You can file for a DBA (doing business as) at the Rensselaer County Clerk's Office, 105 Third Street, Troy, NY 12180.

(518) 270-4080 : www.rensco.com

You can register for an employer identification number or Federal Tax ID number by completing SS-4 Application with Internal Revenue Service (IRS). This form can be found by visiting the IRS website at www.irs.gov.

To obtain a state tax identification number for the collection of sales tax, you should contact the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance at Building 9 W.A. Harriman Campus Albany, NY 12227.

(518) 485-6800 : www.nystax.gov

The New York State Governor's Office of Regulatory Reform (GORR) provides a comprehensive list of all the permits needed to do business in New York State. To find out more visit GORR at Agency Building 1, 4th Floor Empire State Plaza Albany, NY 12220.

(518) 486-3292 : www.gorr.state.ny.us

The New York State Department of Labor provides information on many services including apprenticeship training, finding skilled workers, and unemployment services. You can learn more by contacting the Department of Labor at 1660 Seventh Avenue, 4th Floor Troy, NY 12180.

(518) 270-2860 : www.labor.state.ny.us

Capital Region Workforce New York provides on-the-job training for new employees and reimburses businesses up to 50 percent of the new employee's wages for the training period required to achieve a specified skill level for that position. To learn more contact the Capital Region Workforce New York offices at 1600 Seventh Avenue
Troy, NY 12180.

(518) 270-2860 : www.workforcenewyork.com

The New York Department of State website provides the steps and forms required to incorporate your business. For all necessary documents and information, contact the NYS Department of State at One Commerce Plaza, 99 Washington Avenue., Albany, NY 12231-0001.

(518) 474-4752 : www.dos.state.ny.us/corp/busguide.htm

The United States Patent and Trademark Office can provide the necessary forms to protect your business name as well as a database of all patent and trademark names in New York State and across the country. Visit http://www.uspto.gov to find out how to patent or trademark your business idea or name.

While there are no local economic development grants available, there are several loan programs available to businesses.

The Rensselaer County IDA provides funding assistance for businesses looking to relocate or expand in Rensselaer County while Rensselaer County Economic Development and Planning offers a Job Development Program (JDP) loan for the creation of new jobs. For more information, contact the Rensselaer County IDA at 1600 Seventh Avenue Troy, NY 12180 or call (518) 270-2914.

The Capital District Community Loan Fund (CDCLF) offers low interest loans to businesses in the Capital District of New York. To find out more information about the loan programs available contact the CDLF at 255 Orange Street Albany, NY 12210.

(518) 436-8586 : www.cdclf.org

The New York Business Development Corporation (NYBDC) provides loans to small businesses to assist with working capital needs, equipment purchases or upgrades, and building acquisition or construction. You can learn more about the NYBDC or speak to one of its regional loan officers at 50 Beaver Street Albany, NY 12207

(800) 923-2504 : www.nybdc.com

The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) offers opportunities to businesses for energy efficiency improvements and renewable technologies. To learn more about how to qualify for these loan programs, contact NYSERDA at 17 Columbia Circle Albany, NY 12203

(518) 862-1090 : www.nyserda.org

While there are no special state requirements, each individual municipality may require licensing for certain construction or other trade industry businesses. Contact the individual city or town to find out if there are any additional licensing required for your business.

There are some general restrictions and applications regarding signage from the New York Department of Transportation (DOT). Information about signage restrictions can be found at 328 State Street Schenectady, NY 12305.

(518) 286-2300 : www.nysdot.gov

Municipalities may also have guidelines and restrictions regarding signage. To find out more information, please contact your local municipality.

A Certificate of Occupancy (CO) is a document issued by a local government agency or building department certifying that a building has been satisfactorily inspected and is in a condition suitable for occupancy. To apply for a Certificate of Occupancy or to find out more information, contact your local city or town clerk's office.

There are certain areas in Rensselaer County that have been designated Empire Zones by New York State. To find out more information or to see if your business is in an Empire Zone, please contact the Rensselaer County IDA at 1600 Seventh Avenue Troy, NY 12180.

(518) 270-2914