START

Congratulations on Taking the First Step!

Starting a new business is an exciting and rewarding venture. The City of Dover and our Office of Business Development are here to support you every step of the way. Give us a call, or get started with this 10-step guide from the US Small Business Administration.

Register Your Business

One of the first things you'll need to do is register your business. In NH this is done with the NH Secretary of State – the City of Dover does not require businesses to register with the city. Find out more here:

As of January 1, 2024, many businesses are also required to file a federal Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) report with the US Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN).

FinCEN Small Entity Compliance Guide – includes a list of exempt businesses
BOI E-filing system

Perfect Your Plan

A thorough, well-researched business plan is critical for success. Get expert help from:

The NH Small Business Development Center (NH SBDC) provides free professional business advising and low-cost training programs to assist entrepreneurs and small business owners at all stages of development. Learn more here:

The Center for Women & Enterprise is a New-England-based non-profit devoted to increasing women’s economic empowerment through entrepreneurship. They provide a variety of free or low-cost education, networking, and business counseling services. Learn more here:

SCORE is a nation-wide organization that provides educational resources and pairs businesses with volunteer business mentors. Reach out to the SCORE Seacoast chapter or check out their resources below:

GoodWork provides customized support, advising, and resources for non-profit organizations in Seacoast NH. Learn more here:

Organization Services

Local Permits

Whether you’re breaking ground on a new building or launching a business from your home, there may be policies, permits, or business licenses that your business needs before you’re ready to open. The Office of Business Development can help you navigate the permitting process so you can focus on getting down to business.

The following links may help you make your project a reality:

Permit Applications – Most City applications can be submitted through the online Permit Portal.
Fee Schedule – Fees for City permits can be found in the FY25 Fee Schedule (effective July 1, 2024 – June 30, 2025).
Pre-Construction Processes – This Developer’s Handbook lays out the permitting process for most non-residential projects that involve new construction or additions to a building. Projects that only require interior construction may need fewer permits – reach out to the Planning Department or Inspection Services Division with questions.

Let's Get Started!

Still have questions or need more information? Reach out to the Office of Business Development - we're here to support Dover's entrepreneurial spirit!