Obtaining the right licenses can make or break a small business. To help you stay on top of business licensing, this article goes over several licenses small business owners should be aware of.

General Small Business License

A general small business license, also known as a business operating license, is necessary to own and operate your business. Documentation required varies between states, cities, and counties, depending on the business licensing codes of each. To find out what you need to do, your city hall or your city’s website can be good places to start. Additionally, the Small Business Administration has published a helpful overview of the subject.

Keep in mind that different industries will also present business licensing requirements. For instance, if your business deals with federally regulated activities, it will also require a federal permit or license. You can check out the Small Business’s Administration’s list of federally regulated business activities here.

Building and Zoning Permits

Building and zoning permits present another angle of business licensing. Building permits affect new construction and renovations, while zoning permits affect land use. For instance, if you plan to purchase land on which to build a new business, you should first check in on safety codes and other local requirements (to make sure your construction plans will pass muster) and zoning restrictions (to make sure your business can legally exist in that area).

Environmental, Health, and Safety Licenses

Depending on your business type, you may also need to prove that your business is taking steps to keep customers, and employees, and the environment safe. For instance, fitness centers, restaurants, and other businesses that draw the public in need permits from the fire department to operate. If your business serves food, you will also need a health license. Finally, depending on local and state regulations, your business may also need an environmental license. These deal with matters such as waste removal and air quality.

Now that you’re up to speed on business licensing, be sure to check out Business Financing Loan’s other blog posts for more information on the business world.