Start a Business in Cleveland

Permits, costs, timeline, and step-by-step requirements.

✔ 4 permits⏱ 2-6 weeks💰 $50–$200

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Overview

Starting a business in Cleveland requires a Business Registration through the Department of Building and Housing. Base fee: $50–$200. No general state business license. Commercial Activity Tax (CAT) is unique to Ohio.

Required Permits

✓Federal: EIN from IRS (free, instant online)

✓State: LLC/Corp filing + seller's permit/sales tax registration

✓County: health department permit + fire inspection

✓City: business licence/tax certificate

Step-by-Step Process

Federal: EIN from IRS (free, instant online)

State: LLC/Corp filing + seller's permit/sales tax registration

County: health department permit + fire inspection

City: business licence/tax certificate

Costs

Estimated total: $50–$200 depending on permits and inspections.

General Business$50–$200

Restaurant$100–$500

Contact

Department of Building and Housing

Phone: 216-664-2282

Apply Online →

Common Mistakes

⚠ Cleveland city income tax

⚠ Ohio CAT applies

⚠ Cuyahoga County Board of Health for food permits

⚠ Multiple enterprise zone incentive programs

⚠ Ohio requires a Commercial Activity Tax (CAT) registration for businesses with gross receipts over $150,000

Choose Your Business Type

Restaurant Food Truck Barber Shop Retail Store Coffee Shop Bar / Nightclub Gym / Fitness Studio Nail Salon Cannabis Dispensary Dog Grooming Bakery Cleaning Service Daycare Center Auto Repair Shop

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Read our complete Cleveland business license guide →