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BUSINESS EXPANSION STARTUP GUIDE CITY OF SANDUSKY A P U B LI CATI ON OF ER I E COUNT Y ECONOMI C DEVELOPMENT COR P O RATIO N Start here
2 5 reasons to do business in Sandusky Erie County Affordability for you and your team 13 less expensive cost of doing businesses 6 75 effective sales tax rate 26 CAT only state business tax 132 400 median home value 51 033 median income Central location for customer access 50 U S population within a day s drive 11 million visitors to our Shores Islands region each year 3 Let us be among the first to welcome you and your business to the City of Sandusky As you continue to move through the process of getting your business up and running please know that we are here to assist you in the challenges that come with opening a business Entrepreneurship and small business development are essential to the success of our economy in the City of Sandusky Starting and running a business can be challenging and requires a variety of skills Start here Leading location for a large labor pool Our partners at ECEDC can assist in 3 156 677 population in 45 mile radius 1 621 683 labor force in 45 mile radius 35 of workforce has an associates degree or higher connecting you with experts and High quality of life thriving economy is only possible with individuals like you 6 amusement and water parks 90 miles of lake waterfront 6 299 acres of state parks forests nature preserves and wildlife areas 90 marinas advice that help you navigate these initial challenges Our goal for a vibrant inclusive and We thank you for your commitment to the City of Sandusky and look forward to watching your business succeed Evidence of success 60 gross regional product growth over last 30 years Projected job growth for 2020 2026 is 7 Over 600 million in business capital investment in the last 5 years Table of Contents 6 What to Know about Existing Buildings 8 What to Know about Building New 10 Special Considerations for Forming a New Business 12 Business Assistance Programs and Support Organizations
4 5 Who we are This Business Expansion Startup Guide is brought to you by the Erie County Economic Development Corporation ECEDC the Regional Incubator for Sustainability Entrepreneurship RISE and the City of Sandusky Our organizations support economic development providing critical connections to help your business grow and succeed like market research regulatory assistance financial incentives and specialized small business and entrepreneurial support through RISE This guide is a by product of the challenges common questions and unexpected hurdles new and existing businesses face as they look to locate and expand their facilities ultimately achieving their business goals These icons alert you to tasks with extended time requirements How this guide works This guide is designed to provide a checklist for new and existing businesses who are looking to build or relocate into the City of Sandusky By answering a few initial questions and then working through customized checklists business owners can feel confident that they have met all the requirements to operate in good standing 34 MONTHS Choose where to start Are you a new business start up or entrepreneur that s Start here trying to get your business incorporated and quickly up and running Flip to page 10 to start and learn how RISE can help get you going in the right direction Existing business We can help you there too Head to the next page to make sure you have Are you finding broken links 60 90 days That means there s information newer than this document out there See page 12 for the homepage link to all the agency and organization websites cited in this document crossed off everything on the list and then head to page 12 to see how ECEDC and our 30 days partners can help you grow and expand your business
6 7 R E A DY TO G R OW O R E STA B L I S H A FAC I L I T Y I N T H E C I T Y O F S A N D U S K Y Ready to grow or establish a facility in the City of Sandusky One of the first steps a new or existing business owner should take once they ve decided they want to open a business in the City of Sandusky is to schedule a meeting with the local and city economic development groups This initial introduction can assist the process of becoming operational by foreseeing any challenges or hurdles businesses may face due to the specific context of their business Have you selected a location that suits your business objectives Yes continue reading here to ensure you ve met the regulatory requirements to operate there No economic development offices can assist you in your search Visit Page 13 for contact information and services Will you be moving into an existing facility or constructing new expanding a location If an existing facility you ll want to work through the following checklist If building new continue to page 8 ZONING LOCAL LICENSING PERMITTING Is your business a food truck or Before signing your lease C heck the Zoning Map to ensure your 12 WEEKS food stand You ll need a Public business type and use is appropriate Vending License Review and based on the zoning of your location submit an Application Owner should have an occupancy permit Change of use will result in the need for a new occupancy permit If you re making exterior changes to the building