Start a Business
We are excited that you are considering choosing North Dakota as a place to do business. There are many planning steps in establishing your business. This section provides information to guide and connect you with state agencies that may help you on this journey.
Business Planning
A business plan help you establish goals and outcomes you wish your business to achieve. The North Dakota Small Business Development Center provides guidance and resources to help new businesses find a successful start in North Dakota. Check out their Business Resource Guide for business planning basics and potential issues you may face as a new business.
Choosing your Business Type
The business structure you choose influences everything from day-to-day operations, to taxes and how much of your personal assets are at risk. You should choose a business structure that gives you the right balance of legal protections and benefits.
Getting Licensed – if required
You may be required to get a license or registration from a state agency or board if you are involved in certain occupations. Use the following to find information on licensing requirements through varied agencies.
Licenses issued by Attorney General
- Alcoholic Beverage Retailers
- Amusement Games and Fair Boards
- Firework Wholesalers
- Charitable Gaming Organizations
- Manufacturers and Distributors of Gaming Equipment and Supplies
- Polygraph Operators
- Tobacco Retailers, Wholesalers and Manufacturers
- Transient Merchant
Licenses issued by Secretary of State
- Contractors
- Home Inspectors
- Lobbyists
- Athlete Agents
- Professional Employer Organizations
- Professional Fundraisers
- Combative Sports
Other Licensing Information
Do You Have Sales Tax Requirements?
North Dakota imposes a sales tax on retail sales, learn if you have requirements.
Do You Have Employees?
As a North Dakota business with employees, you may also need to contact:
- Job Service North Dakota – Unemployment
- Workforce Safety and Insurance – Workers’ Compensation
- North Dakota Department of Labor Requirements – labor laws
- North Dakota Office of State Tax Commissioner – income tax withholding
- North Dakota Child Support Employer Information – child support enforcement
Additional Resources
State Agency Resources
- ND Department of Agriculture
- Pride of Dakota – offers business development resources and marketing opportunities for local businesses.
- Pride of Dakota – offers business development resources and marketing opportunities for local businesses.
- ND Department of Commerce
- ND Department of Human Services
- ND Department of Labor
- ND Small Business Development Centers
- Job Service of ND
- North Dakota Office of the Attorney General
- North Dakota Office of the State Tax Commissioner
- Workforce Safety & Insurance
Federal Agencies
Learn more about any federal requirements you may have through the following:
- IRS
- SCORE
- US Small Business Administration
- IRS Small Business Center
- Apply for an Employer Identification Number (EIN) Online
- Publication 15 and 15A (Circular E regarding employer-employee relations)
- IRS Tax Law Questions
- Employment Eligibility Verification Form I-9
- For more information, go to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Questions and Answers
- For more information, go to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Questions and Answers
- Social Security Program