Starting a Business in the Mohawk Valley
How to register a business name, form an LLC, get a sales tax certificate, find local permits and get free help in Oneida and Herkimer counties.
Last reviewed: October 10, 2026
Starting a business here usually means a few filings with the county and state, a check with your city or town's codes office, and, if you like, free advice from local business counselors. This guide lists each step with the official office that handles it.
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Register a business name (DBA)
Sole proprietors and partnerships using a name other than their own file an assumed name certificate with the county clerk.
Oneida County Clerk — Business Certificate (DBA)
A DBA is not a license or permit; check town or village rules first.
Herkimer County Clerk — Assumed Name Certificates
Assumed Name DBA, Partnership, Amended and Discontinuance forms are on the clerk's page.
Form an LLC or corporation
NYS Department of State — Articles of Organization (LLC)
File online, by mail, fax or in person in Albany.
Herkimer County newspapers designated for LLC publication
Listed as a download on the County Clerk's page.
Sales tax Certificate of Authority
Register as a sales tax vendor (NYS Tax Department)
Anyone selling taxable goods or services must register through New York Business Express before starting. You need a NY.gov Business account.
NYS Tax Department information line
Oneida County notes a Tax Department office on the 9th floor of the State Office Building in Utica.
Local permits, zoning and codes
City of Utica Codes Department
Building permits, plan review and inspections.
City of Rome Code Enforcement
Building permits, zoning, signs and inspections. Permit fees double if work starts without a permit.
Town of New Hartford Codes Department
Zoning, building, property maintenance and fire safety.
Town of Whitestown Codes Enforcement
Village of Clinton Code Enforcement
Permits for properties physically inside the Village of Clinton only. Many Clinton (13323) addresses are in the Town of Kirkland instead.
Town of Kirkland Planning and Codes
Village of Herkimer Codes Enforcement
Town of Herkimer Codes
City of Little Falls Building and Codes
Building permits, inspections and zoning inside the city.
Free advice and mentoring
Mohawk Valley Small Business Development Center
Free business advising for Herkimer, Madison, Montgomery and Oneida counties. Satellite outreach includes the Old Forge Library.
SCORE Central NY
Free volunteer mentoring and low-cost workshops; serves Oneida County.
Economic development, loans and incentives
Mohawk Valley EDGE
Administers revolving loan funds and, with Oneida County, state Microenterprise and Small Business Assistance grants. Also connects startups with the thINCubator and the SBDC.
Oneida County Industrial Development Agency
Offers PILOT agreements, sales tax relief on building materials and mortgage recording tax exemptions for projects (as described by Mohawk Valley EDGE).
Herkimer County Industrial Development Agency
Empire State Development — Mohawk Valley Regional Office
Helps businesses find state programs for new facilities, relocation, expansion, workforce and new markets.
ESD Small Business Hub
Statewide small business programs, including loan and capital access programs.
Chambers of commerce
Greater Utica Chamber of Commerce
Rome Area Chamber of Commerce
Herkimer County Chamber of Commerce
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