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What to do first!

Decide the legal structure of your business, choose a business name and register your business with the appropriate state & federal agencies.  Sole Proprietors, General Partnerships, and Unincorporated Non-Profit Associations register with the Department of Revenue.  All other forms of legal structure file with the Secretary of State.  Refer to the Legal Structures guide contained elsewhere in this information.

If your business will have employees, you must open federal and state wage withholding and payroll tax accounts.

If your business will be selling, renting or leasing tangible personal property, you must obtain state and local sales tax licenses.

Check with the city and county government regarding any special business regulations, sales taxes, personal property taxes and zoning restrictions affecting your business.

Whether you have decided to operate your business as a sole proprietorship, general partnership, or a corporation, or if you plan to operate your business with a trade name other than your own legal name or the true name of the corporation, you must register with the Department of Revenue.  As a limited partnership or corporation, you are required to register the name with the Secretary of State, Corporations Division.

Colorado Department of Revenue 
1375 Sherman
Denver, CO  80261
303-238-7378
www.state.co.us

Colorado Secretary of State
1560 Broadway, Suite 200
Denver, CO  80202
303-894-2200
www.sos.state.co.us

Where to go for advice

This booklet has a wealth of information that should assist you with starting your own business.  However, you may have some additional questions before you begin.  Feel free to contact any of the following for more information:

Lafayette Chamber of Commerce
304 W. Baseline Rd.
Lafayette, CO  80026
303-666-9555 or info@lafayettecolorado.com

The Chamber of Commerce wants to see all businesses succeed and prosper.  It is beneficial for you, the owner, and for the community.  Call the Chamber for membership information, suggestions on how to introduce your business to the community, and ideas on how to grow with Lafayette.


Small Business Development Center
Boulder Public Library, 1001 Arapahoe Ave., Boulder, CO  80302
303-442-1044  www.bouldersbdc.com
Front Range Community College Office—3645 W. 112th Ave., Westminster, CO  80030
303-466-8811

The SBDC offers ongoing one-on-one counseling sessions with a qualified business consultant.  In addition, start-up workshops, seminars and classes are offered on a continuous basis.


Small Business Resource Hotline 303-592-5920

This hotline will connect you with an "expert" and a free, 30 minute consultation.  Areas of expertise include marketing/sales, legal, personnel/human resources, finance, accounting, management, computer assistance, and more.


Small Business Resource Hotline 303-592-5920

This hotline will connect you with an "expert" and a free, 30 minute consultation.  Areas of expertise include marketing/sales, legal, personnel/human resources, finance, accounting, management, computer assistance, and more.


Small Business Administration (SBA)
721 19th Street, Room 426
Denver, CO  80202
303-844-3985

Other Resources

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