Starting a business in Rochester, 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 Rochester requires, and what it doesn't
No general city business license.
Rochester doesn't require a general business license. Only certain types, such as massage, pawnbrokers, mobile food units, and sidewalk cafes, need one. City Clerk: 507-328-2311.
Running it from home.
A home business needs a Home Occupation application, approved by city staff rather than at a hearing. Community Development: 507-328-2600.
Local support.
The Small Business Development Center Southeast Region offers free, confidential consulting from its Rochester office, 507-738-1002.
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 Rochester.
City rules change. Check with the City of Rochester before opening.