Retail Shop Guide

Business Plan Template – US Small Business Administration (SBA)
The US Small Business Administration (SBA) created this template to help you research and write your business plan.

Business Entity Comparison Table
This table provides an easy reference to how the most common business entity types — sole proprietorship, general partnership, C corporation, S corporation, and LLC — compare in a number of key characteristics.

A Guide to Disabled Accessibility Compliance
The Guide to Accessibility Compliance explains federal disabled access laws in detail and offers advice on how to protect your business from potential lawsuits. The main purpose of this guide is to assist small businesses in meeting and complying with ADA standards.

Employer Identification Number (EIN)
An EIN (also known as an Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN) or Federal Tax Identification Number) is issued by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and is needed for a business to pay employees and file business tax returns. An EIN does not expire and is unique to your business – once an EIN has been given to an entity, it will never be issued again.

REG-1: CT Tax Registration Form
In order to register your business with the State of Connecticut, you must complete the REG-1 Business Tax Registration Form. By filling out this form and the proper addendums, you can get your permit to sell tobacco products, fuel, etc.

Trade Name Registration Form
A trade name is any name used during the course of your business that doesn’t include the full legal name of all the owners of the business. In Stamford, must register your trade name through the Town Clerk’s office. More information can be found on the Create a Name page.

Sales and Use Tax Permit
Permit required in order to provide a service or sell/lease tangible property in the State of Connecticut. You must register through myconneCT. Find out if your product/service is exempt from Sales and Use Tax by looking at the State's list of exemptions.

CT Unemployment Tax Form UC-1A
All employers must register their employees with the Unemployment Insurance Tax Division using the UC-1A Employer Status Report form linked above. The Unemployment Insurance Tax Division is responsible for the funding needed to pay CT employees that have become unemployed through no fault of their own. To learn more about unemployment insurance, we encourage you to read the Employer’s Guide to Unemployment Compensation or check out the CT Department of Labor’s Unemployment Insurance Tax Information Center.

Building Permit
Permit required for any additions, alterations, or repairs to a building, and electrical wiring and plumbing installations.

Sign Permit
Required for most business signs. Includes fabricated and hanging signs, as well as signs that have been painted directly on a building.

Weights & Measures Licenses
The Weights and Measures program registers weighing or measuring devices to ensure consumer protection and rights. Applies to any business that will be using regulated weighing and measuring devices. If you do not plan on using a weighing or measuring device (i.e. a scale), then you do not need this permit.