How to Start a Business in Longview, TX

Starting a business takes more than a good idea. You need to decide how the business will operate, understand your customers, register correctly, handle taxes, find the right location, obtain any required permits, and build relationships that can help the business grow.

For entrepreneurs ready to start a business in Longview, TX, several local organizations can make that process easier. The Longview Chamber of Commerce, UT Tyler–Longview Small Business Development Center, City of Longview, and Longview Economic Development Corporation each provide different resources for businesses at various stages.

This guide walks through the major steps involved in starting a Longview business and points you toward the agencies that can help along the way.

This article provides general business information and should not be considered legal, accounting, or tax advice. Requirements vary based on business structure, industry, location, and activities.

Starting a Business in Longview at a Glance

1. Start With the Business Idea

Before registering an LLC, ordering a sign, or signing a lease, make sure the business idea has a realistic market.

Ask:

• Who will buy the product or service?
• What problem does the business solve?
• Who are the primary competitors?
• What makes the business different?
• How much are customers willing to pay?
• What will it cost to launch?
• How much revenue is needed to cover monthly expenses?
• Will the business operate from home, online, from a storefront, or through a commercial facility?
• Will employees be needed immediately?
• Are licenses or certifications required for the industry?

This research does not have to become a 50-page document. The goal is to understand whether the numbers and market make sense before committing substantial money.

The UT Tyler–Longview Small Business Development Center provides no-cost advising for entrepreneurs and small businesses in Gregg County and surrounding counties. Its startup assistance includes market research, concept development, competitive analysis, business planning, marketing, government regulations, and access to capital.

That makes the SBDC a useful first stop even before the business has officially been created.

2. Build a Simple Business Plan

A business plan helps turn an idea into specific decisions.

At minimum, the plan should answer:

What will you sell?

Clearly define the products or services the business will provide.

Who will buy from you?

Identify your primary customers based on factors such as location, industry, demographics, needs, or buying behavior.

How will customers find you?

Consider:

• Search engines
• Social media
• Referrals
• Networking
• Paid advertising
• Email marketing
• Signage
• Community involvement
• Partnerships
• Direct sales

What will it cost to operate?

Estimate expenses such as:

• Rent
• Utilities
• Equipment
• Inventory
• Insurance
• Payroll
• Software
• Professional services
• Marketing
• Taxes
• Permits
• Loan payments

How much must you sell?

Calculate how much monthly revenue is needed to cover expenses and eventually provide a return to the owner.

A business plan can also become important when applying for financing. The Longview SBDC helps entrepreneurs prepare business plans and loan packages and explore SBA, conventional, and other financing options.

3. Choose a Business Structure

One of the first legal decisions is how the business will be organized.

Common structures include:

• Sole proprietorship
• General partnership
• Limited liability company
• Corporation
• Limited partnership
• Professional entity

Each structure can affect liability, taxes, management, ownership, reporting, and future growth differently.

The Texas Secretary of State business structure guide recommends considering tax consequences, liability, management, continuity, transferability of ownership, and operating requirements when selecting a structure.

Sole Proprietorship

A sole proprietorship is generally the simplest structure. One person owns and operates the business without forming a separate business entity with the Texas Secretary of State.

That simplicity also means the business and owner are generally not separate legal entities for liability purposes.

Limited Liability Company

An LLC is a separate legal entity formed by filing a Certificate of Formation with the Texas Secretary of State.

LLCs can have one or more owners, called members, and can be managed by members or managers. Texas currently charges a $300 filing fee for a standard LLC Certificate of Formation.

Corporation

A corporation is also created by filing a Certificate of Formation with the Texas Secretary of State. Corporations have shareholders, directors, officers, and more formal governance requirements.

The right structure depends on the specific business. Consider talking with an attorney and accountant before making a decision that could affect liability or taxes later.

4. Choose and Research the Business Name

Before investing in branding, signs, uniforms, domain names, or marketing materials, research the proposed business name.

For an LLC or corporation, the name must meet Texas naming requirements and be distinguishable in the Secretary of State’s records from certain existing entity names. However, approval of a business entity name does not automatically grant trademark rights to that name.

Before committing to a name, consider checking:

• Texas Secretary of State records
• Gregg County assumed-name records
• U.S. Patent and Trademark Office records
• Search engines
• Social media platforms
• Available website domains
• Similar businesses operating locally

A business name should be easy to understand, remember, spell, and search online.

