The Virginia Department of Business Assistance has upgraded its Business One-Stop website, which lets entrepreneurs find out how to start a business in the state and assists them in filling out forms.
Phase 1, which was completed in 2008, let users answer a few questions online and get a list of steps, plus a list of resources, said Will Vehrs, a spokesperson for the agency.
Phase 2 lets them set up an account and then enter their business information, which then appears already printed on the other forms they may need to fill out, such as licenses or environmental permits, Vehrs said.
The site used to be free, but there is now a $20 fee.
Those funds will help pay back a loan to complete the computer programming and build up a pool of money to finish the project, Vehrs said, adding that about 8,500 business people have set up accounts and used the site.
Phase 3 will let users complete all their paperwork across all departments even more easily. Right now, there are still some glitches in how the software communicates with departments such as local municipalities or the state tax office, for example, Vehrs said.
Aaron Kremer is the BizSense editor. Please send news tips to Editor@richmondbizsense.com.
