Starting a Business in Solon Ohio: Local Resources and Tips

Every business is different, but this general checklist can help you stay organized when starting a business in Solon Ohio:

1. Choose your business structure and register with the State of Ohio
   Decide whether you’ll operate as an LLC, corporation, partnership, or sole proprietorship. Many businesses register through the Ohio Secretary of State.

2. Create your business plan and budget
   Outline your services, pricing, target customers, startup costs, and ongoing expenses. This will guide your decisions on location, staffing, and marketing.

3. Research zoning and choose your Solon location carefully
   Before signing a lease or purchasing property, contact the City of Solon to confirm your intended use is permitted at that address and to learn about any special approvals that may be required. Choosing the wrong location is one of the most common—and costly—mistakes for new owners. For more on what to watch for, read our article Location Mistakes That Kill 60% of New Businesses: The Real Site Selection Rules.

4. Review Planning Commission and city requirements
   If you’re changing the use of a space, altering a building, or installing new signage, check whether Planning Commission review is needed. Use the Planning Commission page and City Calendar to track relevant meetings.

5. Obtain necessary permits and licenses
   This may include building permits, occupancy permits, health department approvals (for food-related businesses), and sign permits. The city’s “Permits & Forms” section provides details and applications.

6. Set up your technology, website, and online presence
   Secure your domain, build a professional website, and claim your Google Business Profile. Work with trusted partners to get your tech and marketing in place before you open.

7. Arrange printing, signage, and branded materials
   Plan for business cards, apparel, banners, and compliant exterior signage. Check Solon’s sign regulations before finalizing designs.

8. Connect with local organizations and plan your grand opening
   Join the Solon Chamber of Commerce, look for local events, and coordinate a ribbon cutting, advertising, and social media campaigns to introduce your business to the community.

Solon Planning Commission and City Resources

If your business will have a physical location, you’ll likely interact with the Solon Planning Commission and related departments. Site plans, zoning approvals, signage, and changes of use often go through this process.

According to the City of Solon, the Planning Commission generally meets in Council Chambers on the Tuesday following the 2nd and 4th Mondays of each month at 7:30 p.m. (Caucus at 7:00 p.m.). For the most current schedule, agendas, and minutes, visit:

• Planning Commission page
• City of Solon Calendar

Additional city resources useful to new business owners include:

• City of Solon Home Page: solonohio.gov
• Agendas & Minutes, Permits & Forms: accessible through the “Quick Links” and “Government” sections on the city website

Checking these pages regularly helps you keep an eye on Planning Commission meetings and any updates that could affect your project.

Solon Chamber of Commerce

As you move closer to opening, connect with the Solon Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber can help you:

• Network with other local business owners
• Promote your grand opening and special events
• Gain visibility through Chamber communications and events
• Stay informed about local issues that affect businesses

Learn more, explore membership, and see upcoming events at the Solon Chamber of Commerce.

Essential Local Services and Trusted Partners

New businesses often need a core set of services: technology support, marketing, printing, apparel, and more. This guide highlights categories of services and links only to official resources and trusted partners we work with. This is a starting point, not a complete business directory.

Website, IT, Google, and Social Media Support for Solon Businesses

When you’re starting a business in Solon Ohio, your online presence and technology are just as important as your physical location. Most customers will search for you on Google, visit your website, and check your social media before they ever walk in.

To help with that, we work with several Northeast Ohio partners that support local businesses:

Website hosting, design, and tech support – WeldonPC

WeldonPC offers:

• Website hosting, design, and management
• Managed IT and tech support bundles
• Computer repair, setup, and upgrades
• Cloud backup, data recovery, onsite tech support, and more

Partnering with a technology provider like WeldonPC helps new Solon businesses launch with a professional website, stable computers, and a plan for backups and security.

Google Business Profile and Google Ads – Rosace Enterprises 
Getting found on Google is essential for local businesses. Rosace Enterprises focuses on:

• Setting up and optimizing your Google Business Profile
• Managing Google Ads campaigns to reach people actively searching for your services
• Tracking results so you know which campaigns are working

If you want your Solon business to appear in local map and search results when customers look for services “near me,” Google optimization and ads through Rosace Enterprises can be a powerful tool.

Social media and content marketing – SpiderCat Marketing 
Consistent social media and content help keep your business in front of local customers. SpiderCat Marketing provides:

• Social media strategy and regular posting
• Content creation and local storytelling around your brand
• Campaigns to support launches, events, and ongoing promotions

SpiderCat Marketing can help new Solon businesses build awareness, share updates, and stay connected with the community online.

Printing, Branded Apparel, and Shipping – PostNet Macedonia 

Almost every new business needs printed materials and branded items—business cards, flyers, mailers, banners, and T‑shirts.

Instead of listing every print shop in the region, we work with a trusted partner:

PostNet – Macedonia Commons 
PostNet in Macedonia is our preferred regional connection for:

• Business cards, brochures, and flyers
• Branded T‑shirts and apparel
• Banners, posters, and signs
• Shipping, packing, and related services

Although PostNet is located in nearby Macedonia, they regularly work with businesses throughout Northeast Ohio, including Solon. If you’re starting a business in Solon Ohio and need a reliable print and apparel partner, PostNet is a convenient option.

Other Local Providers

In addition to the partners listed above, new Solon businesses often work with:

• Sign companies that understand Solon’s sign code
• Local accountants, attorneys, and insurance agents
• Commercial real estate agents and contractors

Promote Your New Solon Business with Local Media

When you’re starting a business in Solon Ohio, getting the word out locally is just as important as your signage and interior design. Our Northeast Ohio platforms offer several ways to reach Solon residents and nearby communities:

• Submit a press release announcing your grand opening or major milestones
• Request consideration for a business spotlight or feature story
• Explore advertising options to support your launch and ongoing promotions

If you’re interested in media coverage, advertising, or social media support contact us.

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