How to Start a Business

Contact your Economic Development Office for help in navigating the process. The order of the following steps can differ, based on your unique business needs.

1. Prepare Your Business Plan
Put together your business plan, which highlights your company concept, market analysis, including target audience and competitive environment, company organization and management, marketing strategy, funding requirements, financial projections and supplemental documentation. Designate a high-quality team of advisors (accountant, attorney, etc.).

Resources:

• Small Business Association

2. Register Your Business Name and Structure with Colorado Secretary of State

Resources:

• Colorado Secretary of State

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3. Register with Federal and State Tax Authorities

Resources:

• Internal Revenue Service
• Colorado Business Navigator

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4. Select a Business Location and Obtain Necessary Property-Related Permits

• Key factors to evaluate include the type of building, its location, zoning regulations, ADA compliance and the availability of parking.
• Zoning permits are not required for change of property use; however, the use must be permitted in the zone district of which the property is located. To check permitted use, contact Planner of the Day at pod@lakewood.org  with the property address and proposed use.
• A building permit will most likely be required for a change in property use. Please contact Building Department.
• Partnering with a licensed contractor experienced in these areas is highly recommended.

Resources (Zoning):

• City of Lakewood – Zoning 
• Request a Zoning Verification Letter - City of Lakewood
• Lakewood Sustainability and Community Development (Zoning)

Resources (Building and Construction):

• Create an account: City of Lakewood's Planning & Permitting Portal
• City of Lakewood - Planning Consultation
• For building occupancy changes: permitcounter@lakewood.org

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5. Obtain Required Business Permits and Licenses

• Every business with a physical presence in the City of Lakewood is required to have a business license, including businesses that provide services only.

• All business are required to file tax returns for their business at a frequency determined by the City and the sales threshold by the business. Frequency can be monthly, quarterly or annual (for service only businesses).

Resources:

• For License Applications (subject to Building and Planning review), Supplemental Home Occupation Form or Form of Release: Lakewood Business Pro
• City of Lakewood - Permits & Licenses
• Jeffco Licenses, Permits & Certificates
• Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA)
• SBA - Federal Licenses & Permits

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6. Other Approvals and Inspections (If Required)

Resources:

• Applicable Water and Sanitation District: Water and Sewer Lines
• Environmental Health  Services: Jefferson County Public Health
• West Metro Fire Rescue: West Metro Fire - Operational Permits

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7. Obtain a Certificate of Occupancy

Resources:

1. eTrackit
2. West Metro Fire Inspection

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8. Open Your Business and Celebrate Your Success

• Contact the City of Lakewood's Economic Development Office to schedule your Grand Opening!

Resources:

• City of Lakewood - Economic Development
  
  

• Home Based Businesses: Lakewood’s city codes are intentionally friendly to home-based businesses. All residential zoning in Lakewood allows for home occupations as an accessory or special use, as long as the business follows the rules and regulations of the zoning code, including not disturbing your neighbors and using no more than 25% of your home's square footage for business use. All home-based businesses, including service businesses, require a Sales or Use Tax License. You can apply for your license online.