The Secretary of State Commercial Division First Stop Shop streamlines the business licensing process by cutting through the bureaucratic red tape that can delay the start-up of a business. The First Stop Shop staff will prepare a customized business license checklist tailored to your specific business licensing need.

The First Stop Shop is a "licensing information center" for prospective small business owners. The First Stop Shop gives current and potential business owners a single place to go for licensing information needed to start a business in Louisiana.

One of the innovations provided by the First Stop Shop legislation is the state's licensing liaisons. Every state agency that deals with business or licensing designates an officer or employee to serve as its business licensing liaison. The primary purpose of the program is to facilitate business by providing a central system for the determination of what licenses and permits must be obtained and maintained by individuals conducting business in the state.

The First Stop shop provides a central point of contact for state government requirements. It also directs the individual to the proper local licensing and taxing authorities, as well as to state and quasi-governmental agencies, by providing a customized licensing/permit checklist.

For more information on the First Stop Shop click here.