Welcome to the City of Colorado Springs Business Navigator

 

This site serves as your personal guide to help navigate the process of launching a new business in Colorado Springs. This library of short, informative videos from local experts helps answer many of the most frequently asked questions.   

You might be wondering about permits, licenses, zoning regulations, or other supportive programs. The COS Business Navigator has you covered from the moment you begin dreaming about your business idea to your opening day, whether it is a small home-based business, a sandwich shop, or a major business operation looking for a location or a large facility.  

Starting a new business can feel like navigating uncharted territory. The City of Colorado Springs is here to support you along the way!

Get started with COS Business Navigator by scrolling below!

You can also watch these videos on our YouTube playlist.

 

Bookmark this page and check back often as we add more videos to our topic library.

Developing your business idea

Support and resources to get started

It can be difficult to figure out where to begin and to take the first steps to transforming your business dream into a reality. Get the answers to all your questions, even the ones you don’t know you have!  Explore topics below to get your idea off the ground and create a strong foundation for your business to grow on. 

I have never started a business before, who can help me?

I want to start a small business, what resources are available to me?

Planning to start a business

Requirements and resources

Licenses, applications, taxes – oh my! You’ve worked and reworked your business idea and now you’re ready to get for the next steps. It can be a lot to figure out what all you need and from where to get your business operational. Remember you don’t have to do this alone!  Get the answers to some of the most common questions to develop your business, even the questions you don’t know you have!   

Do I need a business license? 

Do I need a liquor license?

Do I need a sales tax license?                    

How do I apply for a business license? 

How do I apply for a liquor license? 

How do I apply for a sales tax license?

Where am I allowed to locate and operate my business?

I found a vacant lot, can I run my business there?

Am I allowed to run my business from home?

I found a building, am I allowed to run my business there? Part 1 (Planning)

I found a building, am I allowed to run my business there? Part 2 (PPRBD)

How do I pay sales taxes through the City of Colorado Springs?

I need a business plan, what resources are available to help?

Finding a home for your business

Physical location, remodeling and construction

You’ve got a great idea. You’ve figured out plans, permits, licenses and fees that your business will need.  Now, it’s time to find a physical location. Delve deeper into some common stepping stones, from zoning and land use to construction and remodeling. Here’s what you need to know before you sign a contract. Let’s find the right place for your business.

What permits will I need to remodel a building for my business?
                                                                          

I've found a building for my small business. How much will permits cost for a business remodel?

Can someone look at a property with me before I sign a contract?
 

Prefer to read about these topics instead?

If you'd rather read instead of watch, we’ve got you covered with our COS Business Navigator topics in an easy to read text format. Click the link below to check them out.

Frequently Asked business Questions

City Resources

City’s Small Business Development Administration Office  

Permit Partner  

City’s Sales Tax Office 

City Clerk's Office

City’s Land Use / Development Review Enterprise: 

 

Resource Partners

Pikes Peak Small Business Development Center  

Pikes Peak Regional Building Department