A vehicle where food or beverages are transported, stored, or prepared for sale at temporary locations

Food Truck

Have a strong plan in place to make later decisions and filings easier and more predictable.

Plan Your ${OoS} Business

Get legally recognized by the State and federal government so you can start acting on behalf of your business.

Register Your ${OoS} Business

Enter insurance and/or location agreements in your business's name to protect both you and your business legally.

After Registering Your ${OoS} Business

Obtain industry-specific approvals or inspections to make sure you’re in compliance with State or local laws before opening.

Before Opening Your Site in New Jersey

## Business Support

* The U.S. Small Business Administration's [Business Plan Tool](https://www.sba.gov/business-guide/plan-your-business/write-your-business-plan) provides a step-by-step process to update the status of your business plan
* [The New Jersey Small Business Development Center](https://njsbdc.com/) regional offices are in every county and offer one-on-one support
* [SCORE](https://www.score.org/) is a national organization with local branches that provides access to volunteer, expert business mentors
* [The Women’s Center for Entrepreneurship of Northern New Jersey](https://www.wcecnj.org/) offers support to all entrepreneurs
* [The Latin American Economic Development Association of Southern New Jersey](http://www.laeda.com/) offers support to all entrepreneurs
* [UCEDC](https://ucedc.com/) provides low cost or free classes and paid business mentoring services

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A business plan.

:::

:::callout{ showHeader="true" headerText="What if I don't make a business plan?" showIcon="false" calloutType="conditional" }

Data shows that businesses with a plan are more successful. In addition, some state licenses may require you to have a business plan.

:::

Write Your Business Plan

Your business plan guides your business and helps you make decisions around operations, staffing, marketing, and financing. Learn [how to structure your business plan](https://business.nj.gov/pages/create-a-business-plan).

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* A decision on if your business will resell goods or services
* A resale certificate shared with applicable businesses

:::

Decide if You Will Be a Reseller

A reseller is a business that chooses to sell items or services sold by another company. If you plan to resell goods or services, present a completed [Resale Certificate form](https://www.state.nj.us/treasury/taxation/pdf/other_forms/sales/st3.pdf) to the seller to give you tax-exemption, so you are not responsible for paying sales tax. You do not need to mail this form to the State. The business selling goods or services to the end buyer is responsible for collecting and filing the sales tax. You will be asked about this when you register for taxes.

## Site Selection Considerations

* **Define Your Objectives:** Determine your investment goals and the type of commercial property you want to acquire, such as office space, retail, industrial, etc. Clarifying your objectives will help you focus your search and decision-making.
* **Set a Budget:** Establish a budget for your commercial property purchase. Consider not just the purchase price but also additional costs like closing expenses, due diligence, and potential renovations.
* **Obtain Financing:** Secure financing for your purchase. This may involve approaching banks, commercial lenders, or private investors to get pre-approved for a loan or establish your funding capacity.
* **Assemble a Team of Professionals:** Engage key professionals to guide you through the acquisition process, including a commercial real estate broker, a real estate attorney, and potentially a property inspector and appraiser.
* **Search for Properties:** Work closely with your commercial real estate broker to identify properties that meet your criteria. Your broker will provide you with property listings, arrange property tours, and help you assess their potential.
* **Conduct Due Diligence:** Once you've identified a potential property, perform thorough due diligence. This involves inspecting the property, reviewing financial documents, checking zoning and permits, and verifying the property's legal status.
* **Negotiate the Purchase:** Negotiate the terms of the purchase with the seller, including the price, closing date, contingencies, and any other relevant terms. Your real estate attorney can assist with contract negotiations.
* **Sign a Purchase Agreement:** Once both parties agree on the terms, sign a formal Purchase Agreement or Sales Contract. This legally binds both parties to the agreed-upon terms and sets the stage for the closing.
* **Complete Financing and Contingencies:** Finalize your financing arrangements and work through any contingencies outlined in the purchase agreement, such as obtaining necessary permits or approvals.
* **Conduct Title Search and Obtain Title Insurance:** A title search is conducted to ensure there are no outstanding liens or ownership issues with the property. Title insurance is typically obtained to protect against any unforeseen title problems.

