
Start a Business
Review resources, guidelines and info to open smart—and smoothly.
Start A Business
Support to get started. Resources to tap into. Districts to discover. Research to conduct. Looking for the right elements to make your dream happen in a diverse, dynamic city that embraces entrepreneurs? You’ve come to the right place.
Downtown Dearborn
Follow these Dearborn business builders on their journey from concept to customers.
Time: 16:18
Checklist
Make sure you’ve covered all the bases, and made every step as smooth as possible.
- Contact the DDA
- Choose a Name
- Select a Legal Structure
- Write a Business Plan
- Obtain your Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN)
- Register Business with State and Business Name with Wayne County
- Obtain Business Licenses
- Choose a Location For Your Business
- City Permits
- Business Startup Funding Assistance
- Obtain a Business Bank Account
- Set Up Your System for Accounting and Record Keeping
- Secure Business Insurance
- Establish Your Operating Systems & Processes
- Create your Business Identity
- Create a Marketing Plan

Available Properties
Find retail and commercial space as well as buildable lots and acreage.
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Business Resources
Find links to essential info as well as loans, grants and tax incentives.