Starting a business in Columbus, MN
LLC, corporation, or nonprofit, filed with the Minnesota Secretary of State. Your EIN, Minnesota Business Tax ID, D-U-N-S Number, and operating agreement or bylaws are all included. One flat fee, no subscription, no upsells.
What Columbus requires, and what it doesn't
Business licensing.
Columbus licenses specific activities, such as liquor, tobacco, cannabis retail, temporary sales, and commercial contractors. City Hall: 651-464-3120.
Running it from home.
Home businesses are allowed in the Rural Residential district. Only family members living there may work in it, it can use up to 20% of the home or 50% of a garage, with one wall sign up to 2 square feet and hours of 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. weekdays and 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. weekends.
Local support.
The Columbus EDA meets quarterly and publishes the ColumBiz business newsletter.
Same flat price as anywhere in Minnesota
$155 state filing fee plus a $245 service fee, $400 total. The fee covers the entity filing, EIN, Minnesota Business Tax ID, and D-U-N-S setup.
Who this is for
Contractors, restaurants and food trucks, salons, consultants, and family businesses, whether you're opening a storefront or running things from your home in Columbus.
City rules change. Check with the City of Columbus before opening.