Whether you’re starting out as a manufacturer, food distributor, defense contractor, technology startup, or other type of new business, there’s no better place than Pottawatomie County to set your company up for success.
Shawnee Forward along with other local institutions and organizations—helps new businesses with everything from finding a location to training workers to accessing incentive programs.
Gordon Cooper Technology Center Programs
Whether you are an entrepreneur wanting to start a business, a manager needing to increase productivity, or a company looking to improve your safety culture, Gordon Cooper Technology Center is your training resource.
Their experienced staff can guide you through planning, implementation, and achieving results to maximize your potential. Our solutions are scalable, flexible, and customized to best meet your needs.
Starting a Business in Shawnee
This step-by-step guide will show any aspiring or current entrepreneurs in the Shawnee area the steps they need to take in order to successfully open a business in Shawnee.
Download the Step-By-Step Guide Below.
1. Plan Your Business - Opening a business involves a nuanced series of steps, and the absence of meticulous planning may cause complexities in the startup process that can lead to substantial expenses before the launch. It is advisable to conduct thorough research across aspects and dimensions of your business.
- Develop a marketable business concept
- Identify target market, product, or service customer group
- Determine a business location
- Develop a marketing strategy
- Project start-up expenses
- Create a projected financial statement for three business years (worst case, realistic case, best case scenarios)
- Research competition
- Select advisors (Consultant/ Lawyer/ CPA)
2. Register Your Name and Business Structure - Explore the availability of your desired business name and officially register both the name and the structure of your business at:
Oklahoma Secretary of State
421 NW 13th Street, Suite 210
Oklahoma City, OK 73103
(405) 521-3912 SOS.OK.gov
Carefully weigh the tax implications and legal liabilities associated with choosing the appropriate business structure for your organization. Although not mandatory, it is advisable to seek guidance from a qualified attorney and/or certified public accountant (CPA) to determine the most fitting legal structure, (whether it be a sole proprietorship, general partnership, etc.) that aligns with your specific requirements.
3. Determine If Your Business Requires Special Permits or Licenses - Acquire the necessary licenses or permits from the relevant government agencies responsible for issuing such authorizations, along with comprehensive details on regulations and additional operational prerequisites. For specific industry requirements, refer to the resources provided by the Oklahoma Department of Commerce, available at: OkCommerce.Gov/business/licensing
Some businesses will require additional permits or licenses with the county health department and/or the city of Shawnee.
4. Select Your Business Site. Zoning & Site Permit Requirements - When choosing a location, it is crucial to verify that the zoning aligns with the nature of your business and that the site adequately fulfills your business requirements concerning factors such as location, dimensions, parking facilities, and other pertinent considerations.
In the event of site remodeling or renovation, it is advisable to submit an application for a building permit. All undertaken work must adhere to prevailing building codes and comply with ADA standards. Collaboration with a licensed contractor possessing proficiency in these domains is likely necessary.
If you need assistance finding a site or marketing data for your site, please contact:
Shawnee Forward
(405) 273-6092
If the building will undergo a change of use, you may need to obtain a building permit and Certificate of Occupancy. The zoning code of Shawnee governs the permissible types and dimensions of both permanent and temporary signs within the municipal boundaries.
For more information regarding building permits & sign regulations, please contact:
City of Shawnee
(405) 273-1250
Opening certain types of businesses in Oklahoma may require licensing and inspections from the Oklahoma State Department of Health. This is crucial to ensure compliance with health and safety regulations. To determine if your business needs these requirements, visit the Oklahoma State Department of Health for more information and guidance.
Oklahoma State Department of Health
https://oklahoma.gov/health/services/licensing-inspections.html
5. Register with Tax Authorities - Businesses may face various types of taxes, such as income tax, employment tax, and sales tax.
For State Taxes and a Sales Tax ID Number, Visit:
Oklahoma Tax Commission
2501 North Lincoln Boulevard
Connors Building
Oklahoma City, OK 73194
(405) 521-3160
All legal entities, excluding sole proprietors without employees, are required to acquire a Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN), serving as their Federal Tax Identification Number. For more federal tax information contact:
Internal Revenue Service
(800) 829-1040
6. Call For Inspections, Obtain Approvals and Certificate of Occupancy - A building inspection may be necessary before commencing business operations, particularly if building and trade permits (such as electrical, mechanical, and plumbing) are mandated. Successful completion of final approved inspections is a prerequisite for obtaining a certificate of occupancy.
For more information visit:
City of Shawnee
(405) 273-1250
7. Employer Responsibilities - Upon hiring employees, a new set of obligations emerges for a business. This includes the necessity to formally register as an employer, fulfill additional tax obligations, manage the withholding, matching, and submission of employee withholdings, procure workers' compensation insurance, and adhere diligently to regulations governing employee eligibility.
You are also required to procure a workers' compensation insurance policy from a private insurance provider.
To learn more, please contact:
Oklahoma Employment Security Commission
405-552-6799
8. Open Your Business - Upon the completion of these steps and the attainment of all necessary approvals, you are prepared to commence business operations!
We wish you the best with your new endeavor!