5. Determine Whether You Need a DBA

A DBA, or “doing business as,” is generally referred to in Texas as an assumed name.

Where the filing occurs depends on the business structure.

Sole Proprietorships and General Partnerships

When a sole proprietorship operates under a name other than the owner’s surname, an assumed-name certificate is generally filed with the county clerk in the county where the business maintains a business location.

The Gregg County Clerk provides an assumed-name certificate for local businesses.

LLCs and Corporations

Texas LLCs, corporations, limited partnerships, professional associations, and certain other filing entities using a name other than their legal entity name file their assumed-name certificate with the Texas Secretary of State.

Since a 2019 law change, these entities are no longer required to make an additional county-level assumed-name filing.

An assumed-name filing does not give exclusive ownership of a name or replace trademark protection.

6. Register the Business

The next step depends on the business structure.

LLCs and Corporations

Businesses creating an LLC, corporation, limited partnership, or another state-filed entity can review forms and filing options through the Texas Secretary of State business forms page.

Texas also allows many business filings to be completed electronically through SOSDirect.

Sole Proprietorships

A sole proprietor generally does not file a Certificate of Formation with the Secretary of State. However, an assumed-name filing may be necessary through the Gregg County Clerk when operating under a business name rather than the owner’s surname.

Keep Formation Records

Save copies of:

• Certificate of Formation
• Certificate of Filing
• Assumed-name certificate
• Operating agreement
• Partnership agreement
• Corporate bylaws
• Registered-agent information
• Ownership records

Banks, lenders, insurers, vendors, licensing agencies, and government entities may request these records later.

7. Apply for an EIN

An Employer Identification Number is a federal tax identification number issued by the IRS.

Businesses may need an EIN when they:

• Hire employees
• Operate as a corporation or partnership
• File certain federal tax returns
• Open certain business bank accounts
• Apply for business licenses
• Establish business credit

The IRS EIN application is free. The IRS warns business owners that they should not have to pay a third-party website simply to obtain an EIN. Eligible applicants can generally receive the number immediately through the online application.

An LLC or corporation should generally complete its state formation before applying for the EIN so the information matches the official entity records.

8. Determine Your Texas Tax Requirements

Different businesses have different tax obligations.

Potential requirements can include:

• Federal income taxes
• Self-employment taxes
• Payroll taxes
• Texas sales and use tax
• Texas franchise tax
• Property taxes
• Industry-specific taxes or fees

An accountant can help determine which requirements apply.

Texas Sales Tax Permit

Businesses that sell or lease taxable tangible personal property or provide taxable services in Texas may need a sales and use tax permit.

Businesses can apply through the Texas Comptroller’s online tax registration system. The Comptroller states that there is no fee for a Texas sales tax permit, although certain applicants may be required to provide a security bond.

Once registered, a permit holder is responsible for collecting applicable tax, filing required returns, keeping records, and remitting the tax collected.

Do not assume that a product or service is either taxable or exempt. Verify its tax treatment with the Texas Comptroller.

Texas Franchise Tax

Many Texas entities, including LLCs and corporations, are subject to the state’s franchise-tax system even when no franchise tax is ultimately owed.

For 2026 and 2027, Texas lists a $2.65 million no-tax-due threshold. Entities at or below that threshold generally do not file a No Tax Due Report, but many are still required to file a Public Information Report or Ownership Information Report.

Tax thresholds and reporting requirements change, so verify current requirements with the Comptroller or your tax professional.

9. Find the Right Business Location

The cheapest or most attractive commercial space is not automatically the right place for a business.

Before signing a lease or purchasing property, determine whether the location can legally accommodate the planned use.

Questions to answer include:

• Is the property zoned for the business?
• Is the specific use allowed?
• Will a Certificate of Occupancy be required?
• Will renovations trigger building permits?
• Are there parking requirements?
• Is signage allowed?
• Does the business require special ventilation, plumbing, grease traps, fire protection, or accessibility improvements?
• Are outdoor displays or storage permitted?
• Will customers be allowed on the property?
• Are there restrictions on hours or operations?

The City of Longview’s Business Permits page provides access to building permits, zoning applications, business permits, licenses, alarm information, and Certificates of Occupancy.

Do This Before Signing a Lease

Confirm zoning and occupancy requirements before committing to a long-term commercial lease.

