New Business Checklist
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Let Us Help
Not sure where to begin with your business plan? Don’t worry! We're here to help you prepare for success! Although not necessary to obtain a Princeton City Business License, we would enjoy an opportunity to meet with you to see what resources are available to put to use for your business in Princeton, WV.
Schedule a complimentary consultation with PEDA Director, Sam Lusk, to discuss your business vision and how Princeton can support it.
Business Plan Template
The most helpful thing you can do when considering a new business is to put your ideas in writing. Though you can start with a simple narrative, a couple of paragraphs, or bullet points, we recommend organizing it all into an official business plan.
A business plan not only helps you visualize all the working parts of your business and identify aspects that need to be hashed out further, but it’s also a requirement when trying to get a business loan.
Business Coach Harold Patterson of the West Virginia Small Business Development Council has provided PEDA with a free and easy-to-use business template.
We highly recommend reaching out to Harold to discuss how the WVSBDC can help your business thrive.
Sam Lusk
PEDA Director
Small Business Development Center
Harold Patterson, CBA
Business Coach- Southern Region
[email protected]
304-327-4406
WVSBDC.com
304-767-0532
The first official step you'll take as a business owner is getting your State Business License. Contact us if you have any questions or need help filing your license. There are several state resources available to help you get started. We recommend first visiting WV One Stop Business Center.
After successfully applying for your WV State Business License and receiving it in the mail, you can now use our Online Business Licensing App to complete both the Princeton City Business License and Certificate of Occupancy Applications at once.
Would you prefer to handle this all in person?
Feel free to stop by Princeton City Hall anytime during business hours to access all the printed necessary paperwork. You're also welcome to schedule one-on-one time with PEDA Director Sam Lusk to help navigate the forms and any available resources that Princeton has to offer.
| CONTACT | PHONE NUMBER |
| Princeton Economic Development Authority | 681-431-8521 |
| Main Business Office | 304-487-5020 |
| City Clerk | 304-487-5093 |
| Building Inspector | 304-487-5024 |
| Fire Inspector | 304-487-5017 |
| Garbage Collection | 304-487-5021 |
| License & Tax Auditor | 304-487-5027 |
| Zoning Official | 304-487-5022 |
| CONTACT | PHONE NUMBER |
| Princeton Economic Development Authority | 681-431-8521 |
| Main Business Office | 304-487-5020 |
| City Clerk | 304-487-5093 |
| Building Inspector | 304-487-5024 |
| Fire Inspector | 304-487-5017 |
| Garbage Collection | 304-487-5021 |
| License & Tax Auditor | 304-487-5027 |
| Zoning Official | 304-487-5022 |
Are you opening a storefront? Once you have your city business license, you'll schedule a time for the Princeton Building Inspector and Fire Chief to inspect your property to ensure it is up to code and assign you a maximum occupancy count.
Occupancy Inspection Application
Click the button below to begin the online Occupancy Inspection Application.
Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony & Grand Opening
The City of Princeton celebrates opening new local businesses as a grand event! When you're ready for your business's grand opening, contact PEDA so we can coordinate with Princeton City Council and The Chamber of Commerce of the Two Virginias to arrange a ribbon-cutting ceremony.
In preparation for the event, PEDA will send an official press release describing your business, along with a personal invitation to attend your grand opening to local news and media outlets. Additionally, you'll receive media coverage from the City of Princeton and PEDA through our various communications channels, including blog posts, featured business videos, social media shares, and more.
PEDA Community Directory: Free Local Business Profile
Our Community Directory is a local database of Princeton businesses and services, and we would love to include your business! Businesses within Princeton are eligible for this complimentary service.
Business Profile Creator Tool
Click the button below to create your Local Business Profile in PEDA's Community Directory.
New Business Tax Incentive
New businesses in Princeton, WV, are eligible for a one-year exemption from Business & Occupation Taxes. Click the button below for more info and to begin the application process.
Beautification Grant
Businesses investing in updating their storefront with qualified improvements are eligible for the Community Improvement Commission's Beautification Grant. This special matching funds grant can cover up to half the costs of storefront improvements.
Property Listing Tool
Do you have a commercial property listed for sale or rent in Princeton city limits? Use the Property Listing Tool to submit your property to our Property Database.
Business Profile Creator Tool
Would you like to list your business in the City's official Community Directory? Use this free tool.