License for startup

In most industries, to buy wholesale you have to establish relationships with vendors or manufacturers, who will be more interested in your financial status than your licenses.

The retail part will probably require that you have a business license, as required by state and local laws.

Two notable exception are:

1. Used car dealers, who must have a state license to buy cars wholesale, at an auction for instance.

2. Construction contractors, including general and individual trades, like electrical and plumbing.

There may be other exceptions, so be sure to check state and local statutes.