Start a Business in Missouri

Guide: Start a Business Part Five

Register and License Your Business in Missouri

Ready to start a business in Missouri? You’ll want to make sure your business is legal. Below, you’ll find the six steps you need to take to make sure you have the registrations, licenses and permits for your new business.

>> Need help? Give us a call at 866-870-6500 or send us your question. We’re here to help you out.

So what’s required and who has to do it?

Let’s get started with your first six steps:

Decide on your business structure
Register with the Missouri Secretary of State
Obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN)
Register for Missouri business taxes
File paperwork to hire employees
Check for city and county licenses and permits, and obtain industry licenses

Now let’s break these steps down.

1. Decide on your business structure.

All businesses must determine a legal organization that defines the rights and liabilities of participants in the business’s ownership, control, personal liability, lifespan and financial structure.

There are different forms of business organization:

Sole proprietorship –The vast majority of small businesses start out as sole proprietorships. These firms are owned by one person, usually the individual who has day-to-day responsibility for running the business.
Partnership - In this organization, two or more people share ownership of a single business. Like sole proprietorships, the law does not distinguish between the business and its owners.
Limited liability company (LLC) - An LLC is designed to provide the limited liability features of a corporation and the tax efficiencies and operational flexibility of a partnership.
Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) – A limited liability partnership provides limited liabilities to the partners where each partner is not responsible or liable for the other partner’s actions of negligence.
Corporation - A corporation is considered by law to be a unique entity, separate and apart from those who own it. A corporation can be taxed, sued and enter into contractual agreements.

>> Confused? We can walk you through it. Give us a call at 866-870-6500 or send us your question.

2. Register with the Missouri Secretary of State.

Protect your business name by making it legal. To register a business name, contact the Secretary of State for application forms and filing requirements.

Check on the availability of your business name by searching the Secretary of State’s online database. For sole proprietors using a name other than your own, register the name of your business with the Secretary of State by filing a Fictitious Name Registration.

To register a business name for a sole proprietorship or general partnership in Missouri:

Sole proprietors using their own name do not need to register their business name.
Check on the availability of your business name by searching the Secretary of State’s online database.
Sole proprietors using a name other than their own, need to register the name of the business with the Secretary of State by calling (573) 751-4153 or filling out the Fictitious Name Registration form.
If a partnership is doing business under a name other than the owners’ true names, a fictitious name filing must be made with the Secretary of State and renewed every five years. It is also recommended that a partnership agreement be written.

To register a Corporation, LLC or LLP, contact the Secretary of State's office for application forms and filing requirements.

Corporations file articles of incorporation or articles of organization (LLC). This can be done online with the Secretary of State.

3. Obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN).

Employers with employees, business partnerships and corporations must obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the U.S. Internal Revenue Service. Even if you are a sole proprietor and don’t have employees, it is still good practice to obtain an EIN. It can be used in place of your personal Social Security Number to protect against identify theft. You may also need it to file government forms and banks often require it when applying for loans.

Apply for an Employer Identification Number (EIN) online.

4. Register for Missouri business taxes.

Now that you have a legal business, it’s time to pay your Missouri business taxes. Contact the Missouri Department of Revenue to complete tax forms based on your business activity including products sold and used in your business. There are tax assistance offices across the state of Missouri providing services for business owners including volunteer-based tax preparation.

You can also register with the Missouri Department of Labor simultaneously if you will have employees.

5. Ready to hire employees?

If you are hiring employees you will definitely need to file for a federal employer identification number or EIN for tax filing and reporting purposes. (Some banking institutions also require an EIN when applying for funding.) You will also need to register with the Missouri Division of Employment Security for unemployment tax purposes. For a deep dive on what to do if you are employing people, read the State of Missouri Employer’s Tax Guide.

You may also need to carry coverage for Workers Compensation Insurance. Check to see if you are required to carry coverage at Missouri Division of Workers Compensation.

6. Check for city/county licenses and permits.

The state may require additional licenses or business registration paperwork to be completed. It is also important to check with your local city clerk office where you intend to do business to determine licensing requirements.

Some professions, occupations or activities require special licenses or certifications. Research industry licenses to find out if your industry has any special requirements. The Missouri SBTDCs also offer a guide to licenses and permits that includes where to find out information on Occupational Licenses. Finally, check with the Missouri Division of Professional Registration.

The Missouri Department of Agriculture maintains information about licenses and permits specific to agriculture.

