How to Create a Business Licensing System
When starting a business, you need licenses. As you grow your business you need a licensing system.
It’s usual to be required to purchase a few licenses. First, you may need a license or certification for your industry. Next, you may need a state, county, or city/town license. You may also be required to have a sales tax license.
Below is a sample system for your business licenses:
1) Start the research: How do you determine exactly what you need? I recommend that you borrow a book from the library about doing business in your state. Your next stop will be your state’s website to learn which licenses it requires. Next, check your county and town/city website. I would also double-check by calling the offices of the County Clerk and the City Clerk to make sure you’re following all the rules.
Last, but not least, if you plan on doing business with clients who live in a city/town other than your own, you may need a license from there, too.
2) Save your research: As you’re researching online, create a FAVORITES file (or bookmark) called Business Licenses. Save the web-related research you’ve collected in that file for later use.
3) Organize your research: Create manila folders for each of the licenses you’re required to have. Put information in the folders as you get it. File copies of your forms there, too.
4) Create reminders:
- In your calendar (preferably an electronic one with reminders), add yearly reminders for the renewal dates. (Some won’t have to be renewed at all, while others will require a yearly renewal fee). So, if your city license is renewed yearly, set up a reminder on “x” date each year. Usually, the dates are near the 1st of the year, in June, September, or December.
- In QuickBooks or other accounting system, create a reminder to pay each of your licenses. Use the program to remind you when the bill is due. Don’t have an accounting system yet? No problem. Create a manila folder called QuickBooks and put a note in the folder about setting up reminders for paying your licenses.
You’ve now created a system for your business license that is ready to help you year after year.
©2011 Maria Marsala founded Elevating Your Business to provide focus and accountability to financial, insurance, and investment professionals seeking to substantially grow their business. EYB provides business planning, management, and marketing advising services. Read more at
About The Author
An irrepressible entrepreneur, Maria Marsala sold AVON at age 14 and landed on Wall Street three years later. She became a bond trader when female executives were as rare as pink diamonds. For 25 years, Maria streamlined Fortune 500 companies, nurtured non-profits, and discovered her niche—mentoring women CEOs and executives. Armed with corporate secrets and life coach credentials, Maria founded Elevating Your Business to help female financial professionals live better using her proprietary brand of consultative-coaching. Contact Maria today and take the first step toward freedom, full-fillment, and a sparkling quality of life! Contact me now!
Get my latest articles, research, and tools as they are produced. PLUS receive my popular “Niche-Rich Assessment” as a thank you for subscribing.
Featured Event
Affiliate Disclosure
Some of the links listed on this site are affiliate links. If clicked and purchased, we receive compensation for the recommendation.
