When starting a new business, getting it off the ground takes a lot of capital, planning and hoop jumping. There are no bigger or more important hoops than business licenses. Before you start firing out heat shrink sleeves, you'll need those all important pieces of paper that say you can.

Getting your business license can be easy, but you'll want to make sure that you dot every t and cross every i so that nothing stands in the way of you getting it off the ground. But what types of licenses will you need? This varies depending on the type of business you are starting. Be aware that there is licensing required at all three levels of government, so you'll need to make a checklist of what's required of you before you blow through valves and fire up your business.

The first and most common license is the business license. This license is at the city level of government, so those within city limits will have to apply through the city, and those outside will have to check with the county. Even a search engine marketing Canada business must obtain this license before it can legally call itself a business, so contact your city's business licensing office to apply.

For taxing purposes, most businesses require an Employer Identification Number before starting to staff. Many businesses also require zoning and land use permits as well to regulate off-street parking, waste management, and use and display of signage. Before you do any PR for food related businesses, be sure you acquire the proper Health Department permits after allowing them to properly inspect for facility. If you plan to sell any type of goods or services, you must have a state Sales Tax permit to do so. Any business that will have large crowds will also need a fire department permit and inspection before starting operation.

There are also many specialty permits required of certain businesses. For example, if you are planning to sell or have your staff handle any chemicals, dangerous or otherwise, before you take that first order from your water treatment chemical supplier you must obtain the proper licensing and permits that allow you to do so. If you should fail to do this, because there is the potential for physical harm to you or someone else, the consequences would be severe. Check with your local city and federal government office to see what all is required for you to get your business properly accredited.