

Blount County Courthouse
345 Court Street
Maryville, TN 37804-5906
(865) 273-5800
http://www.blounttn.org/clerk.asp

City of Maryville 
404 W. Broadway 
Maryville, TN 37801
865-273-3452 or 865-273-3457
http://www.ci.maryville.tn.us/

Use of Streets and Sidewalks
City ordinance for Maryville:
http://www.mtas.utk.edu/public/municodesweb.nsf?OpenDatabase

City ordinance for Alcoa:
http://www.mtas.utk.edu/public/municodesweb.nsf?OpenDatabase

Real and Personal Property Assessments

City ordinance for Maryville: 
http://www.mtas.utk.edu/public/municodesweb.nsf?OpenDatabase

City ordinance for Alcoa: 
http://www.mtas.utk.edu/public/municodesweb.nsf?OpenDatabase

Regulations for Agri-Businesses

State of Tennessee
Department of Agriculture
Ellington Agricultural Center, Public Affairs Office
Box 40627, Melrose Station
Nashville, TN 37204
615-837-5103
www.state.tn.us/agriculture

Liquor Permit

Alcoholic Beverage Commission
226 Capitol Boulevard Building, Suite 300
Nashville, TN 37243-0755
615-741-1602 

Hotel and Restaurant Inspection

Division of General Environmental Health
425 Fifth Avenue North
Nashville, TN 37247
615-741-7206

Environmental and Pollution Control Permits

General information
Department of Environment and Conservation
401 Church Street
L & C Tower, 21st Floor
Nashville, TN 37243
(615) 532-0104 or (888) 891-TDEC
www.state.tn.us/environment

Air Pollution Control
401 Church Street
L & C Annex, Ninth Floor
Nashville, TN 37243-1531
615-532-0554

Division of Solid Waste Management
401 Church Street
L & C Tower, Fifth Floor
Nashville, TN 37243-1535
615-532-0780

Division of Underground Storage Tanks
401 Church Street
L & C Tower, Fourth Floor
Nashville, TN 37243-1541
615-532-0945

Division of Water Pollution Control
401 Church Street
L & C Annex, Sixth Floor
Nashville, TN 37243-1541
615-532-0625

Department of Radiological Health
401 Church Street
L & C Tower, Third Floor
Nashville, TN 37243-1532
615-532-0364

Small Business Clean Air Technical Assistance Program
401 Church Street
L & C Annex, Eighth Floor
Nashville, TN 37243-1551
615-532-8012 or 800-734-3619

State Sales Tax Registration/Franchise, Excise Taxes - corporations only

Department of Revenue
Taxpayer Services Division
Andrew Jackson Building, Third Floor
500 Deaderick Street
Nashville, TN 37242
615-253-0600; 615-741-2461; or 800-734-3619 (in state)

www.state.tn.us/revenue

License, Health & Safety, Labor Restrictions, Trademarks

Approval of hospitality brochures to be placed in Welcome Centers

Department of Tourist Development
312 Eighth Avenue North, 25th Floor
Nashville, TN 37243
615-741-9001
www.state.tn.us/tourdev

 

Commercial Driver’s License, Chauffeur and Special Chauffeur License

Department of Safety
1150 Foster Avenue
Nashville, TN 37210
615-741-3954
http://tennessee.gov/safety/driverlicense/cdlalt.htm

 

Professional and Occupational Licensing Agency
Department of Tennessee Regulatory Boards 
Davy Crockett Tower
500 James Robertson Parkway
Nashville, TN 37243-0565
615-741-2241
www.state.tn.us/commerce

 

Utility Regulations

Tennessee Regulatory Authority
460 James Robertson Parkway
Nashville, TN 37245-0505
615-741-3939 or 800-342-8359
www.state.tn.us/tra

 

Health and Environmental Issues

Department of Health
Division of General Environmental Health
Cordell Hull Building, Third Floor
Nashville, TN 37247-0101
615-741-3111
www.state.tn.us/health

Mandatory safety and health working regulations for employees

TOSHA
Division of Occupational Safety and Health
710 James Robertson Parkway
Andrew Johnson Tower, Third Floor
Nashville, TN 37243-6642
615-741-2793 or 615-741-6642
www.tennessee.gov/labor-wfd 

Click on the provided link for a list of current TOSHA compliance directives. Each directive is linked to an electronic copy of the document named in the title unless otherwise noted. For information about these directives contact the Manager of Standards and Procedures at (615) 741-7036.

http://tennessee.gov/labor-wfd/DIR2008/

Child labor restrictions and regulations governing payment of wages

Department of Labor and Workforce Development
Division of Labor Standards
710 James Robertson Parkway
Andrew Johnson Building
Nashville, TN 37243-0657
www.state.tn.us/labor-wfd 

Consumer complaints about unfair and deceptive trade practices

Tennessee Division of Consumer Affairs
500 James Robertson Parkway
Nashville, TN 37243-0600
615-741-4737; 800-342-8385; or fax 615-532-4994
http://www.attorneygeneral.state.tn.us/

Unfair competition or use of trademark

Office of the Attorney General
Consumer Protection – Anti-Trust Division
425 Fifth Avenue, North
Nashville, TN 37243
615-741-3491
http://www.attorneygeneral.state.tn.us/

FEDERAL: U.S. Commissioner of Patent and Trademarks

U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
Washington D.C. 20231
703-308-4357 or 800-786-9199
http://www.uspto.gov/