Checklist

Below is a checklist of how to open a business in Englewood.

Applicable for Start-Up Businesses

  1. Conduct a market study including focus groups and/or surveys
  2. Show that demand will be enough to be profitable
  3. Determine who your competitors are
  4. Evaluate what sets you apart from your competitors
  5. Contact the Englewood Economic Development Office for free demographic reports
  6. Write a business plan or outline which is necessary for financing
  7. Develop a financial plan, including:
    • Startup costs and monthly costs
    • Profit, loss and cash flow projections
    • Possible lenders
  8. Determine your business structure (page 14 in the Business Resource Guide)
  9. Conduct a name search to determine if your business name is available through the Colorado Secretary of State
  10. Apply for your Dun & Bradstreet DUNS number if you want to apply for federal contracts or grants
  11. Open a business checking account 

Applicable for All Businesses – Start-Ups, Expanding, Relocating 

  1. Search for an available business location in the City of Englewood.
  2. Contact Community Development to confirm the proposed use is permitted in the zone district. 303-762-2342; commdev@englewoodco.gov
  3. Contact the Building Division to determine development/building code requirements. 303-762-2356
  4. Complete the Industrial Wastewater Survey to determine if your business will discharge wastewater into the sanitary sewer. 303-762-2600
  5. Contact Community Development to schedule a preapplication meeting with the development review team. 303-762-2342; commdev@englewoodco.gov
  6. Register your business with the Colorado Secretary of State’s Office
  7. Apply for your Federal Employer Identification Number (EIN)
  8. Obtain a City of Englewood Sales and Use Tax License
  9. Obtain a State of Colorado Sales Tax License, if applicable
  10. Obtain Liability and General Business Insurance
  11. Determine if your business needs to be licensed or registered with the Department of Regulatory Agencies
  12. Determine if your business requires a permit from the health departments:
  13. Submit sign permit application to the City of Englewood if exterior signs are planned 

If Your Business Has Employees 

  1. Obtain Worker’s Compensation Insurance from a private insurance carrier
  2. Register for Unemployment Compensation Insurance
  3. Be aware of the Wages and Fair Labor Standards Act
  4. Be aware of occupational safety regulations

Next Steps

Learn more about developing a business plan here.