Home
About Us
Services
Resources
Success Stories
Start A Business
Grow Your Business
Training Calendar
Site Map
Buying a Business?
Templates and Files
Choosing a location

CHOOSING A BUSINESS LOCATION
HOME-BASED VERSUS COMMERCIAL SPACE

With today’s technology more than 53% of all small businesses in the U.S. are home-based. If you’re considering a home-based business location, here are some things you should consider.

  • Is the type of business you want to start or operate appropriate for your home?
  • Does it require storage of a large inventory?
  • Does it involve the use of chemicals or highly flammable materials?
  • Does it involve noise levels that would disturb neighbors?
  • Does it require large numbers of customers to come to your location?
  • Are you legally allowed to operate a business from your home?
  • If you own your home, have you checked any homeowner’s covenants and restrictions pertaining to operating a business from the home?
     
  • If you are renting your home, have you checked your lease pertaining to operating a business from the residence?
     
  • If you live within an incorporated municipality, have you checked with the Town/City Hall pertaining to any restrictions that apply to a home-based business?

Currently, there are no restrictions at the County level on  home-based businesses.

COMMERCIAL SPACE—LEASE OR PURCHASE

When considering where your business will be located, consider the following aspects:

  • Is there appropriate space currently available that will fit your needs and at a price that is within your budget?
  • Is that space conducive to your type of business, i.e., if your business is retail, will customers be able to find you without difficulty, is there enough parking available both for employees and customers, is there a competing business nearby, etc.?
  • Would any modifications need to be made to the space; and, if so, in the case of a lease, is the landlord willing and able to make those changes or allow you to do so? In the case of purchasing the property, does zoning allow you to make modifications?

If you are planning to purchase property and build for your business needs, you will need to check with your county for requirements and a building permit.

Allegany County              www.alleganyworks.org                         301-777-5967
Frederick County              www.discoverfrederickmd.com             301-600-1058     
Garrett County                  www.giecworks.com                             301-387-3167
Washington County              www.hagerstownedc.org                            240-313-2280