Step-by-Step Guide to Start an SME Business in Bangladesh
- Define your product/service and target customer.
- Test the idea with 20β50 potential customers or a small Facebook ad campaign.
- Estimate cost, pricing, and profit using a simple spreadsheet.
π Tip: Use Facebook Audience Insights or Google Trends to check market interest.
- Sole Proprietorship β easiest to start (Trade License + TIN).
- Private Limited Company β better for partnerships or investors (registered with RJSC).
- Partnership β for multiple owners but simpler than company.
π Recommendation: Start as Sole Proprietor for small scale or test run.
- Go to Registrar of Joint Stock Companies & Firms (RJSC)
- π RJSC Name Clearance Portal
- Apply for Name Clearance (valid 90 days).
- After approval, prepare MOA & AOA and submit for registration.
π Guide: Company Registration in Bangladesh
- Get Trade License from City Corporation / Pourashava / Union Parishad.
- Online Trade License Portal (National)
- Dhaka South City Corporation: New & Renewal of Trade License
- Process Summary: Bangladesh Trade Portal β Obtain a Trade License
π Required docs: NID, photo, office rental agreement, TIN, and form βKβ.
Apply online via NBR e-TIN Portal.
(If link changes, visit nbr.gov.bd β E-Services β e-TIN)
- If yearly turnover exceeds threshold, register for VAT.
- VAT Online Services
- Guide: Trade Portal β VAT Registration Procedure
- Take Trade License, TIN certificate, and NID copy.
- Add partnership deed / incorporation certificate if applicable.
- Request a business current account in the company name.
- Food / Manufacturing: BSTI License
- Import/Export: IR / ERC Registration
- Fire Safety / Environment: Check DOE Certificates
- Register domain (.com or .com.bd).
- Create Facebook Page + Google Business Profile.
- Use WhatsApp Business for communication.
- Keep expense records using Excel or free software.
- Start small, test pricing, and scale gradually.
- Hire staff when workload grows.
- Register as Private Limited when expanding.