check to see if you re in a historic district If so you ll need to obtain a Certificate of Appropriateness for your Opening a restaurant Check out the Food and Beverage Guide for the process to meet local requirements Are you opening an Airbnb or short term rental You ll want to check out 23 WEEKS the transient rentals Application and Zoning Regulations proposed changes from the Sandusky Be familiar with the types of building renova Landmarks Commission tions that require permitting Cosmetic Notify the Fire Department of your new business and operation improvements like painting or flooring typically do not require a building permit However items falling under categories Before design and purchase review require permitting and those permits can be signage regulation After reviewing found on the City of Sandusky s online portal signage regulation check out the Categories include Building Mechanical commercial sign permit Electrical Plumbing Stormwater Excavating Flood Plain Fire Alarm and Sprinklers STATE LICENSING PARKING Check state requirements at the official Understand parking availability and website of the State of Ohio Licenses regulations near your business in order to Permits Ohio gov Official Website of the notify your customers State of Ohio Accessory Parking Facilities Required Liquor permits are handled at the state level Specific attorneys are often hired to assist in the application process 1149 02 Location of Parking Facilities 1149 07 UTILITIES New Liquor Permit Process Transfer utilities Check How to Apply for more information City of Sandusky Water and Sewer Forms Required Sandusky DORA The Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area allows patrons of establishments within a geographic boundary near Downtown to take beverages out of the business View the rules and FAQ here Call Customer Accounting Department at 419 627 5893 Columbia Gas 419 625 8875 Ohio Edison 419 271 1313 Telecommunication Providers Buckeye Broadband Spectrum play circle
8 9 R E A DY TO G R OW O R E STA B L I S H A FAC I L I T Y I N T H E C I T Y O F S A N D U S K Y If constructing a new building for your business or doing a large renovation of existing building Accessways to parking areas need to be ZONING Check the Zoning map to ensure your zoning is appropriate for your business function Check availability of needed utilities Change the Size of Your Lot The process 34 MONTHS In Sandusky the Planning Commission meets the 4th Wednesday of every month Site plan applications are due the month before the meeting they will be presented e g 4th Wednesday of May deadline for June meeting agenda item We can help you work out any anticipated Planning Commission questions staff comments code requirements other details so board approval is more likely in one meeting planned ahead of time Check out some of the requirements here BUILDING DEPARTMENT UTILITIES OPERATIONS Working with registered contractors is the The City of Sandusky makes getting started smoothest way to begin constructing your easy with the Utilities Tap In and Set Up building Contractors will need to pull the Form necessary permits and follow the inspection instructions found within each permit Items falling under these categories require Columbia Gas 419 625 8875 permitting and those permits can be found of splitting or combining lots can Ohio Edison 419 271 1313 on the City of Sanduskys online portal be found here If you ve found the City of Sandusky Water Sewer Categories include Building Mechanical perfect location but the size isn t Department 419 627 5893 electrical Plumbing Stormwater Excavat right depending on what you need you have two options If you need a bigger size and there is available land you can combine the spaces and keep it all under one name for convenience If the space is bigger than what s needed you can ask the owner to split the lot and have a chance to just purchase the space you need To best understand the traffic patterns needed for your new building a meeting with the with the City Engineer Josh Snyder is encouraged This can be done after the preliminary drawings have been complete Reach him at 419 627 5875 SITE PLAN APPROVAL 60 90 TO DAYS A registered design professional is the best resource to begin your ing Flood Plain Fire Alarm and Sprinklers Application required for the installation repair or replacement or abandon 12 WEEKS Sewer and water connections have a variety of fees Sanitary Connec 12 WEEKS Before construction begins you or your contractor must complete and The City Planning Division recommends scheduling a call or an informal meeting to discuss your site plan ideas before you prepare your formal submission Submit site plan to the City of Sandusky ment of any storm or sanitary lateral site design tion Fee Water Tap In Fee Water Connection Fee Review them here Set up the remaining utilities for the submit the Commercial Plan business including Approval Application along with Ohio Edison First Energy 3 copies of construction drawings Columbia Gas developed by a registered design Telecommunication Providers professional to the Building Depart Buckeye Broadband Spectrum ment at 240 Columbus Avenue Planning Division Approval of site plan Sandusky Ohio 44870 The Building can take 6 8 weeks This will include Department will have 30 days to