Amherst County welcomes new businesses. We know that starting a business is exciting, but can also be overwhelming too. We are here to help your business succeed and want to link you with the resources you need.
Business owners, resource providers, and local government came together to construct a business resource matrix to help navigate the ever-changing obstacles of business development.
When starting a new business in Amherst County you will need to work with three departments: Planning & Zoning Department, Building Department, and the Commissioner of Revenue.
Planning and Zoning
New businesses should begin at the Department of Planning and Zoning. Planning and Zoning help you determine what types of permits you will need for your business and determine any zoning issues. Home businesses are required to have a permit in Amherst County. Planning and Zoning: (434) 946-9303, 153 Washington Street, Amherst, VA 24521.
Is your business going to be located in the Town of Amherst? If so, then begin at the Town of Amherst’s Town Hall, at 174 S. Main Street, (434) 946-7885, Town Hall
Building and Occupancy Permits
Building and Occupancy Permits are obtained through the Department of Building Safety and Inspections. Instructions and permit applications can be found on-line. Department of Building and Safety Inspections information: (434) 946-9302, 153 Washington Street, Amherst, VA 24521
Register your Business Name
Register your business name at the Amherst County Circuit Court, (434) 946-9321, 113 Taylor Street, P. O. Box 462, Amherst, VA 24521
The fee to register your business name is $10. Make sure that your name isn’t registered. You can obtain the form on-line. However, if you sign the form outside the presence of the Deputy Clerk of Court, the form must be notarized. The form and fee can be mailed to the Circuit Court Clerk Get a copy of the assumed fictitious name. Banks may require a copy of the form for business accounts.
Business License
Amherst County requires a business license, except for retail and wholesale businesses. Business licenses are issued through the Commissioner of the Revenue. Retail and wholesale businesses do not need to obtain a business license. Go to the Commissioner of the Revenue office to obtain and pay for your license. Fees can be found on the Amherst County website. Commissioner of the Revenue information: (434) 946-9310, 100 Goodwin Street, Amherst, VA 24521
Is your business going to be located in the Town of Amherst? Home businesses are required to have a permit in the Town of Amherst. The Town requires a business license. The form for the business license can be found on line at www.amherstva.gov. Gross receipts will be estimated for the first year in business. The Town Treasurer is located at 174 S. Main Street, (434) 946-7885, townhall@amherstva.gov.
Other Licensure and Permits
Certain occupations and businesses are required to have specialty licenses and permits from the Commonwealth of Virginia. Such businesses and occupations would include construction, spas, hair salons, health and medical professions, and others. For comprehensive and up to date information see:
- Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation www.dpor.virginia.gov
- Virginia Department of Health Professions www.dhp.virginia.gov
- Virginia Department Agriculture and Consumer Services www.vdacs.virginia.gov
Alcohol Beverage Control
Restaurants and other businesses who wish to serve alcohol must secure a license from the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control: www.abc.virginia.gov. Click on Licensee Resources to learn more about the types of permits needed for your business. Or, contact the ABC Regional Office, (434) 582-5136, 20353 Timberlake Rd., Suite A Lynchburg, VA 24502.
Other Important Contacts in Amherst County
Amherst County Chamber of Commerce, (434) 946-0990, 154 Main Street, Amherst VA 24521
Amherst County Health Department, (434) 946-9408, 224 Second Street, Amherst, VA 24521
Amherst County Service Authority (Water & Sewer), (434) 384-1979, 113 Phelps Rd, Madison Heights, VA 24572
Town Of Amherst Municipal Water & Sewer, (434) 946-7885, 174 S. Main Street, townhall@amherstva.gov.
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