Starting a business: guides for every trade and state

Pick your trade to see what you need first, then your state for its exact rules, deadlines and official links.

• Any businessThe basics every new owner needs in the first month.
• Contractors and constructionLicense, liability insurance, a work-truck policy and payroll.
• PlumbingA state or local plumbing license, liability insurance, a work-van policy.
• ElectriciansA state or local electrical license, permits, liability insurance.
• Heating and air conditioning (HVAC)License, EPA 608 certification, liability insurance, a work-van policy.
• CleaningLiability insurance, a janitorial bond, booking and invoicing.
• Landscaping and lawn careInsurance for crew and trailer, pesticide rules, equipment.
• Restaurants and cafesHealth permits, food safety, liquor liability and a POS.
• Food trucksMobile vendor permits, a commissary kitchen, truck insurance.
• Salons, barbers and beautyState licenses, liability insurance, booking and payroll.
• Auto repairShop registration in some states, EPA 609 for A/C, garage insurance.
• Child care and daycareA state child care license, background checks, liability insurance.
• Fitness and personal trainingA trusted certification, liability insurance, booking and payments.
• Photography and videoSales tax rules, drone certification, equipment insurance, contracts.
• Real estate agents and brokersYour state license and brokerage rules, E&O insurance, bookkeeping.
• Consulting and professional servicesProfessional liability, contracts and invoicing, and licenses only if your field needs one.
• Shops and online storesSales tax in the right states, payments, product liability insurance.
• Moving companiesMover registrations, cargo and truck insurance, workers' comp.
• TruckingUSDOT and authority, insurance on file, BOC-3, factoring.