setbacks ingress egress parking storm respond to your application water grading lighting utilities location Receive Certificate of Plan Changes may need to be made during this process to adhere to site requirements Excavation or Sewer Building Permit 30 DAYS Approval from City of San Trash Collection Choose a local operator to set up your refuse and recycling collection If you are located on Shoreline Drive or Downtown check with the Sandusky Public Works Department to see if you are in a shared services area dusky Building Department enacted by the City Determine what type of signage your business will need to make the 12 WEEKS desired impact Once determined fill out the commercial sign permit application with the City of Sandusky There will be a fee associated with the application Congratulations on your new business location Final reminders don t forget to update your insurance mailing address and all online listings which are very important to your search engine optimization Celebrate and announce your growth with your customers Partners at the City of Sandusky and Erie County Economic Development Corporation would be glad to welcome you and share the news
10 11 S P EC I A L CO N S I D E RAT I O N S F O R STA R T I N G A N E W B U S I N E S S Special considerations for starting a new business Are you a new business start up or entrepreneur that s trying to get your business incorporated and quickly up and running Take advantage of the local Regional Incubator for Sustainability Entrepreneurship RISE RISE works with entrepreneurs in every phase of the business development process Whether you are starting with just an idea in need of a plan fresh start ups in need of a boost or a business looking to develop and execute a new growth strategy RISE can give you access to expert advice and resources to help you start develop or accelerate your business Our advisors are seasoned professionals in business and know what questions to ask to help you explore the many aspects of starting and running a business including the list below Work your way through this RISE recommended checklist for a solid legal and strategic foundation for a new business Checklist Create a business plan A business plan Investigate business insurance Contact Visit the IRS website Internal Revenue should be feasible and cover a description of your products and services potential competitors marketing and sales ideas and key partners staff or resources Contact your bank to establish a check Work on financial planning and projec ing account for your business Separat tions that detail a worst medium and best case scenario for the profitability of your business You should have 1 3 years worth of projections showing revenue and expenses quarterly or monthly Form your LLC Register with the state Most small businesses will fall into this category when launching LLC Limited Liability Company Other business entities can be researched here Research and obtain necessary licenses in accordance with the state here Service website to establish your Employer Identification Number EIN You will need an EIN to create a separate checking account for your business ing personal and business finances is key for tax purposes Some banks in the area include VacationLand Federal Credit Union Civista Bank First National Bank of Bellevue Firelands Federal Credit Union PNC and US Bank Obtain a Vendor s License which authorizes you to collect sales tax You can either apply online at the Ohio Business Gateway website or in person at your local county auditor s office Erie County Auditor s Office and get a quote from multiple providers to find the best fit for your business Some agencies in the area Bodey Insurance Agency Lindsley Insurance Agency Steinemann Hafner Insurance Willis Insurance Agency social media platforms like Facebook Instagram Twitter and creating a website Squarespace GoDaddy or Wix are popular places to purchase a URL and set up a website Some other helpful tools for your Get online Make sure people can find business include bookkeeping programs your business by growing an online like QuickBooks customer relationship presence You want to be visible when management software like Salesforce or people google you Ways to gain an online email marketing platforms like Constant presence include claiming a My Business Contact or Mailchimp Google Listing connecting to others on Get more assistance Our RISE team can provide templates and one on one assistance working your way through this checklist RISE events and workshops are another great way to sharpen your skills and build a local small business network Check out current events on Facebook or contact rise eriecountyedc org today
