Getting Started
Business registration with the State of Connecticut
For brick-and-mortar businesses
  • Obtain approval from New Haven City Plan about your presumed location.
  • Submit a floor plan for plan review to the following entities for approval: Zoning (City Plan), Building Department, Fire Marshal, Tax Office, Water Pollution Control Authority, Health Department
  • Complete your Employer Status Report for Unemployment Compensation here.
  • Register for Connecticut Paid Leave Program here.
For vending/mobile businesses
For all food businesses in New Haven
Insurance
  • Purchase Workers’ Compensation Insurance.
  • Consider other business insurances.
  • If you are working out of a shared kitchen space, they may require you to obtain an insurance policy that protects them from liability.
Additional permits to consider
Local business assistance

Greater New Haven Chamber of Commerce: 900 Chapel Street, 10th floor

SCORE New Haven: 20 Church Street, (203) 865-7645

Legal Food Hub: pro bono legal assistance for food business start-ups

Food Business Start-up Checklist