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Starting a Business

Help is available if you are thinking about starting a business. The Minnesota Small Business Assistance Office publishes "A Guide to Starting a Business in Minnesota" each year. This guide is excellent and a great place to start. You may download a copy of this guide today! A Guide to Starting a Business in Minnesota

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Do I need a business license to operate in Moorhead?

A. It depends! Many businesses do not need a license. Licenses are required for selling used cars, cigarettes, food, vending, liquor, lodging, and for most contractor or installation work in homes or businesses. To be certain, contact the City Clerk via email or at (218) 299-5304.

Q. How do I get a federal or state I.D. number?

A. Federal EIN Number Online Application
Minnesota Tax ID Number Online Application

Q. How do I register a business name in Minnesota?

A. Check out the information at the Minnesota Secretary of State website for step-by-step instructions to assist you in starting your business, including registering your business name.

Q. Can I operate a home-based business out of my home?

A. Yes, as long as you reside there (one outside employee OK) and have minimal customer or truck traffic. You can have up to a sixteen square foot sign posted on the structure. But, an effect on the neighbors can mean it's time to move out!

Q. Where can I get help preparing financial projections, marketing studies and loan applications?

A. West Central Small Business Development Center at the Offutt School of Business located at Concordia College has consultants that can help. Call (218) 299-3037 to schedule a personal interview. View their website.

Q. Where can I get info about how to hire employees?

A. Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) has a host of information available to you at http://www.positivelyminnesota.com/Business/Finding_Workers

Q. Where can I get info about small business taxes?

A. Internal Revenue Service website has information and publications available for download to help you file and pay your business taxes.

Quick Link Guide

Small Business Development Center - (218) 299-3037
Website
  • Financial projections
  • Loan packaging
  • Accounting and recordkeeping
  • Market analysis
  • Market research
  • Strategic marketing
  • Workshops on starting a business and other topics
  • Business planning
  • Strategic planning

MN Secretary of State
Website
  • Resources to assist in initial planning stages of starting a business
  • Step by step assistance in registering your business
  • Online forms
  • File business documents online


MN Department of Revenue
Website
  • Register for a MN Tax ID number
  • Update your business information online
  • Step by step filing and payment guidelines
  • Sales and use tax information


Positively Minnesota - Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED)
Website
  • Starting a business
  • Managing a business
  • Financing a business
  • Locating in Minnesota
  • Exporting & international trade
  • Finding workers
  • Get help from the experts
  • Green business assistance

IRS Small Business and Self-Employed Tax Center (Federal)
Website
  • Small business forms and publications
  • Employer ID Numbers (EINs)
  • Starting, Operating, or Closing a Business
  • Employment Taxes


For more information, contact the Moorhead Economic Development Office by email or call us at (218) 299-5441 or toll-free 877-833-6667.

Disclaimer: Links to other pages are provided for the convenience of our citizens. The City of Moorhead does not, by linking with any web site, guarantee the accuracy or appropriateness of the content of any website. Viewers must make their own analysis of that content. We make every effort to keep this information up to date so if a link is not working, please let us know.

 
 
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