Welcome to the PA Business One-Stop Shop newsletter! Read on for the latest business updates and news from state government, business application deadlines, funding opportunities, and more.
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Business One-Stop Shop Updates |
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- Business Hub
On March 13, 2024, the Business Hub rolled out some new features. Now you’ll find:
- Additional Quick Action buttons
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Link to the PAyback system
- A more user-friendly Help Center, and
- A Find Business Experts tool.
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- Spanish-language Resources
We’re excited to introduce new Spanish-language resources to help entrepreneurs do business in Pennsylvania. In addition to the PA Department of State’s Spanish edition of their Guide to Business Registration, the Business One-Stop Shop has begun translating other business resources, including documents on Finding Small Business Funding and Becoming a Government Supplier. For copies of currently translated resources, please email the Business One-Stop Shop.
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Each month we’ll provide useful insights into some of your most frequently asked questions.
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- Opening a Bank Account
When opening a bank account, most banks will require you to submit at least two pieces of information to verify you are a legitimate business. Those documents are typically the EIN award letter issued by the IRS when you apply for an EIN and the initial business formation document filed with the PA Department of State.
The initial filing you must provide is different for each type of business structure and are as follows:
- Limited Liability Company (LLC) – Certificate of Organization
- Corporation (For Profit and Nonprofit) – Articles of Incorporation
- Limited Partnership – Certificate of Registration
- Sole Proprietors and General Partnerships – Fictitious Name Registration
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If you have an existing business and need another copy of your initial filing, you can make a copy request from the PA Department of State’s Business Filing Services (BFS). Refer to the Purchase Documents in BFS help guide for assistance.
All business structures, including sole proprietors, will be required to obtain an EIN to open a bank account. To obtain an EIN, apply electronically on the IRS website. At the end of the application, you have the option to receive your awards letter either by mail or electronically. If you choose to receive it electronically make sure to save it to your computer or phone so that you can provide it to the bank. If you do not save it when it is received it will be lost.
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- Licensing Requirements
Beyond the basic business registrations, there is no general business license that all businesses are required to have in PA. However, there might be a specific license based on your business activity. Review our Federal, State, County, and Local Licensing help guide for assistance. Some common business activities the Business One-Stop Shop sees are:
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Pennsylvania’s New Economic Development Strategy
The Commonwealth has released a new 10-year economic development strategy. The priority industries and strategic initiatives included in the strategy collectively advance Pennsylvania’s vision of becoming the top state to work, innovate, and do business.
By investing in our economic growth, making government work at the speed of business, opening doors of opportunity for all Pennsylvanians, innovating to win, and building vibrant and resilient regions, Pennsylvania will be positioned to be the premier state to do business. To learn more about the strategy, visit the PA Gets It Done website.
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Federal Government Update |
- Beneficial Ownership Information Reminder
Businesses created on or after January 1, 2024, should report their beneficial ownership information (BOI) within 90 days of receiving approval of their business entity from the PA Department of State. Businesses created prior to January 1, 2024, should report their BOI information by January 1, 2025. You can submit your BOI report electronically through the Federal Financial Crimes Enforcement Network.
- Advancing Disability Inclusion in Small Businesses
Did you know that more than 90% of businesses in the United States have fewer than 50 employees and approximately 1.8 million people with disabilities are small business owners? Very small businesses employ millions of Americans and often play an essential economic role in their communities.
The U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Disability Employment Policy invites you to participate in the “Advancing Disability Inclusion in Very Small Businesses” national online dialogue. By submitting ideas and insights on current policies and disability-inclusive practices, you can help inform the development of resources, tools, and actions to address the needs of very small businesses that employ disabled workers or are owned by a disabled person. Get started by visiting the dialogue at SmallBusinesses.IdeaScale.com through May 6, 2024. Simply log in, register, and submit your ideas, or comment and vote on ideas submitted by others.
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- PA WIlds Marketplace
The PA Wilds Marketplace features products that have been handcrafted by artisans and craftspeople living and working in the Pennsylvania Wilds, a 13-county region known for its vast public lands, outdoor experiences, maker culture, and stewardship ethic. The PA Wilds Marketplace is part of an entrepreneurial ecosystem that is managed by the PA Wilds Center for Entrepreneurship, a regional nonprofit. This ecosystem is built around the place-based brand of the PA Wilds, and it includes physical gift shops known as PA Wilds Conservation Shops and the Wilds Cooperative of PA (WCO), a value chain network of more than 500 creative entrepreneurs, nonprofit organizations, and others. Products featured on the PA Wilds Marketplace have been made by members of WCO and celebrate the beauty, bounty, and rural traditions of the PA Wilds.
- The Merchants Fund
As a public charity, The Merchants Fund (TMF) has been providing financial support to small, family-owned businesses during times of need for nearly 170 years. This mission continues today with direct grant support and business coaching to small businesses in neighborhoods throughout Philadelphia. TMF's vision is for a Philadelphia where small businesses and their owners thrive and where talented and diverse merchants have equitable access to meaningful assistance, capital, and other resources necessary to build business, family, and community wealth. For more information on the grant programs and coaching services that are offered visit TMF's website or reach out to grants@merchantsfund.org.
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Nestled in Blair County, Smokin’ J’s BBQ and Catering was founded in Altoona in 2023. Since opening their doors, owners Joe Wagner and Jesse Venturini have built a well-known business focusing on barbeque. Offering 15 unique sauce variations and dessert egg rolls alongside local menu options, they can also be found catering at more than 40 events statewide through this October.
Joe’s culinary journey began early, cooking with his mother. His fascination with barbeque flavors deepened during his twelve years of military service, where he enjoyed experiencing a diverse array of barbeque profiles throughout his tours of duty. When Joe decided to venture into business, he knew it had to revolve around barbeque.
Guided by resources on the Business One-Stop Shop website, Joe honed his entrepreneurial vision. “The website has so much valuable information... it helped me learn the difference between a Sole Proprietorship and LLC,” he shared. This knowledge empowered him to shape his business model, paving the way for the successful partnership he and Jesse now manage.
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May 1, 3, 8, 10, 15, 17, 22, 24, 29, 31
June 5, 7, 12, 14, 20, 21, 26, 28
July 3, 5, 10, 12, 17, 19, 24, 26, 31
Aug 2, 7, 9, 14, 16, 21, 23, 28, 30
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| Employer Withholding
SEMI-WEEKLY Payment Remittance
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May 3 and 20
June 5 and 20
July 3 and 18
Aug 5 and 20
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| Employer Withholding
SEMI-MONTHLY Payment Remittance
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May 15
June 17
July 15
Aug 15
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| Employer Withholding
MONTHLY Payment Remittance
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| Employer Withholding
QUARTERLY Payment Remittance
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May 20
June 20
July 22
Aug 20
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| Employer Withholding
QUARTERLY Withholding Return
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May 20
June 20
July 22
Aug 20
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| Sales Tax
MONTHLY Return and Payment
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| Sales Tax
QUARTERLY Return and Payment
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| Sales Tax
SEMI-ANNUAL Return and Payment
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| Unemployment Compensation
QUARTERLY Return and Payment
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400 North Street 4th Floor | Harrisburg, PA 17120 US
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