Business First Steps, a new website to help small businesses find information on business licenses, permits, and other State requirements, was inroduced out on Monday.
The site (FirstSteps.Delaware.Gov) is an index of almost 200 different industries, professions, or products that require State registrations, licenses, certifications, or permits.
“We must remain committed to removing unnecessary obstacles and giving our entrepreneurs the best opportunity to start and expand their companies,” said Gov. Jack Markell. “Today we take another step toward that goal with the Business First Steps website. Now the aspiring entrepreneur can find a checklist of steps to open a business in Delaware.”
In addition to state requirements, the Business First Steps site provides links to, and information about, local Delaware governments that have their own licensing requirements. Businesses, such as contractors who perform site work in multiple towns and cities, must have appropriate licenses and permits in each locality where they perform work.
Companies such as Delaware Green Mattress Disassembling and Recycling, LLC (DGMDR) were glad to see a clearinghouse for licensing and local permits, and encouraged new businesses to take advantage of the resource.
“The New Castle County Open for Business program connected me with some wonderful mentors, and I am currently navigating the licensing and permitting process,” said Tanya Whye, owner of DGMDR, and a member of the New Castle Chamber of Commerce. “The Business First Steps website is the perfect tool for a one-stop place for a wealth of information.”
Business First Steps is the result of many state agencies working together and soliciting feedback from the business community. It is the first state website to centralize information on business licensing and requirements for operating a business in Delaware across state government. It was designed and built by the Government Information Center (GIC), an office within the Delaware Department of State. The kick-off event was held in the Emerging Enterprise Center, part of the New Castle Chamber of Commerce, and another resource for small business start-ups and existing small businesses.
“The Business First Step website will be a valuable resource for all businesses seeking information concerning licenses and permits. It will save a great deal of time for small business owners and allow them to concentrate on their business. The site also provides a wealth of information about a wide range of business assistance programs and startup information. I think Chamber members will find the Business First Steps web site to be an invaluable tool,” said Mark Kleinschmidt, president of the New Castle County Chamber of Commerce.
“Whether an entrepreneur is a PHD scientist spinning an advanced technology out of the University or a chef trying to open a restaurant in Rehoboth, they have the common need for information on the many steps in the process of taking a business from idea to opening. Bringing this complex set of information together in an easily assessable website that also includes practical ‘how to’s’ and sources of assistance is a huge help to Delaware Businesses and aspiring entrepreneurs. Business First Steps is a great leap forward,” said Barbara Nercarsulmer, Deputy Director of the Delaware Small Business Development Center.
