Starting a Business

Starting a Business

Library Resources

There is a myriad of resources available for those who are interested in starting their own business.
Check these out!

Small Business Development Guides

This unique collection of small business development guides published by Entrepreneur magazine is available at the Spencer Road Branch in the Business Reference section. These guides outline a step-by-step process for starting a specific type of business. For example - "How to Start a Mail Order Service" or "How to Start a Bed & Breakfast."

Starting a Business in Missouri

One of the first places to contact when starting a business in Missouri is the State Department of Economic Development's One Stop Shop. The Missouri Business Assistance Center can provide you with the necessary forms and requirements for starting a business in the state of Missouri. Contact them by phone toll free at 1-800-523-1434. Or visit the Missouri Business Assistance Center website.

Starting a Business in St. Charles County

Business Licenses
In most cases, a business license is required for the city or town in which your business will be based. Check with the city clerk's office in that city/town to find out the current regulations. If your business will be located in unincorporated St. Charles County, check with the county clerk's office at (636) 949-7550.

Zoning
It is extremely crucial that you research the site where you plan to locate your business to check to see that it is zoned for the type of business you plan to operate. Zoning regulations designate areas in which certain types of businesses can operate. (ie. a used car lot cannot be located in an area zoned residential.) Larger cities have a planning and zoning department that you can call to determine zoning requirements. Otherwise, call the city clerk's office.

Home Based Businesses
St. Charles County hosts a large number of home-based businesses. The county and city governments have ordinances that allow a small business to operate from home, but there are restrictions. Most home-based businesses in populated areas are restricted to office oriented operations. Contact your city or county clerk's office for details.

Company Name & Trademark Searches

Trademarkscan - By using this fee-based database, we can search trademark registrations since 1884. Company names can be searched by utilizing Info USA, Dun & Bradstreet and Sorkins.

Internet Sites

Registered or pending trademarks visit the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office

Company Names (Available only to WIN subscribers)

Dun & Bradstreet Million Dollar Directory (Accessible at all St. Charles City-County Library branches.)

Missouri Secretary of State Corporation Registration Files

Marketing & Demographics

U.S. Small Business Administration Publications

Thinking About Going Into Business?

Business Plan for Retailers

Choosing a Retail Location

Business Plan for Small Service Firms