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The friendly and knowledgeable staff of the Hyattsville CDC are well-versed in local zoning requirements and the local market. We are happy to talk to any existing or potential business owner about opportunities in Hyattsville, the Route 1 Corridor, and the surrounding Inner-Beltway communities.
Begin by filling out an Assistance Intake Form, then bookmark or download our New Business Startup Guide.
GET STARTED!
Welcome! This guide is your one-stop shop for all things business in the Hyattsville, MD area. Whether you’re looking to relocate to Prince George’s County, start a business from scratch, or brush up on the best practices or requirements for businesses, this guide is for you.
Be sure to also check out the City of Hyattsville’s Small Business Guide to find information regarding local grant programs.
If you want one-on-one guidance or have a question not addressed here, please reach out! Supporting small businesses in the region is essential to our work in the Hyattsville area. Please fill out our assistance form.
Section 1. Starting a Business
Section 2. Property & Zoning Requirements
Section 3. Permits & Inspections
Section 4. Tax Incentives
Section 5. Working Capital
Section 6. Digital & Branding
1. Choose Your Business Structure The first step in starting your business is to establish a business structure. This will affect what licenses you’ll need and the makeup of the business itself. The four most common types are:
Sole proprietorship and general partnerships do not require legal entry formalities other than compliance with state and local licensing requirements. Corporations and LLC’s articles of incorporation requirements are located here.
The State of Maryland has made it easy to Plan, Start, Manage & Grow your business with the creation of the Maryland Business Express website. Find all of the information relative to starting your business on one site!
2. Become a Legal Entity in Maryland. Now that you’ve registered on the federal level, register your business and establish the legal entity with the Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation.
3. Obtain a Federal Tax ID Number (EIN). You can get this for free from the IRS and it’s necessary before you can register your business in Maryland. It’s used for tax purposes, so keep it handy. You can get on through the IRS website (beware of spam sites charging for EIN numbers!) and it will generate a number for you immediately after completing the questionnaire. The IRS also provides more in-depth info about how to apply.
4. Register Your Business Name. You’ll want to register your fictitious or business name with the State of Maryland. You may also register a “trade name,” which isn’t the same as your business’s legal name. A trade name or “doing business as” registration is recommended for sole proprietorship or partnerships who are operating under a name other than that of the owner(s). Also, a Corporation, Limited Partnership, or Limited Liability Company operating under a name other than the name registered with the State of Maryland would need to register a trade name. Visit Maryland’s registration portal for more info.
5. Register for State and Local Taxes. You can do this easily through the Maryland Comptroller’s office. Note that you’ll need to print and submit a paper copy if you’re registering an alcohol tax license, tobacco tax license, or motor fuel tax account.
6. Optional: Register as a certified MBE or DBE. An MBE is a Minority Business Enterprise and a DBE is a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise. These programs were created to ensure that small, minority- and women- owned businesses have the opportunity to participate fully and fairly in both state and U.S. DOT federally funded projects.Visit Maryland.gov to learn more about obtaining Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) certification.
7. Obtain a Maryland Business License. You can find these through the Clerk of the Circuit Court in Prince George’s County. Any business that sells a product or service needs a business license. Essentially, any business that sells a product or service needs some kind of business license. The Maryland Business Express offers a detailed step by step plan for starting your business. For more information, visit Maryland Business Licenses Online.
For more information and resources from the State of Maryland, review the Maryland Checklist for New Businesses.
Unless you do your work digitally, you’ll likely need a place to do business. These resources can help you find a place:
Once you’ve found your dream property, make sure your business fits the zoning regulations. Zoning regulations determine how the property can and can’t be used, like residential or commercial use. Other zones include industrial, recreational and agricultural uses.
Zones are outlined in area plans and are sometimes subject to change. In the Hyattsville region, there are overlay zones that are applied “over” existing classifications that modify what is allowed within their regions. Generally, these kinds of overlays are used to make zoning less restrictive to encourage development. When you’re in an overlay zone, you follow that rather than the traditional zoning. Property in the Hyattsville region may fall under one of three overlay zone plans:
Any property not located within these overlay zones is under regular zoning, which can be determined using PGAtlas.
