How to Start a Business in Virginia 2026 Guide

Key Highlights

Here is a quick look at what you will learn in this guide for starting your Virginia business:

• Virginia has a strong and friendly market for new business owners. There are more than 850,000 small businesses in the state.
• The first steps are to put together a detailed business plan and pick the best legal structure for your company.
• You will need to register your business name and the formation documents with the Virginia State Corporation Commission.
• Getting an Employer Identification Number is needed for tax purposes and for hiring.
• Every business must get a sales tax certificate, and you may need other business licenses too, depending on what your company does.

Introduction

Are you ready to start a new business in Virginia? You are in the right spot. Virginia is home to more than 850,000 small businesses. This makes it a lively and helpful place for anyone who wants to be an entrepreneur. This guide will show you each important step. You will learn how to make your business plan and how to open your doors to the public. Starting a Virginia business may seem like a lot to do. But with a good path and plan, you can feel sure and make your idea come true.

Why Start a Business in Virginia in 2026?

Virginia is well known as one of the top states for business. It gives people who want to start a small business many reasons to choose it. The state has a strong place for small business owners, good roads and buildings, and easy help to get you started. All of this helps you do well with your business.

If you want to set up a new legal entity or find ways to grow your business activities, Virginia is a good choice. The welcome market and steady economy make it much easier for you and your business to grow. Keep reading to see more about the money benefits, top fields, and other good things waiting for you and your small business owners in Virginia.

Virginia’s Economic Climate and Entrepreneurial Opportunities

Virginia is a great place for anyone who wants to start a small business. The state of Virginia is known as one of the top places to do business in the country. This is because it has good roads and buildings, strong internet everywhere, and support groups set up just to help new companies do well. All of this makes it simple for people to find a spot to get started, no matter the type of business they want.

When you decide to start your own small business in Virginia, you join over 850,000 small companies that are important to the people who work in the state. The first things you need to do are to look into your market and think about your business structure.

The state of Virginia also gives all-around help no matter where you are. Business owners in both cities and small towns can get the things they need. This helpful setup gives people the tools to get through the hard first steps and build a strong company.

Key Industries Driving Growth in Virginia

When you start a business in the state of Virginia, it helps to know what industries are growing. Doing market research can help you learn where your business entity will fit in best. Some sectors have more chances because of the state’s special resources and strong economy.

Many types of businesses are doing well in Virginia, from professional service companies to tech startups. You can think about these growing areas for your own business:

• Outdoor Recreation: The mountains, rivers, and coast of Virginia bring many chances for tourism, conservation, and helping the community.
• Technology: This state has a busy tech area. Remote workers can enjoy good living while working in tech.
• Agriculture: This is more than just farming. It includes agri-tourism, food products with extra value, and farming tech.

If your business lines up with one of these good industries, you can have a big advantage. You might get more customers and find other businesses that can help you.

Advantages for Small Business Owners in Virginia

Virginia has many good things to offer small business owners. The state has rules and help in place that make it easy for you to start and run your business. You will find support for money needs and also get expert legal advice.

One of the best things about starting your business here is the strong help network. You will have a chance to work with groups run by the state. These groups help with things like tax purposes and making sure you get good liability protection. Here are some main benefits:

• Thriving Entrepreneurial Ecosystems: The state helps new small business ideas grow by bringing people together to share and work.
• Access to Support: Groups like the Virginia Small Business Development Center give help, advice, and answers to business owners.
• Consolidated Tax Registration: The Virginia Department of Taxation has an easy way for new small business owners to sign up their business for taxes.

With these things, plus a busy market, Virginia is a great place for small business owners to start, grow, and keep their personal assets safe.

Understanding the Business Landscape in Virginia

To get your business started in Virginia, you need to know the rules and the main people involved. Before starting, you have to work with some state agencies. The State Corporation Commission is the place where you register your new business entity.

Picking a business structure is a big step early on. It affects your taxes, liability, and the paperwork you do. The next parts will explain more about the legal rules, the business structures people use the most, and what challenges you might come across.

Legal Requirements and State Regulations

Starting a business in Virginia means you need to follow the state’s laws and rules. The main place where you file your papers is the Virginia State Corporation Commission. You have to send your formation documents there. If you are setting up a Limited Liability Company, you need to file the Articles of Organization.