Remember that the process of acquiring commercial real estate can be complex, and regulations may vary depending on the location and property type. It's crucial to seek guidance from experienced professionals throughout the entire process to ensure a successful acquisition.

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A viable shop location and can start to plan for site renovations.

:::

Evaluate Your Location

Acquiring commercial real estate in New Jersey involves a series of steps that require careful planning, research, and professional assistance.

${naicsCodeLookupComponent}

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To [register for NJ state taxes and employer purposes](/tasks/register-for-taxes).

:::

Determine Your NAICS Code

Determine your 6-digit `NAICS code|naics` to complete your New Jersey tax registration. This code identifies your business's primary activities.

New Jersey uses a code system known as the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS).

:::note 
 This screen guides your next steps. It does not submit your information for registration purposes.
:::

Select Your Business Structure

:::infoAlert 
 You can change your intended business structure anytime before you [form your business](https://navigator.business.nj.gov/tasks/form-business-entity) with the NJ Department of Treasury.
:::

You must select your business structure in order to access the full list of business tasks. Your `business structure|business-structure-learn-more` can have a large impact on taxes, financing, liability, and closure of your business. We strongly suggest doing research on the best option for your business.

Check Available Names and Form Your Business

## Application Requirements

* Your business name

- - -

## Next Steps

1. [Get your EIN](https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/apply-for-an-employer-identification-number-ein-online)
2. Save your EIN

${einInputComponent}

- - -

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- An EIN
- An EIN Certificate (the document indicating your EIN)

:::

Get Your EIN from the IRS

:::note 
 This screen guides your next steps. It does not submit your information for registration purposes.
:::

An `Employer Identification Number (EIN)|ein` is essentially a Social Security Number (SSN) for your business, provided by the federal government. It's better to get an EIN to avoid using your personal SSN on tax filings and business registrations. You need an EIN if you plan to have employees.

## Application Requirements

*  `Entity ID|entity-id` (not required for general partnership or sole proprietorship)
* [NAICS code](/tasks/naics-code-determination): (You have not saved a NAICS Code yet)
*  `EIN|ein` 
* Estimated start date
* Description of your business activity
* Estimated number of employees (if applicable)
* Anticipated first payroll withholding date for employees (if applicable)
* Information on if and when you expect to report and collect sales tax
* Owner information
* Mail to address and business location(s)
* Other taxes you may collect (e.g., motor fuels and cigarette/tobacco taxes), a list will be provided

- - -

## Next Steps

1. [Register for State Taxes](https://www.njportal.com/DOR/BusinessRegistration)
2. Save your New Jersey Tax ID (xxx-xxx-xxx/xxx)

${taxInputComponent}

- - -

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*  `Business Registration Certificate (BRC)|business-reg-certificate` 
*  `NJ Tax ID|tax-id` 
*  `Business Tax PIN|tax-pin` 
*  `Certificate of Authority for Sales Tax|certificate-authority-sales-tax` (if applicable)

:::

Register Your Business for State Taxes and Employer Purposes



:::infoAlert 
 If you registered online, you will receive an email confirmation where you can download your BRC. It may take up to 72 hours before you can download your BRC on a public site. Your PIN may take longer to receive because it is sent through the mail.
:::

It's time to register your business for State taxes. Doing so will tell the State more about your business and determine the taxes and employer contributions you're responsible for.

:::note 
 This screen guides your next steps. It does not submit your information for registration purposes.
:::

## Business Bank Account Possible Requirements

Some banks may request other documentation in addition to what is listed below. Compare and confirm document requirements, services, and fees.

- `Employer Identification Number (EIN)|ein` 

- `Certificate of Formation|certificate-formation` 

- `Business Registration Certificate|business-reg-certificate` 

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A business bank account.

