I. Overview
II. Financing and the Business Plan
III. Permits, Licenses, and Other Legal Concerns
IV. Organizing Your Business
V. Hiring Employees
VI. Employee Pay and Compensation
VII. Business Insurance

Permits, Licenses, and Other Legal Concerns

You can also find contact information for these companies. You should also determine if your name conflicts with a registered trademark, by visiting the federal Patent and Trademark Office’s website at www.uspto.gov.

• Dentist
• Physician
• Lawyer
• Teacher
• Accountant
• Contractor/trade worker
• Barber

Often, city or county governments regulate business activity by requiring permits, including:

• Noise permits
• Equipment permits
• Construction permits
• Public gathering permits
• Sellers’ permits

You may be required to pay ongoing fees, update fees, or to complete regular testing for some business activities. Many jurisdictions require businesses to publicly post their licenses and permits.

Many city and county governments also enforce zoning regulations. Government zoning classifies land into different zones, with separate rules regarding land use, the size and height of allowed structures, and many other aspects of ownership. Zoning is part of a state’s “police power”, which allows states and local governments to regulate land use for the benefit of the public. It is a good idea to understand zoning restrictions in your area before purchasing land or starting up a business.

Given the amount of legal preparation involved in starting a business, and the consequences of failing to do so, you should contact a lawyer for help with business planning and land use matters.

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