Start Here!
This guide gives you an overview of steps to start your business. Not all steps may apply to your situation, but the goal is to give you a framework to navigate your journey. Adapt the information to fit your business needs.
Please note: The City of Fort Collins does not offer legal advice.
Ideation and Research
Identify your business idea and concepts.
Use these resources to help you create a business plan and get business guidance:
City of Fort Collins Economic Health Office – Our Economic Health Office Business Connectors provide the support and guidance you need to thrive — in Spanish & English. Reach out today to connect with a knowledgeable professional who can help address your challenges, explore growth opportunities and navigate available resources.
Make an Appointment With a Business Connector
Larimer Small Business Development Center (SBDC) – Provides consulting, training and workshops to businesses from start to exit planning. Training includes startup basics, marketing, financial literacy and strategic business planning. Consulting is free and confidential while clients identify action steps to move their business forward
Make an Appointment with SBDC
Poudre River Public Library District – Provides market research, business planning and help for businesses and nonprofits
Contact Amada Simental: asimental@poudrelibraries.com
CSU Institute for Entrepreneurship – The College of Business at Colorado State University offers the Venture Validator program, providing free programming and mentorship to entrepreneurs and innovators. The program helps validate ideas, launch successful ventures and build an entrepreneurial mindset while also connecting you with business leaders and strategic partners to support startups
For more information, contact Aubrey Kruse: aubrey.kruse@colostate.edu
Legal Formation
MyBizColorado is the fastest way to register and manage your business. This is the official filing tool for the State of Colorado.
Start MyBizColorado Process
You will be asked questions about your business to determine what documents you need to file.
Open a business bank account with your Employer Identification Number from the IRS.
Consider business insurance to protect yourself and your business.
Register for a Sales Tax/Business License with the City of Fort Collins
Selecting a Location – Where Can I Do Business?
(This step doesn't apply if you're not looking for a physical location.)
To ensure proper zoning compliance:
Complete Zoning Form
A planner or zoning representative will reach out to you to address your situation.
Start a conversation with a Utilities customer-accounts representative to make sure your water needs comply with City requirements.
If you need help with any of these steps and want to confirm you meet all required permits and licenses:
Make an Appointment With a Business Connector
Identify your business idea and concepts.
Use these resources to help you create a business plan and get business guidance:
City of Fort Collins Economic Health Office – Our Economic Health Office Business Connectors provide the support and guidance you need to thrive – in Spanish & English. Reach out today to connect with a knowledgeable professional who can help address your challenges, explore growth opportunities and navigate available resources.
Make an Appointment With a Business Connector
Larimer Small Business Development Center (SBDC) – Provides consulting, training and workshops to businesses from start to exit planning. Training includes startup basics, marketing, financial literacy and strategic business planning. Consulting is free and confidential while clients identify action steps to move their business forward.
Make an Appointment with SBDC
Poudre River Public Library District – Provides market research, business planning and help for businesses and nonprofits.
Contact Amada Simental: asimental@poudrelibraries.com
CSU Institute for Entrepreneurship – The College of Business at Colorado State University offers the Venture Validator program, providing free programming and mentorship to entrepreneurs and innovators. The program helps validate ideas, launch successful ventures and build an entrepreneurial mindset while also connecting you with business leaders and strategic partners to support startups
For more information contact Aubrey Kruse: aubrey.kruse@colostate.edu
Legal Formation
MyBizColorado is the fastest way to register and manage your business. This is the official filing tool for the State of Colorado.
Start MyBizColorado Process
You will be asked questions about your business to determine what documents you need to file.
Open a business bank account with your Employer Identification Number from the IRS.
Consider business insurance to protect yourself and your business.
Register for a Sales Tax/Business License with the City of Fort Collins
Licenses and Paperwork
Review Larimer County Food Business Guide
Determine whether your food product is Cottage or Non-Cottage.
- The Colorado Cottage Foods Act allows certain non-hazardous foods (items that don't require refrigeration) to be sold directly to consumers without licensing or inspections.
For Cottage Foods
Read the complete Cottage Foods guide and complete requirements:
- Eligible foods
- Selling Cottage Foods
- Required training and certificates
- Packaging and labeling
- Food testing and laboratory services
Contact 303-692-3645 or cdphe_mfgfd@state.co.us with questions.
After completing these steps, move ahead if you decide to become an outdoor vendor.
For more help and to make sure you are ready to sell, email the Larimer Department of Health and Environment at eh@co.larimer.co.us.
