1. Plan Your Business  - www.sba.gov

        Pick/develop a marketable business concept.

        Identify target market, product or service customer group.

        Research competition.
        Determine business location.

        Develop marketing strategy.

        Identify operational needs.

        Project start-up experiences.

        Create projected financial statements for three business years (worst case, realistic case, best case scenario).

        Select advisors (consultant/lawyer/CPA).

2. Select a Business Site and Determine Zoning and Site Permit Requirements – County/ Municipal Planning Department.

        Location appropriate for business.

        Research desired type of building, zoning, available parking.

        Licensed contractor with expertise in these areas.

3. Register Your Business Name and Structure – Colorado Secretary of State

        Search business name availability.

        Consult attorney and/or CPA for advice on the right business structure regarding tax implications and legal liability.

        Register name and corporate structure.

4. Register with Tax Authorities on City, State and Federal Level 

        Income tax, employment tax, sales tax, and local business taxes and property taxes may be levied on a business.

        Register with the City or County for taxes, file returns and manage tax accounts.
        Register with the state for state taxes and a Sales Tax ID number.

        Register with Federal Government to obtain a Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN), your federal tax ID number.
        Exception is sole proprietors with no employees.

5. Employer Responsibilities if Hiring Employees

        Business must register as an employer.

        Pay taxes related to employment.

        Withhold, match and submit employee withholdings.

        Obtain workers compensation insurance.

        Adhere to employee eligibility regulations.

        Unemployment insurance requirement.

6. Get a Zoning Permit

        Zoning permit is required prior to receiving a building permit for renovation (if the use in a building or commercial space is from the previous use or if zoning approval is required for any other permit or license).

        Contact County or Local Land Use Administrator.

7. Determine Business Activity Type, Obtain Special Permits or Licenses

        Contact County Clerk or Town Clerk to determine whether your business activity requires special permits or licenses.

8. Get Other Approvals and Permits (If Required)

        Wastewater management sewer use and drainage permit may be required, depending on quantity or type of wastewater involved.

        Department of Environmental Health (DEH) approval is required when food is involved in the business or daycare. (DEH) approval is also required for swimming pools and spas.

        Fire department approval may be required.

9. Obtain a Building Permit (If Required)

        A building permit is required if there is a change of occupancy. ADA compliance is required which may require changes to the building.

        The customer elects to do interior changes. (All elective work must be done to comply with current building codes.)

10. Call for Inspections and Obtain Certificate of Occupancy

        A building or zoning inspection may be required prior to opening your business.

11. Open Your Business

        Business financing

        Workforce development

        Enterprise tax zone assistance

        Business incentives