Obtaining licenses and permits for small businesses

When setting up a business, it is very easy to get confused and overlook some very important things, the absence of which would spell doom for the business operation. Some of these things are licenses and operating permits. A business license makes you recognized by law; that it is operating legally where it is located. The process can be quite frustrating at times, especially if you are dealing with authorities who are out to thwart your business endeavors.

Among the licenses you are supposed to apply for is the business license, which gives you the legal basis to carry out your operations in a certain place. The type of business you want to operate must be acceptable within that area. For example, you may not be allowed to operate a pub near a primary school. Therefore, you must first visit the city planning commission to verify if your business is eligible.

You must also visit the fire department to obtain a permit. This is especially true if you are dealing with flammable items like textiles or plastics and if your facility will be open to the general public. The permit will act as a good basis for compensation if a fire breaks out and destroys your property. Other types of businesses that are subject to fire department scrutiny are restaurants and day care centers, where many people congregate at any given time.

Another important permit that you cannot do without is the air and water pollution control permit. This has to do with the environment. It must be seen that your type of business is not manipulating natural resources in any way. You must have a way to dispose of waste materials without polluting the environment. If you really have to dispose of waste in rivers or in the air, then you really need this permit. Others to be aware of include sign permits, county permits, sales tax licenses, and state licenses.