Starting a Business

Business Name Availability Search - Verify if a business name is already being used in Colorado.

Business Plans - Find samples of real business plans from a wide range of industries.
(PDF format/338K)

Colorado Business Resource Guide - Your first step in starting a business in Colorado. This guide will provide most of your answers and concerns about starting your new business.

Colorado Permits and Licenses - The state of Colorado does not issue or require a generic general business license. Licenses are issued by various state agencies for specific types of business, activities and professions.

Doing Business in Fort Collins - A good website to start with, if you're opening a business in Fort Collins. The site has links to licensing, sales tax, demographics and trends in Fort Collins.

Small Business Administration - Walks you through the steps of planning, launching, managing, and growing your business. Easy to navigate and full of answers.

Small Business Development Center -- Larimer County - Central point for learning how to start and run a small business. Workshops and free counseling available.

Starting a Business -- IRS - Links to federal tax information for people starting a business.

USA Gov Small Business - A government website focused on starting a small business, importing and exporting, business tax information and financing a small business.