This is one of the most important considerations when starting a business. There are additional rules and regulations for a home business that might impact your business. If you decide to rent or buy space, be sure to check with the Planning and Zoning Department to determine if your business is allowed in that zoning district.

Once you decide to start your business outside of your home and you found space which meets zoning requirements, you will need to get the space ready for customers. If you do anything more than carpeting and painting, you will need a building permit. Building permits are a valuable tool to make sure that the work that you have done by contractors meets a specific standard and quality. Please contact the Community Development Department at 678-382-6800.

The most common types of businesses are sole proprietors, a Limited Liability Company (LLC), or a Corporation. Each type has its own advantages. Applying for these statuses is done through the State of Georgia. You can research what type best fits your business by visiting the Secretary of State's website.

If you are going to be selling items or products, the State of Georgia requires that you register and collect sales tax. And just like individual taxpayers, businesses are also expected to pay tax to the Federal Government. You can find more information about Federal Tax identification numbers.

• Amusement Games Arcade
• Automobile Sales (1)
• Bakery (2)
• Barber Shop (1)
• Burglar Alarm (1 & 3)
• Butcher (2)
• Catering (4)
• Child Care (5)
• Chiropractors (1)
• Circus/Carnival (11)
• Dances/Dance Hall
• Doctor/Dentist (1)
• Firearms Dealer/Sales (3 & 6)
• Food Trucks (13)
• Fortune Teller (3)
• Heating & Air-Condition (1)
• Hotel/Motel Business (7)
• Ice Cream Shops (4)
• Limousines (8 & 9)
• Massage Estab./Parlor (1 & 3)
• Massage Therapist (1 & 3)
• Non-Profit Business (10)
• Pawn Broker/Shop (3)
• Peddler/Door to Door Sales/Solicitor (14)
• Personal Care Home (4 & 5)
• Pest Control (1)
• Physical Therapy (1)
• Plumbing Business (1)
• Pools & Billiards Room
• Precious Metals and Gems (3)
• Private Patrol/Security Guards (1 & 3)
• Produce Stand (2)
• Real Estate Agents (1)
• Restaurants/Night Club (4 & 12)
• Salon (1)
• Seafood: Retail/Wholesale (2)
• Specialized Contractors (1)
• Taxi/Vehicle for Hire (8 & 9)
• Welding Shop

1. State License
2. Agriculture Department Letter
3. Police Background Clearance
4. Fire and/or Health Inspection
5. DHR State License
6. Federal Firearms License
7. Georgia Accommodation Tourist Permit
8. Taxi Permit
9. Proof of Insurance
10. IRS 501c3 Letter
11. Special Event Permit
12. FOG Compliance Inspection from DeKalb Watershed Dept.
13. Food Service Permit
14. Solicitors permit

List of contacts for the required licenses and inspections.

Every business that operates in the City of Dunwoody is required to obtain an occupational tax certificate. All of the forms are available online or at city hall. The forms requires notaries, which are available free of charge at City Hall.

The State of Georgia requires any business with more than 10 employees company-wide to register with E-Verify, a federal program administered online that checks the status of workers.

The Greater Perimeter Chamber is Dunwoody’s business organization, providing a comprehensive suite of resources and programs designed to foster connections, cultivate growth, and advocate for the success of our member businesses.

Here’s how the Greater Perimeter Chamber can help Dunwoody businesses at the local, state and federal levels:

• Expand your network: Build valuable relationships with other businesses in the Dunwoody area through our diverse lineup of events, including Prosperity Partner Luncheons, Chamber in Heels, Coffee Connections, and Vibe After Five happy hours.
• Enhance your visibility: Gain access to our online business directory and community guide and marketing platforms, reaching a wider audience and promoting your products, services, and events.
• Optimize your bottom line: Leverage exclusive member benefits, including significant savings on health insurance, marketing, office supplies, and more.

Perimeter Connects is your advocate and partner for mobility and infrastructure in the Perimeter district. A free service of the Perimeter Community Improvement Districts (PCIDs), we partner with businesses and their people to make the commute easier and smoother, and provide a competitive advantage for recruitment and retention.

Here’s how Perimeter Connects can help Dunwoody businesses:

• Connect business leaders to infrastructure and mobility projects impacting their workforce.
• Improve intersections, trails, and roadways.
• Advocate and collaborate with regional transit agencies.
• Provide tailored commute consulting, including workforce commute analysis, new office analysis, relocation preparation, parking ratio calculation, and alternative solutions.
• Advise and assist businesses with commuter benefits program best practices.
• Offer annual commuter programs with exciting perks.
• Facilitate employee access to carpool matching, guaranteed ride home, a commuter dashboard, and more.

Discover Dunwoody is Dunwoody’s official destination marketing organization. Its mission is to position Dunwoody as a compelling destination for business and leisure visitors, advancing economic growth and quality of life. 

Here’s how Discover Dunwoody can help Dunwoody businesses:

• Provide discounts and a loyalty app for employees, offering discounts and prizes for visiting local restaurants and businesses.
• Encourage visitors to discover Dunwoody restaurants and cafés, parks, stores, events, and entertainment options.
• Assist with booking event space and hotel guest room blocks for travelers, meetings, and retreats at one of Dunwoody’s nine hotels.
• Businesses can propose content to post in our social media, including announcements of openings and special events.
• Generate awareness of your business with a listing on our website focused on locals.