Business Tools

If you’re looking to start a new business or in need of assistance with an existing business, we’ve compiled some useful information to assist you in a smooth start.

Starting a business involves planning, making key financial decisions and completing a series of legal activities. These 10 easy steps from the Small Business Administration can help you plan, prepare and manage your business.

Topics include: Top Twenty Most Asked Questions, Preparing a Business Plan, Reporting Requirements, & Selective Business Financing from the Mississippi Development Authority.

Starting Local

If you are locating your business within the city limits of Columbia, the following may be obtained at City Hall, 201 Second Street, Columbia.
-Building Permits
-Privilege Tax License
-Gas Permits
-Water
Commercial Water Agreement
Residential Water Agreement
-City Property Taxes are managed in the Marion County Tax Assessor office in the Marion County Courthouse

Have your business listed by category with link to your business site on MCDP’s website

Electric – MS Power
AT&T
CSpire
Gas- CenterPoint Energy 1-800-371-5417 Telephone

Promote and create a memorable event for your ribbon cutting ceremony with help from MCDP

Marion County Steps for Business

How To Grow Your Business

Why You Should Join the Chamber of Commerce

Chambers of Commerce exist to help local businesses prosper, and for a modest annual fee, they’ll do everything in their power to help you sell. It’s usually possible to attend Chamber events and so on without becoming a member, but the benefits of membership are so great that it’s well worth the fee to go ahead and sign up. Click the icon for more info.

9 Tips For Growing A Successful Business

To succeed in business today, you need to be flexible and have good planning and organizational skills. Many people start a business thinking that they’ll turn on their computers or open their doors and start making money, only to find that making money in a business is much more difficult than they thought. You can avoid this in your business ventures by taking your time and planning out all the necessary steps you need to achieve success. Click the icon for more info

Sell to the Government - Mississippi Contract Procurement Center

Use this tool to help buy and sell to the government in MS.

Small Business Administration

Use this guide to help start your business! Packed with tools, tips and resources.

Business Development Center

This is a site full of any and every link you should need for a small business.

Small Business Disaster Preparedness

Workplace violence isn’t predictable. Discussing “What if” isn’t always easy, but it’s important. If you found yourself in the middle of a situation with an active shooter, would you be prepared? Would your employees be able to quickly alert the authorities?

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412 Courthouse Square  |  P. O. Box 272  |  Columbia, MS 39429  |  P: 601.736.6385  |  F: 601.736.6392

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