Doing Business in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Is Pennsylvania a Good State to Do Business?

Doing business in the Commonwealth of Pennslyvania gives businesses the opportunity to experience the state’s unique combination of a skilled workforce, affordable cost of living, proximity to major markets, business incentives and an excellent quality of life. 

From a logistics standpoint, Pittsburgh is located within 500 miles of half of the U.S. population. It is also within a day’s drive of several major metropolitan areas, including New York, Philadelphia and Washington D.C. This makes it an ideal location for Pennsylvania businesses that require easy access to customers and suppliers. 

The state of Pennsylvania offers a favorable tax structure including corporate tax credits for job creation, investment, research and development, and historic preservation. Additionally, business taxes in Pennsylvania are relatively low, and the state offers various tax breaks and exemptions to small businesses.  

Pittsburgh is a thriving city with an exciting arts and culture scene, a variety of outdoor recreational activities and a strong sense of community. It also has a relatively low cost of living compared to other major cities in the United States, meaning business owners’ bank accounts and employees’ personal income can go further. 

Average Office Lease Rate (2021)

Per square foot

Average Industrial Lease Rate (2021)

Per square foot

Incentives

Success STORIES: COMPANIES HEADQUARTERED IN Pittsburgh

Affirm

After searching for a second HQ, Affirm chose the state of Pennsylvania out of the entire United States. Affirm committed to creating 500 professional services jobs in Pittsburgh. Founder and CEO Max Levchin, who also co-founded services company, PayPal, said Affirm chose Pittsburgh because “it was important for us to be able to grow our workforce for many years to come with superb talent.” 

 

Krystal Biotech

The rapid gene therapy manufacturer is building a 100,000-SF facility near Pittsburgh International Airport to advance first-ever topically applied gene therapy treatment to help children living with a rare skin disease called dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa.

 

Building Your Business In Pittsburgh, PA

Pennsylvania is a great place to start, grow, or buy a business. The Pennsylvania Department of State and the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue provide several business services to make the process of starting a business efficient as possible. 

If you’re planning on doing business in Pennsylvania, you’ll need to consider forming a business entity, such as a Pennsylvania LLC or a foreign corporation. Once you’ve formed your LLC or corporation and obtained a certificate of organization, you’ll need to apply for a business license from the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry.  

When it comes to business structure, Pennsylvania allows for a variety of options, including sole proprietorship, limited liability company (LLC), corporation and partnership. Business owners can complete a business registration with the Pennsylvania Department of State. Pennsylvania law also provides liability protection to business owners and shareholders, allowing them to shield their personal assets from business debts and obligations. 

Businesses can choose from a range of business structures, including sole proprietorship, limited liability companies (LLCs) and corporations. They’re also able to register their business name using a fictitious name or “doing business as” (DBA) name.  

Whether you are incorporating, forming an LLC, or registering any new type of business, Pennsylvania offers a range of resources and incentives to make the process easier and more affordable. With cities like Pittsburgh and a thriving startup community, Pennsylvania is an excellent place for entrepreneurs to start and grow their new businesses.