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Navigate Your Business Journey

Oregon's state agencies are available to help you start your business journey, or meet you where you are to help you expand, grow, and succeed

Business Startup Toolkit

Starting a business can get complicated. The Startup Toolkit breaks the process into 6 steps and provides links to resources helping entrepreneurs make educated decisions.  

Videos about the Toolkit are available online here.

Common steps to start a business

Before you can register your business you'll need to choose a business name. To help you choose a name, you can use the Oregon Secretary of State's Business Name Search Tool.

You will also need to choose a legal structure.​

State: The Oregon Business Registry is a one-stop-shop for business registration across Oregon State agencies.

Local: Many cities and counties also require registration or licensing for individuals and firms conducting business within their jurisdiction. To learn about your requirements in this area, consult your local county clerks and city clerks. ​You can also search by keyword and zip code here.​​

​Federal: Apply Online for your IRS Tax ID # - Employer Identification Number (EIN)

State: If you plan to be an employer within the coming fiscal quarter, you will need a Business Identification Number (BIN). Log into Revenue online​. Follow the prompts from there. If you do not plan to be an employer or do your own payroll, you do not need a BIN unless you are otherwise required to have one. Learn about payroll basics from the Department of Revenue.

Local: If you live in Tri-County Metropolitan Transportation District (TriMet) or the Lane County Transit District (LTD), you will need to file and pay for transportation taxes. Learn about mass transit payroll/excise tax from the Department of Revenue.​​​

  • Unemployment Insurance
  • Do I need workers' compensation insurance? Oregon requires almost all employers to carry workers' compensation insurance on their employees. If you employ workers in Oregon you probably need coverage. The Small Business Ombudsman also provides information and assistance to small businesses regarding workers' compensation insurance.
  • State Required Insurance for Certain Businesses: Business owners should be aware that licensing boards may require certain types of insurance related to specific professions. For more information, consult your licensing and permitting board.​

Other Resources​

The Oregon License Direct​ory provides a single information source for Oregon licenses, certifications, permits and registrations. If, after searching the directory, you are unsure whether a license, certification, permit or registration is required for your business, contact the Small Business​ Advocate.

Local: Many cities and counties also require permits or licensing for individuals and firms conducting business within their jurisdiction. To learn about your requirements in this area, consult your local county clerks and city clerks. You can also search by keyword and zip code here.

Find more information, related services, and related agencies regarding on starting a business in Oregon on our Plan and Start pages.