Developing your business idea
Support and resources to get started
It can be difficult to figure out where to begin and to take the first steps to transforming your business dream into a reality. Get the answers to all your questions, even the ones you don’t know you have! Explore topics below to get your idea off the ground and create a strong foundation for your business to grow on.
I have never started a business before, who can help me?
The Pikes Peak Small Business Development Center (SBDC) offers free one-on-one confidential consulting to discuss individual business needs and to help overcome the challenges of entrepreneurship, with over 50 business consultants who are subject matter experts in their respective fields of work.
The SBDC also offers low-to-no-cost business classes frequently throughout the year, like Start Up Days, which happen on the first Monday of each month, where participants are exposed to an array of concepts and subject matter experts.
To see the SBDC class schedule or schedule an appointment with a business consultant, you can call, email, or sign up on the SBDC website.
Call 719-667-3803 or email info@pikespeaksbdc.org. Visit https://pikespeaksbdc.org/
I want to start a small business, what resources are available to help me?
The Pikes Peak Small Business Development Center (SBDC) offers free one-on-one confidential consulting to discuss individual business needs and to help overcome the challenges of entrepreneurship. The SBDC has 50 business consultants who are subject matter experts in their respective fields of work.
The SBDC also offers low-to-no-cost business classes frequently throughout the year. Be sure to check out Start Up Days, which happen on the first Monday of each month, where participants are exposed to an array of concepts and subject matter experts.
Planning to start a business
Requirements and resources
Licenses, applications, taxes – oh my! You’ve worked and reworked your business idea and now you’re ready to get for the next steps. It can be a lot to figure out what all you need and from where to get your business operational. Remember you don’t have to do this alone! Get the answers to some of the most common questions to develop your business, even the questions you don’t know you have!
Do I need a business license?
Colorado Springs does not have a general business license. There are only 12 types of businesses that need a business license in the City of Colorado Springs:
- Concrete Contactor License
- Bicycle-Share Business License
- Escort License
- Excavation License
- Funeral Escort License
- Massage Business License
- Mobile Food Vendor License
- Pawnbroker License
- Pedal-Cab License
- Security License
- Sexually Oriented Business License
- Tree Service License
To view the list of required business licenses, visit the City Clerk’s website.
Contact the City Clerk's office by calling 719-385-5901, option 1, or send an email to businesslicense@coloradosprings.gov.
Do I need a liquor license?
Business and individuals are prohibited from providing, selling, serving, allowing or offering alcoholic beverages to the public without a proper liquor license. This applies whether or not the business charges, provides samples free of charge or allows patrons to “self-serve.”
The City Clerk’s office can help walk you through the process for both the City of Colorado Springs and the State of Colorado.
You can find more information for liquor and beer licensing at the City Clerk’s website.
If you have any questions about liquor and beer, you can call the City Clerk’s office at 719-385-5901, option 2, or send an email to businesslicense@coloradosprings.gov.
Do I need a sales tax license?
Whether online or in-person, if you’re doing business in Colorado Springs selling goods or performing taxable services, you need a sales tax license. Additionally, if your business comes into the city to sell at special events or as a mobile vendor like a food truck, you will need a license.
If you’re unsure if you’d need a license, or which items are taxable, you can visit the City's Sales Tax Office website.
You can also contact the City's Sales Tax Office by calling 719-385-5903, option 1, or send an email to salestax@coloradosprings.gov.
It's also important to note that there may be other requirements, depending on the type of business. If you have questions about the State of Colorado, El Paso County or Pikes Peak Regional Transportation Authority sales tax, please contact the Colorado Department of Revenue.
How do I apply for a business license?
Remember, there are only 12 types of businesses that actually do need a business license in the City of Colorado Springs, so be sure to double check that yours is one of those.
You can access all of the City Clerk’s licensing services in the City of Colorado Springs Permits, Licenses and Records portal. By creating an account, you will be able to view, apply and submit business applications, check the status of a pending request, access payment information and much more.
More information is available on the City Clerk’s website. Contact the City Clerk's office by calling 719-385-5903, option 1, or email salestax@coloradosprings.gov.
