Starting a Business

Starting a Business

Starting a new business can seem challenging. Permitting, state, and local inspections will be required before you open. If locating inside the City limits, a Certificate of Occupancy will be required by the City. In addition, details such as contact information for utilities and information on City programs can seem daunting to a new business owner. This page is to assist the new business owner by creating awareness of many of the requirements in opening a business.

All businesses must comply with building occupancy requirements from City of Mount Vernon Code Enforcement before opening for business.

The information below is meant to assist you in beginning your new venture. 

To obtain state and local permits

903.537.2252

Electric, gas, plumbing inspections

800.252.5555

Sales tax permit

800.252.1381

Franchise permit

800.252.1386

Secretary of State requirements

800.252.1386

Tax ID#

903.533.5351

Health Inspections 

903.537.2342

Franklin County 

903.537.4536

Franklin Co. Water District (lake)

Mount Vernon EDC Scholarship Program

The purpose of the EDC Scholarship Program is to promote future entrepreneurship and business leadership within Mount Vernon and the surrounding community. Download the EDC Scholarship Program Rubric by clicking the button below.
EDC Scholarship Rubric

To arrange utility services


AEP / SWEPCO Electricity // 903.223.5880
Water & Sewer // 903.537.2252
Centerpoint / Natural Gas // 903.826.1980
Verizon // 903.885.1701
Peoples Telephone // 903.878.0104

Helpful phone numbers


 City Offices // 903.537.2252
 Economic Development Office // 903.537.4495
 Mount Vernon Main Street // 903.537.4070
 City Code Enforcement // 903.537.2252
 County Offices // 903.537.2342
 Franklin Co. Water District (lake info) // 903.537.4536
 Chamber of Commerce // 903.537.4365
 Franklin Co. Industrial Foundation // 713.882.4727
 Small Business Development Center // 903.434.8237
 Franklin Co. Clerk // 903.537.2342
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