A Michigan Jobs & Career Portal service.

Many occupations and businesses are required to be licensed by the state.  Michigan has more than 350 licensed occupations ranging from certified public accountant to electrician to physician to wildlife exhibitor.  

These occupations and the businesses connected with them must often meet specific regulations as well as legal, educational, examination and fee requirements. 

Licensing & Environmental Permits

Small businesses operate in an increasingly complex legal environment. Concerns regarding consumer protection and environmental preservation have received increased attention in recent years.  As these concerns are interpreted into laws and regulations imposed by governments, they are often translated into a maze of paperwork and restrictions for many business owners. Take heart -- government provides a wide range of assistance to small business.  One key to surviving the "regulatory jungle" is to be aware of the environment in which your business operates.  No one is expected to become a legal expert, however, you should know which laws affect your business.

Here are some sources of information for you as you start your business: 

• Michigan Licensed Occupations
   
• State of Michigan Business Licenses.
  
  
• SBA's Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE)is excellent for those first starting a business.
   
  
• Michigan Chambers of Commerce.
  
  
• Michigan Small Business & Technology Development Centers (MI-SBTDC):  The SBTDC's are better for those further along in business rather than those just starting a business.
  
  
• National Alliance of Women Business Owners, Greater Detroit Chapter                                                                    
  660 Woodward
  Detroit, MI  48226
  313.961.4748
  
  
• Michigan Minority Business Development Council (MMBDC)
  

Air, Water, and Waste Permits

A business involved in activities that may affect the environment may need one or more permits issued by the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality. General assistance is provided by the Environmental Assistance Center.   You may also e-mail the center -- deq-ead-env-assist@michigan.gov

Another reference is Compliance Assistance.  The "Michigan Environmental Permit Guidebook"is also available on-line.  For a printed copy of this and other guidebooks call the Environmental Assistance Center at 800.662.9278

Of particular interest to businesses engaged in processes or practices involving:

• major alterations to the landscape,

• building near waterways or wetlands,

• emissions to the air,

• discharges of waste water,

• disposal or processing of solid waste

• handling of  hazardous waste;

Air:  Facilities, which have emissions to the air, require installation and operating permits from the Air Quality Division of the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality. Examples include incinerators, boilers, and other facilities which emit dust, organic compounds, or other contaminants. 

Water:  The Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) has several divisions concerned with the purification of water: The Drinking Water Protection Program issues permits such as those for swimming pool construction, dry cleaner operator licenses, subdivision licenses, medical waste facility licenses, and well driller registrations.  The Water Management Divisionis concerned with construction activities that could influence the Great Lakes, Michigan's lakes, streams, wetlands, shorelines and sand dunes. Michigan's Surface Water Quality Divisionissues permits to facilities which discharge wastewater to surface or ground waters.  Types of discharges requiring permits include:

• Process water,

• Storm water discharge permits,

• Sanitary sewerage and

• Cooling water

Waste:  The Hazardous Waste Management Act subjects generators, haulers, and disposers of hazardous waste to certain licensing, regulation and record-keeping requirements. The department also provides information about licensing of existing disposal facilities and transporters:  The Hazardous Waste Programoversees the transporting of solid and liquid hazardous waste, tracks hazardous wastes, and facilitates clean up of hazardous  sites.  Other programs are concerned with such areas as low level radioactive waste, scrap tire hauling and storage, and the ground water discharge program. 

If you are opening a restaurant you will need to check with your local health department for information on necessary permits.  All businesses should check with countyand local authoritiesregarding permits and licensing.  Though the costs of adhering to regulations can be burdensome for a small business, the the cost of non-compliance, including fines, penalties and even closure can be much greater.