How do I apply for a liquor license?
Liquor and beer licensing in Colorado is dual-jurisdictional with both Colorado Department of Revenue and City of Colorado Springs licensing required.
All matters related to liquor and beer licensing must be directed to the City of Colorado Springs’ Office of the City Clerk. Liquor and beer license application packets are available at the City Clerk’s Office or can be downloaded on the City Clerk’s website. Completed applications with the applicable State and City fees must be submitted to the City Clerk’s Office.
How do I apply for a sales tax license?
All applications for sales tax licenses must be filed online. There is no cost to apply for a sales tax license with the City of Colorado Springs.
Register as a user in the City of Colorado Springs’ Sales Tax Application and Payment Portal. Once registered and verified, you can apply for a new sales tax license. Please make sure you have your basic business information on hand such as your federal employer ID number or social security number, mailing and physical addresses, account point of contact and your legal business name. Once the application is filed it must be approved by the Sales Tax Office before the license can be printed or returns can be filed.
More information is available on the City's Sales Tax Office website.
You can also contact the City's Sales Tax Office by calling 719-385-5903, option 1, or send an email to salestax@coloradosprings.gov.
Where am I allowed to locate and operate my business?
Properties within the City of Colorado Springs are divided into different “zone districts.” Each zone district designates what type of uses are allowed within properties in that district. For example, a residential zone district is mainly for residential uses, whereas an industrial zone district is intended primarily for industrial uses.
To find out which zone district a property is located in, you can use the SpringsView map tool.
You can also contact the City of Colorado Springs Planning and Development Department by calling 719-385-5905, option 1, or sending an email to lurplanninginfo@coloradosprings.gov.
I found a vacant lot, can I run my business there?
You must verify that the zone district that the property is located in and the kind of business you plan to operate are a match for the business to be permissible in a specific location.
Once you determine if your business is or is not allowed in a specific location, you can work one-on-one with a planner to learn about the requirements and processes associated with developing a vacant property. All vacant sites must be brought up to city standards, which means updates to things like on-site landscaping, drainage, infrastructure.
It’s highly encouraged to find out all you can about a location and property before signing a lease or purchase agreement.
Am I allowed to run a business from home?
This depends on the type of business and how the business may impact your neighborhood. Most home-based businesses will require a Home Occupation Permit through the City of Colorado Springs’ Planning and Development department. A home-based business must meet certain criteria and requirements:
- Must not employ outside employees
- Must not create excessive noise, dust or other disturbance
- Must have a limited number of persons or deliveries coming to and from the property
Work with a planner one-on-one by requesting a free pre-application meeting online.
I found a building, am I allowed to run my business there? Part 1 (Planning)
You must verify that the zone district that the property is located in and the kind of business you plan to operate are a match for the business to be permissible in a specific location.
Once you determine if your business is or is not allowed in a specific location, you can work one-on-one with a planner to learn about the requirements and processes associated with developing a vacant property. All vacant sites must be brought up to city standards, which means updates to things like on-site landscaping, drainage, infrastructure.
It’s highly encouraged to find out all you can about a location and property before signing a lease or purchase agreement.
I found a building, am I allowed to run my business there? Part 2 (PPRBD)
It’s important to check the occupancy classification for a property to make this determination. This determines what a space can be used for. If the classification is the same occupancy classification as what you’d need for your business, then you’re good to go! An example of this would be a new restaurant concept opening up in a building that housed an old restaurant. It’s always worth double checking the occupancy classification before signing a lease or purchasing a building.
If the occupancy classification does not match what you’d need for your business, then this might not be the best space for you. Doing a Change of Occupancy can be difficult, expensive and the project could end up taking longer than expected.
You can always contact the Pikes Peak Regional Building Department to check the occupancy classification by calling 719-327-2880 or by entering your request on their website.
How do I pay taxes through the City of Colorado Springs?
With a sales tax license, all city taxes can be filed online. Simply navigate to the City’s Sales Tax Office website, click on “Online Services” and then click on “Sales Tax Services.”
You can also contact the City's Sales Tax Office by calling 719-385-5903, option 1, or send an email to salestax@coloradosprings.gov.