A landlord being willing to rent a space does not necessarily mean the City will approve the intended use without modifications.

The City offers zoning verification resources through its Planning and Zoning division.

If major renovations are planned, discuss them with Development Services before construction begins.

10. Obtain a Certificate of Occupancy When Required

Businesses operating from commercial property may need a Certificate of Occupancy before opening.

The City of Longview’s commercial Certificate of Occupancy application asks for information including:

• Business name
• Business use
• Previous use of the building
• Square footage
• Parking information
• Applicant contact information

The occupancy process helps determine whether a building is suitable for its intended business use.

A change from one type of business to another can affect requirements even when the building itself is not new.

11. Check for Industry-Specific Licenses and Permits

Texas does not require one general statewide business license. However, many industries require specific federal, state, county, or local permits or professional licenses.

The Texas Business Permit Office maintains the 2026–2027 Texas Business Licenses & Permits Guide to help businesses identify state requirements.

Examples of businesses that may face additional licensing or permitting include:

• Restaurants
• Food trucks
• Child care providers
• Alcohol retailers
• Contractors
• Healthcare providers
• Salons
• Automotive businesses
• Professional services
• Security companies
• Transportation businesses
• Certain manufacturers
• Financial businesses

Restaurants and Food Businesses

Food establishments in Longview must comply with City Environmental Health requirements. The City’s current food-establishment application includes a pre-operational inspection and an annual permit process.

Do not spend heavily on restaurant equipment or renovations before confirming health, building, fire, plumbing, and zoning requirements.

12. Understand Rules for a Home-Based Business

Operating from home can reduce startup expenses, but residential zoning still applies.

Longview’s development regulations place limits on certain home occupations, including requirements related to customer traffic, equipment, noise, deliveries, and types of activities that may occur at a residence.

Before operating a customer-facing business from home, contact the City and confirm:

• Whether the activity qualifies as a home occupation
• Whether customers can visit the property
• Whether employees can work there
• Whether signage is allowed
• Whether inventory can be stored
• Whether deliveries are restricted
• Whether the business activity requires a commercial location

Also review any lease, homeowners association, deed, or property restrictions that may apply independently of City regulations.

13. Open a Separate Business Bank Account

Once the business is properly established and has its tax identification information, open a dedicated business bank account.

Keeping personal and business funds separate makes it easier to:

• Track income
• Track expenses
• Prepare taxes
• Monitor cash flow
• Produce financial statements
• Apply for loans
• Protect business records
• Understand whether the company is actually profitable

Banks may request:

• EIN
• Formation documents
• Assumed-name records
• Government-issued identification
• Operating agreement
• Ownership information
• Business address

Requirements differ by bank.

14. Set Up Accounting Before You Start Selling

Do not wait until tax season to organize financial records.

Decide how the business will handle:

• Sales
• Invoices
• Expenses
• Receipts
• Payroll
• Sales tax
• Vendor payments
• Inventory
• Mileage
• Owner distributions
• Financial statements

At minimum, owners should be able to review:

• Revenue
• Expenses
• Cash on hand
• Accounts receivable
• Accounts payable
• Profit or loss

Knowing the numbers early can prevent a growing business from running into a cash-flow problem.

15. Review Business Insurance

Insurance needs depend heavily on the type of business.

Coverage to discuss with a licensed insurance professional may include:

• General liability
• Commercial property
• Professional liability
• Commercial auto
• Cyber liability
• Product liability
• Business interruption
• Employment practices liability
• Workers’ compensation

Texas does not require most private employers to purchase workers’ compensation coverage, but employers that choose not to carry it have state notice and reporting responsibilities.

The right choice depends on the company’s employees, contracts, industry, assets, and risk exposure.

16. Prepare Before Hiring Employees

Hiring creates additional responsibilities.

A new employer may need to address:

• Payroll withholding
• Federal employment taxes
• Texas unemployment tax
• New-hire reporting
• Form I-9
• Required workplace posters
• Wage and hour laws
• Workers’ compensation decisions
• Employee policies
• Safety requirements
• Benefits
• Personnel records

Texas employers generally must report new employees to the State Directory of New Hires within 20 days of the employee’s first day of paid work.

Before hiring, make sure the business has a reliable payroll process and understands the difference between an employee and an independent contractor.

17. Build Your Brand Before Opening

Registration creates the business legally. Marketing creates awareness.