Tap these organizations to get help with registrations, licenses and permits

These Resource Partners can help you figure out what you need to do to set up your business legally in your town or city. Head over to The Resource Navigator to further filter your search by business industry, zip code/city/distance and/or specific need.


Adrian City Clerk Office The Adrian City Clerk works with licensing and permits in Adrian, MO.
Alba City Clerk Office The Alba City Clerk works with licensing and permits in Alba, MO.
Alma City Clerk Office The Alma City Clerk works with licensing and permits in Alma, MO.
Anderson City Clerk Office The Anderson City Clerk works with licensing and permits in Anderson, MO.
Andrew County Collector Licensing your Business with Andrew County
Annapolis City Clerk Office The Annapolis City Clerk works with licensing and permits in Annapolis, MO.
Appleton City Clerk Office The office of City Clerk for the City of Appleton City provides clerical, record keeping and administrative functions to the City Council. The Appleton City Clerk also works with licensing and permits in Appleton City, MO.
Arcadia City Clerk Office The Arcadia City Clerk works with licensing and permits in Arcadia, MO.
Ashland City Clerk Office The Ashland City Clerk works with licensing and permits in Ashland, MO.
Aurora City Clerk Office The Aurora City Clerk Office works with licensing and permits in Aurora, MO.
Auxvasse City Hall The Auxvasse City Clerk works with the finances, meetings, ordinances for the city.
Ava Department of Development The Ava Department of Development works with licensing and permits in Ava, MO.
Bates City Clerk Office The Bates City Clerk works with licensing and permits in Bates, MO.
Battlefield City Clerk Office The Battlefield City Clerk works with licensing and permits in Battlefield, MO.
Belle City Clerk Office The Belle City Clerk works with licensing and permits in Belle, MO.
Benton City Clerk Office The Benton City Clerk works with licensing and permits in Benton, MO.
Bertrand City Clerk Office The Bertrand City Clerk works with licensing and permits in Bertrand, MO.
Bethany City Clerk Office The Bethany City Clerk works with licensing, permits, customers services, billing, cutoffs, attends meetings and minutes in Bethany, MO.
Birch Tree City Clerk Office The Birch Tree City Clerk Office works with licensing and permits in Birch Tree, MO.
Bismarck City Clerk Office The Bismarck City Clerk works with licensing and permits in Bismarck, MO.
Blackburn City Clerk Office The Blackburn City Clerk works with licensing and permits in Blackburn, MO.
Bland City Clerk Office City Clerk is responsible for licensing, permits, minutes and records, water and sewer billing, accounts receivable and accounts payable. Court Clerk is responsible for maintaining all court records and payments.
Bloomfield City Clerks Office The Bloomfield City Clerk works with licensing and permits in Bloomfield, MO.
Bloomsdale City Clerks Office The Bloomsdale City Clerk works with licensing and permits in Bloomsdale, MO.
Blue Springs Chamber of Commerce The Blue Springs Chamber of Commerce provides business assistance, networking opportunities, and other services related to growing businesses in Blue Springs, MO.
Bonne Terre City Clerk Office The Bonne Terre City Clerk works with licensing and permits in Bonne Terre, MO.
Bourbon City Clerks Office The Bourbon City Clerk works with licensing and permits in Bourbon, MO.
Brashear City Clerks Office The Brashear City Clerk works with licensing and permits in Brashear, MO.
Braymer City Clerks Office The Braymer City Clerk works with licensing and permits in Braymer, MO.
Breckenridge City Clerks Office The Breckenridge City Clerk works with licensing and permits in Breckenridge, MO.
Browning City Clerks Office The Browning City Clerk works with licensing and permits in Browning, MO.
Bucklin City Clerks Office The Bucklin City Clerk works with licensing and permits in Bucklin, MO.
Buffalo City Clerks Office The Buffalo City Clerk works with licensing and permits in Buffalo, MO.
Burlington Junction City Clerks Office The Burlington Junction City Clerk works with licensing and permits in Burlington Junction, MO.
Butler City Clerks Office The Butler City Clerk works with licensing and permits in Butler, MO.
Cabool City Clerks Office The Cabool City Clerk works with licensing, permits, and utilities in Cabool, MO.
Cainsville City Clerks Office The Cainsville City Clerk works with licensing and permits in Cainsville, MO.
Calhoun City Clerks Office The Calhoun City Clerk works with licensing and permits in Calhoun, MO.
Cameron City Clerk's Office The Cameron City Clerk works with licensing and permits in Cameron, MO.
Canton City Clerk Office The Canton City Clerk works with licensing and permits in Canton, Mo.
