Basic Business License Information in Indiana
Indiana has several government resources available online that can help new business owners determine if they need a license or several licenses to operate in the state. People who aren't sure whether they need to be licensed also can find information on government sites that shows which agency to contact to find out about specific licensing requirements.
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State License Guide
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Indiana's government has set up an online license guide for business owners. The guide notes that there are more than 400 different licenses, permits and certifications required to engage in certain business practices in the state. Therefore, only the licenses that are most often requested by business owners are listed on the website. Licenses for financial services, food-related businesses and child-care services are among the top requests. People who need licensing information that isn't listed in the online guide can contact the State Information Center for assistance.
Financial Services
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Businesses that provide financial services in Indiana are regulated by the state Department of Financial Institutions, and many different types of businesses fall under its jurisdiction and are required to be licensed. For example, companies involved in making or purchasing consumer loans must have a loan license, which includes payday loan services. Furthermore, any business that lends money and receives consumers' personal property as collateral for its loans must obtain a pawnbroker's license.
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Food-Related Businesses
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People who own food-related businesses generally need to contact at least one of three Indiana government divisions to get licensing information. The state Department of Health deals with sanitary standards regarding food handling and food processing. However, the department's Division of Retail Foods specifically addresses state requirements for food-vending businesses, grocery stores and restaurants. The Division of Wholesale Foods regulates businesses involved in manufacturing, processing, repacking and distributing wholesale nondairy products in Indiana.
Child-Care Services
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The Indiana Family and Social Services Administration handles information about child-care businesses. Licenses are required for day-care centers as well as some home businesses. People who care for at least six children in their home, not including their own children, must be licensed by the state. Indiana defines a day-care center as a business that cares for at least one child who is unattended by parents or guardians. That care must last for more than four hours per day for at least 10 consecutive work days at a building that doesn't qualify as a residence.
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