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Business Owner's Manual

Negotiating the Regulatory Maze

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Most firms need several licenses, permits, and/or certificates. New York City issues more than 800, and New York State agencies issue an additional 1,400! In most cases, having a permit or license from either the City or the State is not enough. You often need both. In addition, your business may be subject to federal regulations.

Finding out what permits and licenses you need and what regulations apply to you can be difficult. To avoid problems down the road, it's essential to do it before you begin to operate your business. This guide is intended to help make your search easier.

Note:  Many industry associations keep up-to-date on applicable city, state, and federal regulations and are often involved in lobbying. There are a number of industry associations listed in the Services Directory. Search under the category "Business Advice and Networking." If we don't have what you're looking for, check the business pages of a phone book or the Encyclopedia of Associations, available in most libraries.

Small business can find help with compliance regulations on a new section of The Office and Management and Budget's Business.gov website. Check by agency name.



Last updated: 2006