Turning Ideas into Businesses

Starting a business begins with an idea, flourishes with a solid plan, and succeeds when you take actionable steps. At CEDIK, we understand that opening a new business can be challenging, especially when navigating the various required licenses, permits, and information across different government levels. Our New Business Roadmap Platform is designed to simplify this process and guide you through each step.

Four Levels of Governmental Compliance

A new business must comply with regulations at the State, Federal, County, and City levels. The process involves completing paperwork and securing approvals at each level. Here’s how to navigate this journey:

Step 1: State
Kentucky One Stop Shop: Start by registering your business at the Kentucky One Stop Shop. This tool provides a step-by-step guide on the necessary licenses, permits, and registrations needed to operate your business at the state level. Visit the Kentucky One Stop Shop to get started.

Step 2: Federal
Business Name and EIN: Next, choose your business name and apply for an Employer Identification Number (EIN). This can be done through the IRS. For more information and to apply, visit the IRS EIN Application Page.

Step 3: County
In Kentucky, you can open a business in a County without being inside City limits. Select your County only on the New Business Roadmap below and then click ‘County Information’ for details on permits and licenses needed to operate within the County limits.

Step 4: City
If you are locating your business within a City limit in Kentucky, typically you will need City and County licenses and permits. Select the County, then the City in which you wish to operate a business to reveal what licenses and permits are needed in each arena.

Introducing CEDIK's New Business Roadmap

Our New Business Roadmap is designed to help you navigate the local requirements with ease. Here’s how to get started:

1. Select Your County: Begin by choosing the County where you plan to operate your business.
2. Select Your City: If applicable, choose the City within the County. Note that it is possible to operate solely within a county without being within City limits.

Once you have made your selections, click on "County Information" or "City Information" to access a comprehensive list of required licenses, permits, and additional resources needed to establish your business in that location.

We also provide a list of supporting partners available to assist you in your area, ensuring you have the business partners you need to succeed.

Below the map, you'll find a section titled 'Additional State Information.' This content is not available on the Kentucky One Stop Shop website but may be relevant for any business starting in the state.

Important Note
Please note that the information provided is sourced from publicly available online resources and may not be fully comprehensive due to varying levels of data accessibility from certain cities and counties. The platform hosts data for Kentucky counties and incorporated cities, and we are actively working to expand our database to include all areas across the state. If you notice incomplete information for your location or would like to suggest updates or corrections, kindly fill out the form and submit it via email to beka.burton@uky.edu.

We are excited to support your entrepreneurial journey and help turn your business dreams into reality. Welcome to the New Business Roadmap Platform at CEDIK at University of Kentucky!

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