Start a Specific Business in Vermont

Industry-by-industry guides to licenses, permits, startup costs and first steps for 29 kinds of Vermont business.

New to this? Start with the Vermont business formation guide, then come back for the specifics.

a Courier and Delivery BusinessLicenses, permits and startup costs in VermontRead the guide →a Catering BusinessLicenses, permits and startup costs in VermontRead the guide →a Junk Removal BusinessLicenses, permits and startup costs in VermontRead the guide →a Handyman BusinessLicenses, permits and startup costs in VermontRead the guide →a Bakery BusinessLicenses, permits and startup costs in VermontRead the guide →a Towing BusinessLicenses, permits and startup costs in VermontRead the guide →a Coffee Shop BusinessLicenses, permits and startup costs in VermontRead the guide →a Lawn Care BusinessLicenses, permits and startup costs in VermontRead the guide →a Contractor Business: No General Contractor License, but OPR Registration ($75 or $250) for Jobs Over $10,000Licenses, permits and startup costs in VermontRead the guide →an Electrician Business: DPS Fire Safety License ($150 Master, $115 Journeyman), Not OPR, and the Two-Unit Home ExemptionLicenses, permits and startup costs in VermontRead the guide →a Plumbing Business: DPS Fire Safety License ($120 Master, $90 Journeyman, $50 Specialist) and Almost No Homeowner ExemptionLicenses, permits and startup costs in VermontRead the guide →an HVAC Business: No HVAC License, but Four Separate State Certifications (Type-S Electrical, P2 Hydronic, Oil Burner, Gas)Licenses, permits and startup costs in VermontRead the guide →a Hair Salon Business: OPR Cosmetology License ($120 Application, $155 Renewal) and the $355 Shop LicenseLicenses, permits and startup costs in VermontRead the guide →a Property Management Business: No Real Estate License Needed for Leasing Only (26 V.S.A. 2211)Licenses, permits and startup costs in VermontRead the guide →a Short-Term Rental Business: 9% Rooms Tax Plus the 3% Surcharge, No State Registry, and the 3-Unit Lodging License LineLicenses, permits and startup costs in VermontRead the guide →a Bed and Breakfast or Inn: Health Department Lodging License ($130 to $1,000) and the 9% Rooms TaxLicenses, permits and startup costs in VermontRead the guide →a Child Care Business: Registered Home (6 Children Under Six) Versus Licensed Program, and the 0.44% Employer ContributionLicenses, permits and startup costs in VermontRead the guide →a Car Dealer Business: $603 DMV Certificate, a 1,200 Square Foot Building and a $20,000 to $35,000 BondLicenses, permits and startup costs in VermontRead the guide →a Restaurant: State Health License by Seat Count ($105 to $1,000), 9% Meals Tax and the DEC Wastewater Seat CapLicenses, permits and startup costs in VermontRead the guide →a Food Truck: One State Commercial Caterer License ($260), Temporary Stand Licenses ($125 or $230) and the Meals TaxLicenses, permits and startup costs in VermontRead the guide →a Food Manufacturing Business: Health License ($175 or $275), the $10,000 Exemption and What Goes to the Agency of AgricultureLicenses, permits and startup costs in VermontRead the guide →a Brewery, Cidery, Distillery or Winery: $285 Manufacturer License, $230 Tasting Room License and Self-Distribution Up to 3,000 BarrelsLicenses, permits and startup costs in VermontRead the guide →a Tobacco or Vape Shop: $150 Retail License, $75 Substitute Endorsement and Town ApprovalLicenses, permits and startup costs in VermontRead the guide →a Cannabis Retail Store: $10,000 Annual Retail License, Town Vote to Allow Retailers and the 2026 Act 176 ChangesLicenses, permits and startup costs in VermontRead the guide →a Cannabis Cultivation or Manufacturing Business: CCB License Fees From $750 to $75,000 and the 2027 Outdoor Fee CutLicenses, permits and startup costs in VermontRead the guide →a Maple Syrup Business: No Producer License, Grade A Classes, 66.9 Brix Density and Dealer or Processor Licenses ($30, $150)Licenses, permits and startup costs in VermontRead the guide →a Farm: The $2,000, Four-Acre and 1040(F) Farm Thresholds, Required Agricultural Practices and Sales Tax ExemptionsLicenses, permits and startup costs in VermontRead the guide →an Agritourism or Farm Stay Business: Towns Cannot Prohibit Accessory On-Farm Businesses (24 V.S.A. 4412(11))Licenses, permits and startup costs in VermontRead the guide →a Cheese Making or Creamery Business: Milk Handler License ($60 to $1,500), Raw Milk Tiers and the $75 Frozen Dessert LicenseLicenses, permits and startup costs in VermontRead the guide →