What do you need to do to set up an LLC in Virginia? The steps are simple. Here are the key things you need to do:

• File Form LLC-1010, the Articles of Organization, with the State Corporation Commission.
• Pay the $100 filing fee.
• Make sure your business name follows all the state’s rules.

After you register, you will still need to get business licenses so you can run your business the right way. There is not one state business license for all of Virginia, but you will have to get a sales tax certificate. You might need more licenses or permits from your city or for your job. It depends on your industry and where you work.

Popular Business Types and Structures in Virginia

Picking the right business structure is a key step for your company. This choice can shape how you pay taxes, your personal risk, and how you get money for your business. In Virginia, you can choose from different business types. Each business structure comes with its own good points and rules.

What business structure do people use most in Virginia? The most common choices give you and other business owners more room to work in a way that fits your life and goals. You can pick from these:

• Sole Proprietorship: This is the easiest way to start. One person owns everything. You pay taxes through your personal income. You do not get liability protection.
• General Partnership: Two or more people own the business together. You split jobs, profits, and losses.
• Limited Liability Company (LLC): This gives you some of the strong points of a company, and you still keep things simple. The LLC gives you liability protection, but is easy to manage like a group.
• Corporation: This kind of business is its own legal entity. It really protects your things and can get money by selling shares of stock.

Take your time to look at each business structure. Thinking about what you really want in the future and how you want to work will help you pick the best fit.

Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them

Even when you start a new business in a state like Virginia, you will still run into some problems. Many business owners, especially those who are in rural places, may have trouble because there is not enough good infrastructure or they cannot find enough skilled workers for their business activities. But if you are ready for these problems, you can get past them.

One thing that many business owners do is not set aside enough money for what the business will need. To keep this from happening, it is good to manage your cash flow closely from the start. You should also know about these challenges and simple ways to handle them:

• Navigating Bureaucracy: It can be hard to fill the state forms for formation documents and pay the state fees. To help with this, think about talking to the SBDC or use a business that can help with LLC formation.
• Understanding Your Market: If you do not do enough market research, your business might not do well. It is important to really look into what your customers want and make sure your product meets what they need before you start.

When you know about these challenges and set up your legal structure with a good plan, you will have a better chance to see your business do well over time.

Beginner’s Guide: What You Need to Start a Business in Virginia

Getting started as a first-time entrepreneur can be hard and take a lot of work. This simple guide will help you with the basics you need when you want to launch your new business in Virginia. It all starts with coming up with a good business idea and picking a business name that fits what you want your brand to be.

Next, you have to make a clear business plan. After that, you need to choose the right business structure and go through the registration process with the Virginia Department of Taxation and other state agencies. The next parts will talk more about the equipment, skills, and local help you can use to make your new business a success.

Essential Equipment and Resources for New Businesses

If you want to start a new business in Virginia, you will need a few things besides the tools and items for your business activities. There are some basic things you must have to make sure you run your business well. These things will keep you on track, help you follow the rules, and make sure your money is in order.

You need to write a detailed business plan. This plan will guide the way you make choices. It will also help when you want to get funding. It is good to have a set business location, even if you just work from home. Here are some other important items every new business should get:

• A Separate Business Bank Account: It is smart to keep your personal money and business money in different accounts. This will help when you need to check your books and pay your taxes.
• Business Insurance: You should have insurance for your business. It can protect you, your money, and your things if an accident, lawsuit, or something sudden happens.
• An Employer Identification Number (EIN): You need an EIN if you want to pay federal taxes or hire employees.
• Formation Service: These services can help you fill out needed paperwork and get a registered agent faster and in the right way.

If you get these things before you start, your business will have a solid base and you will have a better chance for success.

Skills and Knowledge for First-Time Entrepreneurs

Starting a new business is about more than having a great idea. You need to have certain skills and know-how to really make it work. If you are a first-time entrepreneur, having the right abilities will help you face challenges. It will also make it easier to get potential investors interested the way you want.

What skills do you need to start a new business in Virginia? You need to know the details about your industry, but there are some business skills that help everyone. You need to have good financial sense. This is important for handling cash flow and getting tax returns ready in time. Being able to talk to people in a clear way is important, too. Good communication helps with networking and marketing. It is a smart idea to use a professional service if you need help with legal or money issues.

