Starting a Business

• Register for an Assumed Name Certificate - If a business is to be operated under an assumed name, the name under which it proposes to operate should be filed with the Denton County Clerk. Prior to filling the assumed name, contact the office of County Clerk to see if any other business is presently operating under the name. 

• Certificate of Occupancy - No building shall be occupied or used, and no change in the existing occupancy classification of a building shall be made until a Certificate of Occupancy is issued. 

• Utilities - Information about utility connection, fees, and services can be obtained from the City of Sanger.

• Area Wage Survey Information - This information is available from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. 

• Texas Secretary of State - For corporate certificates and all information pertaining to filing of articles of incorporation or authority of foreign corporations to do business in Texas, contact the Secretary of State. 

• State Licensing Information - Check with the State to determine if any statewide permits or licenses are required. 

• Sales & Use Taxes, Store Taxes, & Other State Taxes - Owners and managers of new businesses in Sanger, Texas should contact the Texas State Comptroller's office for information on Sales Taxes, Store Taxes and other laws administered by this office. 

• Unemployment Insurance, Taxes, & Benefits - Obtain information from the Texas Workforce Commission regarding the collection of unemployment insurance, tax, and benefits to qualifying employees. 

• Apply for an EIN - Secure a copy of “Application for Employers Identification Number” (Form SS-4) from the Internal Revenue Service. 

• Fair Labor Standards Act - The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) requires employers to maintain records on wages, hours and other items. Employers having workers subject to minimum wage provisions must display certain posters where employees can readily see them. The Department of Labor has provided employers a handy reference guide to the FLSA.

• Bureau of Labor Statistics - Obtain information from Bureau of Labor Statistics on laws that relate to employers and safety. 

• Small Business Administration - Information about various management, procurement and loan programs to assist small businesses may be obtained by contacting the Small Business Administration. 

•  Occupational Safety and Health Act - Information concerning requirements to be complied with on the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 can be obtained from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) or the Texas Department of Insurance, Division of Workers' Compensation. Additional resources can be found via the Strategic Alliance for Risk Reduction (STARR II).

• Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission - Information about licenses and fees pertaining to the sale, transportation or storage of alcoholic beverages can be obtained from the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC). 

• Health Permits - Firms involved in the handling, processing, packaging and warehousing of foods must have health permits, which are issued by the City of Sanger. 

• Import and Export Procedures - Information concerning import and export procedures can be obtained from the International Trade Division of the Department of Commerce or the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) .

• Texas Commission on Environmental Quality and Environmental Protection Agency - Information concerning environmental control requirements can be obtained from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) or the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). 

Business Startup Resources

Small Business Administration
Information on startup and all aspects of running a small business. Includes downloadable programs to help you get started!

Texas Economic Development Corporation
The official brand for the Texas Economic Development Division within the Office of the Governor.

Texas SBDC Network
The Texas Small Business Development Center Network has the knowledge, tools, and resources you need to succeed.

Texas.gov
Collection of information needed when starting a new business.

SCORE
More great startup assistance.

Texas Workforce Commission (TWC)
Part of a local/state network dedicated to developing the workforce of Texas.

Texas Manufacturing Assistance Center (TMAC)
Local resource to address the challenges of today’s hyper-competitive business environment.

Dallas Black Chamber of Commerce
Advocate for the creation, growth, and general welfare of African American businesses in the Dallas community.

Greater Dallas Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
Business resource, forum and advocate for Hispanic business issues and a united voice for the Hispanic business community.

Women’s Business Centers
SBA’s information for women-owned businesses.

FranNet (Franchise Consultants)
This consulting service may be useful in helping you search for and evaluate a franchise business.

American Association of Franchisees & Dealers
Includes resources to help you understand and explore a franchise business.

SBA Guide to Starting Business
SBA’s section of resources to get you started.

Intuit QuickBooks Small Business Center
A compilation of finance, HR, and marketing resources.