Before launch, establish the basics:

• Business name
• Logo and visual identity
• Website
• Google Business Profile when eligible
• Business phone number
• Professional email
• Social media profiles where relevant
• Basic photography
• Signs
• Sales materials
• Review-generation process
• Customer follow-up system

Make sure the business’s name, address, phone number, website, and operating hours remain consistent across major online listings.

For a local business, being easy to find in search and maps can matter as much as having a storefront sign.

18. Start Building Relationships in Longview

A new business owner should not wait until they need a customer, vendor, employee, referral, or piece of advice to begin meeting people.

The Longview Chamber provides business-development programming, networking events, advocacy, promotion opportunities, leadership programs, and connections with other local businesses.

Current Chamber programs include events such as:

• Business After Hours
• Chamber 101
• Membership Luncheons
• Ribbon Cuttings
• Business-development programs
• Leadership Longview
• Business-focused workshops and conversations

The Longview Chamber event calendar lists current opportunities to participate.

Chamber members can also receive visibility through the Chamber’s online business directory, publications, member news, sponsorships, and other promotional opportunities.

For a new business, the immediate value is not simply collecting business cards. Consistent participation helps owners become known, understand the local business community, identify potential partners, and build referral relationships.

19. Use the Longview SBDC Before Paying for Help You May Not Need

One of Longview’s most useful startup resources is available at no cost.

The UT Tyler–Longview SBDC serves entrepreneurs in Gregg, Harrison, Marion, Panola, Rusk, and Upshur counties.

Advisors can assist with:

• Startup planning
• Market research
• Business plans
• Financial projections
• Loan preparation
• Access to capital
• Marketing
• Operations
• Business structure considerations
• Government regulations
• Growth planning

Its one-on-one business advising is provided at no cost.

The Longview office is located at:

911 W. Loop 281, Suite 319
Longview, TX 75604
903-757-5857

You do not have to wait until something goes wrong to contact the SBDC. Getting guidance before making major financial decisions can be far more valuable.

20. Understand the Role of Longview Economic Development Corporation

The Longview Economic Development Corporation focuses on business growth, job creation, development projects, site selection, workforce issues, and economic-development opportunities.

LEDCO works with businesses considering Longview as well as companies looking to expand locally. Assistance can include:

• Site selection
• Workforce development
• Development coordination
• Business expansion
• Economic-development incentives
• Industrial and commercial site information

Available incentives are evaluated case by case and can include programs related to taxes, utilities, workforce training, and site development.

Not every small startup will qualify for an economic-development incentive, but businesses planning significant investment, expansion, or job creation should understand what resources may be available before finalizing a project.

21. Plan a Strong Opening

A grand opening should be the beginning of the marketing process, not the entire strategy.

Before opening:

• Test payment systems.
• Confirm permits and inspections.
• Verify business hours online.
• Train employees.
• Test phone and email systems.
• Check website forms.
• Make sure signage is installed.
• Confirm inventory.
• Claim important online listings.
• Establish customer-service procedures.
• Decide how reviews will be requested.
• Prepare a launch marketing plan.

Eligible Chamber members may also consider a ribbon-cutting event to introduce a new business, location, expansion, or milestone to the local business community.

The goal is to turn opening-day attention into ongoing relationships.

A Suggested Longview Business Startup Timeline

Early Planning

• Define the business idea.
• Research the market.
• Meet with the Longview SBDC.
• Estimate startup expenses.
• Determine how the business will make money.
• Explore financing.

Before Formation

• Choose the business structure.
• Research the business name.
• Talk with an attorney or accountant when appropriate.
• Determine ownership responsibilities.
• Prepare partnership or operating agreements.

After Formation

• Obtain the EIN.
• Open the business bank account.
• Set up accounting.
• Determine tax registrations.
• Obtain insurance.
• Establish contracts and policies.

Before Choosing a Location

• Confirm the intended use is allowed.
• Check zoning.
• Review parking and signage.
• Ask about Certificate of Occupancy requirements.
• Estimate renovation costs.
• Identify permit requirements.

Before Opening

• Complete required inspections.
• Confirm licenses and permits.
• Establish utilities.
• Hire and train employees.
• Set up payroll.
• Launch the website and local listings.
• Begin marketing.
• Join local business networks.
• Test operating systems.

