Growth Trends for Related Jobs
How Do I Start My Business in a New Town if I'm Relocating?

Relocating is stressful. Starting a new business or relocating your business to a new town can feel almost overwhelming. Before you start your business in a new place, consider a myriad of factors, such as location, costs and local regulations on businesses in the area. Approach starting your business with a list of priorities to keep track of what you'll need to do to make your transition as smooth as possible.
Timing
Start planning your business move about six months ahead of your final move date. This allows you to arrange for movers for any furniture or equipment you have for your business, file any necessary paperwork, including change of address forms, and inform current clients, vendors and employees of the change. Planning several months in advance also allows you to start the hiring process for any new employees and complete any necessary construction at your new location. You'll be able to better control costs when you have more time to work with rather than attempting to complete the move and business opening within a few weeks, which may incur rush fees with vendors and contractors.
Location
Scouting your business's location in your new town should be high on your priority list. You want to make sure that you locate the business in an affordable but potentially profitable section of town. Make a personal trip to see any location you're considering before renting or purchasing the building or suite. Real estate listings may not fully disclose everything you need to know about the location, including foot traffic, demographic information and issues with the building. Also inquire about signage regulations for the building and utility providers.
Business Registration
Once you decide where you'll locate your business, you need to make it legal. Incorporate your business and create a tax identification number online through the federal government's website. Consult the town's website or chamber of commerce to learn what business permits, taxes and other fees you'll need to pay to open and operate your business. Find out if the town requires inspections of the property before and after opening. Depending on the type of business you have, it may be necessary to obtain work permits for employees. Make sure to file all necessary paperwork with the local government in a timely manner to avoid fines.
Advertising
Now that you have your business ready to open, you want to entice new clients through your doors as quickly as possible. Enlist the aid of local advertising to bring your business to the attention of your new neighbors. Print advertising, such as billboards, circulars and newspapers, can be beneficial. Also consider making a short commercial for distribution across local network television. You can develop an audio version for use on local radio. Use the Internet by adding your business listing to search engines and review sites to widen your potential audience.
References
Writer
Residing in Los Angeles, Kristin Swain has been a professional writer since 2008. Her experience includes finance, travel, marketing and television. Swain holds a Bachelor of Arts in communication from Georgia State University.
Photo Credits
Jupiterimages/Comstock/Getty Images