:::

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Mixing your personal and business expenses may result in inaccurate tax filings.

:::

Open Your Business Bank Account

A business bank account separates your business finances from your personal expenses. This helps you keep accurate and organized accounting records for tax purposes and business operations.


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A Department of Health license.

:::


Apply for Your Food Truck License



Food trucks need to be cleaned and sanitized according to the guidelines from your local Department of Health. The regulation and licensing of food trucks vary by location.

You'll need to check license requirements with the county and/or local Department of Health in every county where you plan to do business.

## Contract Considerations

* **Start date:** Identify a start date on your location that considers industry licenses, or other activities that are out of your control
* **Contract length:** Determine your ideal lease length by analyzing a few `contract considerations|lease-considerations` 

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A signed contract with the property owner.

:::

Sign Your Location Contract

If you've found a location where you'd like to regularly park your food truck to work, you need to get signed permission from the location owner in a location agreement.

You can sign a `location contract|location-contract` under your official business name and business structure. Signing your lease under your registered business name may protect you from liabilities and costs associated with your food truck location. Have an attorney review your contract before you sign.


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- Zoning approval

:::


Obtain Zoning and Overnight Parking Approval if Required

Check with the Zoning Office of any location(s) where you’re interested in parking your food truck to sell goods and services, as well as where you plan to park the vehicle for overnight storage.

**_Before parking a truck in a residential neighborhood, be sure to check with your local government's Zoning Office._**

## Common Types of Business Insurance

* **Commercial general liability insurance:** Research coverage and pricing options for your industry and business size
* **Workers' compensation insurance:** Find a `workers' comp insurance|workers-comp` plan if you have employees. The State of New Jersey requires that you obtain this insurance if you have employees or stockholders in a corporation
* **Professional liability insurance:** Protect your business from liability if you offer professional advice or medical services
* **Motor vehicle insurance:** If your company will own or use any vehicles, consider purchasing motor vehicle insurance

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A Certificate of Insurance.

:::

Get an Insurance Policy

Insurance will protect your business assets should you be held liable for an incident.

To find an insurance broker, speak to your network, local Chamber of Commerce, or supplier. Oftentimes, the best way to find a broker is through word of mouth.


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A fire permit for your food truck.
:::


Get a Fire Permit for Your Food Truck

You need a fire permit to cook in a mobile canteen or cooking trailer, such as a food truck. You must apply for a permit and pass the required inspection each time you set up at an event or specific location.

To apply for the permit or to get more information, contact your town's `Local Enforcing Agency (LEA)|lea` . The LEA can be the local fire department or the state Division of Fire Safety.

:::cannabisLocationAlert 
 
:::

${beginLocationDependentSection}

**Check with your local clerk’s office**

You can find your local municipal clerk's office through the [ website]() or by contacting your [county clerk]() at .

${endLocationDependentSection}

- - -

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A mercantile license.

:::

Get Your Mercantile License if Your Town Requires it



:::note 
 This screen guides your next steps. It does not submit your information for registration purposes.
:::

Prior to opening, you may need to get a mercantile license. Some local governments require businesses with physical locations to get a mercantile license. Each municipality will have its own application process for the mercantile license.


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A food safety management certificate.

:::


Complete Food Safety Course

If your restaurant is serving anything that could cause a safety concern, such as raw food, you must complete food safety management certification training with your local government's department of health. You can find [food safety manager training programs](https://www.state.nj.us/health/ceohs/documents/food-drug-safety/fmc_reminder_letter.pdf) on the State of New Jersey's website.


Your Step-by-Step Food Truck Business Starter Kit

Your Step-by-Step Food Truck Business Starter Kit

Knowing exactly what your Food Truck business needs to get started can be difficult.

Check your application status

Check your application status

Find funding and certifications for your business

Find funding and certifications for your business

Learn about business licenses

Learn about business licenses

Get Your Food Truck Business Started in 4 Easy Steps

Plan Your Business

Register Your Business

After Registering Your Business

Before Opening Your Site in New Jersey