5 answers
Rie
Student
Kansas City, Missouri
1
Question
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Do you need a license to start a business?
Do you need a license?
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5 answers
Aniket Hirebet
Project Manager
4
Answers
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Updated
Aniket’s Answer
The exact response varies based on your location and the type of business you plan to launch, but in most cases, yes, you'll require a license to kick off your venture. For those in Kansas City, I recommend beginning your journey here:
https://bizcare.kcmo.gov/
This helpful government site will inform you if a license is necessary and guide you on obtaining one.
Before diving in, it's wise to ponder your business structure - are you going solo, teaming up with a partner, or hiring staff? These factors could influence the kind of license you'll need.
https://bizcare.kcmo.gov/
This helpful government site will inform you if a license is necessary and guide you on obtaining one.
Before diving in, it's wise to ponder your business structure - are you going solo, teaming up with a partner, or hiring staff? These factors could influence the kind of license you'll need.
Katherine Avery
Run a music studio and teach private music lessons; teach college-level religion classes
222
Answers
Spanish Fork, Utah
Updated
Katherine’s Answer
Two resources that might be helpful for you in considering starting a business are the book Entreleadership by Dave Ramsey, and this workbook (https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/bc/content/ldsorg/topics/self-reliance/2017/14678_sgmb_book_eng.pdf?lang=eng).
Christina Bernard
Data Scientist
17
Answers
Richardson, Texas
Updated
Christina’s Answer
No, for the business you could do as young adult with no work experience, you probably don't need a license. You can file your taxes as a sole proprietor. This includes any form of online businesses, crafts, and other products that can't be consumed by other people. Once you make more than $5000 then consider doing the paperwork for an LLC. I've failed at more than 20+ businesses since I was about 13. The tax filing status didn't matter until I was finally generating revenue. Now if you work on things that are on other people's properties or consumed as a food, then you would need an LLC and business insurance. This is because if you or other people are injured you don't want to go bankrupt paying their bills. Also, some businesses that work with children require at the very least a background check, but they may require insurance too.
If you can start and test online or craft like businesses, you won't need to worry about the license until you have a good amount of revenue coming in.
If you can start and test online or craft like businesses, you won't need to worry about the license until you have a good amount of revenue coming in.
Marissa Hanson
Sales Enablement
8
Answers
Raleigh, North Carolina
Updated
Marissa’s Answer
Yes, in most cases, you will need a license to start a business. The specific licenses and permits required vary depending on the nature of the business and the jurisdiction in which you plan to operate. Obtaining the necessary licenses ensures that your business complies with legal and regulatory requirements and helps protect the interests of consumers and the public.
The types of licenses and permits you may need can include:
- Business License: Many jurisdictions require a general business license that allows you to operate within the area. This license is often obtained from the local government or municipality.
- Professional License: Certain professions or occupations, such as doctors, lawyers, accountants, architects, and contractors, require specific professional licenses to ensure that individuals have met the required qualifications and standards.
- Industry-Specific Licenses: Depending on the industry or sector in which your business operates, there may be specialized licenses or permits required. For example, food establishments may need health permits, restaurants may require liquor licenses, and transportation companies may need permits specific to their mode of operation.
- Zoning and Land Use Permits: If you plan to operate your business from a physical location, you may need to obtain zoning and land use permits to ensure that your business activities comply with the local zoning regulations.
- Environmental Permits: Certain types of businesses, such as those involved in manufacturing or handling hazardous materials, may require environmental permits to ensure compliance with environmental regulations and standards.
It's important to research the specific licensing requirements for your business at the local, state/provincial, and national levels, depending on your location. Contacting the relevant government agencies or consulting with a business attorney can help you navigate the licensing process and ensure compliance with all legal obligations.
The types of licenses and permits you may need can include:
- Business License: Many jurisdictions require a general business license that allows you to operate within the area. This license is often obtained from the local government or municipality.
- Professional License: Certain professions or occupations, such as doctors, lawyers, accountants, architects, and contractors, require specific professional licenses to ensure that individuals have met the required qualifications and standards.
- Industry-Specific Licenses: Depending on the industry or sector in which your business operates, there may be specialized licenses or permits required. For example, food establishments may need health permits, restaurants may require liquor licenses, and transportation companies may need permits specific to their mode of operation.
- Zoning and Land Use Permits: If you plan to operate your business from a physical location, you may need to obtain zoning and land use permits to ensure that your business activities comply with the local zoning regulations.
- Environmental Permits: Certain types of businesses, such as those involved in manufacturing or handling hazardous materials, may require environmental permits to ensure compliance with environmental regulations and standards.
It's important to research the specific licensing requirements for your business at the local, state/provincial, and national levels, depending on your location. Contacting the relevant government agencies or consulting with a business attorney can help you navigate the licensing process and ensure compliance with all legal obligations.
Daniel Maynes
Credit Manager
188
Answers
Dallas, Texas
Updated
Daniel’s Answer
Hi Rie!
I would suggest the below 3 steps to help you start your own business.
1. You need to register your business with the Secretary of State (SOS). Most businesses register in the state where the business is actually located (HQ Address). At the same time you will need to decide the entity type for your business such as a LLC, Inc, LTD. Make sure you register with a state so your business can operate legally.
2. Come up with a business plan. This would include items such as operations, location, capital/funding, vision/mission statement etc. You can easily get lost in the weeds on this part. Don't get caught up in details that you can figure out later. Think big picture and ask yourself what is your business really trying to accomplish? That is always a good starting point on a business plan!
3. Lastly, come up with different business goals and set dates when you want to accomplish them. Setting a timeline will help you stay on track and know where you are in the process. It is very difficult but don't let yourself get caught up in the whirlwind of the "day to day." Meaning, set yourself and the business up with clear goals and do your best to not let the "daily fires" use up all your time. Inadvertently, you will have to attend to some of these daily fires but make sure you block off time to keep the vison of the company alive.
I would suggest the below 3 steps to help you start your own business.
1. You need to register your business with the Secretary of State (SOS). Most businesses register in the state where the business is actually located (HQ Address). At the same time you will need to decide the entity type for your business such as a LLC, Inc, LTD. Make sure you register with a state so your business can operate legally.
2. Come up with a business plan. This would include items such as operations, location, capital/funding, vision/mission statement etc. You can easily get lost in the weeds on this part. Don't get caught up in details that you can figure out later. Think big picture and ask yourself what is your business really trying to accomplish? That is always a good starting point on a business plan!
3. Lastly, come up with different business goals and set dates when you want to accomplish them. Setting a timeline will help you stay on track and know where you are in the process. It is very difficult but don't let yourself get caught up in the whirlwind of the "day to day." Meaning, set yourself and the business up with clear goals and do your best to not let the "daily fires" use up all your time. Inadvertently, you will have to attend to some of these daily fires but make sure you block off time to keep the vison of the company alive.