Start or Grow a Business

Register your business with the City. Renew every four years.

Youth under 18 must get a work permit.

Use a short-form permit to work on an existing sign and a long-form permit to install a new one.

Required if your business uses a dumpster or donation bin.

How to set up a cannabis business in the City of Boston.

Connects diverse-owned businesses with public-sector contracts.

Required to store, repair, or sell cars at your business.

Required if you use a garage for auto repairs or park more than four cars in it.

Host a one-time event with carnival games or amusement rides.

You must have a license to run a dance school. Renew yearly.

For public shows at a single event, indoors or outdoors.

Host public shows, like live music, DJs, or karaoke. Renew yearly.

The permits, licenses, and inspections you need to open a restaurant, from choosing a location to opening day.

You must get a license to sell alcohol. The process includes a public hearing.

Serve alcohol at an event.

Get a license to run a restaurant, cafe, or food-based takeout business.

Pass a health inspection to serve or sell food to the public.

Before you open, you must have several permits, insurance, and a commissary agreement.

Workers who handle money on food trucks must get this state license.

Apply to add outdoor dining to your restaurant.

Make and sell shelf-stable foods from your home kitchen.

Get permits for nail salons, body art studios, tanning facilities, and tobacco sales.