How Do I....Identify Regulations and Required Permits?

State Level

• Business Answers, a program of the Maine Department of Economic and Community Development, provides you with a Business Licensing Assistant to answer all of your state licensing questions. Click on the link to conduct an online interview based on a business type to find out what state forms you'll need to start your business. The system leads you through a series of questions and answers about the types of activities your business will be engaged in. At the end of the process the Business Licensing Assistant provides you with a cover sheet of information; including a list of all the State of Maine licenses you will need to do business, the names and telephone numbers of the licensing agencies, and other pertinent information about your business type. You can simply use the list for reference in planning a future business, or provide us with your mailing information to order the license applications on the spot! Business Answers will be able to provide you with most, if not all of the applications for those licenses so that you will not need to contact all of the different licensing agencies yourself. If you prefer talking to one of our business information specialists to go through the one-stop licensing process, just contact Business Answers through our toll-free telephone line (1-800-872-3838 in-state and 1-800-541-5872 outside Maine) on business days between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m.

• Local Regulations and Permits – Various regulations and business control activities are the responsibility of local, city and town governments. In all cases you are advised to inquire about local regulations at the city hall/town office in the community where you plan to conduct business.

• Local resources – Several regional and local organizations provide business counseling and other services. Locate economic development agencies in your area.

Federal Level

• The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) provides employer compliance information on various topics such as ergonomics. More information.

• Employers should be aware of their responsibilities under the federal Fair Labor Standards Act. Compliance assistance and information.

• The Fair Labor Standards Act includes provisions for child labor. Determine federal minimum age requirements and other regulations.

• To determine whether your company must comply with the federal Family and Medical Leave Act.

• The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) addresses accessibility issues for individuals with disabilities. Information on employment and public accommodation compliance with ADA regulations.

• A federal copyright protects original works of authorship. To determine which works are protected under copyright law.

• A federal patent grants an inventor the right to exclude others from making, using, or selling an invention. Information on patents.

• Some companies choose to file a trademark to protect a name or logo. Information on federal trademarks and service marks.

• Packages on Federal (and State) regulations specific to self-employment and hiring employees can be ordered free from Business Answers.

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