Some of the most important skills you should work on are:

• Relationship Building: It is key to be real with people. Make honest ties with mentors, partners, and customers. That is how you find long-term success in the end.
• Market Analysis: You must really know your target customers. Proving that your product works and is needed makes your new business stronger.
• Adaptability: Things will not always go as planned. It is good to be able to handle changes and not get stuck. When you do not know something, it is okay to ask for help.

Growing these skills can make a big difference for your new business. Even if it is

Finding Local Support and Guidance

You do not need to begin your small business by yourself. In Virginia, there is a strong network of local support systems that offer help and resources. If you are looking for resources for new business owners, start with the groups that are there to help people like you succeed.

The Small Business Administration (SBA) is one of those groups. Their local partners give a lot of useful help too. Talking to your local government and economic development teams can help you understand what is needed in your area and what rules may apply. The state agencies are ready to help you through the set up process.

If you are looking for someone to work with you, try these resources:

• Virginia Small Business Development Center (SBDC): Gives free, private help with business advice, training, and technical help.
• Local Economic Development Teams: These teams talk about zoning, permits, and special offers in the area.
• Business Mentors: People who have started a business can give knowledge, advice, and help you not make mistakes others made.
• Networking Groups: Meet other business owners near you. This will help you share experience, get support, and build better contacts.

Step-by-Step Process to Start a Business in Virginia

Are you ready to turn your business idea into a real thing? This step-by-step guide will help you get started with your Virginia business the right way. By following each step, you can make sure you do everything needed and set up your company on strong legal and money ground.

You will go from picking your industry to finishing your business registration with the Virginia State Corporation Commission. Every step is important for your future. Let’s go through what you should do to start your business in Virginia.

Step 1: Choose Your Business Idea and Industry

The first thing you need to do when starting a business in Virginia is come up with a strong business idea. Think about what you like, what you’re good at, and look at the market carefully. If you have a clear vision of your target audience and what people need in the market, you can build your business on a good base. This will help you with all the business activities that come after.

What are the first steps to starting a business in Virginia? Before you pick what type of business you want, it’s smart to look at which fields are doing well in the state. Once you know your idea, you need to:

• Conduct a competitive analysis: See what other businesses offer in Virginia and find out how your products or services fit in.
• Research industry trends: Keep an eye on new changes and growth in the area you pick.
• Validate your idea: Make sure people really want what you are going to give them.

This early market research will guide every move you make. It will help you decide on your legal business name, plan your marketing, and make sure you are ready to move forward the right way.

Step 2: Create a Comprehensive Business Plan

When you have a business idea, the next thing to do is make a business plan. This plan is your main guide. It shows how you will set up, manage, and grow your new business. Having a detailed business plan is important. It can help the potential investors and lenders see how your business can work and why they should give you funds.

Do you want to create a business plan for a new business in the state of Virginia? Your plan needs to answer the big questions about why your company is needed, who your target audience is, and your money needs. You will use this business plan often. It will help you as your business grows and changes in Virginia.

A good business plan for your new business often has these parts:

• Company Description and Market Analysis: Say what your business will do and what market you want to get.
• Products, Services, and Marketing Plan: Share what you will sell or offer. Show how you will get people to buy from you.
• Financial Projections: Put in all costs to start. Tell your expected income and when you will start to make a profit.

Step 3: Decide on a Legal Structure (LLC, Corporation, Sole Proprietor, Partnership)

Choosing your company’s legal structure is one of the most critical decisions you will make. This choice dictates how you are taxed, your level of personal liability protection, and the amount of paperwork required to stay compliant. Your decision should align with your business goals and risk tolerance.

What are the legal requirements for forming an LLC in Virginia? An LLC is a popular choice because it protects your personal assets if the business is sued or goes into debt. However, it’s just one of several options available. Each structure offers different benefits.

Consider the main business structures in Virginia:

Structure	Description
Sole Proprietorship	Owned by one person, this is the simplest structure with no liability protection.
General Partnership	Owned by two or more people who share management and profits.
Limited Liability Company (LLC)	Offers liability protection and combines features of a corporation and partnership.
Corporation	A separate legal entity that provides strong asset protection and can raise capital via stock.