After Opening

• Track revenue and expenses.
• Monitor cash flow.
• Ask customers for feedback.
• Build referral relationships.
• Attend business events.
• Review marketing performance.
• Stay current on tax and permit deadlines.
• Continue refining operations.

Longview Business Startup Checklist

• Validate the business idea.
• Research customers and competitors.
• Create a basic business plan.
• Estimate startup and monthly operating costs.
• Choose a business structure.
• Research the business name.
• File formation or assumed-name documents.
• Obtain an EIN when needed.
• Determine sales and franchise tax requirements.
• Open a business bank account.
• Set up bookkeeping and accounting.
• Obtain appropriate insurance.
• Verify zoning before signing a commercial lease.
• Complete Certificate of Occupancy requirements.
• Obtain industry-specific licenses and permits.
• Set up utilities and technology.
• Prepare payroll and employer requirements.
• Build the website and online presence.
• Develop a marketing plan.
• Connect with the Longview SBDC.
• Build relationships through the Longview Chamber.
• Review opportunities through LEDCO when planning expansion or significant job creation.

Build Your Business With the Right Local Resources

Starting a business can feel complicated because no single registration or permit covers every step. The requirements depend on what you sell, where you operate, how the business is structured, and whether you employ other people.

You do not have to work through every question alone.

The Longview Chamber Business Solutions resources connect businesses with tools, programs, visibility, relationships, and the UT Tyler–Longview SBDC. The Chamber’s business journey is built around helping entrepreneurs move from an idea to building, growing, and eventually leading within the community.

Start by doing the foundational work correctly: research the idea, choose the appropriate structure, verify permits before spending money, keep good financial records, and build relationships with people who understand the Longview business community.

Those steps give a new business a much stronger foundation than simply opening the doors and hoping customers arrive.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a business license to start a business in Longview, TX?

Texas does not require a general statewide business license. However, your business may need specific state or local permits, professional licenses, a Certificate of Occupancy, health permits, or other approvals depending on what the business does and where it operates. Start with the City of Longview Business Permits page and the Texas Business Licenses & Permits Guide.

How do I register an LLC in Longview?

An LLC is registered at the state level by filing a Certificate of Formation with the Texas Secretary of State. The current standard filing fee for a Texas LLC is $300. Longview does not have a separate LLC formation process.

Do I need a DBA in Longview?

It depends on the structure and name of the business. A sole proprietor or general partnership using an assumed name generally files with the Gregg County Clerk. LLCs, corporations, limited partnerships, and certain other entities using an assumed name file with the Texas Secretary of State.

Do I need a sales tax permit?

Businesses selling taxable tangible personal property or taxable services in Texas may need a sales and use tax permit. The Texas Comptroller determines which sales are taxable. There is currently no application fee for the standard sales tax permit.

Do I need an EIN if I do not have employees?

Not every sole proprietor is legally required to have an EIN, but an EIN may still be useful or required for banking, taxes, licensing, or other business purposes. Corporations, partnerships, employers, and certain other businesses generally need one. EINs are available free from the IRS.

Should I sign a lease before checking zoning?

No. Verify that the intended business use is permitted at the location before committing to a commercial lease whenever possible. A property may require zoning approval, renovations, inspections, or a Certificate of Occupancy before the business can legally operate there.

Can I operate a business from my home in Longview?

Some home occupations are allowed, but Longview zoning regulations place restrictions on how residential properties can be used for business. Rules can address customer visits, traffic, deliveries, equipment, noise, and the type of business activity. Contact City Planning before assuming that a particular business can operate from a residence.

Where can I get free help starting a business in Longview?

The UT Tyler–Longview Small Business Development Center offers no-cost business advising for entrepreneurs and small businesses. Services include business planning, market research, financial projections, financing assistance, marketing, regulations, operations, and growth planning.

How can the Longview Chamber help a new business?

The Longview Chamber offers networking, business-development programming, advocacy, business visibility, leadership opportunities, events, and connections to local resources such as the Longview SBDC. Members can also participate in Chamber events and promotional opportunities designed to help businesses build relationships within the community.

Does Longview offer incentives for new businesses?

Some projects may qualify for economic-development incentives through the Longview Economic Development Corporation or the State of Texas. Incentives are evaluated individually and may relate to job creation, capital investment, workforce training, utilities, taxes, or development needs. Businesses considering a significant expansion or relocation should contact LEDCO early in the planning process.