Start a Business in Fort Wayne

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

✔ 4 permits⏱ 2-6 weeks💰 Varies by type

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Overview

Starting a business in Fort Wayne requires a Business License through the Finance/Revenue Department. Base fee: Varies by type. No general state business license. Indianapolis consolidated city-county.

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: Varies by type depending on permits and inspections.

Contact

Finance/Revenue Department

Phone: 260-427-1221

Apply Online →

Common Mistakes

⚠ Second largest city in IN

⚠ Allen County Health

⚠ IN Retail Merchant Certificate required

⚠ Downtown riverfront development

⚠ No general state business license

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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