Cape Girardeau Development Services The City of Cape Girardeau understands the importance of business investment in the community. Whether you are looking to locate your business in Cape Girardeau or expand an existing business, Cape Girardeau's Development Services can help. The city offers assistance with procuring the necessary licenses and permits to operate a business in Cape Girardeau. The Development Services office offers assistance with zoning and land use information. Either the City or the area economic development agency, MAGNET, may provide data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and the Census to assist businesses in determining new markets and strategies. The city also offers assistance through a variety of available development tools to select businesses, with emphasis on projects which include downtown development, Brownfield development, rehabilitation of historic structures, development within the enhanced enterprise zone and projects that generate net new jobs to the area. Each project is evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
Center for Entrepreneurship - Craig School of Business at MWSU The Center for Entrepreneurship exists to train, mentor and support entrepreneurs. Our staff will provide one-on-one business coaching and connect clients to needed programs and resources.
Center for Intellectual Property & Entrepreneurship (CIPE) - University of Missouri - School of Law - The Center for Intellectual Property & Entrepreneurship (CIPE) is comprised of nearly a dozen faculty members at Mizzou's law school. The center's faculty are thought leaders in the area of law and innovation. CIPE hosts an annual symposium.
Centerview City Clerk Office The Centerview City Clerk works with licensing and permits in Centerview, MO.
Chesterfield Department of Planning and Development Services The Department of Planning and Development Services at the City of Chesterfield is a resource for local entrepreneurs to help grow and expand their businesses.
Child Care Aware® of Missouri Child Care Aware® of Missouri assists families and child care professionals statewide so that Missouri children have access to quality, affordable child care.
City of Albany The City of Albany is committed to providing support and opportunity to entrepreneurs and business start-ups as well as established business expansion and retention services.
City of Atlanta The Atlanta City Clerk works with licensing and permits in Atlanta, MO. We also provide Notary services. Our office is also the location of Municipal Water services.
City of Aurora The City of Aurora works to promote economic development opportunities.
City of Barnett The Barnett City Clerk works with licensing and permits in Barnett, MO.
City of Blue Springs - Economic Growth and Development The primary focus of the Blue Springs Economic Growth and Development department is to attract and retain industrial, manufacturing and professional employers to Blue Springs and to make recommendations to the Mayor and City Council regarding financial incentives.
City of Brookfield The City of Brookfield offers business planning services including licensing and permits in Brookfield, MO.
City of Columbia, MO - Business License Division The Business License Division of the City of Columbia, Missouri accepts and processes applications and renewals for business licenses.
City of Columbia-Community Development The City of Columbia's Community Development Department's mission is to help plan, build, and care for the city. Apply for or renew a business license for businesses located in Columbia, MO.
City of Ferguson The City of Ferguson works with licensing and permits in Ferguson, MO.
City of Kansas City, MO-KCBizCare KCBizCare is a division of the City of Kansas City, Missouri City Manager's Office. KC BizCare is a free business resource, advocacy and information center for new and existing businesses operating within the City.
City of Mexico, Missouri The Mexico City Clerk works with licensing and permits in Mexico, Missouri.
City of Raytown, Office of Economic Development The City of Raytown's economic development efforts emphasize small business development, business recruitment and business retention. The program provides real estate site selection, incentive attainment and general ombudsman services.
City of Springfield - Division of Licensing The City of Springfield Division of Licensing assists citizens and businesses with business/occupational licenses,special tax bills, bidding on city projects/contracts, etc.
City of St. Charles Economic Development The St. Charles Economic Development professionals work with industries looking to expand and/or relocate and also serve startup companies. Along with our partners, our Economic Development team provides the most comprehensive assistance to help any business. Through our network of contacts, we are able to leverage resources to assist companies invest to add value and employees.
City of Sunset Hills The Sunset Hills Deputy City Clerk works with licensing and Mayor/BOA items in Sunset Hills, MO.
Clarkton City Clerk Office The Clarkton City Clerk Office works with licensing and permits in Clarkton, MO.
Claycomo Village City Clerk Office The Village of Claycomo City Clerk Office works with licensing and permits in Claycomo, MO.
Clinton City Clerk Office The Clinton City Clerk Office works with licensing and permits in Clinton, MO.
Corder City Clerk Office The Corder City Clerk Office works with licensing and permits in Corder, MO.
