The Chamber is available to answer questions you may have or to connect you with additional resources.
- First, register with the Ohio Secretary of State.
Registration information as well as forms are available online or at (877) SOS-FILE. The Small Business Development Center at Rhodes State College (see below) can also help you walk through this process.
- Obtain a federal Employer Identification Number (EIN).
Contact the Internal Revenue Service to learn additional information and an online application at IRS.gov - search "EIN." The Small Business Development Center at Rhodes State College (see below) can also help you walk through this process.
- Open a Bank Account.
You will need your EIN to open a business bank account.
- Register with the Ohio Department of Taxation at Tax.Ohio.gov.
Obtain information regarding Ohio taxes, including registration requirements, filing requirements and filing due dates. They also offer the Ohio Small Business Tax Training Program to help you acquire a broader understanding of Ohio’s tax requirements. For local City taxes please contact the City of Wapakoneta Income Tax Department.
- Report newly-hired and re-hired employees to the Ohio New Hire Reporting Center.
Report employee information at Newhire-reporting.com/oh-newhire. More information can be obtained by contacting the Ohio New Hire Reporting Center at 888.872.1490.
- Determine what may be required of your business by the Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation.
If your business or organization has one or more employees visit BWC.Ohio.gov and select "Employers." Member organizations of the Wapakoneta Area Chamber of Comerce are also eligible for a discount on their BWC fees. Read more here.
- Identify requirements of the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services.
Employers may be required to establish an Unemployment Compensation Tax Account with the Ohio Department of Job & Family Services. Visit JFS.Ohio.gov and search for “Employers.”
- Obtain the proper licenses and permits.
The Ohio Business Gateway Business.Ohio.gov Licenses and Permits page provides a list of professional licenses and business permits necessary to do business in Ohio. Contact your county and local government to determine if any special requirements exist for your type of business. City of Wapakoneta Signage and Zoning permits are handled by the City of Wapakoneta Engineering Department.
- File and Annual Report of Unclaimed Funds.
This is required of all agencies that are located and/or operate in Ohio and can be filed at the Ohio Department of Commerce, Division of Unclaimed Funds. The report can be found at Com.Ohio.gov/unfd, through the Ohio Business Gateway or by mailing it to the Division of Unclaimed Funds.
- Discover growth opportunities for your new business.
The Ohio Secretary of State’s office hosts the Ohio Business Resource Connection located at OhioSoS.gov/BusinessResources. The Resource Connection is a directory of services for all Ohio businesses and includes specific services for woman, minority, disability and military or veteran owned businesses. Additionally, the Small Business Administration provides resources to grow your business at SBA.gov.
Looking for more? Check out the State of Ohio's "Business First Stop" online here.
Are you a community organization looking to make a difference? The Ohio Secretary of State's office has a manual to help your organization get started with the legal paperwork necessary to get your not-for-profit status. You can read it here.
The Wapakoneta Area Economic Development Council (WAEDC) has been an important resource to area businesses for 20+ years. The organization is dedicated to improving the economic vitality of the Wapakoneta area by investing in programs and services that will ultimately result in exceptional employment opportunities and spur business growth. Learn more here.
Serving the needs of new and well-established in Auglaize County, the Coalition ensures business prosperity and growth. The coalition represents businesses of all sizes and types by providing easy access to excellent sites for relocation and development, tax incentive programs, an educated workforce and more. Learn more here.
The Small Business Development Centers of Ohio (SBDC) provide free, professional, in-depth, and confidential business consulting and training to new and existing entrepreneurs. The local SBDC is located at Rhodes State College in Lima. Their business development specialists help clients develop the skills needed to meet the challenges of today’s fast-paced, ever-changing business environment. Learn more here.
WSU’s Lake Campus houses the Business Enterprise Center, a useful tool for both new and existing small businesses in the area. Businesses take advantage of free counseling and management training services. The center also hosts a number of outstanding seminars throughout the year, which cover an assortment of useful topics, including sales and marketing techniques, management, pre-business planning and many others. Learn more here.
The Wapakoneta Engineering Department is responsible for all engineering related projects in the City. This work includes reviewing and issuing building permits, contractor registration, administration of public works and other construction projects, technical reviews and reports for the City Council, Planning Commission, Zoning Commission and issuance of sanitary sewer and water authorizations. You can find zoning maps, contact information and more on their website.
The Ohio Business Gateway is about making government accessible to you and your business by helping you find the information and services you need to keep your business thriving in Ohio. Check it out here.
The mission of Hometown Opportunity is to connect job seekers of all ages with local businesses. They focus on making the community aware of the jobs and careers available in our local community as well as steering high school, college students and adults toward the appropriate education and/or training that can lead to a career. You can learn more and add your company's available positions on their website: www.hometownopportunity.com
The State of Ohio is a great place to do business. Ohio Means Jobs has a local office in Wapakoneta ready to help you attract, hire, retain and advance top talent for your company.
Learn more at OhioMeansJobs.com or call our local Auglaize County office at 567-242-2750 to see how they can help your business.
AMBE’s mission is to create a bridge between area businesses and schools to connect students to the career opportunities in Mercer and Auglaize counties. They expose students to career opportunities in our local communities and help them build career pathways to create a sustainable workforce for the future. You can learn more at ambealliance.org.
The annual Visioning Auglaize Leadership & Unity Class is a collaboration between the Wapakoneta, St Marys and Southwest Auglaize Chambers to bring together leaders from thoughout the County.
The purpose of this class is to educate Auglaize County’s up-and-coming adult leaders about their county of residence, instill a sense of countywide community, and promote the importance of leadership in all aspects of life.
The class is held each year from September through June and takes each month the students spend one day together exploring different aspects of the Auglaize County community.
Let us know if you're interested in joining us for the next class.
Our two local vocational schools: Apollo Career Center and Tri-Star Career Compact not only prepare high school students with a trade skill in a variety of areas including Automotive Technology, Computer Assisted Drafting(CAD), Computer Support Technology, Electronics Engineering Technology, Manufacturing Engineering Technologies, Medical Technology Preparation, and Precision Machining. They also provide adult education opportunities to build the skills of your employees.
You can learn more at:
SBA's online learning programs are designed to empower and educate small business owners every step of the way. Check them out here.
Learn more about how to fund your business