Start a Business in Buffalo

Permits, costs, timeline, and step-by-step requirements.

✔ 4 permits⏱ 2-6 weeks💰 Industry-specific

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Overview

Starting a business in Buffalo requires a No general city business license through the City of Buffalo Permits & Inspections. Base fee: Industry-specific. No general state business license. Publication requirement is unique to NY and significantly more expensive in NYC.

Required Permits

✓Federal: EIN from IRS (free, instant online)

✓State: LLC/Corp filing + seller's permit/sales tax registration

✓County: health department permit + fire inspection

✓City: business licence/tax certificate

Step-by-Step Process

Federal: EIN from IRS (free, instant online)

State: LLC/Corp filing + seller's permit/sales tax registration

County: health department permit + fire inspection

City: business licence/tax certificate

Costs

Estimated total: Industry-specific depending on permits and inspections.

Contact

City of Buffalo Permits & Inspections

Phone: 716-851-4141

Apply Online →

Common Mistakes

⚠ No general business license — industry-specific permits only

⚠ NY LLC publication: much cheaper upstate ($80-200 vs $1K-2K in NYC)

⚠ Erie County health department for food permits

⚠ Certificate of Occupancy required for commercial spaces

Choose Your Business Type

Restaurant Food Truck Barber Shop Retail Store Coffee Shop Bar / Nightclub Gym / Fitness Studio Nail Salon Cannabis Dispensary Dog Grooming Bakery Cleaning Service Daycare Center Auto Repair Shop

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Read our complete Buffalo business license guide →