Country Club Village City Clerk Office The Village of Country Club City Clerk works with licensing and permits in Village of Country Club, MO.
Deepwater City Clerk Office The City Collector of Deepwater Office works with licensing and permits in Deepwater, MO.
Dixon City Clerk Office The Dixon City Clerks Office works with licensing and permits in Dixon, MO.
Doolittle City Clerk Office The Doolittle City Clerk works with licensing and permits in Doolittle, Mo.
Douglas C. Greene Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship Located on the campus of Southeast Missouri State University (SEMO), the Innovation Center provides easy access to many services needed by start-up businesses such as business counseling, training, and access to US SBA programs and services.
Downtown Council of Kansas City The Downtown Council is your one-stop resource for opening a business in Downtown Kansas City providing research and development and ombudsman services.
Duquesne City Clerk Office The Duquesne City Clerk Office works with licensing and permits in Duquesne, MO.
Edgar Springs City Clerk Office The Edgar Springs City Clerk Office works with licensing and permits in Edgar Springs, MO.
efactory The efactory is an entrepreneurship center designed to assist startup and growth in new small businesses and continuing education and training in mature organizations.
Ellsinore City Clerk Office The Ellsinore City Clerk Office works with licensing and permits in Ellsinore, MO.
Entrepreneurship Bootcamp for Veterans (EBV) The Entrepreneurship Bootcamp for Veterans is a multi-phase program for post-9/11 veterans and a passion for launching new businesses. The results-based program is led by experts in the areas of disability employment and self-employment who present a tailored curriculum that reflects the unique needs, challenges and opportunities confronting veterans.
Fair Grove City Clerk The Fair Grove City Clerk works with licensing and permits in Fair Grove, MO.
Fayette City Clerk The Fayette City Clerk works with licensing and permits in Fayette, MO.
Galt City Clerk Office The Galt City Clerk Office works with licensing and permits in Galt, MO.
Gideon City Clerk Office The Gideon City Clerk works with licensing and permits in Gideon, MO.
Gladstone Economic Development Department The Gladstone Department of Economic Development department is dedicated to improving the economic welfare of Gladstone, Mo.
Grandview Chamber & Economic Development Council The Grandview Chamber exists to serve, protect and promote area business.
Grant City, City Clerk Office The Grant City, City Clerk works with licensing and permits in Grant City, MO.
Hallsville City Clerk Office The City Clerk's office is your resource for information and services offered in the Hallsville community. The office provides business licenses, building permits, accepts city utility payments, issues pet licenses, offers Notary Public, provides faxing and copying services, as well as relaying messages to other departments.
Hannibal Regional Economic Development Council HREDC works to promote investment within the HREDC Region through expansion of existing businesses, new business attraction and entrepreneurial development.
Hardin City Clerk Office The Hardin City Clerk works with licensing and permits in Hardin, MO.
Harrisonville City Collector The Harrisonville City Collector works with registration and licensing in Harrisonville, MO.
Harrisonville Economic Development Provide assistance to parties interested in investing in, or locating in Harrisonville, MO.
Hartville City Clerk Office The Hartville City Clerks Office works with licensing and permits in Hartville, MO.
Hispanic Economic Development Corporation The Hispanic Economic Development Corporation (HEDC) is dedicated to improving the lives of Latinos within the greater Kansas City. HEDC achieves this through business development and economic and community wealth creation initiatives.
Holcomb City Clerk Office The Holcomb City Clerk works with licensing and permits in Holcomb, MO.
Hollister City Clerk Office The Hollister City Clerk works with licensing and permits in Hollister, MO.
Holt County The Holt County Clerk's office is a point of contact for anyone requesting governmental information or contacts for Holt County.
Holts Summit City Clerks Office The Holts Summit City Clerks Office works with licensing and permits in Holts Summit, MO.
Huntsville City Clerk Office The Huntsville City Clerk works with licensing and permits in Huntsville, Mo.
International Institute of St. Louis - Small Business Provides a wide variety of services to linguistically and culturally disadvantaged business owners; including business loans for immigrants and refugees, a Credit builder Loan, among other services.
Jennings Department of Finance The Jennings Department of Finance works with licensing and permits in Jennings, MO.
Joplin Area Chamber of Commerce Foundation The Joplin Area Chamber of Commerce Foundation operates two small business development centers. The Joseph Newman Innovation Center and the Advanced Training and Technology Center offer co-working space and dedicated office space and business resources for regional start-ups.
