StartDMV Blog
guides
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
Startups in Washington, DC: Notable Companies by Sector
From govtech and defense to climate, fintech and health, here are notable startups in Washington, DC, with links to their directory profiles and the local resources founders use.
October 19, 2026 · 5 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
Funding
Virginia Startup Ecosystem Guide: Funding, Programs and Communities
A practical guide to starting up in Virginia: company setup, free ICAP advising, VIPC grants and seed funding, investors, accelerators and the founder events worth your time.
October 15, 2026 · 5 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
Coworking
Coworking Spaces in Washington DC: 2026 Prices and Neighborhood Guide
Compare 10 coworking options in Washington, DC by neighborhood and published price, from free library workspace to private offices, plus what DC licensing rules mean for a coworking address.
October 7, 2026 · 5 min read
Washington DC
Business Networking Events in Washington DC: The 2026 Founder's Guide
The recurring business networking events in Washington DC that founders should actually attend, with frequency, cost and who each room is for.
October 7, 2026 · 5 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