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SBA: Apply for Licenses and Permits

How to find the federal, state, and local licenses your business type needs, including industry-specific permits.

In plain terms: This government guide outlines the basic legal and operational steps needed to launch a small business. You can use it to research local regulations, choose a business structure, and identify the licenses and permits you need.

Why I recommend it: Local rules trip people up more than federal ones. Check your city and county pages too.