City resources

Review and use the City's resources for planning, launching and growing a business.

Step-by-step help

• Start a new business
• Launch your business
• Grow your business
• Run your food business

Training, consulting and financing

• Get free training and consulting services
• Explore small business financing
• Explore financing for real estate developers

In-person services

• City of Minneapolis Service Center
  
  

Minneapolis Zoning

Check with our zoning staff before you sign a lease.

Make sure you open your business in a area that is zoned for that business.

Our zoning maps show the zoning classification of a property.

See Zoning maps

Contact 311 to verify

Licensing

You need to know and follow the licensing requirements for your type of business.

City contractor license applications

You must have a license to provide trade or skilled work services in Minneapolis.

• See contractor license applications
• Find your license fee
• Submit your application to Business Licenses & Consumer Services

State requirements

• See State of Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry (DOLI)

Surety bonds

A surety bond is a promise from a company to pay your client if you don’t finish your contract. Many construction projects require surety bonds.

You can get one from a bond producer or the U.S. Small Business Association (SBA) if you qualify.

• See how surety bonds work
• Read State of Minnesota bond requirements

Competency cards

Certain trades for Master and Journeymen must obtain a Certificate of Competency card before working in the City.

See competency cards

Insurance

Most trades contractors must have insurance before they can get a license.

See insurance certificates

Promotion

After you open, introduce local residents and leaders to your business.

Use these resources to find the contact information for local leaders and organizations. 

• City Council members
• Neighborhood organizations
• Business associations