The following resources provide further information on zoning, zoning categories and where to find use tables:
There may be more inspections and permits you’ll need, but here are the two most common types of inspections for local businesses.
Prince George’s County Department of Permitting, Inspections, and Enforcement (DPIE) issues all Certificates of Occupancy or Use of Occupancy permits which essentially act as the county’s stamp of approval for the business. They officially state that the business in question can legally operate. All businesses within Prince George’s County are required to have their U&O permit before opening. If you need a County Business License, you need the U&O first.
To get your U&O permit, you’ll need to go to DPIE’s portal, make an account, and fill out the U&O application form. Make sure you complete all the required fields and select that you’re applying for an U&O permit. To find the appropriate site info, you’ll need to access two other resources:
You will also need to schedule an in-person inspection for your U&O permit. You can schedule it either online or by phone (301-883-5390). The county’s website has more information about what is needed before you schedule the inspection and for the inspection itself.
A U&O does NOT allow you to do construction, you’ll need an additional permit for that.
There is an alternative permit process called a walk-through which is available for:
If your business is within the Chesapeake Bay critical area, a historic site, or is otherwise deemed inappropriate for a walk-through, you will need to go through the regular application process.
If your business is within city limits, you must have a Hyattsville Business License. To get this, you must have already have:
After submitting your application, the Department of Code Enforcement will schedule an initial inspection. If your business doesn’t pass, the inspector will give you a violation notice listing the deficiencies, the necessary corrections and the date by which the corrections need to be made. This will be issued to the property owner, but business owners can request a copy at (301)985-5041.
Read about the city’s requirements in their Commercial Code Compliance Brochure.
Arts and entertainment (A&E) businesses may be eligible for tax credits if located within a Maryland Arts and Entertainment District. If your business is in or around Hyattsville, you may be within the Gateway Arts District.
You may be eligible for local property tax credit if you’ve made improvements to your property for the use of “qualified residing artists” or “arts and entertainment enterprises.” If you’re not sure if you qualify, review how Maryland defines artists and A&E enterprises.
The amount and duration of the tax credit, as well as the application process, is determined by the local government. Contact a district manager or the A&E Districts Program Director with questions about the incentives available in a particular district.
Use our Real Property Tax Credit Calculator to help you determine your savings.
If you’re a a qualified artist living in Maryland who sells “artistic work” (again, please check how the state defines these terms) in an Arts and Entertainment District, you may be eligible for an income tax subtraction modification on income derived from in-district sales. This includes internet sales originating in an A&E district.
Eligible artists should submit a form 502AE with their annual state tax filing to claim the modification.
Local governments may exempt from the admissions and amusement tax gross receipts from any admissions or amusement charge imposed by an “arts and entertainment enterprise” or a “qualifying residing artist” in an A&E District.
Please visit the State Comptroller’s Office website or contact the office for additional information.
Maryland businesses can take advantage of multiple types of tax credits, including the Enterprise Zone Tax Credit, Sustainable Community Tax Credit and Green Building Tax Credit. The full list and description of all credits can be found here.
These tax credits are meant to encourage investment in inner-beltway communities in Prince George’s County and are available in census tracts in which the median household income is lower than the County’s overall median. Eligible improvements are then given tax credit on their county real property taxes.
Qualifying improvements include construction, reconstruction, or extension of both non-residential and residential structures, and new construction in developments of fewer than ten single-family homes. Check the Prince George’s County Economic Development Corporation’s website for a full list of qualifying improvements and to see if you are eligible. For more information, go here or call one of their Business Development Specialist at 301-583-4650.
Enterprise Zones are regions that offer state and local incentives to encourage business growth and the creation of new jobs. The Prince George’s County Enterprise Zone, encompasses approximately 7,275 acres of commercial property split into six regions.
Benefits range from state income tax credits per employee and Prince George’s County. real property tax credits
This program is managed by Prince George’s Economic Development Corporation; you can learn more and apply here.
