In Michigan SBA's Business Law Web site - www.michigan.gov/businessslaw.gov
Have a legal or regulatory question? (Select "Michigan" from left-hand menu) to find the answers to your questions and links to local resources.

Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) - www.medc.michigan.org
While there is no such thing as a "small business license" in Michigan, some occupations, professions and business activities require certification or licensing. You may check the MEDC website for licensing and permit information. (Look for "Search for State Licenses" in the Business Services section). Business owners may also call the MEDC at 517-373-9808.

Also check with the county and/or city clerk to determine if any local licenses or registrations are required.

Bureau of Commercial Services - www.michigan.gov/cis
There is no one agency where all businesses must register. Therefore, where you register your business will depend on the legal structure chosen. If your business is a sole proprietorship or a general partnership and you area doing business under a different name, you must file a Certificate of Assumed Name with the county clerk.

To register the business name as a corporation, limited partnership or limited liability company, contact Bureau of Commercial Services at 517-241-6470.

Start-Up Businesses in Michigan - www.michigan.gov/businessstartup
The State of Michigan has launched this new site for start-up businesses. This interactive tool allows new business ventures to file their business entity and register for applicable state taxes on-line. Instead of contacting three different agencies to obtain the proper forms, this site allows you to enter all of the necessary information - one time - to generate the initial state government forms you will need. At the end of the process, you will have completed forms ready to mail to the correct agencies. You may want to consult an accountant or other tax expert to help you determine the obligations for your particular business.

Small Business and Self Employed Tax Center - www.irs.gov/businesses/small/index.html

Select business topics using an A-Z listing, or by business type such as sole proprietor, corporation, etc. IRS also provides links to major business subjects, such as Business Expenses, which provides a gateway to all related information on that subject.