UMKC Innovation Center partners with the university and the community to spark and sustain entrepreneurial efforts within our region and across the country.

KCSourceLink connects KC entrepreneurs to the right resource at the right time.

MOSourceLink connects Missouri entrepreneurs to the right resource at the right time.

Whiteboard2Boardroom connects entrepreneurs and businesses to technologies available for licensing.

Digital Sandbox KC provides early-stage proof-of-concept support for digital products.

Missouri Small Business & Technology Development Center provides technical assistance to startup and existing businesses.

ScaleUP! Kansas City helps businesses with revenues around $200K scale toward their first $1 million.

Missouri Procurement Technical Assistance Centers helps local businesses obtain government contracts.

KCInvestED helps investors learn more about investing in KC startups.

SourceLink® helps communities nationwide build vibrant and vital entrepreneurial ecosystems.

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Start a Business

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Guide: Start a Business Part Five

Starting a Business in Missouri

Four easy steps to starting a business in Missouri.

Register with the Missouri Secretary of State

Sole proprietors using own name DO NOT need to register
Check on the availability of your business name by searching the Secretary of State’s online database.
Sole proprietors using a name other than your own, Register the name of your business with the Secretary of State, (573) 751-4153, by filing a Fictitious Name Registration.
Corporations file articles of incorporation or articles of organization (LLC). Also be sure to read about federal requirements for LLCs
LLCs can file online
S-corporation status requires that you form your Missouri corporation or LLC and file IRS Form 2553

Missouri business taxes

Contact the Missouri Department of Revenue to complete tax forms based on your business activity including products sold and used in your business. You can register online.

If hiring employees

Obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the U.S. Internal Revenue Service. Apply for an Employer Identification Number (EIN) online
Obtain a Missouri Withholding Number (form 2643) and an Unemployment Tax number (form 2699). Complete the application for these numbers online with the Department of Revenue and the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations.

Check city/county licenses and permits, industry and professional registrations

Contact your Missouri local city or county clerk office to see if you need any specific licenses and permits.

In Kansas City, Mo., contact KCBizCare.
Missouri: Industry Licenses
Missouri: Occupational Licenses
Missouri Division of Professional Registration.

The imposition of tax and license fees on certain professions is prohibited by Missouri. For information go to the Department of Revenue's page on exempt occupations, or check with your local city/county clerk office for license-exempt occupation lists.

Guide: Start a Business

Next Part Six: Site Location Assistance/Coworking Space

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Kansas City, MO 64110
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