• Making a decision about the name of your new business, or if you will be operating as a sole proprietor, coming up with an assumed name (known as a D.B.A. or “Doing Business As”);
• Applying for a trade name, a trademark, and/or service mark;
• Contacting the State of Michigan Department of Consumer and Industry Affairs;
• Obtaining the necessary state and local licenses and permits to get your business operational;
• Obtaining a Business Tax ID number from the IRS (Form SS-4 Application for Employer Identification Number) so you can open a business checking account, and get other paperwork ready
• Learning which taxes your business will be responsible to pay.

State Licenses
Many occupations and businesses in Michigan require a license. For others, like foresters, registration is optional, but recommended. If you are not sure whether or not a license is required, you can contact the Michigan Jobs Commission. They maintain a list of professions and businesses requiring a license or registration from the State:

Michigan Jobs Commission
Victor Office Center, 4th Floor
201 North Washington Square
Lansing, MI 48913
Phone: 517/373-9808

The State also imposes a sales tax on merchandise sold in Michigan. You may be required to track, report, and pay this sales tax to the Michigan Department of Treasury. If you sell merchandise or rent tangible property, you will likely be required to obtain a Sales Tax License from the State of Michigan Department of Treasury. This license, which must be renewed annually, authorizes you to collect sales tax. In order to apply for a Sales License, you should complete form C-3400 and send it in with a $1.00 fee.

Local Licenses
If you plan to open a restaurant, retail, or manufacturing business you will also be required to get permits for construction to open your business, as well as food handling, health, and other licenses and permits.

Construction Permits are available through the City of Ferndale. Occupancy inspections are required, including inspection of building, electrical, HVAC and plumbing. If you are locating your business in Downtown Ferndale, you will also need to submit plans to the building department or DDA on any exterior changes intended through an "Appearance Review Process". This will be required to get a certificate of occupancy before you open your business, so it is important to begin this process as soon as possible.

Food handling and health inspections are handled by Oakland County. Fire Inspections and Occupancy Load are handled by the City of Ferndale Fire Department.

For Steps to Starting a Business in Downtown Ferndale, click here.

Incentives
Downtown Ferndale offers an incentive to improve exteriors of buildings through our BUILD program. Up to a 20% reimbursement is possible and must be approved by the DDA prior to construction and must follow the DDA Design Guidelines.

Liquor Licenses
Ferndale currently has no liquor licenses available, however, the State of Michigan is now allowing for licenses to be transferred Intra-County. If you are able to secure a License from an Oakland Country business, you may begin the process of transferring that license by:

1. Contacting the LCC (Liquor Control Commission) at www.michigan.gov for the Department of Labor and Economic Growth, and filling out an application.
2. Send a letter of intent to the City of Ferndale City Council & the Ferndale DDA.
3. Develop a Business Plan that will address the City Resolution on approving Intra-County Liquor License Tranfers. Liquor License Transfer Policy
4. Contact the Ferndale DDA Executive Director for more information.