Many occupations and businesses have state licensing requirements. Michigan has more than 350 licensed occupations ranging from certified public accountant to electrician to physician to wildlife exhibitor.  

These occupations and the businesses connected with them must often meet specific regulations as well as legal, educational, examination, and fee requirements. 

Licensing & Environmental Permits

Small businesses often operate in a complex legal environment. Many states require merchants to obtain licenses to sell certain types of products, such as liquor, gasoline, and lottery tickets, and both the state and the federal government impose laws based on consumer protection and environmental concerns.  These regulations often translate into a maze of paperwork and restrictions for business owners. Take heart -- government provides a wide range of assistance to small business. One key to surviving the "regulatory jungle" is to be aware of the environment in which your business operates. No one is expected to become a legal expert; however, you should know which laws affect your business.

Here are some sources of information for you as you start your business: 

•  Michigan Licensed Occupations
   

• State of Michigan Business Licenses

• The Small Business Administration(SBA)

• SBA's Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE) is excellent for those first starting a business.

• Michigan Chambers of Commerce
   
• Michigan Small Business & Technology Development Centers (MI-SBTDC):  The SBTDC's are better for those further along in business rather than those just starting a business.
   
• National Alliance of Women Business Owners, Greater Detroit Chapter                                                                    
  660 Woodward
  Detroit, MI  48226
  313.961.4748
   
• Michigan Minority Business Development Council (MMBDC)

Air, Water, and Waste Permits 

A business involved in activities that affect the environment may need one or more permits issued by the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ). General assistance with environmental topics and program compliance is provided by the Environmental Assistance Center. You may e-mail the center at: deq-ead-env-assist@michigan.gov.

The "Michigan Environmental Permit Guidebook" is available online. For a printed copy of this and other guidebooks call the Environmental Assistance Center at 800.662.9278

The Environmental Permit Guidebook is of particular interest to businesses engaged in any of the following processes or practices:

• Major alterations to the landscape

• Building near waterways or wetlands

• Emissions to the air

• Discharges of waste water

• Disposal or processing of solid waste  

• Handling of  hazardous waste

Air

The Air Quality Division of the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality regulates industrial sources of air pollution. Facilities that generate airborne emissions must obtain installation and operating permits from the Air Quality Division. Examples of facilities that may generate airborne pollution include incinerators, boilers, coal-fired power plants, and other sources of dust, organic compounds, and contaminants. 

Water

The Water Management Division of The Michigan Department of Environmental Quality is concerned with construction activities that impact the Great Lakes as well as Michigan's other lakes, streams, wetlands, shorelines, and sand dunes. The Water Management Divisionoversees several programs that impact the purity of water, including:

• The Drinking Water Protection Program

• The Ground Water Discharge Program

• The Surface Water Quality Program

The Drinking Water Protection Program issues permits for swimming pool construction, dry cleaner operator licenses, subdivision licenses, medical waste facility licenses, and well driller registrations. The Michigan Ground Water Discharge Program regulates and issues permits for sanitary sewage operations, vehicle washes, slaughterhouses, and gravel, sand, limestone, and dolomite mining. The Surface Water Quality Program issues permits under the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System to facilities which discharge wastewater directly into state waterways from waste water sources.

Waste

Several divisions within The Michigan Department of Environmental Quality are responsible for the regulation of solid waste materials. The Waste Management Division of the MDEQ regulates landfills, composting, and recycling facilities. The Waste and Hazardous Materials Division enforces the Hazardous Waste Management Act in Michigan, which mandates certain licensing, regulation, and record-keeping requirements for generators, haulers, and disposers of hazardous materials. The Waste and Hazardous Materials Division also provides information about the licensing of existing disposal facilities and transporters, oversees the transporting of solid and liquid hazardous waste, tracks hazardous wastes, and facilitates the clean up of hazardous sites. Other divisions, such as the Low Level Radioactive Waste Authority, the Scrap Tire Program, and the Medical Waste Regulatory Program are concerned with managing and ensuring disposal capacity for low level radioactive waste, scrap tires, and medical waste produced in Michigan.

Restaurants

If you are opening a restaurant you will need to check with your local health department for information on necessary permits.  All businesses should check with county and local authorities regarding permits and licensing.

Liquor Sales

In Michigan, the distribution and sale of alcoholic beverages is regulated by the Michigan Liquor Control Commission(MLCC). Information about obtaining the wholesale or retail licenses required to legally sell liquor in Michigan can be found on the Michigan Liquor Control Commission website.

Lottery Agents

Retailers who wish to sell lottery tickets must be licensed by the Michigan Bureau of State Lottery. In order to obtain a lottery license, retailers must complete an application and submit it to the lottery bureau, along with a non-refundable application fee. A complete application packet is available online through the Michigan Lottery website.

Motor Fuel

Refinery operators and sellers of motor fuel must be licensed by the Michigan Department of the Treasury. The Michigan Motor Fuel Tax License Application is available online.

Compliance Assistance and Additional Information

Though the costs of adhering to regulations can be burdensome for a small business, the cost of non-compliance, including fines, penalties and even closure can be much greater.

Contact any of the following agencies for free or low-cost assistance with questions about regulations, licensing, business standards, permits, and other requirements:

• Occupational Safety and Health Administration

• U.S. Department of Labor Compliance Assistance

• United States Patent and Trademark Office

• Detroit Public Library

Additionally, the State of Michigan Online Services page includes a comprehensive alphabetical listing of business services available through the state, including everything from how to apply for a food service permit to how to verify a professional license.

The following programs and agencies will provide free or low cost assistance to Michigan business owners who have questions about environmental regulations or permits:

• University of Michigan Program in the Environment

• West Michigan Environmental Action Council

• United States Environmental Protection Agency

For additional information about Michigan's environment and the issues that impact it, contact any of the following organizations:

• Great Lakes Information Network

• Great Lakes National Resource Center (NWF)

• Michigan Environmental Council

• Michigan Land Use Institute

• Michigan Department of Natural Resources