Joplin City Clerk Office The Joplin City Clerk works with the Mayor and City Council
Kansas City Volunteer Lawyers & Accountants for the Arts Kansas City Volunteer Lawyers and Accountants for the Arts (KCVLAA) is a nonprofit, 501(c)(3) organization that provides legal and accounting assistance to artists and arts organizations.
Kearney City Administrator Office The Kearney City Administrator Office works with licensing and permits in Kearney, MO.
Laredo City Clerk Office The Laredo City Clerk Office works with licensing and permits in Laredo, MO.
Laurie City Clerk Office The Laurie City Clerk's office provides records, ordinances, licenses, permits and financial information for the City of Laurie, Missouri.
Legal Services of Eastern Missouri Through our Community Economic Development Microenterprise Program, we provide free civil legal assistance to eligible entrepreneurs, small businesses and non-profits. For our nonprofit clients, we represent those who serve and support low-income communities.
Lexington City Clerk Office The Lexington City Clerk works with licensing and permits in Lexington, MO.
Linn Creek City Clerk Office The Linn Creek City Clerk Office works with licensing and permits in Linn Creek, MO.
Lone Jack City Clerk Office The Lone Jack City Clerk Office works with licensing and permits in Lone Jack, MO.
Madison City Hall The Madison City Hall works with licensing and permits in Madison, MO.
Missouri Department of Agriculture The Missouri Department of Agriculture sets agriculture policy and provides assistance to farmers throughout the state, focusing on food related business.
Missouri Department of Conservation The Missouri Department of Conservations protects and manages the fish, forest, and wildlife of the state. The department facilitates licenses and permits for commercial enterprises related to hunting, fishing, and other wildlife.
Missouri Department of Health & Senior Services The Missouri Department of Health is responsible for dispersal of information regarding licensing and regulation for businesses within the health and senior service industries.
Missouri Department of Labor and Industrial Relations The Department works with businesses regarding unemployment, workers' compensation, workplace safety, wage and hour, discrimination, mine and cave safety, and bargaining units for public employees.
Missouri Division of Professional Registration The Missouri Division of Professional Registration provides administrative support to 40 professional licensing boards and commissions responsible for licensing and regulating the activities of approximately 430,000 Missourians.
Missouri SBDC at Lincoln University The Missouri SBDC offers personalized and extensive services from knowledgeable and helpful professionals focused on your business success.
Missouri SBDC at Missouri State University The Missouri SBDC offers personalized and extensive services from knowledgeable and helpful professionals focused on your business success.
Missouri SBDC at Missouri State University - West Plains The Missouri SBDC offers personalized and extensive services from knowledgeable and helpful professionals focused on your business success.
Missouri SBDC at Missouri University of Science and Technology The Missouri SBDC offers personalized and extensive services from knowledgeable and helpful professionals focused on your business success.
Missouri SBDC at State Fair Community College The Missouri SBDC offers no-cost, personalized, and extensive business consulting and executive level coaching, from knowledgeable and helpful professionals focused on your business success.
Missouri SBDC at University of Missouri Columbia The Missouri SBDC offers personalized and extensive services from knowledgeable and helpful professionals focused on your business success.
Missouri SBDC in St. Louis The Missouri SBDC offers personalized and extensive services from knowledgeable and helpful professionals focused on your business success.
Missouri Secretary of State, Jefferson City The Missouri Secretary of State's Office, Secretary of State John Ashcroft, offers a variety of information useful to business owners. The Secretary of State's office provides the necessary information and forms to register a business in the state as well as information pertinent to corporations, LLCs and sole proprietorships.
Missouri Secretary of State, Springfield Branch Office The Missouri Secretary of State's Office, Secretary of State John R. Ashcroft, offers a variety of information useful to business owners. The Secretary of State's office provides the necessary information and forms to register a business in the state as well as information pertinent to corporations, LLCs and sole proprietorships.
Missouri Secretary of State, St. Louis Branch Office The Missouri Secretary of State's Office, Secretary of State John R. Ashcroft, offers a variety of information useful to business owners. The Secretary of State's office provides the necessary information and forms to register a business in the state as well as information pertinent to corporations, LLCs and sole proprietorships.
