5. GET THE LICENCES AND PERMITS: Keeping your business legal and in compliance can be a difficult but important. There are many different kinds of licenses and permits, and they vary depending on the kind of business you run. As a basic rule, every business needs a tax identification number from the federal government as well as the state where the business operates. Even before you open you’ll have to jump through a lot of pits. Your best bet is to ask a similar business or trade association in your industry for guidance. Your small business attorney and accountant can help as well. Finally, every state has a website which should help guide you towards getting the right permits you need.