Poudre Fire Authority
All mobile food vendors operating within the Poudre Fire Authority's jurisdiction must receive an annual inspection and permit.
Submit Mobile Food Vendor Permit Application
For requirements and tips, visit PFA Food Truck/Mobile Vendors website.
Outdoor Vendor and Choosing a Location
Complete Outdoor Vendor Application
Need help finding and verifying a food-truck location?
- Obtain approval for the chosen location.
- "Stationary Vendor Sites" don't require additional approval and are not the only options for placement.
- Vending may be allowed elsewhere; verify with Trelene Keegan at tkeegan@fortcollins.gov.
If you plan to vend more than three days a week at a site that isn't an approved stationary site, you and the property owner must contact Zoning to explore the minor-amendment process
Sustainability Initiatives
Consider reaching out to NOCOBiz Connect as you start your entrepreneurial journey with a commitment to sustainability. The free, bilingual program, supported by the City, promotes and supports sustainable initiatives in the business community. It offers resources and guidance to help you integrate environmental and socio-economic practices into your operations.
Email monarcagroup23@gmail.com or fill out the contact form to get started.
Launch
Congratulations! Your food truck is now open and ready to serve in Fort Collins. Best of luck on your new journey!
Timeline: three to six months (time varies by project).
Ideation and Research
Identify your business idea and concepts.
Use these resources to help you create a business plan and get business guidance:
City of Fort Collins Economic Health Office – Our Economic Health Office Business Connectors provide the support and guidance you need to thrive — in Spanish & English. Reach out today to connect with a knowledgeable professional who can help address your challenges, explore growth opportunities and navigate available resources.
Make an Appointment With a Business Connector
Larimer Small Business Development Center (SBDC) – Provides consulting, training and workshops to businesses from start to exit planning. Training includes startup basics, marketing, financial literacy and strategic business planning. Consulting is free and confidential while clients identify action steps to move their business forward.
Make an Appointment with SBDC
Poudre River Public Library District – Provides market research, business planning and help for businesses and nonprofits
Contact Amada Simental: asimental@poudrelibraries.com
CSU Institute for Entrepreneurship – The College of Business at Colorado State University offers the Venture Validator program, providing free programming and mentorship to entrepreneurs and innovators. The program helps validate ideas, launch successful ventures and build an entrepreneurial mindset while also connecting you with business leaders and strategic partners to support startups.
For more information contact Aubrey Kruse: aubrey.kruse@colostate.edu
Legal Formation
MyBizColorado is the fastest way to register and manage your business. This is the official filing tool for the State of Colorado.
Start MyBizColorado Process
You will be asked questions about your business to determine what documents you need to file.
Open a business bank account with your Employer Identification Number from the IRS.
Consider business insurance to protect yourself and your business.
Register for a Sales Tax/Business License with the City of Fort Collins
Selecting a Location – Where Can I Do Business?
(This step doesn't apply if you're not looking for a physical location.)
To ensure proper zoning compliance:
Complete Zoning Form
A planner or zoning representative will reach out to you to address your situation
Start a conversation with a Utilities customer-accounts representative to make sure your water needs comply with City requirements
Use the restaurant road map to help you understand the Development Review process.
If you need help with any of these steps and want to confirm you meet all required permits and licenses:
Make an Appointment With a Business Connector
Connexion
Get started with community-owned broadband service provider Connexion:
Learn more about Connexion
Licenses and Paperwork
Review Larimer County Food Business Guide
Determine whether your food product is Cottage or Non-Cottage.
- The Colorado Cottage Foods Act allows certain non-hazardous foods (items that don't require refrigeration) to be sold directly to consumers without licensing or inspections.
For Cottage Foods
Read the complete Cottage Foods guide and complete requirements:
- Eligible foods
- Selling Cottage Foods
- Required training and certificates
- Packaging and labeling
- Food testing and laboratory services
Contact 303-692-3645 or cdphe_mfgfd@state.co.us with questions.
For more help and to make sure you are ready to sell email the Larimer Department of Health and Environment at eh@co.larimer.co.us.
Sustainability Initiatives
Consider reaching out to NOCOBiz Connect as you start your entrepreneurial journey with a commitment to sustainability. The free, bilingual program, supported by the City, promotes and supports sustainable initiatives in the business community. It offers resources and guidance to help you integrate environmental and socio-economic practices into your operations.
Email monarcagroup23@gmail.com or fill out the contact form to get started.
Ideation and Research
Identify your business idea and concepts.
