For businesses

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DCP helps Connecticut businesses

The Department of Consumer Protection (DCP) provides more than 200,000 licenses annually across dozens of regulated industries. But making sure you have the right credentials is just one step to starting a business in Connecticut.

Get your personalized business checklist, understand which credentials may be required from the DCP, and learn what other State agencies you may need to connect with before you open your business by first visiting the State's portal for new businesses.

Get your personalized new business checklist  

Licenses, permits, and registrations

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Licensing tools for businesses

You can renew or apply for a business license in several of the industries we oversee. Just visit our licensing page to do the following:

To renew online  

Search DCP industries

Get important information from the industries we oversee, from laws to licensing renewal to training.


Information for all businesses

Find laws and regulations, rules, and best practices for your business.


Advertising basics 

Understand the basics of promoting your business without breaking the law.

The Connecticut Unfair Trade Practices Act 

Learn how CUTPA ensures businesses and competitors work in an honest way.

Data privacy law 

Some businesses are required to create a privacy policy detailing how you will protect personal information you receive.

Laws and regulations 

Review the laws and regulations that apply to your industry.

Multi-level marketing 

If you’re planning to participate in multi-level marketing, make sure you know the laws first.

Credit card surcharges 

The price you advertise is the price you should charge. Make sure you understand the law about charging credit card fees to consumers.

Refunds 

Know your rights concerning refunds and exchanges, including products and services you can and cannot refund.

Respond to complaints 

Learn how to handle customer complaints. Find out other practices to improve services and goods.

New business resources

Get resources for some businesses we support, including the food industry. Find other popular business materials.

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Starting a food business

Find out everything you need to know before you begin a Connecticut food business.

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Register your business

Learn what it takes to make your business official, including registering its name at Business.ct.gov.

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New business checklist tool

Create a list to make your business a success, from licenses to employee registration.