Start a Specific Business in Maine

Industry-by-industry guides to licenses, permits, startup costs and first steps for 31 kinds of Maine business.

New to this? Start with the Maine business formation guide, then come back for the specifics.

a Courier and Delivery BusinessLicenses, permits and startup costs in MaineRead the guide →a Catering BusinessLicenses, permits and startup costs in MaineRead the guide →a Junk Removal BusinessLicenses, permits and startup costs in MaineRead the guide →a Handyman BusinessLicenses, permits and startup costs in MaineRead the guide →a Bakery BusinessLicenses, permits and startup costs in MaineRead the guide →a Towing BusinessLicenses, permits and startup costs in MaineRead the guide →a Coffee Shop BusinessLicenses, permits and startup costs in MaineRead the guide →a Lawn Care BusinessLicenses, permits and startup costs in MaineRead the guide →a General Contractor Business: No State Contractor License, the $3,000 Written Contract Rule, 1/3 Down Payment Cap and $100 to $1,000 PenaltiesLicenses, permits and startup costs in MaineRead the guide →an Electrician Business: Electricians' Examining Board Licenses, $150 Master and Journeyman Fees, 15-Hour NEC Renewal Course and the 2025 Homeowner ExemptionLicenses, permits and startup costs in MaineRead the guide →a Plumbing Business: Plumbers' Examining Board Licenses, $200 Master and Journeyman Fees and the Title 30-A 4215 Permit ExemptionLicenses, permits and startup costs in MaineRead the guide →an HVAC or Heat Pump Business: There Is No HVAC License, but the Fuel Board, Electricians' Board and EPA 608 Each Control Part of the WorkLicenses, permits and startup costs in MaineRead the guide →a Hair Salon or Cosmetology Business: 1,500 Hours, $20 Annual Renewal, Level 1 and Level 2 Establishments and the Braiding and Threading ExemptionsLicenses, permits and startup costs in MaineRead the guide →a Used Car Dealer Business: $150 Dealer License, the Sell More Than 5 Vehicles Test, $25,000 to $100,000 Bond and Motor Vehicle Detective InspectionLicenses, permits and startup costs in MaineRead the guide →a Cottage Food Business: the $20 Home Food Processor License, Shelf-Stable Rules and Food Sovereignty Towns After the 2025 Home Kitchen LawLicenses, permits and startup costs in MaineRead the guide →a Restaurant: Health Inspection Program Eating Place License at $220, $265 or $300 by Seats, the $100 Portland, Lewiston and South Portland Rate and 8% Prepared Food TaxLicenses, permits and startup costs in MaineRead the guide →a Food Truck: $270 State Mobile License, $20 DACF Mobile Vendor License for Packaged Food and Town Fees That Start at $10Licenses, permits and startup costs in MaineRead the guide →a Farm Stand or Egg, Dairy and Poultry Farm: What Needs No License, No Dairy Volume Exemption and the 1,000 and 20,000 Bird ExemptionsLicenses, permits and startup costs in MaineRead the guide →a Bar: BABLO Liquor License Classes, $2,200 Class X Lounge License, $900 Class I for Restaurants, the Town Hearing and the 60-Day Deemed Approval RuleLicenses, permits and startup costs in MaineRead the guide →a Brewery, Distillery, Winery or Cidery: $50 Small Brewery and Small Winery Licenses, $100 Small Distillery and the 30,000 Barrel LimitLicenses, permits and startup costs in MaineRead the guide →a Lobster Fishing Business: Class I, II and III Licenses from $135.75, the 1,000 Hour Apprentice Program, Zone Waiting Lists and the 800 Trap CapLicenses, permits and startup costs in MaineRead the guide →a Seafood Business: Wholesale License $192.75, Retail Seafood License $100, Lobster Processor Up to $750 and the Commercial Fishing and Shellfish LicensesLicenses, permits and startup costs in MaineRead the guide →an Oyster, Kelp or Seaweed Sea Farm: 20-Year Aquaculture Leases, the 400 Square Foot LPA License and the $58 Seaweed PermitLicenses, permits and startup costs in MaineRead the guide →a Cannabis Business: Office of Cannabis Policy Three-Step License, Town Opt-In, 14% Sales Tax and the Residency Rule That Was RepealedLicenses, permits and startup costs in MaineRead the guide →a Tobacco or Vape Shop: DHHS Retail Tobacco License at $100, $125 or $150, the Pharmacy Ban and the 75% Other Tobacco Products TaxLicenses, permits and startup costs in MaineRead the guide →a Bed and Breakfast, Inn or Campground: HIP Lodging License $135 to $270, the 5-Room Private Home Notice and the 9% Lodging TaxLicenses, permits and startup costs in MaineRead the guide →a Short-Term Rental Business: Vacation Rentals Need No State License, the 9% Lodging Tax and Why the Town Rules Decide EverythingLicenses, permits and startup costs in MaineRead the guide →How to Become a Registered Maine Guide and Start a Guiding Business: $135 for a Four-Year License, $125 Exam Fee, First Aid and Background CheckLicenses, permits and startup costs in MaineRead the guide →a Home Care Agency: Personal Care Agency License Required Since July 1, 2024, $500 Initial Fee, $200 to $2,000 Renewal and a 6 to 9 Month DHHS BacklogLicenses, permits and startup costs in MaineRead the guide →a Daycare: Family Child Care License at $160 for 4 to 12 Children, the 2025 Threshold Change, $240 Center Fee and Staffing RatiosLicenses, permits and startup costs in MaineRead the guide →How to Open a Restaurant or Bar in Portland Maine: City Food Fees $181 to $459, Liquor Classes, 4-Week Council Lead TimeLicenses, permits and startup costs in MaineRead the guide →