The idea of starting their own small business is very exciting to some people, and some of them go forward with it. However, most new businesses fail. Largely for that reason, there are no State or Federal government grants for business start-ups.

However, there are many programs which offer a “guaranteed loan”, meaning that the bank applies to the government for a guarantee on your loan. There is also private financing. Most start-up financing comes from the new business owner, or his friends and family. When your business has a two- or three-year business history, then the government and banks are more likely to consider some type of loan.

Business Plan

The first thing required is a well-written business plan. The State of Colorado offers free counseling on this in its network of Small Business Development Centers. The Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT) offers an online Business Resource Guide, which offers guidance on writing a business plan and on other aspects of starting a business in Colorado. This is a good place to consult in the early stages of your business planning. Alternatively, you can consult an experienced business start-up law firm, who will know all the steps to take and have copies of all the required paperwork.

Business License

No general business license is required in Colorado, but a specific licence is required for each type of business, and these are issued by the State of Colorado. If you are starting a corporation, Limited Liability Company, Sole Proprietorship or General Partnership, you will need to register your trade name with the Colorado Secretary of State, and file all the required paperwork.

Business Name and Tax ID

The new business name must be registered with the Secretary of State also, although this will not establish your exclusive rights to it. You will first need to verify with the Secretary of State that it is not already in use. The State tax ID will be issued by the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment when you apply for it correctly.

Workers’ Compensation Insurance

You are required by the Colorado Division of Workers’ Compensation to provide this, and more details can be obtained from them. There is no State fund for it. It is available through various private insurance companies in Colorado and from Pinnacol Assurance, a non-profit insurance carrier. You would need to shop around for the best rates and service.

Unemployment Insurance Taxes

The beginning base tax rate for most employers is 0.017, plus a surtax which is computed annually. If your business is construction-related, it may be subject to a different tax base.

Sales Tax

Colorado’s sales tax rate is 2.9%. Counties, cities, and special districts also collect sales taxes. Your business’s exact sales tax rate will depend on its location. Colorado has 43 home rule cities that require separate business licensing and independently collect their portion of the tax on all sales made within their jurisdiction.

Some legal assistance

Requirements for starting your new business in Colorado are extensive and complex, and meeting them all without any assistance is time-consuming. You can obtain prompt and wise legal help from highly experienced attorneys, however, and this will enable you to focus on the more enjoyable aspects of your new business.