As a business person, there are plenty of licenses that you’ll need to consider getting before actually starting your small business enterprise.
Of course, the details of necessary licensure will depend more specifically on what kind of business you plan to run.
For example, choosing to be a freelance content writer is going to require significantly fewer licenses than you’ll need if you plan to be a doctor, a lawyer, a bar owner, etc.
So really, the first step to getting the licenses you need is to understand the specific requirements of the business you plan to start.
There are a number of handy licenses that can facilitate a better overall business plan outcome.
It’s true that you may be able to get away for a little while without using the proper licensing in some areas of business, but this is never recommended.
You’re going to have a much better chance of success if you go ahead and pursue the proper channels to get the licenses you need in order to conduct your business legally, professionally, and ethically.
So let’s dive into it and talk about how to begin this research to get the business licenses you actually need.
1. Local Business Licenses
Most business professionals will need some version of a local business license.
Usually, you’ll get this either through your city or through your county.
Sometimes you may need to get both.
A local business license basically helps you to fulfill the basic tax obligations of running your own business within the city or county that you’re operating in.
This is a necessary part of the process.
For example, you can learn about carpenter licenses in this Gigly article.
2. State Licenses
Depending on what type of business you’re getting ready to start, you may need a number of state licenses.
These could include health department licenses, licenses for specific trades or types of businesses, etc.
For example, electricians need to get special licensing to be able to operate as a master electrician within their state.
And every state’s rules tend to be a little bit different when it comes to getting the proper licensing.
So make sure that you research this and find the best channels possible through which to get the licenses you need in order to operate legally.
You definitely don’t want to skip out on this part of the process and get in trouble with the state over a failure to license your business the proper way.
3. Federal Licenses
Some businesses and professions require federal licensing.
This is especially true if you’re dealing with something that has to do with security clearances, medical technology, demolitions, etc.
Not every business will need federal licensing to operate.
But it’s important to do the research and make sure.
One thing that you don’t want to do is start a business that requires federal licensing, and then neglect to get the licensing required in order to operate legally.
You don’t want to get in trouble with the Feds over licensing issues. This could spell very bad news for your business, and cost you a lot of time and money!
Or worse, it could even destroy your business.
4. Supplemental Certifications
Sometimes you don’t necessarily need a license to operate.
But getting such licenses can be helpful additions to your business plan.
For example, life coaches don’t necessarily need licenses in order to operate a coaching practice.
However, there are a lot of licensing certification programs that life coaches can go through in order to build their credibility and get better at their craft.
Taking the initiative to get supplemental certifications, even if they’re not required, can oftentimes help you to grow your business and move even closer to the success you desire.
It just really depends on what type of business you’re trying to start, and on what the requirements of that business are.
Conclusion
There you have it.
This is the best method for making sure that you have all the licenses required to operate your business.
Licenses aren’t just handy. They’re often required, and it’s important to do your due diligence and to make sure that you’ve covered all of your bases.
You’ve got this! We’ll see you on the next one!