Use these resources to help you create a business plan and get business guidance:
City of Fort Collins Economic Health Office – Our Economic Health Office Business Connectors provide the support and guidance you need to thrive — in Spanish & English. Reach out today to connect with a knowledgeable professional who can help address your challenges, explore growth opportunities and navigate available resources.
Make an Appointment With a Business Connector
Larimer Small Business Development Center (SBDC)– Provides consulting, training and workshops to businesses from start to exit planning. Training includes startup basics, marketing, financial literacy and strategic business planning. Consulting is free and confidential while clients identify action steps to move their business forward
Make an Appointment with SBDC
Poudre River Public Library District– Provides market research, business planning and help for businesses and nonprofits
Contact Amada Simental: asimental@poudrelibraries.com
CSU Institute for Entrepreneurship – The College of Business at Colorado State University offers the Venture Validator program, providing free programming and mentorship to entrepreneurs and innovators. The program helps validate ideas, launch successful ventures and build an entrepreneurial mindset while also connecting you with business leaders and strategic partners to support startups.
For more information contact Aubrey Kruse: aubrey.kruse@colostate.edu
Legal Formation
MyBizColorado is the fastest way to register and manage your business. This is the official filing tool for the State of Colorado.
Start MyBizColorado Process
You will be asked questions about your business to determine what documents you need to file.
Open a business bank account with your Employer Identification Number from the IRS.
Consider business insurance to protect yourself and your business.
Register for a Sales Tax/Business License with the City of Fort Collins
Licenses and Paperwork
Determine Your Trade Type and Submit an Application
Larimer County Permits – Only if work is outside City limits but inside the county.
To verify jurisdiction send an inquiry or call 970-498-7050.
Once licenses and permits are approved you're ready to operate.
Before Construction
Read Project Details
Engage with the Business Liaison and Project Managers:
- Share your business calendar (sales, events, holidays)
- Discuss traffic control measures and signage needs
- Review the sign and banner code
Plan for slower traffic, staffing and inventory.
Gather communication tools:
- Detour maps
- Project details
- Timeline visuals
Consider parking offsets and business-health resources from EHO or SBDC.
Communicate with customers, staff and suppliers
- Notify customers early about scheduling, detours and access
- Post construction info on your website and social media
- Keep current information at the phone or cash wrap
- Discuss concerns with your landlord
Work with neighboring businesses
- Exchange contact information
- Engage your business association or form one
- Pool marketing resources for a neighborhood campaign
- Learn best practices from peers who have managed construction
During Construction
- Build rapport with onsite workers and staff
- Include construction and access info in advertising, social media and your website
- Launch a construction-focused campaign
- Offer specials for construction workers
- Host events to keep your business top of mind
- Maintain dialogue with your liaison and project managers
After Construction
- Update suppliers, landlords and customers
- Celebrate the finished project
- Share experiences to help other businesses
Construction Glossary
Capital Project – A City project involving construction or reconstruction of facilities or streets
Development Project – A third-party project that must be approved through Development Review
Development Review – Approval process ensuring new development aligns with City Plan and the Land Use Code
Construction Mitigation – Activities intended to limit negative economic impact during disruption
Sign Code – Regulations that protect community aesthetics, property values and public safety
Stakeholder – Anyone who may affect or be affected by a project
Public Right-of-Way – Land owned by the City for transportation purposes and public utilities
Economic Health Office – Supports business expansion, attraction, redevelopment and innovation
Strategic Objectives – Seven focus areas guiding City operations
Budgeting for Outcomes – Budget system aligning services with community priorities
Budget Offer – Department proposals for ongoing services or enhancements under Budgeting for Outcomes
Keep Fort Collins Great – A .85% dedicated tax extended by voters to fund community priorities
City Resources
Business Liaison for Capital Projects – Michael Bussmann • mbussmann@fortcollins.gov • 970-416-2307
Construction Project Details
Business Support
Public Safety (non-emergency)
Responsible Employer Checklist
Understand the difference between an employee and an independent contractor with this IRS guide.
Report new hires to the Colorado State Directory of New Hires.
Workforce Development
Larimer County Economic & Workforce Development Center offers no-cost recruitment and low-cost training. Email lcewd-workforceconnections@larimer.org.
Consider reaching out to NOCOBiz Connect. The free, bilingual program, supported by the City, promotes and supports sustainable initiatives in the business community. It offers resources and guidance to help you integrate environmental and socio-economic practices into your operations.
State Programs & Funding
Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade:
Find State Programs and Funding