Step 4: Name Your Business and Check Name Availability

Your business name is the first thing people see about your company. It needs to stand out and show what your brand is about. Pick a business name that people will remember. Before you choose, check if you can use the name in Virginia. Also, see if you can get a domain name that matches for your website.

How do you name and register your business in Virginia? You start the registration process by seeing if your business name is free to use. Every legal business name in the state must be one-of-a-kind. You can look this up with the Virginia State Corporation Commission’s online information system.

When picking your business name, remember these things:

• An LLC needs to have “limited company,” “limited liability company,” or a short form like LLC or L.L.C. in the name.
• A corporation must use “corporation,” “incorporated,” “company,” “limited,” or an abbreviation.
• Make sure a good domain name that matches your business name is up for grabs.

After you pick your business name, you can go ahead with the registration process with the state corporation commission.

Step 5: Register Your Business with the Virginia State Corporation Commission

After you pick your business name and legal structure, you need to make it official. You have to register your business entity with the Virginia State Corporation Commission. This step makes your company a legal business in the state. You need to do this before you can start working.

How do you register a new business in Virginia? The forms you file will depend on your business structure. If your business is a corporation, you must file the Articles of Incorporation. If your business is an LLC, you file the Articles of Organization. These formation documents share some basic facts about your business, like the name, address, and your registered agent.

You can file these forms online using the state corporation commission’s eFile system. This is the fastest way to do it. Or, you can send them by mail to the Virginia State Corporation Commission. You should have your federal EIN, business address, and NAICS industry code ready. If you register online, you will also get an account to handle future filings and tax payments.

Step 6: Obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN)

An Employer Identification Number (EIN) is a nine-digit number that the IRS gives to your business. The number is used for tax purposes. It works like a Social Security number, but for your company. You will need this federal employer identification number if you want to hire workers, open a business bank account, or file your business taxes.

Are you asking how to get an Employer Identification Number (EIN) for your business in Virginia? It is free, and you can do it in a simple way. The easiest and fastest method is to go to the IRS website. The online form is easy to fill out, and you get your EIN right away when you finish.

If you do not want to apply on the website, you can get your EIN by mailing Form SS-4 to the IRS. This way takes about four weeks. There is one more way: Call the IRS Business & Specialty Tax Line to apply by phone. Getting your EIN is a step you have to take. It lets you do things like open your bank account, hire people, and take care of tax purposes for your company.

Step 7: Secure Funding and Explore Grants/Loans in Virginia

Few businesses can get started without some type of funding. So, how much does it cost to open a small business in Virginia? This amount will change depending on your industry and startup costs. You should list all these expenses in your business plan. The good thing is Virginia has many small business financing options.

Most people start by using their own money. Still, you can also look for money from outside sources. You may show your business plan to potential investors or ask local banks for loans. There are special programs in Virginia that help new companies get the funds they need.

Think about these options for funding:

• Small Business Loans: Choose from loans from the SBA, local banks, or the Virginia Small Business Financing Authority (VSBFA).
• Grants: Check out state programs like the Virginia Economic Development Incentive Grant or grants made for minority or veteran-owned businesses.
• Crowdfunding: Raise money using sites like Kickstarter to get support from people in the public.

Step 8: Find a Registered Agent in Virginia

In the state of Virginia, every business entity must have a registered agent. This person or company is the main point of contact for your business in Virginia. Their job is to get legal papers, government letters, and other official notes for you.

Do you need a registered agent for your business in Virginia? Yes, you do. This is a rule for every legal entity, including LLCs and corporations. The registered agent needs to have a real street address in the state of Virginia. A P.O. box will not work. The agent also has to be at this address during the workday to get papers for your business.

You can be your own registered agent if you fit these rules. But many people choose to use a professional registered agent service. This makes sure your business gets all the important papers on time. It also helps your business follow state rules. Using a service is good, too, because your own address does not show up in public records.

Step 9: Apply for Required Licenses and Permits

Once your business is set up, you have to get the needed licenses and permits to work legally. You may wonder what business licenses and permits you need to start a business in Virginia. Virginia does not have a general business license for the whole state, but if you sell goods or some services, you must get a sales tax certificate.

Besides the sales tax certificate, there are other things that can come up based on your industry, where your business is, and what your business activities are. Many types of jobs need approval called occupational regulation and have to get special licenses from a Virginia department or board. For example, if you give a professional service — like if you run a law, dental, or medical office — you must get professional licenses.