I need a business plan, what resources are available to help?
The Pikes Peak Small Business Development Center (SBDC) provides free one-on-one confidential consulting to discuss the individual business needs and the solutions to the challenges of business entrepreneurship. These consultations can be done in-person or virtually and are always free and confidential.
The SBDC also provides low-cost and free business classes, with over 100 educational opportunities throughout the year to get involved.
To see a class schedule or schedule an appointment with a business consultant, call 719-667-3803, email info@pikespeaksbdc.org, or visit the Pikes Peak SBDC website.
Finding a home for your business
Physical location, remodeling and construction
You’ve got a great idea. You’ve figured out plans, permits, licenses and fees that your business will need. Now, it’s time to find a physical location. Delve deeper into some common stepping stones, from zoning and land use to construction and remodeling. Here’s what you need to know before you sign a contract. Let’s find the right place for your business.
I've found a building for my small business. How much will permits cost for a business remodel?
The cost of the permits will depend on the scope of work. Some permits are a basic flat fee, while others are based on the estimated valuation of the project.
For example, if you’re moving a sink, you’ll need to submit plumbing plans for a plumbing permit. However, if the remodel work is just cosmetic like painting, flooring, or something like new counter tops, then no permit is required.
If you don’t know what requires a permit, you can always find out on the Pikes Peak Regional Building Department’s website, or by calling 719-327-2880.
What permits will I need to remodel a building for my business?
The answer to this question depends on whether or not a change of occupancy is needed and what work is necessary for the remodel.
If a change of occupancy is needed, the entire space must be brought up to code, which likely requires a plan review and multiple permits.
If no change of occupancy is necessary, and you are just conducting an interior remodel, then permit requirements will depend on the kind of work you’ll be doing.
If you don’t know what requires a permit, you can always find out on the Pikes Peak Regional Building Department’s website, or by calling 719-327-2880.
Can someone look at a building with me before I sign a contract?
The Pikes Peak Regional Building Department is unable to send someone to a site to accompany you, but the office is able to look up information for a particular property, all you’d need is the business address you’re interested in.
You can contact the Pikes Peak Regional Building Department by calling 719-327-2880, filling out their email contact form or by visiting either PPRBD office:
- Main Office: 2880 International Circle, Colorado Springs, CO, 80910
- North Office: 3939 Cordera Crest Avenue, Colorado Springs, CO, 80924
City Resources
City’s Small Business Development Administration Office
- Visit the Small Business Development website: ColoradoSprings.gov/SmallBiz
- Email our Small Business Administrator: Shakanah.Tedder@ColoradoSprings.gov
Permit Partner
- Visit the Permit Partner website: PermitPartner.ColoradoSprings.gov
City’s Sales Tax Office
- Visit the Sales Tax website: ColoradoSprings.gov/SalesTax
- Email the Sales Tax Office: SalesTax@ColoradoSprings.gov
- Phoine: 719-385-5903
City Clerk's Office
- Visit the City Clerk's Business Licensing website: ColoradoSprings.gov/Business-Licensing
- Email the Business Licensing team: BusinessLicense@ColoradoSprings.gov
- Phone: 719-385-5901, option 1
- Visit the City Clerk's Liquor licensing website: ColoradoSprings.gov/Liquor
- Phone: 719-385-5901, option 2
City’s Land Use / Development Review Enterprise:
- Visit the Land Use Review website: ColoradoSprings.gov/lurdre
- Email the Land Use Review team: LURPlanningInfo@ColoradoSprings.gov
- Phone: 719-385-5905, option 1
- View the SpringsView Map Viewer
- City of Colorado Springs Permits, Licenses and Records portal
Resource Partners
Pikes Peak Small Business Development Center
- Visit the main SBDC website: PikesPeakSBDC.org
- Visit the SBDC Start Up website: PikesPeakSBDC.org/what-we-do/programs/start-up-day
Pikes Peak Regional Building Department
- Visit the PPRBD website: pprbd.org
- Email the PPRBD team: pprbd.org/Information/Email
- Phone: 719-327-2880