How to Start a Business in North Dakota

Introduction

If you are thinking to start a business in North Dakota, you’ve probably got a lot of questions about how to go about it. Where do I register my business? How do I obtain some kind of license or permit besides the one issued by the state? We’ll answer all of these questions and more!

Choose a Business Structure

The first step in starting a business is to choose your business structure. This is the best way to get started, although there are many other options available for your business (such as an LLC).

Select a Location

Your location will be the foundation of your business and will determine a lot about how your business operates. When you’re choosing a location, think about what is convenient for both you and your customers. You’ll also have to consider things like:

• The cost of rent or lease payments
• Utilities, including electricity, gas, water, and sewage fees
• Insurance costs (general liability insurance and workers’ compensation for employees)
• Transportation expenses (if you need to use public transportation or drive vehicles regularly)

Register Your Business

After you have your business plan and funding, the next step is to register your business. This means that you will need to contact all of the following agencies for registration:

• The state government
• The federal government
• Your county clerk’s office (or equivalent) in your area of operation
• Your city clerk’s office (or equivalent) in your area of operation

In addition to these entities, there are several other organizations that should be contacted if they apply to your type of business:

Obtain a Tax ID Number

In most cases, you will need to obtain a Tax ID Number (TIN) from the IRS in order to file taxes. The TIN is also referred to as a Social Security Number (SSN) for an employee or another type of tax identification that may be required for your business. The first step when starting a business in North Dakota is obtaining your own corporate identification number from the state of North Dakota.

Licensing and Permits

Licenses and permits are required for most businesses, so you should check with your city or county to find out what is required. Most licenses and permits are easy to obtain, but some may require a bit of research.

Takeaway

Make sure you’re aware of all the licenses and permits that may be required for your business by checking with your city or county. You should also contact your state to find out if there are any additional requirements you need to fulfill.

Conclusion

Starting a business can be a lot of work, but it’s worth it. You should now have the knowledge and resources to start your own company in North Dakota. If you need help with any other aspects of running your business, we’re here for you at the Small Business Administration!