Starting a business in Duluth, 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 Duluth requires, and what it doesn't
No general city business license.
Duluth doesn't issue general business licenses. Certain types, such as tobacco, massage, mobile food, motor vehicle dealers, pawnbrokers, and tree service contractors, need one. City Clerk: 218-730-5500.
Running it from home.
Home occupations are allowed in residential districts, using no more than 25% of one story or half of an accessory building, with no exterior changes. Teaching is limited to two students at a time. Planning: 218-730-5580.
Local support.
The Northland SBDC offers free one-on-one consulting downtown, 218-740-7307, and the Duluth Area Chamber of Commerce supports local businesses.
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 Duluth.
City rules change. Check with the City of Duluth before opening.