HARRISONBURG, VA (Rocktown Now) — As the largest city in the Shenandoah Valley, with a population of 56,879 in 2024, Harrisonburg is the 5th fastest growing city in Virginia. Pulling in the population of Rockingham County brings it to 143,930.

Harrisonburg seems like the ideal place to start a business, but how? The Harrisonburg Economic Development team has put together 5 easy steps to get your business started and can help you throughout the process.

Step 1 – Getting Started

Use the Idea Analysis Checklist to determine if your business idea is feasible then use their Planning your Start-Up Checklist to get organized. Finally, the business plan outline will assist you in drafting a business strategy.

Step 2 – Small Business Counseling

The Shenandoah Valley Small Business Development Center offers free business consulting resources.

Step 3 – Choose a Structure, register the business, and get tax numbers

A business becomes a ‘legal entity’ meaning that it can own property, can hold bank accounts, and pays taxes almost exactly as if it were a living citizen in the Commonwealth. The ‘right choice’ for you is dependent on your needs. The Harrisonburg Economic Development website goes in depth about the difference between Sole Proprietorships, Limited Liability Companies (LLC’s), General Partnerships, C-Corporations, S-Corporations, and Benefit Corporations.

After choosing the type of structure for your business, it’s important to register it and the name. Most users can register their business online, however if the structure is too complicated or if you are starting a non-profit a form will need to be filed manually.

Once the business is registered, it will need federal and state tax numbers, like a person has a Social Security Number.

Step 4 – Business Location, Permits, Business License, Trade Name

Harrisonburg Economic Development can help you find the right space for your business, which permits you will need to operate, obtain business licenses, and register your trade name with the Rockingham County Circuit Court.

Step 5 – Networking Opportunities

Harrisonburg offers opportunities for networking and growing your business connections including the Harrisonburg-Rockingham Chamber of Commerce, Shenandoah Valley Technology Council, and Shenandoah Valley Partnership.

The Harrisonburg Economic Development team can also assist you with incentives and financing. That can include finding the right loan, Business Incentive Zones, Workforce Development Assistance, and Tax Credit Programs.

To find out more information about starting a business, visit the Harrisonburg Economic Devlopment website, call them at (540) 432-7701 or email them at econ_dev@harrisonburgva.gov.