Other common permits include:

• Local Business Licenses: Many counties and cities in Virginia ask all businesses to get a local license before they can work in their area.
• Zoning and Land Use Permits: You have to make sure your business location is ok to use and follows local zoning rules.
• Home Occupation Permits: Are you planning to use your home as a business location? You may need a special permit for that.

Step 10: Choose a Business Location and Understand Zoning Laws

Where you set up your business is a big choice. You need to pick if you want a storefront, an office, or to work from home. Your decision will have to follow local rules. These rules, called zoning laws, say how people can use the land. They help keep businesses, homes, and factories in the right places.

How can you pick a business location in the state of Virginia? The first step is to talk with your local government’s planning or zoning department. They will tell you what each area is set aside for and where your type of business may go. They can also say what permits you need to get. This is very important, so you do not get fines or legal trouble later on.

If you want to work online or from home, you still must know the rules.

• Check Home Occupation Rules: Many local governments in the state of Virginia have rules just for home-based businesses.
• Secure a Physical Address: You need a physical address for business registration, even if you do not have a space the public can walk into.
• Consider Future Growth: Pick a spot where your business can get bigger, and you will not need to move right away.

Step 11: Open a Business Bank Account and Set Up Financial Systems

To manage your money the right way, you need to open a business bank account. This is an important step because it keeps your money separate from your business funds. It helps give you liability protection and makes your bookkeeping easier. Opening a bank account also helps you look more professional to people who work with you or buy from you.

If you want to open a business bank account in Virginia, you will need to bring your articles of incorporation or organization, your EIN, and your own ID. When you have a bank account just for your company, it is much simpler to keep track of what comes in, what goes out, handle cash flow, and get your paperwork ready for business taxes and tax purposes.

After you open a business bank account, you should start working on your money system. You can do this by using accounting software that looks after your transactions and gives you reports on your money. Doing this from the start can help you at tax time. It will give you a good look at how your company is really doing for tax purposes.

Step 12: Get Business Insurance for Protection

As a business owner, you will face risks in your work. Business insurance helps you keep your business safe. It gives you liability protection if there is an accident, a lawsuit, or something you did not expect. If you do not have this, your business and even your personal assets might be at risk.

Do you need business insurance in Virginia? Yes, you do. In some cases, the law says you must have it. For example, if you have more than two workers, you need workers’ compensation insurance. Different insurance policies cover different risks. So, it is good to think about your needs and get a full policy. A professional service like an insurance agent can guide you to the right choice.

Common types of business insurance include:

• General Liability Insurance: This one keeps you safe from lawsuits if there is an accident, someone gets hurt, or if people say there was a mistake.
• Commercial Property Insurance: This pays for damage or loss if your building or things in it get harmed by fire or theft.
• Professional Liability Insurance: This protects your business from problems if someone says you made a mistake or sold something unsafe.

Step 13: Register for State and Federal Taxes

Registering for taxes is something that every new business in Virginia has to do. This is not something you can skip. You must take care of taxes at both the federal and state level. For the federal government, your EIN is the main number you use when you file your business taxes. For the state, you have to sign up with the Virginia Department of Taxation.

So, what taxes does a new business in Virginia have to pay? The good thing is that Virginia gives you one main tax registration form, which is called Form R-1. With this form, you can sign up for different business taxes at the same time. If you sell any items or services that can be taxed, you have to collect sales tax and send this money to the state.

What you have to pay depends on your business structure and if you hire workers. If you do have employees, you might have to pay taxes like the unemployment tax as well. It is important to know all your tax rules, send in your tax returns on time, and pay what you owe. Doing this will help you avoid problems and keeps your business in good standing with the state and the Virginia Department of Taxation.

Step 14: Prepare for Hiring Employees and Employer Obligations

If you have a business plan and want to hire a team, you have to get ready for your legal duties as the boss. State agencies and the federal government set these rules. Their goal is to help make fair work rules and to be sure about tax withholding.

What do you need to know if you want to hire someone in Virginia? First, you will need an employer identification number (EIN) from the IRS before you hire your first worker. You also have to sign up with the Virginia Employment Commission. This is so that you can manage your state unemployment tax. Business owners in Virginia must follow all the hiring rules and labor laws.

