10 STEPS TO START YOUR BUSINESS

Starting a business involves planning, making key financial decisions, and completing a series of legal activities.  Learn more about the The U.S Small Business Administration's 10 Steps to Start Your Business listed below:

Conduct Market Research
Write your business plan
Fund your business
Pick your business location 
Choose a business structure
Choose your business name
Register your business
Get federal and state tax IDs
Apply for licenses and permits
Open a business bank account 
                                                                                                                                                                     

BUILDING PERMITS

Building permits are available Monday through Friday at City Hall: 620 Erie Street, Storm Lake, IA 50588.  For more information, please contact the Building Department at (712) 732-8002 or by email to buildingofficial@stormlake.org

BUSINESS LICENSES

The City of Storm Lake does NOT require business licenses; however, there are a number of key issues for new businesses starting-up in Storm Lake. 

• The property needs to be zoned properly for the type of business.  View Storm Lake Zoning Map here
• A sign permit is need for any signage for the business. Sign Permit Application can be found here
• If remodeling the property, contact the building department to determine if a permit is required. 

FOOD, ALCOHOL, RETAIL & CONSTRUCTION 

If selling and serving food for general consumption, a health permit is required and is issued by Buena Vista County Environmental Health Department. You may contact them by calling 712-749-2555. 

If serving alcoholic beverages, obtain a permit through the Iowa Alcoholic Beverages Division.  You may also contact the Deputy City Clerk by calling 712-732-8000 or by email to cityclerk@stormlake.org 

Retailers that make taxable sales in Iowa will be required to hold a sales or use tax permit.  Please visit the Iowa Department of Revenue website for more information.  

Construction contractors need to be registered with the State of Iowa.  Visit Iowa Workforce Development for contractor registration. 

BUSINESS ASSISTANCE AND TRAINING - TOOLKIT 

The City of Storm Lake prides itself on being business friendly. The Development Services Specialist focus is to support new and existing businesses as they start out or expand. The city wants to help you from beginning to opening to ensure your experience is as smooth as possible. The information and resources found in our business toolkit are a way to help you as you begin your venture in Storm Lake. 

IEDA |IA SOURCELINK

Resources for the entrepreneur and small business owner from funding to business planning information, navigating regulations, site locations assistance and more may be found by using the IA Sourcelink Resource Navigator.  IA Sourcelink is the go-to resource for aspiring entrepreneurs and business owners who need help starting, scaling or accelerating their business in Iowa. 

IEDA | BUSINESS LICENSE INFORMATION CENTER

Iowa does not have a "general business license." Licensing and other compliance requirements are based on the nature of a business or professional occupation.  For more information please visit the IEDA's Business License Information Center.