Starting and Operating a Small Business in Moore
 

1. Basic Information and Assistance
2. Create a Business Plan
3. Determine a Business Name
4. Determine the Legal Structure of the Business
5. Select a Site and Determine Zoning Requirements
6. Obtain Any Special Licenses and Permits
7. Get Tax Information
8. Verify what City Licenses are needed
9. Obtain Employer ID Numbers, If You Intend to Employ Staff

If you are an emerging company Moore Norman Technology Center may be of help.  Moore Norman Technology Center's Business Development Center (South Penn Campus) is a business innovation facility designed to encourage the development of emerging companies.  For more information, please click on the link below.

www.mntechnology.com   (click on the South Penn Campus link on the site. Once into the South Penn portion of the website, click on the Business Development Center on the left side of the page).                                                                 You may also e-mail gkieson@mntechnology.com

The Moore Economic Development Department provides significant resource materials, including information on properties and sites, business plans, demographics, traffic counts, etc. For more information, contact:

A business plan is like a roadmap; it shows you where you are in relation to where you want to be. Whether you believe in a business plan or not, starting a business involves many ideas that need to be documented and actions that need to be taken. Many businesses fail without a business plan and, furthermore, banks normally require one prior to being considered for a loan. For more information, contact:

Below are helpful tools you may download.  The top 3 files asks for the primary information a lending institution will require in order to review your funding needs.

Each file is in PDF format (Adobe® Reader® file ).
The PDF files will open a new window in your Internet Browser.  Close the new window when finished.

The name you choose for your business is very important. In addition to making sure that the name describes your business clearly, you need to ensure that the name is not already being used. Checking on the use of your business name can be done by contacting:

Several legal structures exist in the state of Oklahoma. Your choice of legal structure will affect your income taxes and personal liability. Most businesses start as a Sole Proprietorship or a Partnership and are legally the least complicated. Corporations and Limited Liability Companies must register with the Secretary of State. You may want to contact your own accountant or attorney for advice and assistance in determining the best legal structure for you and your business. For additional information contact:

Determining zoning requirements prior to signing a lease or contract is imperative. You must check with the City to see if the type of business you plan to operate is legal in the desired location. If operating from home, you must check with the Community Development Department about the requirements for home-based businesses. You can obtain this information by contacting:

The business type chosen determines the licenses needed to operate a business legally. For a list of the regulated businesses, contact:

Businesses selling tangible personal property in the state of Oklahoma must apply for a Sales Tax Permit by contacting:

Businesses may call the Oklahoma Tax Commission to obtain a Business Registration Packet as well.

Several types of taxes may be levied on businesses including income tax and employment tax. For information on taxes inside the State of Oklahoma, contact:

For information about state employment taxes and unemployment issues, contact:

For federal tax information and a copy of the "Small Business Resource Guide," an invaluable tool to help business owners understand the basics, contact:

Anyone doing business in the City of Moore should check with the City to see what licenses you may need. Home-based businesses, self-employed persons, and independent contractors should also check to see what licenses may be required. You will need to obtain an Occupancy Permit for your business. Occupancy Permits are issued by the Community Development Department. Following the Occupancy Permit process it will be determined what licenses, if any, are needed. Departments involved in this process are the Community Development Department and the City Clerk’s Office.

A whole new set of responsibilities arises when a business hires employees. Employers who register as an employer, pay additional taxes, withhold, match and submit employee withholdings, must obtain worker's compensation insurance and adhere to employee eligibility regulations. Employer ID numbers can be obtained by completing form SS-4 from the:

If you are starting a business which will serve liquor, please click here to see the steps in obtaining a liquor license.

By following these key steps, the process of starting a business should run more smoothly. If you have any questions please feel free to contact the City of Moore Economic Development Department at (405) 793-5224 or (405) 793-5207.

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