Missouri Women's Business Center The Missouri Women’s Business Center (MoWBC) provides resources, support and networks for women seeking to start or grow their own businesses. We specialize in free one-on-one counseling and training for regional entrepreneurs.
Mound City, City Clerk Office The Mound City Clerks Office works with licensing and permits in Mound City, MO.
New Florence City Clerk Office The New Florence City Clerk works with licensing and permits in New Florence, MO.
New Franklin City Clerk Office The New Franklin City Clerk works with licensing and permits in New Franklin, MO.
New Melle City Clerk Office The New Melle City Clerk Office works with licensing and permits in New Melle, MO.
Nixa City Clerk Office The Nixa City Clerks Office works with licensing and permits in Nixa, MO.
Norborne City Clerk Office The Norborne City Clerk Office works with licensing and permits in Norborne, MO.
North Central Missouri Business Facilitation To facilitate entrepreneurial development in the north central Missouri counties of Caldwell, Clinton, Daviess, DeKalb, Grundy, and Harrison.
North Central Missouri Development Alliance To foster economic growth and development for the purpose of enhancing the quality of life in the North Central Missouri region.
Norwood City Clerk Office The Norwood City Clerk works with licensing and permits in Norwood, MO.
O'Fallon City Clerk Office The O'Fallon City Clerk works with licensing and permits in O'Fallon, Mo.
Osage Beach City Clerk Office The Osage Beach City Clerk works with licensing and permits in Osage Beach, Mo.
Osceola City Clerk Office The Osceola City Clerk works with licensing and permits in Osceola, MO.
Pacific Economic Development Director The Pacific Economic Development Director works with licensing and permits in Pacific, MO.
Parma City Clerk Office The Parma City Clerk Office works with licensing and permits in Parma, MO.
Perry County Economic Development Authority The Perry County Economic Development Authority is a not-for-profit economic development organization which works with expanding and relocating companies who are considering a location in the greater Perryville Missouri area.
Perryville City Clerk Office The Perryville City Clerks Office works with licensing and permits in Perryville, MO.
Pevely Deputy City Clerk Office The Pevely Deputy City Clerk Office works with licensing and permits in Pevely, MO.
Pilot Grove City Clerk Office The Pilot Grove City Clerk works with licensing and permits in Pilot Grove, MO.
Platte City Area Chamber of Commerce/Economic Development Council The Platte City Area Chamber of Commerce/EDC provides networking opportunities, entrepreneurial support and business retention and expansion services for the Platte City, MO Area.
Qulin City Clerk Office
Raymore City Clerk Office The Raymore City Clerk Office works with licensing and permits in Raymore, MO.
Rich Hill City Clerk Office The Rich Hill City Clerks Office works with licensing and permits in Rich Hill, MO.
Rock Port City Clerk Office The Rock Port City Clerk Office works with licensing and permits in Rock Port, MO.
Russellville City Clerk Office The Russellville City Clerks Office works with licensing and permits in Russellville, MO.
SBDC for Northwest Missouri State University - St. Joseph Center The SBDC offers confidential consulting to existing & emerging businesses. Fortune 500 resources & expertise are utilized with clients at no charge due to our funding from the U.S. Small Business Administration & Northwest Missouri State University.
Southern Boone Economic Development Council Southern Boone Economic Development Council's mission statement is To unite individuals, businesses, educational partners, civic organizations and government leaders in collaborative efforts to improve the quality of life for area residents by encouraging a stronger economic base in the greater Ashland area. Ashland is one of the fastest growing communities in Missouri. We would love to show you Ashland and Southern Boone County.
Square One Small Business Services by Mid-Continent Public Library Square One Small Business Services at Mid-Continent Public Library supports local entrepreneurs through access to information, programs, and opportunities. Whether owning a business is a brand new dream or your life’s work, MCPL is committed to helping you succeed.
St. Joseph City Clerk The Customer Service division is responsible for billing and collection of all, but not limited to, the following permits and fees: Alarm permits Business licenses City permits Health permits Lease agreements Liquor licenses Parking tickets
St. Louis Development Corporation The St. Louis Development Corp. offers programs and services to the small business owner.
St. Robert City Clerk Office The St. Robert City Clerk works with licensing and permits in St. Robert, MO.
Stockton City Clerk Office The Stockton City Clerk office works with licensing and permits in Stockton, MO.
Strafford City Clerk Office The Strafford City Clerk works with licensing and permits in Strafford, MO.
Sunrise Beach City Clerk Office The Sunrise Beach City Clerk works with licensing and permits in Sunrise Beach, MO.
