Start a Specific Business in Minnesota

Industry-by-industry guides to licenses, permits, startup costs and first steps for 55 kinds of Minnesota business.

New to this? Start with the Minnesota business formation guide, then come back for the specifics.

a Courier and Delivery BusinessLicenses, permits and startup costs in MinnesotaRead the guide →a Catering BusinessLicenses, permits and startup costs in MinnesotaRead the guide →a Junk Removal BusinessLicenses, permits and startup costs in MinnesotaRead the guide →a Handyman BusinessLicenses, permits and startup costs in MinnesotaRead the guide →a Bakery BusinessLicenses, permits and startup costs in MinnesotaRead the guide →a Towing BusinessLicenses, permits and startup costs in MinnesotaRead the guide →a Coffee Shop BusinessLicenses, permits and startup costs in MinnesotaRead the guide →a Lawn Care BusinessLicenses, permits and startup costs in MinnesotaRead the guide →a Food Truck in Minneapolis: $719 License, 21-Day Private Property Rule and Approved StreetsLicenses, permits and startup costs in MinnesotaRead the guide →How to Open a Restaurant in Minneapolis: Square-Foot License Fees, Plan Review and Alcohol TiersLicenses, permits and startup costs in MinnesotaRead the guide →a Short-Term Rental in St. Paul: Host License, Insurance and Certificate of OccupancyLicenses, permits and startup costs in MinnesotaRead the guide →How to Open a Cannabis Dispensary in Minneapolis: Zoning Map, Window Rule, Odour Plan and RegistrationLicenses, permits and startup costs in MinnesotaRead the guide →a Residential Contracting Business: Building Contractor vs Remodeler LicenseLicenses, permits and startup costs in MinnesotaRead the guide →a Roofing Business: The Residential Roofer License and $15,000 BondLicenses, permits and startup costs in MinnesotaRead the guide →an HVAC Business: No State License, a $25,000 Bond and Local RulesLicenses, permits and startup costs in MinnesotaRead the guide →a Plumbing Business: Plumbing Contractor License, Master Plumber and the 5,000-Population RuleLicenses, permits and startup costs in MinnesotaRead the guide →an Electrical Business: Contractor License, Master Electrician and BondLicenses, permits and startup costs in MinnesotaRead the guide →a Solar Installation Business: The Residential Contractor License Rule Since 2023Licenses, permits and startup costs in MinnesotaRead the guide →a Tree Service Business: The MDA Tree Care Registry and Pesticide RulesLicenses, permits and startup costs in MinnesotaRead the guide →a Pest Control Business: MDA Structural Pest Control LicenseLicenses, permits and startup costs in MinnesotaRead the guide →a Food Truck Business: MDH or MDA License, Plan Review and City RulesLicenses, permits and startup costs in MinnesotaRead the guide →a Restaurant: MDH License Fees, Certified Manager and Plan ReviewLicenses, permits and startup costs in MinnesotaRead the guide →a Bar or Liquor Store: City Licenses, AGED and Fee CapsLicenses, permits and startup costs in MinnesotaRead the guide →a Craft Brewery: State Brewer License and City Taproom LicenseLicenses, permits and startup costs in MinnesotaRead the guide →a Distillery: Microdistillery License and the City Cocktail RoomLicenses, permits and startup costs in MinnesotaRead the guide →a Winery: Farm Winery License and Retail RulesLicenses, permits and startup costs in MinnesotaRead the guide →How to Sell THC Drinks and Hemp Edibles: Lower-Potency Hemp Edible LicensesLicenses, permits and startup costs in MinnesotaRead the guide →How to Open a Cannabis Dispensary: Retailer License, Local Registration and the 2026 StatusLicenses, permits and startup costs in MinnesotaRead the guide →a Cannabis Microbusiness or Mezzobusiness: Fees, Canopy Limits and EndorsementsLicenses, permits and startup costs in MinnesotaRead the guide →How to Sell at a Minnesota Farmers Market: Exempt Farm Products, Cottage Food and Licensed FoodLicenses, permits and startup costs in MinnesotaRead the guide →a Packaged Food Business: MDA Food Handler License for ManufacturersLicenses, permits and startup costs in MinnesotaRead the guide →a Home Daycare: Family Child Care License Through Your County and DCYFLicenses, permits and startup costs in MinnesotaRead the guide →How to Open a Child Care Center: DCYF License, $500 Application and Capacity FeesLicenses, permits and startup costs in MinnesotaRead the guide →a Home Care Agency: MDH Basic vs Comprehensive Home Care LicenseLicenses, permits and startup costs in MinnesotaRead the guide →an Assisted Living Facility: MDH License, Dementia Care Category and FeesLicenses, permits and startup costs in MinnesotaRead the guide →a PCA or CFSS Agency: DHS Enrollment After the 2024 ChangeLicenses, permits and startup costs in MinnesotaRead the guide →an NEMT Business: MnDOT Special Transportation Service Certificate and DHS EnrollmentLicenses, permits and startup costs in MinnesotaRead the guide →a Limousine Business: MnDOT Permit and the December 2025 Rule ChangesLicenses, permits and startup costs in MinnesotaRead the guide →a Moving Company: MnDOT Household Goods Mover PermitLicenses, permits and startup costs in MinnesotaRead the guide →a Trucking Company: Intrastate USDOT Number, MnDOT Rules and UCRLicenses, permits and startup costs in MinnesotaRead the guide →a Used Car Dealership: DVS Dealer License, Bond and Dealer PlatesLicenses, permits and startup costs in MinnesotaRead the guide →How to Open a Tattoo Shop: State Technician and Establishment LicensesLicenses, permits and startup costs in MinnesotaRead the guide →How to Open a Hair Salon: Salon License, Practitioner Licenses and the Booth-Rent PenaltyLicenses, permits and startup costs in MinnesotaRead the guide →a Barbershop: Board of Barber Examiners Rules and the 1,500-Hour CourseLicenses, permits and startup costs in MinnesotaRead the guide →a Massage Therapy Business: No State License, City Licenses InsteadLicenses, permits and startup costs in MinnesotaRead the guide →a Real Estate Business: Commerce License, 90 Hours and Broker SponsorshipLicenses, permits and startup costs in MinnesotaRead the guide →How to Become a Notary: $120 Commission Fee and Mobile Notary Business RulesLicenses, permits and startup costs in MinnesotaRead the guide →a Security Guard Company: PDPSB Protective Agent LicenseLicenses, permits and startup costs in MinnesotaRead the guide →a Home Inspection Business: No State License, City Evaluator LicensesLicenses, permits and startup costs in MinnesotaRead the guide →a Tax Preparation Business: No State License but PTIN and PenaltiesLicenses, permits and startup costs in MinnesotaRead the guide →a Vacation Rental Business: MDH Lodging License Question, Taxes and City PermitsLicenses, permits and startup costs in MinnesotaRead the guide →a Bed and Breakfast: MDH Hotel/Motel License and Food RulesLicenses, permits and startup costs in MinnesotaRead the guide →a Resort: MDH Resort License for Lake CabinsLicenses, permits and startup costs in MinnesotaRead the guide →How to Run a Raffle or Charitable Gambling Operation: Gambling Control Board LicenseLicenses, permits and startup costs in MinnesotaRead the guide →an Online Store: Sales Tax Nexus at 200 Sales or $100,000Licenses, permits and startup costs in MinnesotaRead the guide →