Starting a business in Lynn.

Your path to opening day

Click any step to open it.

1. 01
   Start here

   Get free help and make a plan

   You don't need to have registered anything or found a location yet. The best time to get help is before you sign a lease or buy equipment.

   • Business plan and cash flow: book a free SCORE mentor over Zoom.
   • Legal questions: NLA's free small business legal unit helps Lynn businesses with five or fewer employees: Northeast Legal Aid (NLA), 978.458.1465, 181 Union Street, Lynn.
   • Financing or finding a site: contact EDIC/Lynn at 781.581.9399 or info@ediclynn.org.
   • Other free help: see our Technical Assistance partners, including EforAll and the North Shore Latino Business Association (NSLBA).
2. 02

   Find a location and check the zoning

   Every business needs a location that is zoned for its use, even a home-based business.

   • Find space: search properties for sale and lease, or ask us about space that isn't listed.
   • Check the zoning: look up the address on the City's zoning map and confirm your use is allowed. See Zoning and Permitting.

   Before you sign a lease: confirm with Inspectional Services (ISD) that your use is allowed at that address, and have the lease reviewed. Northeast Legal Aid (NLA) offers free commercial lease review for eligible small businesses: 978.458.1465.
3. 03

   Register your business

   • Sole proprietors and partnerships: file a Business Certificate (also called a DBA) with the City Clerk, Lynn City Hall, Room 204. It must be renewed every four years.
   • LLCs and corporations: register with the Massachusetts Secretary of the Commonwealth, Corporations Division. If you will use a name different from your legal name, also file a Business Certificate with the City Clerk.
   • Not sure which structure to choose? Northeast Legal Aid (NLA) can help you decide and file, at no cost for eligible businesses.
   • Federal tax ID (EIN): apply free on the IRS website. You will need it to open a business bank account and hire employees.
4. 04

   Register for state taxes and insurance

   • State taxes: register on MassTaxConnect for sales tax, meals tax and employee withholding, as they apply to your business.
   • Employees: Massachusetts requires workers' compensation insurance as soon as you have an employee, and you will register for unemployment insurance and Paid Family and Medical Leave.
   • Insurance: talk to an insurance agent about general liability and property coverage. Your landlord may require it.
5. 05

   Get your building and sign permits

   Permits are handled by Inspectional Services (ISD), Lynn City Hall, Room 405. Apply and pay online through the City's permit portal. Paper applications have a $25 administrative fee.

   • Renovations: building, electrical and plumbing permits before work begins. Use licensed contractors.
   • Certificate of occupancy: needed for a new building or a change of use before you open.
   • Signs: a sign permit before installing exterior signs. Ask about the City's Commercial Facade Program, which can help pay for storefront and sign improvements.
6. 06

   Get the licenses for your type of business

   • Food businesses: a health permit from ISD's Health Division (apply on the permit portal). Massachusetts requires a certified food protection manager and allergen awareness training.
   • Restaurants: a Common Victualler license from the Licensing Commission, which meets the third Tuesday of each month at City Hall, Room 107.
   • Alcohol and entertainment: also through the Licensing Commission, with state approval from the ABCC. Plan for these to take longer.
   • Fire safety: some businesses, such as restaurants with cooking hoods or places of assembly, need Fire Department inspections or permits.
   • State professional licenses: salons, contractors, child care and other licensed trades also need their Massachusetts license.
   • Stuck on a license or permit? Northeast Legal Aid (NLA) helps with business licensing, permitting and zoning questions.
7. 07

   Line up financing

   EDIC/Lynn offers fixed 4% loans from $2,500 to $150,000 for equipment, improvements and working capital, on their own or alongside your bank.

   • Explore EDIC/Lynn loan programs and tax incentives.
8. 08

   Open your doors and get connected

   • Join the community: Greater Lynn Chamber of Commerce and North Shore Latino Business Association.
   • Get listed: add your business to Visit Lynn.
   • Hire locally: see Workforce Development for training partners and help finding staff.
   • Tell us! We love sharing openings. Email Justin at jdelacruz@ediclynn.org.

Requirements and fees can change. Always confirm with the City office before you apply. This guide is general information, not legal advice.

Who can help

City offices are at Lynn City Hall, 3 City Hall Square. Hours: Monday, Wednesday and Thursday 8:30 to 4:00, Tuesday 8:30 to 8:00, Friday 8:30 to 12:30. Main line: 781.598.4000.