Taney County Collector The Taney County Collector issues business licenses for Taney County.
The BALSA Foundation The BALSA Foundation’s mission is to promote social equity and prosperity in the St. Louis region by empowering first-time entrepreneurs to start and grow their businesses. We fulfill this mission by (1) maintaining an online, step-by-step guide to starting a business, (2) providing free feedback from experts to anyone with a business idea, (3) providing cash grants, mentorship, and donations of professional services to first time entrepreneurs who need and will benefit from them the most. Our vision is a St. Louis community that embraces first time entrepreneurship as a gateway to social change.
The LearningForce The LearningForce offers a diverse schedule of noncredit continuing education courses for personal enrichment, professional development and workforce training solutions for business, industry and the individual.
Tipton City Clerk Office The Tipton City Clerk Office works with licensing and permits in Tipton, MO.
Trimble City Clerk Office The Trimble City Clerk Office works with licensing and permits in Trimble, MO.
Truesdale City Clerk Office The Truesdale City Clerk works with licensing and permits in Truesdale, MO.
UMSL Accelerate - University of Missouri-St. Louis UMSL Accelerate is the innovation and entrepreneurial resource for students, faculty and the community. Our vision is to serve as a catalyst for developing our students, faculty and community to inspire entrepreneurship and innovation. Our mission is to foster a community of thought leaders by providing a vibrant ecosystem to Educate (curriculum), Innovate (co-curriculum), and Collaborate (community programming).
University of Missouri - School of Law - Entrepreneurship Legal Clinic (ELC) The Entrepreneurship Legal Clinic (ELC) provides legal assistance to take startups from concept to capitalization. The ELC is a course where upper level law students get hands-on experience under the supervision of an experienced, licensed attorney.
University of Missouri-Kansas City - Law School - Legal Technology Laboratory (LTL) Multi-institution consortium, administered by UMKC, to facilitate development and testing of prototypes of new technologies or combinations of technologies at intersection of law, technology, and entrepreneurship (commercial, social, or civic).
University of Missouri-Kansas City--Interdisciplinary Entrepreneurship Entrepreneurship & New Venture Creation is a projects-based course in which interdisciplinary teams of Law, MBA, Engineering and sometimes other students collaborate on the development of a business plan for a startup venture. The innovation the student teams work with are brought to the course by Project Providers who "pitch" their innovations to the students and faculty.
Urban Empowerment Development Corporation uEDC Mission: uEDC is a community development corporation dedicated to empowering people to impact their community.
Urich City Clerk Office The Urich City Clerk works with licensing and permits in Urich, Mo.
Vandalia City Clerk Office The Vandalia City Clerk works with licensing and permits in Vandalia, MO.
Versailles Mayor's Office The Versailles City Clerk Office works with licensing and permits in Versailles, MO.
Veterans Business Resource Center Free assistance to honorably discharged veterans, transitioning military and military families with preparations to self-employment or business expansion.
Vienna City Clerk Office The Vienna City Clerk Office works with licensing and permits in Vienna, MO.
Warrensburg City Collector Office The Warrensburg City Collectors Office works with Sewer Utility Billing, Business, Liquor and Dog licensing in Warrensburg, MO.
Waynesville City Clerk The Waynesville City Clerk works with licensing and permits in Waynesville, MO.
Webb City Economic Development Office The Webb City Economic Development Office is available to assist entrepreneurs wishing to establish a business in Webb City, Missouri.
Wellington City Clerk Office The Wellington City Clerk Office works with licensing and permits in Wellington, MO.
Willard City Clerk Office The Willard City Clerk Office works with licensing and permits in Willard, MO.
Windsor City Clerk Office The Windsor City Clerk works with licensing and permits in Windsor, MO.

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Want to know who does this in your community? Head over to The Resource Navigator to customize your search by business industry, zip code/city/distance and/or specific need—or just give us a call at 866-870-6500 and we’ll make your Personal Action Plan of next-step resources for free.

More resources to help your business get legal

You may find these resources helpful, too, as you set up your business.

Starting a Business in Missouri Checklist
Legal Services (The Resource Navigator)
Starting a Business Checklist (Missouri SBTDC)

>> Remember if you need help, give us a call at 866-870-6500 or send us a message. We can guide you through the next steps you need to take to start your business.

Guide: Start a Business

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