How to Start a Business in Topeka, Kansas

Entrepreneurship is challenging and risky, but also a potentially rewarding endeavor. Starting a business can offer unlimited income, the flexibility of being your own boss and tremendous personal freedom. However, the risks of business failure are substantial, and most new small businesses do not last five years. Most new business owners can expect to put in long hours and invest substantial amounts of their own money. For those who succeed, however, the rewards are well worth the effort and risk.

• 1

  Name the business. To verify that your proposed business name is available, visit the State of Kansas name search link (see Resources).

• 2

  Obtain the appropriate licenses. You can get more information on the various business licenses by visiting the link to the City of Topeka's web site (see Resources).

• 3

  Choose an entity. If you wish to incorporate, you must file articles of incorporation with the office of the Secretary of State of Kansas. You can get more information by visiting the link to the State of Kansas business center (see Resources). You will be required to register with the site, but registration is free.

• 4

  Download and fill out the Kansas Business Tax Application (see Resources).

  Return it to:

  Kansas Department of Revenue

  915 SW Harrison Street

  Topeka, KS 66625-9000

  You can also FAX it to 785-291-3614.

• 5

  Check your zoning. The City of Topeka has a number of restrictions on where you can place certain types of businesses. For home-based businesses, for instance, you may have only one employee working on site who is not a resident of the dwelling. You also cannot be open to the public except between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. and your business may take up no more than 25 percent of your dwelling. You can find out what the zoning rules are specific to your location by calling the City of Topeka at 785-368-3728.

• 6

  Get a permit for any signage. You need a permit for all signs except banners. For more information, call the City of Topeka planning department at 785-368-3728.