Starting a Business

If you're contemplating starting a business in Erie, there are some basic steps to review to get you started on that path. Browse through the list below, review or download the Starting a Business packet, and contact the Economic Development Department with any additional questions you may have.

If you are new, expanding, or relocating your business to Erie, please download this checklist as a resource to familiarize yourself with the Town’s licensing, permits, zoning authorization, and other rules and regulations that a business must adhere to before occupying the space.


  1. Research Competition
  2. Business Education
  3. Business Registration
  4. Location Siting
  5. Find Employees
  6. Signs & Marketing
  7. Stay Connected

Before anything else, conducting market research and understanding any competitors in the area is a good place to begin. Ensure there is sufficient demand in the area for your business and whether the demographic in the community will contribute to long term success. 

Research

The Erie Community Library offers two databases available to cardholders that can be used to conduct market research, locate sales leads, locate companies, and more.

  • Mergent Online
  • ReferenceUSA

The State of Colorado offers a variety of databases at Colorado Information Marketplace. Look up businesses registered in the State, demographics, and much more.

The SizeUp online program allows entrepreneurs to learn:

  • How your business measures up to the competition or if starting a business if your projections are reasonable for your market.
  • Find where your customers, competition, and suppliers are located.
  • Where you might want to target your advertising dollars to promote your business.