Apply For A Business License South Bend, Indiana
In South Bend is a business license required to run a business?
Chances are that you won’t have to obtain any business licenses or permits to lawfully operate your business in South Bend, Indiana. There are very few required business permits or certifications that a potential business owner must apply for. They are:
- Vendor’s Licenses
- Liquor License (through the State of Indiana not the city)
- Contractor and Electrical Licenses
- Taxicab Driver License
- Taxicab Company License
Go to South Bend Business Licenses to learn more.
What basic information will be needed for a South Bend business license or permit?
The information that will be required is:
- Name of Applicant
- Applicant’s Address
- Applicant’s Phone Number
- Property Owner’s Name
- Property Owner’s Address
- Property Owner’s Phone Number
- Business Location
- If you have been approved for alcohol serving and sale, What Type of Alcohol Will be Served and in what Quantities
- What Type of Vendor Service:
- Business Activity or Service Rendered
- Applicant’s Signature and Date
- Owner’s Signature and Date
Where does my business license application get sent to?
You can send your application to:
City of South Bend
Business Licenses
227 West Jefferson Blvd
Suite 1400 S
South Bend, IN 46601
Or, you can go online to the city’s webpage to gain some of the business license applications: South Bend Business Licenses
Is there financial help for my South Bend business?
There may be assistance, to discover whether or not you may qualify for grants or loans for your business please contact Economic Development Department at (574) 400-4000. The office is located at:
City of South Bend
Economic Development
Business Licenses
101 N Michigan St #300
South Bend, IN 46601
What should a vendor do in South Bend for a Vendor’s License?
Most business owners will have to apply for this license. There are three types of vendor licenses available: Peddler, Vendor or Hawker. If you wish to be a business owner in South Bend, you must first register with St Joseph County Assessor State of Indiana. The application is found at http://www.sjcindiana.com/173/Assessor. You will also need vital information from the state’s website at Indiana Business. You may also go in person to:
St. Joseph County Assessor
227 West Jefferson Blvd
Room 307
3rd Floor, Count-City Building
South Bend, IN 46601
Open Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
(574) 235-9523
Fax: (574) 235-5554
What should be done to verify my South Bend business location?
You are obligated to apply with the South Bend Department of Community and Economic Development for a Certificate of Occupancy. All potential business owners must have their property inspected to ensure safety of its patrons and that the business type is zone-approved.
City of South Bend
Department of Community and Economic Development
American Trust Place
101 N Michigan St #300
South Bend, IN 46601
(574) 400-4000
What are the differences between the three types of Indiana vendor licensing?
The definitions are:
Peddler’s License: selling goods door to door
Vendor’s License: providing a business service
Hawker’s License: selling merchandise from various locations
What about an alcoholic establishment in South Bend?
Local level licensure is not a requirement in order to run an establishment that serves alcohol. You will need to discover whether or not you will be able to open a liquor store. Per state law, one liquor license can be issued per a specific population density that does change after voting on occasion. You may call the State of Indiana Department of Taxation for information regarding whether or not you will be permitted to own or operate a liquor store or establishment, call (317) 232-2430. Visit the state’s website for details http://www.in.gov/atc/2458.htm.
Next, you will need call (817) 652-5912 and request that the application be mailed or faxed to you. Some cities require their own permitting for alcoholic beverages along with the state. The City of South Bend does not.
What cost can be expected for a South Bend business permit or license?
The costs of permits and licenses are not published online. Please call the County of St. Joseph directly at
(574) 235-9523 for further details. If your license or permit type involves the State of Indiana, they may be reached at (317) 233-0800. Furthermore, it is recommended that you speak to the City of South Bend at (574) 235-5912 regarding possible costs and fees.
Are there any further questions or concerns?
If there are any remaining questions, please call the City of South Bend directly at (574) 235-5912 for further details. The hours of operation for both entities are Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. excect federal holidays.
City of South Bend
Business Licenses
227 West Jefferson Blvd
Suite 1400 N
South Bend, IN 46601
You can also visit the South Bend Business Licenses website to learn more. For your ease, once you obtain the necessary business licensing, you will be able to set up a username and password on the city’s website with your license number to maintain your license.
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This site is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial or tax advise. The information on this site should not be relied upon as an official source of information and should be independently verified.