To find out whether your property is in the enterprise zone, take the following steps:
1. Go to PGAtlas
2. Click on “Advanced Mapping”
3. On the upper right hand side of the screen, select the “Map Layers” function (farthest right option
4. Under the Administrative layer, select Enterprise Zone
5. Use the binoculars to Search by Address for your property
6. Your property will appear under the search bar on the left side. Click the magnifying class to view property on map. If it is overlaid with green stripes, your property is in an Enterprise Zone.
If you’re looking for funding, there are a few options. You can get a small business loan from a bank, credit union or state entity. You could also look to Venture Capitalists or Angel Investors.
Looking for local workshops? Visit this page.
Most banks also offer small business loans and lines of credit. Check out our Economic Development resources to find more information.
Some banks offer workshops, one-on-one training and financial literacy modules for the general public, and for business employees. Contact the Hyattsville CDC through our assistance form if you would like to connect with someone directly.
Your website and social media presence are both critical to building your small business. As you start to think about how to design your website, check out this informative article from Forbes on some easy first steps.
Modern websites are bright, restrained, and streamlined. That means you’ll want a white background, black text (which is easiest to read against white), and a simple layout. A simple menu bar and/or side bar will be the building blocks of your site, and your content should be pithy, yet thorough, with ample professional grade photos and other media.
Everyone’s brand will be different, so it’s hard to say what each business or online retailer will need. If you’d like specific guidance for your business from us, fill our our assistance form. Otherwise, here are a few best practices:
The Hyattsville Community Development Corporation (CDC) is a 501 c(3) non-profit organization. We are professionals, tradesmen, business owners, artists, longtime and new residents.
We work to reverse indifference and blight in the City of Hyattsville and surrounding communities.
We recognize Hyattsville’s social, cultural, and material assets, and are committed to harnessing our community’s potential and talents to revitalize the City and neighboring areas. Our board and staff are comprised of Hyattsville residents and local stakeholders.
We envision Hyattsville as a healthy, diverse, well-planned, and thriving community of homes and businesses where the arts: visual, performing and public, are a part of our work and the fabric of our lives.
To develop arts and public spaces, to spur economic development and the quality of community life, to encourage widespread leadership for community revitalization, and to rebuild the City’s commercial corridors.
Gloria Felix-Thompson is a leader, community advocate and experienced professional
committed to fostering cultural enrichment and social progress. Her journey reflects a
strong dedication to empowering others and making lasting positive change.
With a career spanning over three decades, Gloria has made meaningful contributions
to the arts and public relations landscape. Serving as the Director of the Washington-
based nonprofit, the arts connection, from 1983 to 2021, she played a pivotal role in
orchestrating executive and artistic operations. Her responsibilities ranged from
supervising staff and volunteers to designing and executing media and fundraising
campaigns.
Gloria spearheaded visionary initiatives, including founding the renowned Schubert,
Schubert and Schubert Festival in Georgetown, and Music for the Inner City in
Anacostia, Washington DC. She also represented the United States for the exhibition
"Vienna in Concert," leading a nationwide media campaign and organizing high-profile
events with government officials and dignitaries. One of her proudest achievements is
receiving the Golden Medal of Merit of the Federal Republic of Austria.
An ardent advocate for community welfare, Gloria has been actively involved in various
initiatives aimed at uplifting underserved populations. She has contributed to urban
forestry efforts as a member of the City of Hyattsville Shade Tree Board. Her dedication
to preservation issues and community development is evident through her roles in
organizations like the Hyattsville Preservation Association and the Hyattsville
Community Development Cooperation.
Fluent in German, Gloria completed her education at the Realgymnasium für Mädchen in
Vienna, Austria where she was born and lived her early life. Gloria continued her
education in Real Estate and Marketing at the University of Maryland, College Park.
