StartDMV Blog
business setup
Business Setup
How to Start a Business in Virginia: 2026 Step-by-Step Guide
Everything Virginia founders need to register a business in 2026: choosing a structure, SCC filing fees, assumed names, Virginia Tax, BPOL licenses, hiring rules and free help.
October 21, 2026 · 8 min read
Washington DC
How to Start an LLC in DC: 2026 Step-by-Step Guide
Forming an LLC in Washington DC costs $99 through DLCP's BOSS portal, but the biennial report, OTR registration, zoning and a Basic Business License come next. Here is every step in order, with official fees and free help.
October 15, 2026 · 7 min read
Business Setup
Virginia SCC Business Entity Search: How to Use CIS in 2026
A founder's guide to the Virginia SCC Clerk's Information System: how to search entities, read status and registered agent fields, check names, and meet the fees and deadlines that keep an LLC active.
October 15, 2026 · 7 min read
Business Setup
Virginia SWaM Certification: How to Qualify and Apply in 2026
A practical guide to Virginia SWaM certification for DMV founders: who qualifies, what documents to upload, how to apply through SBSD and how to use eVA to win public contracts.
October 15, 2026 · 6 min read
Washington DC
DC Business License Guide 2026: How to Get a Basic Business License
How to get a DC Basic Business License in 2026, from entity registration and Clean Hands to zoning and the new BOSS portal, with current DLCP fees.
September 30, 2026 · 7 min read
Business Setup
How to Start an LLC in Virginia (2026 Guide)
Starting an LLC in Virginia costs $100 at the SCC plus a $50 annual fee. Here are the 9 steps, every official source, and the free Northern Virginia and statewide resources for founders.
September 30, 2026 · 7 min read
Maryland
How to Start an LLC in Maryland (2026 Guide)
Forming a Maryland LLC costs $100 at SDAT, but the $300 Annual Report due every April 15 is what founders forget. Here are the 8 steps, every official source, and the TEDCO and SBDC resources to use next.
September 30, 2026 · 7 min read