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A Guide for New
Businesses |
Albion welcomes new businesses! The
Greater Albion Chamber of Commerce presents this guide to help you
work through the nuts and bolts of "setting up shop". It presents a
checklist of items you should consider before you decide to open a new
business. This guide does not cover every facet involved in starting a
new business, but it can point you in the right direction. You may
also want to consult the professionals listed at the end of this
guide. |
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Local Regulation |
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The City of Albion is a friendly place to
open a new business. Albion has few licensing requirements and does
not require a "doing business" permit. There are, however, a few
points a new business needs to keep in mind. |
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Local Ordinances: |
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The City of Albion imposes special
requirements on the following businesses: solicitors, peddlers,
taxicabs and transient merchants, mechanical amusement
devices/arcades, bed and breakfasts. If you plan to operate such a
business, you should contact the City Planning Department
(517-629-5535), 112 W. Cass Street, for more information. |
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Zoning: |
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The City of Albion is divided into twelve
zones: four residential zones, neighborhood business district, central
business district, highway service business district, central fringe
business district, light industrial district, heavy industrial
district, light industrial park district, and heavy industrial park
district. A new business needs to confirm that its proposed business
location is zoned properly. Contact the City Planning Department
(517-629-5535), 112 W. Cass Street, for more information. |
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Building Codes: |
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Albion has a building code, fire code,
and property maintenance code. You should contact the City Planning
Department (517-629-5535), 112 W. Cass Street, and set up an
appointment with a city official before you plan to construct a new
building, substantially remodel an existing building, or change the
use of a building. You should also note that the codes impose
various sign restrictions. |
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Home Business: |
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The City of Albion requires home
businesses to acquire a zoning permit. Contact the City Planning
Department (517-629-5535), 112 W. Cass Street, for more information. |
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If you have further questions regarding
local regulation, please call the City Planning Department
(517-629-5535). |
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State and Federal
Regulation |
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The State of Michigan and Federal
governments have a variety of laws you need to keep in mind. We cannot
set forth all of them here because they differ with each situation.
The following, however, are are basic items which affect most
businesses. |
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Taxes: |
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Most businesses need to register with the
Sate of Michigan's Department of Treasury. (A new form allows
businesses to register for every Michigan tax, including sales tax,
single business tax, withholding taxes, and unemployment taxes.) Call
the Department of Treasury at 517-373-0888 for more information. |
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Registering: |
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As a general rule, the State of Michigan
does not require businesses to register. If you decide to incorporate
your business, however, you must file articles of incorporation (see
an attorney for more details). In addition you must file a certificate
of assumed name if you will conduct business under a name different
than your legal name. (Individuals and partnerships must record the
proper certificate with the Calhoun County Clerk; corporations
register in Lansing.) |
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Licensing: |
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Depending on your business, you may need
a license. A liquor store, for instance, needs a liquor license.
Hundreds of businesses are licensed by the State, such as carpenters
and electricians. If you have licensing questions, we suggest you
start with the Michigan Economics Development Corporation Customer
Assistance Office (517-373-9808). This office can refer you to the
appropriate agency. |
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IRS Registration: |
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If you form a separate business entity
(such as a corporation) or hire employees, you must register with the
IRS (Form SS-4) and obtain an employer identification number. |
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Employees: |
If you hire employees, a host of laws
will suddenly apply to you, e.g. civil rights, minimum wage, overtime
and OSHA. As a preliminary matter, you will need to purchase and post
labor posters. These posters inform employees of their rights. You can
order them from G. Neil Company at 1-800-999-9111 (cost: approximately
$50.00). We suggest you order the posters and read them so you will
have a basic understanding of the labor laws.
Note: The posters may not discuss immigration law requirements. Every
business must certify that every employee is lawfully employed and
must file a new employee information form with the State of Michigan.
See an attorney for more details or call the Immigration and
Naturalization Service (313-568-6042). |
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Overlooked Costs |
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A new business should consult with a
professional to assure it has a realistic budget to meet the variety
of expenses it will incur. New business owners often overlook the
following: Real Estate Taxes; Personal Property Taxes; Michigan Works
Compensation Insurance Premiums; Sales Taxes; Payroll Taxes (general
rule: $.0765/dollar paid in wages); Estimated Tax Payments; Utilities
(be sure to include hookup charges and provide ample time for
installation); Professional Fees; and Insurance (most businesses
desire premises, personal, and liability insurance). A caution to
home-based business owners: be sure your homeowner's policy covers
damages arising from business use and damage to business assets. Many
homeowner policies will require a rider. |
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Spreading The News
About Your Business |
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Every business needs people to know it
exists. You can always use conventional local methods, such as
newspaper advertising (The Albion Recorder or The Morning
Star), radio (Keener Oldies 104.9), or cable television. But here
are some ways to "get the word out" without spending much money. |
- Join the Greater Albion Chamber of
Commerce
- Advertise your business in the
Greater Albion Chamber of Commerce's monthly newsletter, the
Greater Albion Business News.
- Hold a ribbon-cutting/grand opening
to show your business to new people. The Greater Albion Chamber of
Commerce will assist you with planning, invitations, and publicity.
- Basic socializing. Attend the
Chamber's monthly Eggs & Issues program, Business After Hours, and
other Chamber events. They're a chance to meet new people and drum
up business in an informal setting.
- Sponsor a Business After Hours. The
Chamber will help you with planning, invitations, and publicity.
- Join one of many Chamber
committees. That's a great way to get to know fellow chamber
members.
- Advertise in non-profit
publications. In addition to conventional media, some nonprofit
organizations accept advertising in their publications. Here are a
few: Albion Public Schools (sports programs), Albion College (sports
programs), Albion Community Theatre (play and musical handbills)
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Resources |
| Accountants |
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| Phil Fitts, CPA |
629-3991 |
| Paul Hickey, CPA |
629-5730 |
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| Attorneys |
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| Philip Baldwin, J. Donel Moore |
629-2155 |
| Eusebio Solis |
629-5565 |
| Tuck, Garrison & Moore |
629-5576 |
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| Financial Institutions |
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| Chemical Bank Shoreline |
629-3995 |
| Citizens Bank |
629-9405 |
| Homestead Savings Bank |
629-5588 |
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| Insurance |
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| Albion Insurance Agency |
629-3104 |
| Murry, Tymkew & Associates |
629-3936 |
| Smith-Pulling |
629-5555 |
| State Farm Insurance |
629-9494 |
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| Real Estate |
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| Century 21 - David Brigham |
629-9461 |
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| Human Resources |
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| M-HRDI |
629-5413 |
| Work First! |
629-9477 |
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| Computers, Web Development |
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| Artisson Internet, LLC |
629-2890 |
| Rafaill & Associates |
517-554-0178 |
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| General Contractors |
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| Andreas Construction |
629-7177 |
| Gordon Martin Builder |
629-9471 |
| Ruff & Kreger Builders |
629-4508 |
| Slaughter Construction |
629-4304 |
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| Government Agencies |
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| City of Albion |
629-5535 |
| Downtown Development Authority |
629-5510 |
| Economic Development Corporation
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629-3926 |
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