12 13 BU S I N E S S A S S I STA N C E P R O G RA M S SU P P O R T O R G A N I Z AT I O N S Business assistance programs support organizations Economic Development Programs play circle Business Support Organizations Organization Description Contact A private non profit organization serving our Email director eriecountyedc org community through comprehensive economic Facebook OhioECEDC Companies making a significant investment in the City of Sandusky may be eligible for assistance through the following programs development programs We re here to help individuals Economic Development Fund Guidelines and Application Businesses that are experiencing challenges or and businesses start stay and grow in Erie County The Sandusky Economic Development Fund program is intended to spur and support opportunities can utilize ECEDC to gain access to economic development activities within the City of Sandusky the City Financial several types of resources Twitter OhioECEDC Twitter LinkedIn OhioECEDC Website eriecountyedc org assistance is available for new or expanding businesses and or property owners that will positively affect the economic and employment climates in the City of Sandusky RISE provides one on one advising networking Email rise eriecountyedc org Financial assistance for new or expanding businesses and or property owners that will and technical assistance for small businesses Instagram rise_entrepreneurs positively affect the economic and employment climates in the City of Sandusky Businesses can utilize RISE for early operational Facebook RISEingEntrepreneurs Enterprise Zone Tax Abatement Guidelines and Application Certain new construction or renovation projects may be eligible for multi year real estate tax abatement on the increased real estate tax liability of their project This abatement support and to provide critical connections to answer those early questions in the business development process provides real estate tax relief for a period of years and provide operations savings during the term of the abatement All projects awarded real estate tax abatement under this The official destination marketing organization Email Info shoresandislands com program are required to meet or exceed a negotiated level of capital investment new job for Erie and Ottawa Counties in Ohio together Facebook shoresandislands creation and new payroll known as Shores Islands Ohio Businesses can utilize Shores and Islands for assistance in marketing and networking Twitter ShoresIslandsOH Twitter LinkedIn shoresandislands Our goal is to represent the entire business Email info eriecountychamber com community as effectively as possible so that not Facebook eriecountychamberofcommerce only businesses thrive but the region as a whole thrives and we may continue to experience improvements in our overall quality of life Businesses can utilize ECCOC for business tobusiness networking and advocacy LinkedIn erie county chamber of commerce
14 15 BU S I N E S S A S S I STA N C E P R O G RA M S SU P P O R T O R G A N I Z AT I O N S Organization Description Contact U S Small Business Administration SBA continues Email Mhoffma05 terra edu to help small business owners and entrepreneurs Email answerdesk sba gov pursue the American dream SBA is the only cabinetlevel federal agency fully dedicated to small business Facebook SBAgov ECEDC is a private nonprofit that assists companies to Start Stay Grow in Erie County As you work your way through this guide our team can assist you with the following and provides counseling capital and contracting Twitter SBAgov SITE SELECTION CRITICAL CONNECTIONS expertise as the nation s only go to resource and LinkedIn us small business administration ECEDC keeps a database of available sites Joining a network of experienced business for businesses to utilize This includes both leaders and members of our community can vacant land and buildings businesses can be the difference in success or failure Tap move into Steps to determine what is best into a network that offers insight and advice for you include that will help your business succeed We can Specific Zoning Needs i e Commercial connect you with a number of critical voice for small businesses C More About the Erie County Economic Development Corporation ECEDC The Sandusky City Economic Development programs Kristen Barone kbarone ci sandusky oh us intend to spur and support economic development Quinn Rambo qrambo cityofsandusky com activities within the City of Sandusky Financial assistance is available for new or expanding businesses Facebook cityofsandusky Industrial Office Warehouse ect and or property owners that will positively affect the Twitter cityofsandusky Pricing Accounting economic and employment climates in the City and LinkedIn city of sandusky ohio S ite Tour Legal I nfrastructure Utilities Parking N etworking Organizations Events broader Firelands Region Traffic Patterns T connections including Women and minority owned businesses can utilize MBET for peer networking learning and marketing Facebook MBETSandusky R enovation Costs BRE ACTIVITIES Our Business Retention and Expansion CONTRACTOR SELECTION program connects new and expanding Through our work within the community businesses to common needs such as we have put together a detailed list of Financing various contractors specializing in the O hio Tax Credits Exemptions different aspects of building new or Abatements and Grants renovating existing space Contractors Infrastructure areas of specialty include B rownfield Redevelopment A rchitecture Advisors E conomic Research F inance and Title R egulatory Issues G eneral Design Build I ndustry and Function Specific Needs C oncrete Materials W orkforce Hiring and Retaining H VAC Plumbing F inishing Touches
16 247 Columbus Avenue Suite 126 Sandusky Ohio 44870 In coordination with Thank you to the Erie County Community Foundation for their support in creating this resource guide