Lawrence N. Taub has been representing local and national developers, builders, businesses and property owners in land use and zoning matters for over thirty years. Mr. Taub represents his clients before administrative, legislative and judicial bodies to obtain all required approvals for a wide range of developments, including mixed-use and transit-oriented projects, retail centers, office complexes, single-family and multi-family residential developments, senior housing projects, private schools, religious institutions, sand and gravel mining operations, and solid waste facilities. His practice includes such land use matters as rezonings, special exceptions, subdivisions (including preliminary plans, variations and final plats), master plans, sectional map amendments, variances, departures from design standards, basic plans, comprehensive and specific design plans, conceptual and detailed site plans, zoning ordinance text amendments, nonconforming use certifications, validations of permits issued in error, water and sewer category changes, building/use and occupancy permit issues, and defense of zoning violations. His extensive knowledge and experience enable him to develop comprehensive and cohesive strategies to assist his clients in obtaining the governmental approvals needed for their projects.
Lynda Lynn is currently working on her Marketing Degree at the University of Maryland. Most recently Lynda was the Marketing Project Manager at University Town Center in Hyattsville, Maryland where she planned the weekly outdoor concert series, several festivals and worked with the leasing team and retail tenants to market the development.
Lynda has a background in sales, recruiting, training and project management. She has worked on a wide range of projects for a variety of clients, ranging from event planning at University Town Center to project management during the Exxon/Mobil merger. While at IKON Office Solutions Lynda developed the sponsorship-in-kind relationship with The Susan G. Komen National Race for the Cure. She serves on the board of her homeowners association and enjoys the arts and running.
Christopher L. Hatcher is a member of RWLLS’ Real Estate and Zoning practice, with experience in zoning, subdivision, land use and other real estate development matters. Christopher also has experience representing clients before various municipal, local, state agencies. A graduate of University of Maryland School of Law, Christopher joined the firm as a legislative affairs fellow in 2009. Christopher was a Silver Scholar and a member of the Journal of Health Care Law and Policy during law school. Also, Christopher was a Judicial Asper Fellow for the Honorable Susan K. Gauvey, a Magistrate Judge of the District Court for the District of Maryland. Christopher graduated from Morehouse College, cum laude, with Bachelors of Arts.
Mike Franklin is an entrepreneur, who is the owner, developer, and operator of Franklins Restaurant, Brewpub and General Store. Mike worked in the toy distribution and sales business for nineteen years. A detailed profile of the history of his operation in Hyattsville is available from Franklin’s Brewery website. Mike is a graduate of St. Johns College of Annapolis, MD with a B.A. in Classics.
Todd Dengel is currently the Mid-Atlantic Regional Director for Reimagined Parking overseeing its family of nationally recognized brands – Impark, Lanier, Republic Parking and AmeriPark. Todd’s primary role is developing new commercial asset opportunities while maintaining successful client relationships.
Todd has lived in Hyattsville, Maryland with his family since 2010. He is currently a member of the Hyattsville Preservation Society and the Hyattsville City Planning Advisory Committee. He has also served as an Executive Committee member of the Mount Vernon Triangle Community Improvement District in Washington, D.C.
Lisa Jordan an experienced marketing & communications leader in travel and hospitality, Lisa Jordan is Senior Director of Digital Marketing for Red Roof, a leading economy hotel brand. Her professional background includes nearly 20 years of brand development, marketing strategy and implementation, team leadership and e-commerce in travel. Previously she served on the executive leadership team at Hostelling International USA as Vice President of Marketing. She held several positions during a prior 10-year tenure at Sabre Hospitality Solutions.
Lisa is a longtime Board member for Hyattsville Community Development Corporation and served as the Board Chair from 2014-2020. Drawing from her professional experience, graduate studies, and love for Hyattsville, her priorities are applying sustainable place management practices and soliciting stakeholder input to guide Hyattsville’s development. Lisa also serves on the HSMAI Americas Board, the HSMAI Washington DC chapter Marketing Communications Committee, and is an active volunteer for Women in Travel THRIVE. In 2023 she was named one of the Top 25 Extraordinary Minds in Hospitality Marketing by HSMAI.
