Opening a Business in Columbiana

Welcome!  We are glad you are interested in opening a business in Columbiana.  Below is a guide to opening a business in Columbiana.   

1.  Study the local market to know if your business is the right fit for Columbiana.
   1. Review the Columbiana Main Street Market Study
   2. Review the Economic Development page on the City’s website
2.  Create a business plan and choose your business structure.
   1. Review the IRS’ guidance on starting a small business
   2. Review the Alabama Secretary of State website.
   3. Get help writing your plan from the Small Business Administration
   4. Let FormSwift walk you through writing a business plan
   5. Work with the Alabama Small Business Development Center for ideas
3. Identify your business location.
   1. Contact Columbiana Main Street for a list of properties available in the downtown district.  For other properties contact Dale Lucas.
   2. Request a CODE Team walkthrough on the property you have identified BEFORE you sign a lease or purchase property.  This will verify zoning and permitted land use of the identified property and will insure that Columbiana’s CODE Team walks through the property to identify any code repairs that need to be made on the identified structure.  You can also request a CODE Team walkthrough by calling 205-669-3969.  Current building owners can also request a CODE Team Walkthrough to identify any updates they need to make to their property before selling or leasing
   3. Please note that ALL properties will need a CODE Team Walkthrough before any new business can open or current business can re-locate.
4. Zoning verification and building permits
   1. Schedule a meeting with Dale Lucas to verify the zoning and permitted land uses of your prospective location and to discuss building permits for any renovations. (This can be done after the CODE Team meeting)
   2. Review the Sign Ordinance and complete a Sign Permit application for signage.
5. Schedule inspections by initiating your business license. 
   1. Contact Charlene Tucker at 205-669-5800.
   2. A building inspection will be scheduled.   You must have a complete and final building inspection before your fire inspection or health department inspection.
   3. A Fire inspection will be scheduled once your final building inspection is approved. 
   4. Schedule a health department inspection from The Shelby County Health Department at (205) 685-4178. (If applicable)
6. Purchase your business license from City Hall.
   1. Download the Business License Application or go by City Hall to complete the form. 
   2. Please note that you must have a completed FINAL building inspection, a completed FINAL fire inspection, and a completed health department inspection (if applicable) before you will be issued a business license.
7. Open for business!
   1. Columbiana Main Street hosts ribbon cuttings for their paying members in the downtown district. 
   2. The Shelby County Chamber hosts ribbon cuttings for their paying members outside of the Main Street District.
   3.  Filing Local Business Taxes Info Flyer - click below link.