It may be
inconceivable to you that your home-based consulting service or handknit
sweater business would have to comply with any of the numerous local, state and
federal regulations, but in all likelihood it will. Avoid the temptation to
ignore regulatory details. Doing so may avert some red tape in the short term,
but could be an obstacle as your business grows. Taking the time to research
the applicable regulations is as important as knowing your market.
Below is a checklist
of the most common requirements that affect small businesses, but it is by no
means exhaustive. Bear in mind that regulations vary by industry. If you're in
the food service business, for example, you will have to deal with the health
department. If you use chemical solvents, you will have environmental
compliance to meet. Carefully investigate the regulations that affect your
industry. Being out of compliance could leave you unprotected legally, lead to
expensive penalties, and jeopardize your business.
Business Licenses
There are many types
of licenses. You need one to operate legally almost everywhere. If the business
is located within an incorporated city limits, a license must be obtained from
the city; if outside the city limits, then from the county. For more
information contact the county or city office in your area or try these state
web sites that offer business license information. You may also try going to
your state Home Page, locating their "SEARCH" feature and typing in
"business license" or "county information."
Certificate of
Occupancy
If you are planning
on occupying a new or used building for a new business, you may have to apply
for a Certificate of Occupancy from a city or county zoning department. For
more information contact the county or city office in your area. You may also
try going to your state Home Page, locating their "SEARCH" feature
and typing in "certificate of occupancy" or "county
information".
Fictitious Business
Name
Businesses that use a
name other than the owner's must register the fictitious name with the county
as required by the Trade Name Registration Act. This does not apply to
corporations doing business under their corporate name or to those practicing
any profession under a partnership name. For more information contact your
state or local government. You may also try going to your state Home Page,
locating their "SEARCH" feature and typing in "trade name
registration" or "county information".
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