STEP 1: MEET US

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As a community, we support our local businesses. Feel free to reach out to our Economic Developer Steve Houserman to learn about how we can help you navigate this process smoothly! We aim to build a long term relationship with you that lasts beyond these crucial first steps.

Feel free to contact Steve at (479) 754-6486 or email [email protected]

STEP 2: DBA CERTIFICATE

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To register a new business in Arkansas, You must file a Doing Business As Certificate (DBA) with the County Clerk’s Office to assure the name you selected for your business is available.
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​You can also perform a business entity search here: 

STEP 3: LEGAL STRUCTURE

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After you secure your business name, you must register your business legal structure.  The four basic types of legal structure in Arkansas are sole proprietorship, partnership, corporation, and limited liability companies.

​You must register sole proprietorships with the County Clerk office.  Register corporations, partnerships, and LLC’s with the Arkansas Secretary of State, in the Business and Commercial Div. (Link below).

STEP 4: REGISTER EIN

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After you register your business legal structure, you must apply for an Employer Identification Number (EIN) with the US Internal Revenue Service (IRS) so you business can be officially recorded by the federal government as a tax-compliant entity. Follow the link below to get started. 

STEP 5: DEPT. OF FINANCE

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Once you have the federal EIN, you must register your business with the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration using the Arkansas Taxpayer Access Point (ATAP) so you can pay all the necessary state taxes according to your business legal structure.

STEP 6: ASSESS PROPERTY

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Filing a DBA and obtaining federal and state identification formally establishes your business as a legitimate entity and now allows you to move on to the City and County regulatory process.  Your next step is to have your commercial property assessed by the Johnson County Assessor’s office. You can contact the County Assessor’s Office
at (479) 754-3863 for more information. 

STEP 7: LPI’S

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The final step in the regulatory process actually involves obtaining licenses, permits, and inspections (LPI’s) from various city, county, and state agencies, depending on what goods and services you are selling, such as tobacco and/or gasoline. You can find the most common permits below. If you have any questions about what permits you should apply for, give us a call at (479) 754-6486.

STEP 8: UTILITIES

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Don’t forget to turn the lights on!
Contact Clarksville Connected Utilities to power up your business as well as connect it to the rest of the world with its ultra high speed fiber internet.