She is a proud George Washington University alumna who holds a Master of Tourism Administration from the School of Business. Since earning her master’s degree, Lisa has served multiple years in leadership roles, including Vice President and President, in the GWU Tourism Alumni Network. In 2022 she was honored with the Outstanding Alumni Award for Alumni Leadership by the GWU School of Business MS program in Tourism, Hospitality and Event Management.
Lisa lives in Hyattsville, Maryland, and when she is not traveling, she spends her time fixing her house, dancing, biking the Trolley Trail, and enjoying local breweries, roasteries and distilleries.
Brian Escobar joins the Hyattsville CDC as a graduate of the University of Maryland. With a passion for the arts, community development, and marketing lead him to pursue a major of his own making, Social Innovation and Arts Marketing. Through his field of study and work experience he focused on how to mitigate social inequities through the investigation, development, and implementation of sustainable solutions such as social ventures and projects.
He began his career as a marketer as he used social media and digital marketing as a vessel for brand management as well as to spark interest for social change projects. He’s worked with small local businesses and artists to optimize their marketing strategy.
Growing up in the City of Hyattsville provided him a unique perspective and experience that drives his passion. Looking to give back to his community he hopes to continue to elevate the community and city of Hyattsville.
E-Mail: bescobar@hyattsvillecdc.org
Telephone: (301) 683-8267
Jessica Perez joins the Hyattsville CDC after working with Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) as a service specialist from 2018-2021, working on Hurricane Harvey, the COVID-19 vaccine, FEMA Funeral Assistance Program. Throughout these roles, she helped people nationally and holds deep knowledge about public policy in how the federal system operates managing natural disasters. Jessica has a Master’s Degree in Political Communication from American University. She enjoys hiking and trying new restaurants in the DMV area in her spare time.
E-Mail: jperez@hyattsvillecdc.org
Telephone: (301) 683-8267
Bronwyn King is a community arts activist focused on supporting artists and creating new opportunities for public art engagement in the SoHy area of Hyattsville. King also co-founded the local non-profit SoHy Co-op to provide promotional assistance to local businesses. She remains deeply committed to building a stronger community through access to the arts.
E-Mail: bking@hyattsvillecdc.org
Telephone: (301) 683-8267
Stuart Eisenberg has served as the Executive Director of the Hyattsville Community Development Corporation since 2005, developing the arts and public spaces of Hyattsville and the Gateway Arts District while delivering economic development and revitalization activities throughout the urban edge of Prince George’s County and along the Route One Corridor.
Stuart is a former Hyattsville City Council President, where he focused on implementing strategic plans, expanded community planning, and funded infrastructure renewal. Stuart has had the privilege to serve on several nonprofit organization and advisory boards in Prince George’s County. He is immediate past-President of the Anacostia Trails Heritage Area Inc.; former Vice President of the Hyattsville Preservation Association; and is currently a member of the Gateway Arts District Management Team. Other affiliations include service on Community Forklift’s Capital Acquisition Committee, the Prince George’s County Council’s Gas Safety Policy Task Force; and WSSC’s Environmental Advisory Board.
During his tenure working on local community development and revitalization Stuart has managed many non-profit and governmental fundraising endeavors, initiated development projects, and the construction of community facilities. Stuart has played a key role in the creation of new commercial and residential space, and public art projects in Hyattsville and across nine municipalities. He has led or assisted in many legislative and administrative efforts to aid in the realization of community-based revitalization goals: including the statewide authorization to create Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) in Maryland; enabling the universal use of Resident Artist tax credits in Arts Districts all across the State; and spearheading the team that authored the Prince George’s County Gateway Arts & Entertainment District Recertification.
Stuart’s previous career as a cabinet maker and project manager, along with his long-time avid community and environmental activism, prepared him well for his current mission: making Hyattsville CDC a leading nonprofit community services provider transforming the Route One Corridor and the Inner Beltway region of Prince George’s County: facilitating the economic renaissance of the area and leading to a sustainable, fortified local tax base.
E-Mail: eisenberg@hyattsvillecdc.org
Telephone: (301) 683-8267
