Basic Steps to Launching a Business
in Natchez-Adams County
We appreciate your interest in opening a new business in the
Natchez area. As with all communities, certain local and state
regulations must be met at the outset. This guide has been
compiled to guide you through the process. You'll also find a
list of agencies to contact for additional assistance.
Local Requirements
Most of these departments can be found at City Hall, 124 S. Pearl Street,
Natchez, MS 39120. The phone number of each department is included in
its description.
Step 1 - Zoning
Department of Planning and Zoning
601-445-7518
The City Planner ensures that each business is in a location that meets the
City of Natchez's zoning requirements. Zoning information can be obtained
on the second floor of City Hall. Zoning information is free of charge,
but zoning variance may require a fee.
Step 2 - Building Permit
Building Inspector
601-445-7512
The Building Inspector grants permits for construction, remodeling, or
demolition of a property. A building permit can be obtained in the
basement of City Hall, and costs $10, with an additional $5 for every $1,000 in
construction.
Additional regulations apply to businesses locating in the
Historical Review District.
Step 3 - Certificate of Occupancy
Building Inspector
601-445-7512
The Building Inspector ensures that a property meets the structural
requirement of the City of Natchez. A Certificate of Occupancy can be
obtained in the basement of City Hall and costs $25.
Step 4 - Technical License
City Hall
601-445-7512
Businesses engaged in activities such as construction, electrical, plumbing
and air conditioning are required to hold a Technical License. An initial exam
is required to hold a Technical License and costs $75. Examinations are given
once a quarter. Renewal of the license costs $35 every January.
Step 5 - Privilege License
City Clerk's Office
601-445-7501
Every person or entity that engages in any sort of business in Natchez or
Adams County is required to have a Privilege License. The Privilege License
is $20 and up, depending on the number of employees or the assessed value of
inventory.
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For businesses located outside the city limits, the license can be obtained
from the Adams County Tax Collector.
Adams County Tax Collector
Adams County Court House
115 South Wall Street
Natchez, MS 39120
601-442-8601
State Requirements
Business License
Any business subject to Mississippi sales tax must obtain a Business License
(sales tax number) by completing Form 60-007. This form is also used for income
tax withholding and franchise tax (for corporations) application.
Mississippi State Tax Commission
1385 Johnny Johnson Drive
Brookhaven, MS 39603
601-833-4761
Additional Assistance and Links
MyBiz
www.mybiz.am
The MyBiz Entrepreneur Network is a network of agencies, non-profits, and
resource providers committed to improving opportunities for citizens in Mississippi
and Alabama to start, own, and expand businesses. MyBiz seeks to provide a
comprehensive approach to connecting entrepreneurs, communities and service providers
into a system of support for seeding and growing entrepreneurs in Mississippi and
Alabama. MyBiz.am provides value to entrepreneurs by saving them time and money and
better equipping them to successfully build sustainable and profitable enterprises.
Internal Revenue Service
800-829-1040
IRS.gov small business page
MDA Minority Enterprise Division
P.O. Box 849
Jackson, MS 39201
601-359-2904
www.mississippi.org/minority_business
The Minority Enterprise Division’s mission is to ensure that minority
and women-owned businesses share in the American economic system of private
enterprise. They work to improve the environment in which these businesses
operate.
- Entrepreneur's Kit
- Minority Business Certification Program
- Minority Business Database
- Minority Business Enterprise Micro Loan Program
- Minority and Women-Owned Business Director
- Mississippi Minority Surety Bond Guaranty Program
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Minority Capital Fund of Mississippi
P.O. Box 11305
Jackson, MS 39283
601-713-3322
www.mincap.org
Mississippi Contract Procurement Center
P.O. Box 849
Jackson, MS 39201
601-359-3485
www.mscpc.com
Electronic Portal to Federal, State, and Local Government Contracts.
Mississippi Department of Agriculture & Commerce
P.O. Box 1609
Jackson, MS 39512
601-359-1100
www.mdac.state.ms.us
* Make Mine Mississippi - A cooperative program in marketing technical assistance.
Mississippi State Tax commission
700 North Street
Jackson, MS 39202
601-923-7000
www.mstc.state.ms.us
Serving a variety of business-related interests, the Commission oversees business
services, elections, public lands, and regulations and enforcement.
- Corporate Forms and Instructions
- Fee Schedules
- Noraries Public
- Regulation and Enforcement
- Publications
- Standard Industrial Classification Code (SIC)
- Uniform Commercial Code
Mississippi Small Business Development Center
Copiah-Lincoln Community college
11 Co-Lin Circle
Natchez, MS 39120
601-445-5254
www.colin.edu
Funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration,
the Center provides a variety of services to small businesses.
- Business Plan Development
- Capital Sources
- Counseling
- Education/Training
- International Trade
- Inventor Assistance
- Market Analysis
- Technical Assistance
- Technology Transfer
- Workshops
Natchez-Adams County Chamber of Commerce
211 Main Street, Suite A
Natchez, MS 39120
601-445-4611
www.natchezchamber.com
The Chamber provides an independent, representative voice for business, and
creates a positive business environment.
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Natchez, Inc.
211 Main Street, Suite B
Natchez, MS 39120
601-445-0288
www.natchezinc.com
The Natchez-Adams County Development Authority is the full-service, professional
economic development organization representing the City of Natchez and Adams County.
Its primary responsibility is the recruitment, retention, and expansion of business
in the Natchez-Adams County area. A basic objective is to strengthen the region
through economic and community development initiatives with emphasis on creating new
jobs.
- General Economic Facts and Demographic Information
- Workforce Training and Education
- Locating Available Sites and Buildings
- Small Business and Entrepreneurial Deveopment
- State and Local Benefits and Incentives
Southwest Mississippi Planning and Development District
100 Wall Street
Natchez, MS 39120
601-446-6044
www.swmpdd.com
A private, non-profit organization created for the purpose of providing regional
community and economic development services to a ten-county area than includes Adams,
Amite, Claiborne, Franklin, Jefferson, Lawrence, Lincoln, Pike, Walthall and Wilkinson
Counties.
- 504 Loan Program
- Export Working Capital Loan Program
- Minority Business Enterprise Loan Program
- Revolving Loan Program
- Small Business Assistance Loan Program
- Women's Pre-Qualification Program
U.S. Small Business Administration
Mississippi District Office
210 E. Capital Street, Suite 900
Jackson, MS 39201
601-965-4378
www.sba.com
The District Office is responsible for the delivery of SBA's many programs and services.
Whether your target market is global or regional, the U.S. Small Business Administration can help
at every stage of turning your entrepreneurial dream into a thriving new business.
Partially funded by the Mississippi Development Authority |