Here are some main things that every boss must do in Virginia:

• Get Workers’ Compensation Insurance: Any business in Virginia with more than two people working must have this insurance.
• Take Out Taxes: You need to hold back federal and state income taxes, along with Social Security and Medicare taxes, from every worker’s pay.
• Report New Hires: You have to let the state know about every new person you hire.

Resources and Support for New Virginia Businesses

Starting a small business is not easy, but you do not have to do it by yourself. The state of Virginia has many resources and support groups ready to help new small business owners. No matter where you are in your journey, you can find support. There is help for you, from getting advice to getting money.

Groups like the Virginia Small Business Development Center and the Small Business Administration are here to guide you. The next parts will show you the best state and local programs. You will also see where you can get training and meet people who can help you and your small business do well.

State and Local Programs for Small Businesses

If you want resources for starting a new small business in Virginia, there are plenty of options. The state and local groups have many programs to help small business owners get started. You can find funding opportunities and simple, hands-on advice here that help you deal with the tough parts of opening a new company.

Using these programs can really help you succeed. For example, the Virginia Small Business Financing Authority (VSBFA) has special loan programs. These are meant for new and growing small businesses that might not get a regular bank loan. The Small Business Administration works with local lenders so it is easier for small businesses to get the money they need.

If you need direct help and support, check out these programs:

• Virginia SBDC Network: You get free consulting and training at a low cost, no matter where you are in the state.
• Local Economic Development Offices: Your area’s economic development office helps link you to local groups and incentives for your small business.
• State-Sponsored Grants: Watch for grants that go to certain industries or people, like grants for veterans or minority-owned small businesses.
• Business Mentors: Lots of programs help new business owners meet and learn from experienced mentors.

Where to Find Business Mentors, Networks, and Training

Getting advice from people who have done this before can help you a lot. New business owners in Virginia can find guidance in many ways. The right business mentor, professional group, or good training can help you learn faster. It also can help you keep from making the same mistakes as others.

The Virginia Small Business Development Center (SBDC) is a good place to start. You can get free, private advice and training on topics like handling money or how to do marketing. Making good contacts and building a network is key for small business owners who want to be in it for the long run.

Here is where you can get support as a new business owner:

• Connect with the SBDC: The SBDC gives you technical help and expert advice during the whole process.
• Join Local Chambers of Commerce: These groups are good for getting to know other people in business and building a network around you.
• Seek Out Industry Associations: Meet other people or mentors who work in your own field.
• Engage with Your Local Government: Local government teams work on economic growth and can help you with local options and support.

These steps are all ways to get the help you need to start and grow a small business in Virginia.

Conclusion

Starting a business in Virginia in 2026 can be a good way for new business owners to find success. There are many chances for people who want to start something new. You can do well if you learn about the state’s economic setup, follow the right legal steps, and stick to a clear plan. Everything starts with a strong business idea and a plan to follow. Use the resources and help around you. Do not be afraid to ask for advice when you need it. Your dream to own a business can come true in Virginia, as it is a place filled with new ideas and room to grow. If you want to move forward, you can set up a free meeting with us to talk about how we can help you start this new journey.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to start a business in Virginia?

How long it will take to finish your Virginia business registration depends on how you file. If you send your formation documents over the internet with the state corporation commission, you will get the fastest results. You can often get a confirmation right away if you do it online. If you mail your paperwork for your business entity, you will have to wait about 3 to 5 business days. There are also faster services if you pay a fee.

What licenses and permits are required to start a business in Virginia?

Virginia does not give out one statewide business license. But, every business that sells things people pay sales tax on, or services, needs to get a sales tax certificate from the Virginia Department of Taxation. What you do or where you work can also mean you have to get other things, like local permits or licenses linked to occupational regulation or a professional service.

How much does it cost to register and operate a business in Virginia?

The main state fees you pay in the registration process include $100 for LLC formation documents and $75 for a corporation. You might have other costs, too, like fees for business licenses, using professional services, and staying in compliance each year. Annual registration and business taxes are other costs you will need to cover.

Can non-residents open a business in Virginia?

Yes, people who do not live in Virginia can still open a business in the state of Virginia. But, each business entity must have a registered agent. The registered agent needs to have a real street address in Virginia. This person will be the point of contact for your business. If you have any questions about your situation, it is a good idea to get legal advice.