Starting a Small Business

Starting a small business can be an exciting but overwhelming endeavor.  Here we have provided links to tools that will help you navigate the process.

Business and Professional License
All business and professional operations, according to Ordinance No. 38,573, must purchase a business license before commencing operation in the City of Norfolk, including Home Businesses. Licenses expire December 31st of each year. An on-line application is available at www.norfolk.gov/revenue/securerev/blappform.htm.

Additional Resources:

City of Norfolk, Department of Development

The City of Norfolk Department provides numerous resources on how to start a business in Norfolk.

Department of Development
500 East Main Street, Suite 1500
Norfolk, Virginia 23510
(757) 664-4338

Department of Planning and Community Development

The Zoning Services Bureau is responsible for administering and enforcing the zoning ordinance of the City of Norfolk and provide numerous services to support that effort.

Department of Planning
508 City Hall Building
Norfolk, Virginia 23510
(757) 664-4338      Fax (757) 441-1569

Virginia Small Business Financing Authority
The Virginia Small Business Financing Authority (VSBFA), which is housed within the Virginia Department of Business Assistance, offers programs to provide businesses and communities with access to capital needed for economic growth and expansion.

Virginia Small Business Financing Authority
Post Office Box 446
Richmond, Virginia 23218-0446
(804) 371-8254

U. S. Small Business Administration
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) was created in 1953 as an independent agency of the federal government to aid, counsel, assist and protect the interests of small business concerns, to preserve free competitive enterprise and to maintain and strengthen the overall economy of our nation.

Richmond District Office
400 North 8th Street
Federal Bldg., Suite 1150
P.O. Box 10126
Richmond, VA 23240-0126
(804) 771-2400 Fax 771-2764
E-mail: richmond.va@sba.gov